Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve Information

Most IMPORTANT please at all times adhere to the speed limit, tragically animals are killed due to reckless drivers, speed kills…

The Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve might not look large on a map however the area with its loop roads, and off road tracks make it a large Reserve. It is important to try and pre plan ones trip and realise the time it takes to travel within the park it is estimated that while traveling with in a game reserve the approxiamate speed is 20km/h. Ariving late at the gate to depart may end up in a fine and also bear in mind that the opening and closing times do change according to the seasons. Late arrivals at the gates may be refused as the public are not allowed to travel within the park after a certain time. Always make sure of the arrival times as well as the needed traveling times needed to arrive at ones accommodation.

Both the Hluhluwe and Umfolozi Game Reserve have picnic areas open to the public, please be aware that this is a game reserve and to remain observant at all times. Picnic areas in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve include:

• Siwasamikhosikazi
• Hilltop

In the Umfolozi Game Reserve the picnic areas are as follows:  

• Game Capture Centre ( Centenery)
• Mpila Camp
• Sontuli Loop

The Hluhluwe Game Reserve entance gates name is the Memorial Gate & the Umfolozi Game Reserves gate name is the Nyalazi Gate, in the South West is the Cengeni Gate. Apon arrival it is advised to purchase a map of the Game Reserve, it not only indicates all of the roads that are tarred but also all of the off road tracks.

   Game Viewing in the Reserve

Always look and understand the movements of the animals that you are looking for.

Just like a Kudu would be browsing next to the road side a cheetah would rather

 be hunting on the grasslands, it therefore is important to have some prior knowledge of where

 the animals are most likely to be. Seasons and time of the day will alsomake a

 difference in spotting various species of animals, however one of the

 most important places one can ever

 be would beas close to a water

 source as possible.

TIPS

Take a Mammals guide book along, Binoculars. Ensure

that you are in the park as early as possible, drive slowly

you have all the time in the world. The Big 5 are in

 the reservehowever take the time to witness

 the smaller species as well.

 

Tell tale sighns..

The movement of animals create tell tale sighns, be observant Vultures circling, rubbing posts, Dung, tracks, brocken branches and marks on trees are just some of the sighns left behind by the animals in the Parks.

Vultures Circling depending on the time of the day this may indicate a kill

Rubbing Posts a good place to witness a Rhino

Dung (fresh) indicates the recent movement of a particular animal

Brocken branches could indicate that Elephants may be near by

Markings on trees an indication of Cats territory

Tracks if still fresh well we all know what that means

Vigilance is key while game driving therefore slow down so that you dont miss all the sighns other wise missed..

Walking Guided Trails

Ever wanted to experience the Big 5 on foot well in the Umfolozi Section of the Game Reserve guided walking trails are available

these incredible trails offer one a experience of a lifetime. The trails offered vary in duration a must do..this activity is seasonal and pre bookings are essential, should you

require additional information please drop us a email..

Why Travel South to the Umfolozi Game Reserve 

• Not as busy even in the High Season

• Closer acess to water sources as well as picnic areas

• Larger area to travel in

• Great sightings of Cats, African Wild Dog, Rhino ( Black & White) and Elephants

As the seasons change and the Elephants migrate spectacular sightings of herds of Elephants may also be witnessed in the Umfolozi Game Reserve. Make use of the Hides as these have been erected at water sources, be patient they offer good sightings not just of the Big 5 but other animals as well. Sontuli Loop is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch while observing the animals down below in the Black Umfolozi River. A small kiosk with take aways is also available at the Centenery centre aprox 3km from the Nyalazi gate. The landscape changes tremendously as one travels south through thick bush towards the Mpilla camp and once past it starts to open up with great vantage points to observe various anamils. The Mpila Camp also has a kiosk, fuel pump station ( No Diesil) and various types of accommodation. The Mpilla camp rondawels have recently been upgraded and serve as a great base from which to travel from early morning and late afternoon. Night Drives are also on offer from the camp however please book early to avoid dissapointment, the night drive experience is a great way to witness the movements of nocturnal animals and each person should most definately do one in anay Game Reserve. Dress warm as they do tend to get a bit cooler in the evenings.

Other places of interest in the Umfolozi section include No17, 24 and Mpafa hide these areas are good for spotting Cheetah, Lion, Wild Dog and Lion. The key to great sightings is gathering as much information prior to the excursion, ask the friendly Kzn Wildlife Staff or Game Drive Safari operators while on your drive they will gladly update you with the sightings they have witnessed.

Please remain inside your car at all times as this is Big 5 country, exiting your vehicle may result in a fine or being injured by one of the many animals that are residants in this great Park.