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The Hluhluwe (Pronounced Shu-shluwi) / Imfolozi Park is located 2.5hours north of Durban, in the heart of Zululand. It is the oldest game reserve in Africa, and one of the largest in South Africa, having been established in 1895 to protect the White Rhino, which was on the brink of extinction.
The reserve is steeped in rich cultural & conservation history, with Zulu battles having been fought here, and the hilly bushveld of the Imfolozi section having once been the private hunting ground King Shaka, King of the Zulus, and is home to the "Big Five" as well as cheetah, wild dog, hyena and all other general game species.
The Northern region of the park is accessed through the Memorial Gate, and the visitor enters straight into big game territory. The park is hilly, and you can expect to see all manner of game on the hillsides. The well known Hilltop Camp is located in this part of the park, and offers glorious views of the park.
The Southern Region of the park is the Imfolozi region. The Black and the White Imfolozi rivers run through this area of the park. This area is less busy, and the river beds provide for wonderful gameviewing, as well as being the area in which the wilderness section is located. The central camp in this part of the park is Mpila Camp, offering good quality self catering accommodation.
Within the Southern (Imfolozi) section of the park is the wilderness area. This covers 30 000 hectares and cannot be accessed by road. As a nature experience, there can be no comparison to taking one of the wilderness trails !
Another item of interest is the Centenary Centre, with a museum illustrating the history of the game park and the Rhino capture project. Guests can also take guided tours of the animal capture boma's and possibly see animals awaiting translocation to other parks. |