Occupying nearly a thousand square kilometres in central KwaZulu-Natal, Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park proudly carries its status as the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa. A safari in the Hluhluwe game reserve will expose visitors to a great biodiversity as the north, Hluhluwe, and the south, Umfolozi, are vastly different. In Hluhluwe, South Africa the altitude ranges from 80 to 540 metres above sea level and the area is mountainous with forests and grasslands. Umfolozi is situated between the Black and White Umfolozi Rivers where open savannah is prevalent. The park has been a haven for endangered black and white rhinos while elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard are also present. It is also one of the world’s top spots for viewing nyala and a prime birding destination with close to 340 species.
A road network of more than 200 kilometres and a number of hides overlooking busy water holes offer many game viewing opportunities. Visitors can also explore the impressive iSimangaliso Wetland Park which is less than an hour’s drive away to the north. Meaning “a miracle” in Zulu, iSimangaliso spans 280 kilometre of coastline and around 3 280 square kilometre of natural ecosystems. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a marine conservation area of epic proportions with an abundance of species, including a variety of whales, dolphins and marine turtles. The park is also home to land animals like elephant, rhino, buffalo and hippos. Lions were introduced in 2013.
Safari Ideas for Hluhluwe
The Greater Hluhluwe area is an excellent base for a variety of activities to ensure a memorable African safari, even more so if your Hluhluwe accommodation is centrally located. From game drives and boat cruises in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park to whale watching and turtle tours in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the choices are endless. Those wanting to venture even a bit further out and in search of some adventure, Sodwana Bay is perfect for snorkelling safaris. Plan your Hluhluwe safari for the cooler, winter months between May and September when waterholes attract countless animals and wildlife viewing is at its best as the bush thins out. Take to the Hluhluwe River for a game cruise and get up close with the resident hippos and crocodiles. Opt for a museum tour with plenty of insight into the local Zulu culture and history for an experience with a difference.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers tours between November and March to observe leatherback and loggerhead turtles laying their eggs and watching the hatching of baby turtles. For a spectacular excursion, join a whale watching tour along the St. Lucia coastline and watch the playful antics of humpback whales as they visit the area on their annual migration each year between June and November.
Safari Packages in Hluhluwe with Hideaways
Planning your holiday in Hluhluwe is easy with Hideaways. Use Lazuli Bush Lodge as your exclusive base for exploring this magnificent area.
For Bookings Contact Us at:
WhatsApp: +27 (0) 724 903 287
Call: +27 (0) 21 671 7729
Email: info@hideawaysafrica.com
