Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve Information
Monthly visitor conditions
Big 5 sighting calendar
Practical planning
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Conservation Fee
Charged separately at the gate — not included in accommodation rate
| Category | Daily Conservation Fee |
|---|---|
| International visitors — adult | R240 per person per day |
| International visitors — child under 12 | R120 per child per day |
| South African residents — adult 50% discount | R120 per person per day |
| South African residents — child under 12 50% discount | R60 per child per day |
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No airport shuttle — self-drive or hire car essential.
Dense Hluhluwe terrain favours elephant, rhino and leopard year-round. Kudu bulls browse the security fence at dusk. 340+ bird species — black eagle, martial eagle and bateleur ride thermals above the restaurant deck. Purple-crested turaco in the riverine forest below camp.
SA Residents: R120 adult · R60 child
Gate fee waived for all overnight guests.
No airport shuttle — self-drive or hire car essential.
Open iMfolozi thornveld delivers excellent lion and rhino sightings. Wild dog packs are resident and seen more frequently here than in the Hluhluwe section. Giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and nyala also common. 340+ bird species including African fish eagle, saddle-billed stork and woolly-necked stork along the Black and White iMfolozi rivers.
SA Residents: R120 adult · R60 child
Gate fee waived for all overnight guests.
No airport shuttle — self-drive or hire car essential.
Elephant, rhino and lion move along the Black uMfolozi River and are regularly visible from camp. The camp is fenced for elephant only — all other wildlife moves freely around the units. Outstanding riverine birding: African finfoot, white-backed night heron, malachite kingfisher, goliath heron and African fish eagle.
SA Residents: R120 adult · R60 child
Gate fee waived for all overnight guests.
Semi Riverview — R2,880 per night for 2 adults
No Riverview — R2,700 per night for 2 adults
All units are 2-bed self-catering chalets with full kitchen and en-suite. Cook provided for group bookings of 5–8 units. Minimum charge for 2 adults per unit.
Hluhluwe iMfolozi-Park Map
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 takeaways is also available at the Centenary center approx. 3km from the Nyalazi gate.
The landscape changes tremendously as one travels south.
Through thick bush towards the Mpila camp and once past it starts to open up with great vantage points to observe various animals.
The Mpila Camp also has a kiosk, fuel pump station ( No Diesel) and various types of accommodation.
The rondavels have recently been upgraded and serve as a great base from which to travel from early morning and late afternoon.
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 one’s trip and realise the time it takes to travel within the park it is estimated that while traveling with in a game reserve the approximate speed is 20km/h.
Arriving 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.
Self Drive 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 also make a difference in spotting various species of animals, One of the
most important places one can ever be would be as 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 reserve however take the time to witness the smaller species as well.
Tell Tale Signs
The movement of animals create telltale signs, be observant Vultures circling, rubbing posts, Dung,
tracks, broken branches and marks on trees are just some of the signs 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 Broken 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 don’t miss all the signs otherwise missed..
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 an 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 an email for Booking Inquires!
