The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park is one of the oldest and most prestigious of the South African game parks. Located 280km north of Durban, this 960km² wilderness has a warm and moist climate. Credited with bringing the white rhino from the brink of extinction to flourishing numbers, it is also home to the Big Five.
Sanctuary for the black and white rhino
The Big Five
Breathtaking scenery and viewing points
Over 350 species of birds
Game-drives, self drives, guided walks and self walks
The Umfolozi and Hluhluwe reserves were joined in 1989 and cover a vast and interestingly diverse landscape, consisting mainly of steep wooded hills, grass covered slopes and riverine woodland along the many rivers and streams. It is also known as one of the sanctuaries of the black rhino and has the world's largest population of white rhino.
Game viewing
Hluhluwe - Umfolozi is home to 1,600 white rhino and 370 black rhino - an impressive number which means you are very likely to see one or both species. It also contains the rest of the Big Five; buffalo, elephant, lion and leopard, as well as many other species including blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffe waterbuck, nyala, kudu, bushbuck, warthog, cheetah, hyena and jackal plus about 24,000 impala. You may have some close encounters with elephants as they often cross or block the road right in front of your vehicle.
Birdwatching
Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the Park. The variety of bushveld and woodland birding found in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, combined with the natural wonders of the Lake St Lucia system and it's central position to the rest of the Zululand Birding Route make this an excellent area for birdwatchers.
Other activities
There is a 40-seater boat on the Hluhluwe dam which takes visitors on daily guided trips. An experienced community guide conducts the trips and visitors can see an excellent range of birds and animals. Wilderness trails also offer the ultimate wildlife experience and Zulu culture can be observed in the community areas outside the Park.
The Hluhluwe – Umfolozi Game Park is located in northern Zululand, approximately an hours’ drive from Phinda and is a malarial area – please take the necessary precautions.
