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Home of the rhino
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
A white rhino grazes in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi.
© Tara Turkington
Did you know?
Established in 1895, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is the oldest game reserve on the African continent and one of South Africa's largest.
Among South Africa's largest game reserves, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is arguably the best reserve in the country in which to see the endangered rhino. The reserve boasts a number of both black and white rhino, along with other members of the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo.
Through ongoing rhino conservation, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi today houses 2 201 white (or square-lipped) and 223 black (hook-lipped) rhino within its 96 000 hectare expanse.
The endangered white rhino is a grazer, preferring the open savannah, while the near-extinct black rhino is a browser, likely to be spotted in more leafy environs.
Elephant, too, are plentiful here and many visitors to the park rate a close encounter with the world's largest land animal, on a reserve road or at a waterhole at twilight, as a highlight of their visit.
You'll find brilliant photographic fodder among the many other resident animals here, such as cheetah, hippo, hyena, jackal, giraffe and wild dog. Nor should one discount the scaly and shelled denizens of the reserve, such as crocodile, tortoise, terrapin, snake and lizard, which also abound.
The northern Hluhluwe region of the reserve is forested and mountainous, markedly different to the undulating open savannah common to the southern Imfolozi region. This varied habitat attracts over 340 bird species, including the endangered bateleur eagle and ground hornbill.
Well-disguised viewing hides overlook pans and waterholes where the birds and animals gather to drink, so you'll be able to see plenty game at an unusually close range.
You can sample the immense diversity of flora and fauna in this majestic reserve via 4x4 game drives or guided walks. Whatever your choice, this particular South African wildlife experience is guaranteed to be a memorable one.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Central Reservations
Tel: +27 (0) 33 845 1000
Fax: +27 (0) 33 845 1001
Email: webmail@kznwildlife.com
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
Tel: +27 (0) 35 562 0848
Fax: +27 (0) 35 562 0113
How to get here
From Durban take the N2 north for 220km. Pass the Mtubatuba off-ramp. Take the next off-ramp, the R618 west, for 25km to the reserve gate.
Tours to do
Evening game drives offer an exciting alternative to day drives, since many predators hunt under cover of darkness.
Get around
Options include self-drive, guided 4x4 tours or walking, both guided and self-guided.
What to pack
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is a low-risk malaria area, but consult your doctor before travelling. Ticks are prevalent so insect repellent should be used when walking in the reserve. In summer, sunblock is a must.
Where to stay
Accommodation options range from self-catering rondavels (round thatched huts) and chalets to fully-catered luxury lodges.