Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is the only Big 5 game reserve managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife in KwaZulu-Natal.
It is the oldest game reserve in Africa having been established in 1895. It was originally the official hunting area for King Shaka of the Zulus. In fact, the reserve was responsible for a number of firsts. In the 1950’s and 60’s – the first major steps were taken here to preserve the white rhino.
From a few rhinos the population has increased to 1600 since the programme started. It was also the first Big 5 game reserve to introduce guided walking trails in the 1950’s. The first successful game capture unit was also started in the reserve.
Three separate reserves were combined in 1989 to form the present 96000ha characterized by the lowlands of the iMfolozi valleys and steep hilly country with valley bushveld in the lower regions and grasslands in the upper regions. There are many signs of Stone Age settlement in the park. Hluhluwe is noted for its beautiful scenery. On a clear day you can see the dunes at St Lucia over the grasslands and the deep wooded valley from the Hilltop Camp. It has one of the best examples of coastal scarp forest in the province.
The reserve is exceptionally rich in wildlife with 86 mammals, 340 bird species, 55 reptile, 26 amphibian, 21 fish and 4 turtle species. In addition to the Big 5 (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo) the reserve has cheetah and the endangered wild dog.
Accommodation in the reserve is available at the following camps:
Muntululu Bush Lodge in northern Hluhluwe, Mtwazi Lodge in central Hluhluwe, Munyanwaneni Bush Lodge in southern Hluhluwe, Masinda Lodge in southern iMfolozi and Hlalikulu Bush Lodge in central iMfolozi.
Secure online booking. Tel: +27 (0)33 845 1000 Email
Wilderness trails: +27 (0)33 845 1067
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