The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is located in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. It is about a 3-hour drive north of Durban and King Shaka International Airport.
The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve was established in 1989 when two of the oldest game reserves in South Africa (the Hluhluwe and the iMfolozi Game Reserves) were joined together with the Corridor Game Reserve. This created a single, 96,000 hectare protected wildlife area.
These two former Game Reserves were recognised as protected wildlife areas in 1895. Consequently they played a significant role in the survival of the southern white rhino species.
During the 19th century, much of the wildlife within the KwaZulu-Natal province was killed by intensive, unregulated hunting. It was believed that the southern white rhino was globally extinct. However, in 1894 approximately 50 of these rhino were found in the iMfolozi Game Reserve, therefore this protected wildlife area was established. As a result, the species thrived until ultimately there were too many for the park to sustain.
Subsequently, in the early 1960’s Dr Ian Player launched “Operation Rhino” (read here about Operation Rhino). This involved relocating many of the southern white rhino to other game reserves across the country, particularly Kruger National Park. Operation Rhino therfore became instrumental in rescuing the species from further extinction.
Nowadays, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is home to the “Big Five” (lions, leopard, rhinos, buffalo and elephants). It is undoubtedly considered a game viewing and bird-watching paradise. There are over 80 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds, hence why it is a highly recommend Game Reserve to visit.
There are several game driving/safari options available to guests visiting Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve. These include:
- Self-driving in the Game Reserve. Visitors can enter the park in their own vehicles and drive themselves around inside the park. Upon entering the game reserve, a map is provided showing all the roads within the park.
- The camps in the Game Reserve offer guided game drives/safaris. When staying overnight in one of the camps, guests can book a Game Drive run by the park. Reservations can be made at reception upon check in, or via the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife website.
- The majority of accommodation establishments located just outside the Game Reserve will have preferred companies they work with offering game drives/safaris to the park. Speak to your host for help booking a guided day trip to the park during your stay with them.
- Stay in the beautiful coastal town of St Lucia (about a 50 minute drive away) and join a full-day or a half-day safari from there.
Recommendation from “What to do in south Africa”
“What to do in South Africa” highly recommends booking a Game drive/Safari with a professional guide. Here are the reasons why:
- The guides are in the Game Reserve daily, as a result, they have knowledge of where the animals have recently been seen.
- The guides have a wealth of experience and information about the animals and the habitat to share with you, therefore you will learn a great deal by listening to their facts and stories.
- The guides are qualified and familiar with the behaviour of the animals, hence, they know how close they can get to the animals whilst at the same time ensuring everyones safety.
- Evidently, by booking a game drive with a professional guide, you can sit back and relax and enjoy the experience.
Guided Walking Safaris are also available in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. These normally last about 3-hours and are accompanied by a professional and qualified armed guide.
Walking safaris are a great way to see smaller animal species, learn about animal tracks and study some of the flora within the park. They provide a totally unique experience to game viewing.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is well known for Wilderness Trails it offers.
Experience the magic of a walking in the iMfolozi bush.
Imagine encountering rhino on foot, or hearing the roar of the lions and the cackle of hyena whilst sleeping under the stars! These are memories you will make on these trails that will last a lifetime.
Join a Wilderness Trail and cherish a unique and personal experience of traversing the bush on foot, in a land where the animals roam freely. To some this could be a life-changing adventure.
The trails are conducted by armed and experienced guides who will happily share their vast knowledge during the trail.
There are currently five iMfolozi Wilderness Trails available to book:
- The Primitive Trail – (minimum 6 pax)
- The Base Camp Trail – (minimum 4 pax)
- The Short Wilderness Trail – (minimum 4 pax)
- The Extended Short Wilderness Trail – (minimum 4 pax)
- The Explorer Trail – (minimum 6 pax)
For further information visit the Ezemvelo website.
There are several different camps and types of accommodation available in Hluhluw-iMfolozi Game Reserve. In order to find out more details and to book a stay in one of these camps, visit the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife website.
In addition, there are plenty of places to stay just outside the entrance to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, as well as in the nearby town of Hluhluwe and the delightful coastal town of St Lucia.