Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve

The Zulu Kingdom, King Shaka, white rhinos, wild dogs and a name that is almost impossible to pronounce – this is the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve. With all of the Big Five present, its rhino conservation program, varied landscapes, 86 mammal species and hundreds of bird species, this park in the province of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the oldest nature parks on the continent. Its history goes back more than one hundred years (to 1895 if you want facts!), and within its 96,000 hectares, you find the former hunting grounds of King Shaka of the Zulu Kingdom (1816-1897), ancient trails to follow and a chance to experience the traditional Zulu-culture just outside the boundaries of the reserve. Let the drums roll!

Zulu history and rhinos

The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve lies in the KwaZulu-Natal province and was established in 1895 as two parks (iMfolozi in the south and Hluwhluwe in the north). These were initially set up as hunting grounds for the Zulu King (whose reign ended two years later) and as the basis for the first rhino conservation project in the world.

However, between 1919 and the early 1950s a lot of animals were hunted and killed in the park, in an attempt to eradicate the deadly Tsetse fly. People believed that by killing the animals, the fly would disappear. A horrible error in history because, of course, this is not true. But only after spraying with DDT and BHC in 1947 was the battle with the fly won and the hunting stopped. After that, many animals had to be reintroduced in the area.

The rhino conservation program of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is one of the most successful programs in the world, as it went from the last 50 remaining southern white rhinos in 1895 (worldwide!) to approximately 16,000 white rhinos in Africa today. The breeding program was so successful that from the 1940s on, the rhinos from Hluhluwe had to be relocated to other places. Meaning that almost all white rhinos in the world today stem from the same Hluhluwe gene pool (!).

Activities in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve

Guided walking safaris over ancient wilderness trails
Put your safari hat on, and get ready for a hike like never before! This hike can be one or several days, and it takes you on foot over kilometres of ancient trails right in the middle of the park. No fences, just you, your group and the guides – walking. And all the time, while wading through small rivers and crossing savannahs, you know there’s a chance to come across lions, elephants or rhinos. Are you ready for the thrill? 

Night game drives
Wondering what all these animals do at night? Find out by sleeping within the boundaries of the park and using the night to make yet another game drive – in the dark! These game drives are perfect chances to spot nocturnal predators and other creatures of the night. By car and with a guide you explore the wilderness, waiting for eyes to light up in the spotlights. 

Zulu experience
The Zulu might be South Africa’s most famous people, and it’s the largest ethnic group in the country. Their history and culture up to this day have a huge influence on the country (and on the world as many older people will remember the mini-series Shaka Zulu!), with distinctive artwork and music as their most visible cultural expressions. Don’t miss out on a visit to one of their cultural villages (located just outside the park) to experience the intensity of their drumming!

How to get there

The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve lies in the east of the country, at a 3-hour drive over tarmac roads from Durban (being the closest domestic airport). The closest city with an international airport is Johannesburg, from where it’s a 7-hour drive to the game reserve. 

Climate

The park has a subtropical climate with a hot and humid summer and wet season from October to April and a cooler and very pleasant winter (or dry season) from May to September. 

Best time to visit

There is no bad time to visit this game reserve, but the dry months (May to September) are usually best as the grass is shorter and there is less green to block your view. This means animals are better visible and easily found gathering around waterholes.