Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is one of South Africa’s best-known, most evocative parks. Covering 96,000 hectares, it is best visited in winter as the animals range widely without congregating at water sources (the White iMfolozi and Black iMfolozi Rivers flow here), although the lush vegetation sometimes makes viewing difficult. However, summer visits can also be very rewarding, especially in the open savannah country areas.
The park has lions, elephants, rhinos (black and white), leopards, giraffes, buffalos and wild dogs. The Centenary Centre, a wildlife-holding centre with an attached museum and information centre, is in the eastern section of iMfolozi. It incorporates rhino enclosures and antelope pens, and was established to allow visitors to view animals in transit to their new homes.
The wildlife drives here are very popular. Hilltop Camp offers morning and evening drives, while Mpila Camp does evening drives only. The drives are open to resort residents only and cost R300 per person.
Bear in mind that the reserves are in a (low-risk) malarial area and there are lots of mosquitoes – come prepared.
