Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is found is Kwazulu Natal province in South Africa covering an area of 960 square kilometers. It was gazetted in 1895 as a national park and it was once used as hunting grounds for the Shaka Zulu king.
Attractions in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve
Birds
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is a perfect destination for birding experience. Birds in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve include the martial eagle, The Amur falcon, The crested guinea fowl, African black duck, African pied wagtail, Bronze winged courser, Yellow throated longclaw, Wire tailed swallow, Rudd’s Apalis, White throated swallow, Trumpeter hornbill, Southern white faced owl, White fronted bee-eater, Southern tchagra, African mash harrier, Harlequin quail, Mocking cliff chat among others.
Animals
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is a home to Africa’s Big 5 Animals about 84 different species. Apart from the Big 5. The park is also a home to Zebras, Leopards, Giraffes, Wildebeest, White rhinos, Hippos, Hyenas, cheetahs, Black rhinos, The Nyala, Wild dogs, Antelopes and many more.
Things to do in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve
Boat rides within Hluhluwe Imfolozi national Park
Boat trips in the National Park take place at the Hluhluwe Dam, where a boat accommodating around 40 people guides tourists through the area, showcasing the various animals that inhabit the park. It also serves as an excellent spot for birdwatching. An experienced tour guide conducts the boat trips, and all participants are encouraged to wear a life jacket before the journey gets started.
Game drives in the Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park
Game drives through the national park are consistently beautiful and it makes no difference if you opt for a self-drive or a guided experience; you are sure to have a great time observing the wildlife, including the big five. When participating in game drives, it is essential to adhere to the rules and regulations established by the park for your own safety.
The ideal time for tourists to embark on a game drive in Hluhluwe Imfolozi is during the dry season, which occurs from June to September. At this time, expect significant congestion, which means you should prepare for an increase in the prices of accommodation, transport, and other services.
One of the finest ways to experience a game drive through Hluhluwe Imfolozi is by driving slowly and allowing yourself the time to truly savor the moment while capturing various photos of the wildlife present in the park. Please be aware that the Park officially closes its gates at 5:00 PM. By 6:00 PM, no one is expected to remain inside the park. It is important to arrive at any of the gates before closing time, as failure to do so may result in a fine.
Picnics at Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park
The national park offers stunning views, and you can also enjoy a picnic in the designated picnic areas. The picnic areas were thoughtfully positioned to allow for the observation of various wildlife species while enjoying a moment of relaxation.
Some of the most frequented picnic places in the Hluhluwe Imfolozi are:
The Maphumulo picnic area
The Sontuli picnic area
Hilltop picnic area
Thyeni picnic area
Mpilla picnic area.
Birding in the Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park
The national park boasts a recorded number of bird species surpassing 400, making it an excellent destination for tourists who are passionate about birding. In addition to the endemic birds, migratory birds arrive at the National Park from November to April, coinciding with the rainy season.
Best Time to visit Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve can be visited all the year around depending on the activities one is going to do.
The most suitable time frame for game viewing and drives occurs during the drier months, specifically from May to September. During this period, there is scarcity of both water and food for various animals, leading many of them to converge around the limited water holes found throughout the park. This scenario makes it easier for tourists to observe them.
The best period for birding is between November and April, as this is when migratory birds arrive at the national park. This season is known for its busyness, so be prepared to encounter large crowds of people. If you prefer a more relaxed experience away from the crowds, the winter months are the ideal time for your visit.
Entrance gates to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve
The Cengeni Gate
This is situated in the southwestern section of the park and serves as an entrance to the Imfolozi Game Reserve.
The Nyalazi Gate
The Nyalazi gate is situated in the southeastern section of the park and serves as one of the two entrances to the Imfolozi reserve.
The memorial gate
This is situated in the northern section of the National Park and serves as the primary entrance to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve.
Getting to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is located two and a half hours from Durban by car and nearly six hours from Johannesburg, both of which are served by international airports. Transfers by road are offered. Flights connect almost daily (except Tuesday and Sunday) from OR Tambo International in Johannesburg to Ulindi Airport, which is a 6 km drive on tarred roads to the park’s Cengeni Gate of the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve section.
