HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI GAME RESERVE |
Established in 1895, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is the oldest game reserve in Africa. It is here that the “Big 5” of African legend stalks the verdant savannah – see a bit of old Africa where the mighty beasts reigned supreme.
Set in the heart of Zululand, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is one of the largest Game Reserves in South Africa. The Park covers an area of 96,000 hectares, and comprises three reserves: Hluhluwe, iMfolozi and the linking Corridor Reserve. It is home to the largest Black Rhino population in Africa, and is renowned as the Park where White Rhinos were saved from extinction.
Hluhluwe has been a game sanctuary since 1895. Hluhluwe is named after the thorny monkey rope, umHluhluwe (Dalbergia armata) that flourishes along the banks of the Hluhluwe river. Zulu herdboys use the rope to muzzle calves, weaning them from their mothers and thus leaving the milk for human consumption.
IMfolozi sanctuary is named after the zigzag Mfolozi Emnyana (Black) and Mfolozi Emhlope (white) rivers that meander and marry in this untouched wilderness. The linking Corridor Reserve divided the two game reserves years ago.
Conservation in the area had been practised prior to the formal proclamation of the area, as the iMfolozi section was previously the exclusive hunting preserve of the Zulu kings, and consequently well protected. The game pits in which the animals were trapped can still be seen today in the south of the Park.
At the time of the proclamation, only few pockets of land existed where wild life roamed freely. Amongst these was the discovery of a few White Rhino, previously believed to be extinct. This led to the first proclamation of game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal, to preserve the rapidly dwindling groups of wild animals from rampant hunting practices.
Besides the “Big 5” – Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino and Leopard, the elusive Cheetah, Wild Dogs and many other well-known bushveld species inhabit the Park, offering you a rich game viewing experience. Its abundance of wildlife also include Nile Crocodile, Hippo, Hyena, Blue Wildebeest, Jackal, Giraffe, Zebra, Waterbuck, Nyala, Eland, Kudu, Impala, Duiker, Suni, Warthog, Bushpig, Mongoose, Baboons, Monkeys, a variety of Tortoises, Terrapins, Snakes and Lizards.
“Big 5” Game Safari Package Read more
Nearby attractions:
- World Heritage Site: St Lucia Wetlands Park Read more
- Dumazulu Cultural Village Read more
- Emdoneni Cheetah Breeding Site
- Ilala Weavers
- Sodwana Bay – Tropical Reef Diving Read more
Adventure Activities:
- Tiger Shark Diving Read more
- Oribi Gorge Wild 5: World’s highest Gorge Swing Read more
- Karkloof Canopy Tours: Africa’s biggest Canopy Tour Read more
- Sani Pass: Highest Pub in Africa Read more
- Wreck & Reef Diving – Aliwal Shoal Read more
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