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The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, Sout Africa, was established in 1895 and is the oldest game reserve on the African continent and one of South Africa's largest.
Through on-going rhino conservation, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is arguably the best reserve in the country in which to see the endangered rhino, being a safe haven to more than 2 400 endangered black and white rhino within its 96 000 hectare expanse.
The endangered white rhino is a grazer and prefers the open savannah, while the near-extinct black rhino which is a browser is more likely to be spotted in leafy environs.
Visitors to the park rate a close encounter with elephant, the world's largest land animal, on a reserve road or at a waterhole, as a highlight of their visit. It also contains the rest of the Big Five; buffalo, lion and leopard, as well as many other species including blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffe waterbuck, nyala, kudu, bushbuck, warthog, cheetah, hyena and jackal plus about 24,000 impala.
Visitors will find brilliant photographic fodder among the many resident animals here and should not discount the scaly and shelled denizens of the reserve, such as crocodile, tortoise, terrapin, snake and lizard, which also abound.
The northern Hluhluwe region of the reserve is forested and mountainous, markedly different to the undulating open savannah common to the southern Umfolozi region. This varied habitat attracts over 340 bird species, including the endangered bateleur eagle and ground hornbill.
Visitors can see plenty of game at well-disguised viewing hides overlooking pans and waterholes where the birds and animals gather to drink, and will be able to see plenty game at an unusually close range.
The immense diversity of flora and fauna in this majestic reserve can be sampled via 4x4 game drives or guided walks.
This particular South African wildlife experience is guaranteed to be a memorable one.
Activities include spectacular Big Five Safaris, Guided Wilderness and Walking Trails, Game Drives and Boat Excursions.
Best time to visit
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi has hot, humid and rainy summers between September and April. From May to August conditions are dry and warm during the day, cooler at night. During winter the vegetation is sparser and watering holes busier, so game spotting is easier.
Where to stay
Accommodation options range from self-catering rondavels (round thatched huts) and chalets to fully-catered luxury lodges.
Activities
Activities include spectacular Big Five Safaris, Guided Wilderness and Walking Trails, Game Drives and Boat Excursions.
(For more information about the activities on offer please click here.)
Contact Information
Tel: +27 (0) 35 562 0848
Fax: +27 (0) 35 562 0113
Email:webmail@kznwildlife.com
