Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Hluhluwe game reserve & iMfolozi are, Africa's oldest proclaimed game reserve, Established in 1895, sprawling across 96,000 hectares in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This is not just a title. It means this land has been protected for longer than any other on the continent. It holds a depth of ecological integrity that newer reserves cannot match. The Hluhluwe section shelters dense riverine forest, while the southern iMfolozi plains stretch into open acacia thornveld—two ecosystems, one boundary.
When the air is full, with the scent of wild fig and dry red earth. A white rhino moves through the acacia thornveld at dawn. Unhurried. Ancient. A living testament to one of the greatest conservation stories the world has ever seen.
This is where modern wildlife conservation began. Operation Rhino, led by Ian Player, saved the white rhino from the brink of extinction—from fewer than 50 to over 1,600 within this reserve's borders.
Best Times To Visit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi-Park
Pro Tips For Planning Your Safari
What Makes Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Unique Over Other African Wildlife Parks For Safaris?
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park stands alone as Africa's oldest game reserve, established in 1895. This is not just history—it's over a century of ecological wisdom and conservation. The reserve's defining chapter is Operation Rhino, the first large-scale wildlife translocation program. In the 1950s and 1960s, Dr Ian Player and his Zulu companion Magqubu Ntombela worked here to save the white rhino from extinction—from fewer than 50 animals to over 1,600. This happened here, in the iMfolozi thornveld, and its legacy is visible on every morning drive.
Operation Rhino: A groundbreaking conservation effort launched in the 1950s within Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, setting the standard for wildlife translocation programs worldwide.
The reserve also birthed the guided wilderness walking safari in 1957—a tradition honored by Virtual Tours. In the 1980s, wild dog conservation protocols were developed here, solidifying the park's role as a living laboratory for African wildlife science.
Two ecosystems span the reserve's 96,000 hectares. The northern Hluhluwe section rises through dense hills, while the southern iMfolozi stretches into flat acacia thornveld. Together, they support the full Big Five—white rhino encountered daily, elephant in the northern valleys, buffalo herds over 4,000 strong, lions seen multiple times a week, and leopards for those who look closely.
Big 5 Safaris — What to Expect
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve offers what many only promise. For those planning a big 5 safari in South Africa, this reserve delivers each iconic species with a frequency and intimacy unlike larger, more commercial parks.
Big 5: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceroses—named for their difficulty to hunt on foot, now celebrated as the African wildlife benchmark.
White rhino sightings are nearly guaranteed. With about 1,600 animals across the reserve, most game drives encounter them early. Elephants gather in the northern river valleys. Buffalo herds exceed 4,000, drawing lions close behind—sighted three to four times a week, reflecting healthy pride territories.
Leopard require a keen eye. Guides Senzo and Lindo bring years of experience, reading spoor and alarm calls to reward those who trust their instincts. Wild dog packs are resident here—sighting these endangered predators carries a rare weight.
Wild dog (African painted dog): Among Africa's most endangered large carnivores, with fewer than 6,600 individuals continent-wide. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi holds resident packs, making sightings possible.
The reserve's 340-plus bird species extend the experience beyond mammals, with raptors and waterbirds providing world-class birding year-round. Small group sizes in open vehicles allow close, unhurried encounters—photos that reflect the true distance between guest and animal. Where you sleep inside the reserve shapes every drive that follows.
Hluhluwe Accommodation — 3 Camps Inside the Reserve
For those planning a safari in South Africa, where you sleep shapes what you see. Virtual Tours places guests inside the reserve at three camps, each offering direct access to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve's core wilderness.
Hilltop Camp sits high in the Hluhluwe section, with 15 options for families and couples. Choose self-catering or fully serviced. A bar, restaurant, and pool provide comfort after Big 5 drives. Walking safaris here move through elephant country at ground level—a perspective no vehicle can match.
Mpila Camp anchors the iMfolozi section. Safari tents and thatched lapas host self-catering guests. Rustic-luxury lodges suit private groups. Mpila is the starting point for the legendary four-day walking safaris—roots in Ian Player's wilderness trails.
Nselweni Bush Camp is the most secluded, solar-powered above a river. Eight units share a communal fire area. Rates average R980 per person per night.
Each camp suits a different travel rhythm. Virtual Tours helps guests match the right base to their itinerary.
Hilltop Hluhluwe Game Reserve Accommodation
Imfolozi Game Reserve Accommodation
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve Big -5 Safaris
Famouse For ?
Big-5 Safaris Wild Dogs Birding & Rhino Conservation Walking Safaris
Ave Price-PPpD
R980.00
Peak Times
Oct -April-Summer-HOT
Gate Fees-Levy
SAR R120.00-PPpD
INTR R240.00
Best Time To Go
Wildlife Great Year
Round
VEHICLE NEEDED
2X4 Is Fine in the park or 4x4
you can Explore More!
Worried About Crowded Game Reserves?
Can I Afford This,? Is it Expensive? Will I see the Big5?
Info Overload can definitely take the fun out of shopping? I'll do my best to provide clear answers for the right choices that fit your Plans & Budget. If your bit stuck in the planning stage? It's really simple.
- Figure out how much time you have,
- Then pick one of our Safari Packages that fits in that time slot, If Staying in Stlucia.
- Or book Accommodation only to stay in the Hluhluwe Imfolozi game park.
Is It worth It ? Our Customers Think So ..Tap Here & Find-out
We Find, Most people who come to Africa, The travelers we've met, Have wanted to come to Africa all there lives. And come back multiple times Some never leave. We provide the best experience.
Just Imagine You're On Safari, Or Maybe spending a Magical Night Sleeping In The Game Reserve, Feeling and Hearing the wild Awesome Power, Then a Lions Raws Close to camp while you're gazing into the fire. Holy Moly!
We Get You In Real Close For Great Photos
With Open 4x4s In Small Personal Groups
It's an Opportunity and a Privilege, To Witness & Venture into This Famous Big5 Reserve... You're definitely in the right place searching for Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Accommodation And Safaris.
Just click any of these links. Options Like Hilltop Camp, Nselweni Camp Or Mpila Safari Tents and many of the 8-bed Luxury Lodges around the park..Or Our 2 Day Safari Package, Limited on time? Then our half-day or full-day safaris are action-packed. Look Below for more details.
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Our Raving Customers.. Thank You...
Absolutely awesome day. Four of us went, our driver/guide (Lindo) was brilliant taught us so much, we spent a wonderful day in the park of Imfolozi and would go again tomorrow.
A light breakfast was perfect after such an early start but was worth every minute. Great Braai for lunch too. Can’t explain the magical feeling of this park and the landscape is hard to even explain as it’s not what we expected, the tour itself was lovely,
the park isn’t too busy even two days before Christmas. Seeing lions well unforgettable and we didn’t think we would be that lucky, 4 out of the big five seen on our second day in St Lucia, can’t complain. The brilliant company would recommend in a heartbeat. Date of experience: December 2019
What an awesome experience!!! We saw lions, a cheetah, elephants, buffalo, and rhino! Senzo was outstanding!
He clearly knows the bush very very well and spotted a cheetah and got us to it for a reasonably close up viewing. Such passion for wildlife so freely shared to give us the most memorable experience
Date of experience: December 2019I had a wonderful time at iSimangaliso. Senzo was our tour guide and he was incredibly good at his job. 5 stars! Date of experience: December 2019
We spent 4 days on Safari with heritage tours and everything was so well organized from the online booking in Australia, the transfers from Durban. we were taken to the office and Bev went over our itinerary with us and then we went to our Lodge.
We did 4-day trips and one night trip with them where we saw so many animals including Elephants, rhinos, giraffe, zebras, warthogs, hippos, and many more. The guides were excellent and we were lucky enough to have Lindor on one occasion and Senso twice. with their abundant knowledge and very sharp eyes to spot numerous birds and insects also.Each time our guide spotted an animal they positioned the vehicle to the best viewing and then explained all about that particular animal we came away with such a better understanding of South Africa. I am so glad we did those tours Date of experience: November 2019
As You Can See Some Truly Happy Customers
Who Can Say No To Great Value? And Memories Of Lifetime
See The Big5 Up Close ? Try One Of These Options
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi & Isimangaliso Safari Packages
These are some of our best Safaris Offered, By Heritage Tours & Safaris.
In The Hluhluwe Imfolozi-Park & St Lucia Wetlands World Heritage Site...
27 Fantastic Safari Adventures Plus Hippo/Birding Up Close, River Safaris In a World Heritage Site...
Exceptional! Our Classic 3 Night All-inclusive Safari. Most popular gives time to unwind.
Why? Because It combines Hi rated lodges that sit in fantastic locations With Big5 Game Viewing. Safari overland journeys Into The African Bush...
Experience the peaceful tranquillity & wonder, Of South Africas Big 5 Wildlife Habitats...
Top 3 Camps In Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve
Nselweni Bush Camp
Nselweni Bush Camp
When You Want To Be Left Alone
- A more secluded experience. All Self-Cater...Tented Roof ... 8 x 2 Beds... Solar Powered & Geni
- large Common Area For Meeting, cooking on an open fire with friends in the bush.
- Pretty Amazing, With Full Kitchen Braai, Showers Safari Walks & Game Drives A View Of The Umfolozi River
Hluhluwe Game Reserve Map
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Gate Times Entrance Fee's
Conservation Levy For Overnight Visitors & Day
A daily Conservation Levy of R240 per adult
R120 per child under 12 years
SA Residents Save 50% Off Gate Fees
Gate Opening 5 Am / Close 6pm Applies To All Gates
Imfolozi Hluhluwe...
History Some Facts About This Park
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Park
Also known as Umfolozi game reserve. Established in 1895
They were 2 separate parks in the early 1900s made into one Great Game Park..
The idea, To help with natural migration and breeding territories.
Is the oldest game park in Africa. Set in the heartland of KZN, KwaZulu Natal South Africa.
The Game Park covers some 96 000 hectares and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora. Hluhluwe is characterized by hilly topography,
this Northern section of the park is noted for its wide variety of both bird and animal life.
As the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950s and 60s, the Game Park became world-renowned for its white rhino conservation. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is famed for Starting The 1st Walking Safaris.
Trails which originated in Imfolozi in the 1950s
The Two parks, Now Makeup one big game reserve with fantastic Big5 sightings year-round.
The Park has a great history of saving many animals from near extinction.
( Rhino, Honey Badger, Wild Dogs) Thanks To Dr. Player and many Of His team of colleagues.
Accommodation In The Game Park: There are 2 main camps, Hilltop and Mpila,