Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is Africa's oldest proclaimed game reserve, established in 1895, and the birthplace of rhino conservation. When white rhinos were on the brink of extinction with fewer than 50 individuals remaining, this park's Operation Rhino saved the species, breeding numbers back to over 20,000 worldwide. Today the park remains one of the best places in Africa to see both black and white rhinos in the wild. Set in the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal, its diverse landscapes range from open savanna to dense forest, supporting all of the Big Five plus wild dogs, cheetahs, and over 300 bird species. At a fraction of Kruger's size, it offers intimate game viewing and is malaria-risk but easily managed with precautions.
Last updated: January 2026
Wildlife in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Big Five Status
lion
Moderate
leopard
Moderate
elephant
High
buffalo
High
rhino
Very High
Wildlife Highlights
White Rhino
Saved from extinction here, excellent sightings
Black Rhino
More elusive but present in good numbers
Wild Dog
Packs present, sightings possible
Nyala
Abundant and unique to this region
340+ bird species including Crowned eagle, Narina trogon, Purple-crested turaco, African broadbill.
Best Time to Visit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
The dry winter months (May to September) offer the best game viewing as vegetation thins and animals gather at water sources. Summer is hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms but brings lush landscapes and newborn animals.
dry_season Season
May, June, July, August, SeptemberMild days (22-26C), cool nights (10-15C), dry
Moderate
Moderate
Excellent, vegetation sparse, animals at waterholes
wet_season Season
November, December, January, February, MarchHot and humid (28-35C), afternoon storms
High in December/January
Peak in December
Good, newborn animals, lush scenery, migratory birds
shoulder Season
April, OctoberPleasant transitions
Low
Lower
Good
Getting to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
By Air
By Road
Entry Gates
Memorial Gate
Main entrance to Hluhluwe section, north
Nyalazi Gate
Central entrance
Cengeni Gate
Southern entrance to iMfolozi section
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Entry Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Non-resident) | $290/day |
| Child (Non-resident) | $145/day |
- • Fees are per day (2026 rates)
- • Children 2-11 get reduced rate
- • Rhino Card available for frequent visitors
- • Vehicle entry included
Activities in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Included Activities
Self-Drive Safari
Well-maintained gravel roads through varied terrain
Hides and Viewpoints
Waterholes and lookout points for extended viewing
Optional Extras
Guided Game Drive
$30-$50Morning and afternoon drives with expert rangers
Night Drive
$35-$55Spotlight safari for nocturnal species
Wilderness Trail
$400-$700Multi-day walking safari in the iMfolozi wilderness (3-4 days)
Boat Cruise
$25-$40Boat trips on the dam (seasonal)
Where to Stay
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife operates rest camps throughout the park. Hilltop Camp in the Hluhluwe section offers the best facilities with a restaurant, bar, and pool. Private lodges border the park.
luxury private
$350-$900/nightIncludes: All meals, drinks, twice-daily game drives
Examples: Phinda Private Game Reserve, Thanda Safari Lodge, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
rest camps
$70-$200/nightIncludes: Self-catering or restaurant available at Hilltop
Examples: Hilltop Camp, Mpila Camp, Mtwazi Lodge
camping
$15-$35/nightIncludes: Basic facilities, braai areas
Examples: Mpila campsite
Practical Tips
- 1Book Hilltop Camp well in advance, especially for weekends and holidays
- 2The Hluhluwe section (north) has more varied terrain and forest; iMfolozi (south) has open savanna
- 3Malaria precautions are necessary; consult a doctor before visiting
- 4Combine with iSimangaliso Wetland Park and St Lucia for a complete KwaZulu-Natal wildlife trip
- 5The wilderness trails are among Africa's finest walking safaris; book months ahead
- 6Morning game drives are best as animals are active before the heat
- 7Carry binoculars; the hilly terrain offers great viewpoints
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Hluhluwe-iMfolozi famous for rhinos?
In the 1960s, white rhinos were nearly extinct with fewer than 50 individuals left in the world, almost all of them in this park. Operation Rhino, launched in 1961, pioneered rhino capture and translocation techniques, moving animals to other reserves to establish new populations. This effort saved the species, growing numbers to over 20,000 globally. The park remains critical for both white and black rhino conservation.
Is Hluhluwe-iMfolozi a Big Five park?
Yes, all Big Five species are present. Rhinos (both black and white) are the star attraction with excellent sighting chances. Elephants and buffalo are commonly seen. Lions were reintroduced and the population is growing. Leopards are present but elusive, requiring patience and luck to spot.
Do you need malaria tablets for Hluhluwe-iMfolozi?
Yes, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is in a low-risk malaria area. Precautions are recommended, especially during the wet summer months (October to April). Consult your doctor about antimalarial medication and use insect repellent and long sleeves at dawn and dusk.
What is the difference between Hluhluwe and iMfolozi?
They were originally two separate reserves that merged in 1989. The Hluhluwe section in the north has more varied, hilly terrain with dense riverine forest. The iMfolozi section in the south has open savanna and grasslands. Both offer excellent game viewing, and a corridor connects them allowing wildlife to move freely.
How long do you need at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi?
Two to three days allows you to explore both sections properly. A single full day can cover the highlights if time is limited. The wilderness walking trails require 3-4 days and offer a completely different, immersive experience in the iMfolozi wilderness area.
Official Resources
Sources
- Established in 1895, oldest game reserve in Africa: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
- Fewer than 50 white rhinos in 1960s before Operation Rhino: Save the Rhino International
- 960 square kilometers: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife