Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park

Just a three-hour drive from Durban is Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest proclaimed nature reserve and a Big Five safari destination renowned for rhino conservation. Once the personal hunting grounds of King Shaka, this park is now ideal for game drives, hikes, and bush walks to explore the diverse range of fauna and flora. Besides the Big Five, visitors can spot wild dogs, giraffes, cheetahs, nyalas, and a variety of birdlife.

Must-Visit Areas in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park

Go on thrilling game drives for a broad view of this park; then, explore on foot to gain a deeper understanding of this region:

Imfolozi Wilderness Area: For Walking Safaris

Weaving through the Imfolozi wilderness area are walking trails that take travellers deep into nature.

For a more in-depth wilderness experience, walking safaris are ideal. During these excursions, you’ll get closer to the smaller animals and flora that call this park home and learn to identify wildlife tracks.

Hluhluwe Game Drive Circuits: Spectacular Game Sightings

The main events of any safari are game drives. In open safari vehicles, you and your guide will traverse the terrain to find animals in their natural habitats.

Hluhluwe’s game drive circuits are known for their spectacular landscapes and wildlife sightings, including the Big Five.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park?

The dry winter season (June to September) is the best time for game viewing in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. With fewer water sources and less dense vegetation, wildlife is easier to spot.

Wildlife Found in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park

Due to the success of the park’s rhino conservation efforts, it now has one of the largest populations of white rhinos in the world.

The rest of the Big Five – lions, leopards, buffaloes, and elephants – can also be found here. With over 340 species of birds and several birding shelters, the park is a great birdwatching destination.

How to Get to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park

You’ll first land at King Shaka International Airport in Durban. From there, it’s a two-and-a-half to three-hour drive to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park via lodge transfer.