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Big Five country, rhino history and two parks in one
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park: History & Culture
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is a 960 km² game reserve in central-north KwaZulu-Natal, near Mtubatuba. It is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. It is the only state-run park in the province where all of the Big Five occur, and it holds one of the largest southern white rhino populations in the world. You can explore it by self-drive, from waterhole hides, or on foot with a guide in the iMfolozi section.
The park was established on 30 April 1895 and is described as the oldest reserve in Africa. It began as two separate protected areas, Hluhluwe and iMfolozi, created when southern white rhino numbers had fallen almost to extinction in the 1800s.
Rhino conservation has shaped the park ever since. In the 1950s and 60s, warden Ian Player led Operation Rhino, which relocated hundreds of rhinos to repopulate their historic range. The threat has not gone away. Poaching remains serious, and in 2023 officials said a rhino was being killed almost every day. Visiting a park like this helps keep the work of protecting its wildlife going.
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino all occur here. The park lists 86 mammal species and is also known for nyala, a handsome antelope that is a highlight for many visitors.
Around 340 bird species have been recorded, so the park rewards anyone who brings binoculars as well as a camera.
A network of about 300 km of roads, a mix of gravel and tar, lets you set your own pace. Numerous hides overlook waterholes, and picnic areas have tables and toilets, which makes it easy to build a full day around stops. Flooding has closed roads in the park at times, so check conditions before you set out.
Guided walking safaris and overnight walking trails are offered in iMfolozi. They are a different way to experience the bush, at the speed of your own feet.
Reviewers mention guided drives and tours. We have not confirmed specific operators, so check with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife or your camp when you book.
The park has two main entrances. Memorial Gate is on the Hluhluwe side in the north, and Nyalazi Gate is on the iMfolozi side in the south. You can enter at either one and drive through to the other without leaving the park, so you can plan a one-way route across it.
Hluhluwe town is a short drive away and has places to stay outside the park. The park is also close to iSimangaliso Wetland Park, so the two work well together on one KwaZulu-Natal trip.
Gate times reported for the park are 05:00 to 19:00 from November to February and 06:00 to 18:00 from March to October. These come from a third-party site, so confirm them with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife before you travel.
The park’s camps are run by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Three stand out, and each suits a different kind of trip.
This is the only fully fenced camp. It sits on a forested ridge at roughly 600 m and has a restaurant and a pool. Accommodation ranges from rondavels to chalets, and there is also an eight-bed luxury lodge for exclusive use.
Mpila is unfenced and self-catering only, with no restaurant. Options include safari tents and chalets of different sizes, with kitchens, linen and braai pits.
This off-grid camp is riverside, unfenced and self-catering. It offers two-bed chalets, with a choice of river views.
Because Mpila and Nselweni are self-catering, bring your own food and plan to cook on the braai. Hilltop has the only restaurant we found details for.
Check current rates and availability directly with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife when you book.
Photo by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Big Five game viewing, Southern white rhino populations, Hilltop Camp, Mpila Camp, Nselweni Bush Camp, Wildlife hides, Guided walking safaris and wilderness trails in iMfolozi, Nyala and 340 bird species
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