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The Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park in Zululand is one of the jewels in the crown of South African nature conservation. Not only is this one of the most beautiful parks, but it was at this park that the White Rhino was saved from extinction. In fact, most of Africa's White Rhino came from the gene pool created by conservationists at this reserve.
The Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park in Zululand is one of the jewels in the crown of South African nature conservation. Not only is this one of the most beautiful parks, but it was at this park that the White Rhino was saved from extinction. In fact, most of Africa's White Rhino came from the gene pool created by conservationists at this reserve.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Hluhluwe (Pronounced Shu-shluwi) / Imfolozi Park is located 2.5hours north of Durban, in the heart of Zululand. It is the oldest game reserve in Africa, and one of the largest in South Africa, having been established in 1895 to protect the White Rhino, which was on the brink of extinction.
The reserve is steeped in rich cultural & conservation history, with Zulu battles having been fought here, and the hilly bushveld of the Imfolozi section having once been the private hunting ground King Shaka, King of the Zulus, and is home to the "Big Five" as well as cheetah, wild dog, hyena and all other general game species.
The Northern region of the park is accessed through the Memorial Gate, and the visitor enters straight into big game territory. The park is hilly, and you can expect to see all manner of game on the hillsides. The well known Hilltop Camp is located in this part of the park, and offers glorious views of the park.
The Southern Region of the park is the Imfolozi region. The Black and the White Imfolozi rivers run through this area of the park. This area is less busy, and the river beds provide for wonderful gameviewing, as well as being the area in which the wilderness section is located. The central camp in this part of the park is Mpila Camp, offering good quality self catering accommodation.
Within the Southern (Imfolozi) section of the park is the wilderness area. This covers 30 000 hectares and cannot be accessed by road. As a nature experience, there can be no comparison to taking one of the wilderness trails !
Another item of interest is the Centenary Centre, with a museum illustrating the history of the game park and the Rhino capture project. Guests can also take guided tours of the animal capture boma's and possibly see animals awaiting translocation to other parks.
Highlights
Take a wilderness trail in the 30 000 hectare wilderness area, an area only accessed by foot or horseback. There are no roads in this section of the park.
Search for the "big 5" in an open safari vehicle in the hands of one of our experienced game rangers.
Have a picnic breakfast or lunch on the banks of the Hluhluwe or Imfolozi Rivers.
Let our rangers show you where the Zulu King, Shaka, had his royal hunting grounds.
CLIMATE
Summertime (November to February) is very hot, with an average temperature of 30degrees C, and with high levels of humidity. This is the rainy season, and thunderstorms can be expected in the afternoon.
May to September is winter. The park is dry and dusty, with mild to warm days and cool nights, with daytime temperatures of around 25degrees C. Because the bush is thinner, and animals congregate at water points, this is the best time for game viewing!
HOW TO GET THERE
Hluhluwe / Imfolozi is 2.5 hours North of Durban, and is easily accessed by road from there. Thompsons offer private transfers and 4 weekly shuttle departures to the town of Hluhluwe 15km outside the park.
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