Home to the Big 5

World renowned for the valiant efforts of continual conservation to black and white endangered rhino, the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is a remarkable testament of Africa’s ever increasing commitment to the preservation of wildlife. The park is a sanctuary to more than 400 black rhino and over 1600 white rhino, this being the largest population of endangered rhino species in the world.

The grasslands, forests and woodlands of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five, as well as the last remaining population of wild dogs in Africa. Nesting within the lush habitat of the reserve are more than 425 bird species, a paradise to the avid twitcher. With two predominant sections, Hluhluwe in the north and Umfolozi in the south, the protected lands of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve have been proclaimed in 1895 and is the is the oldest reserve found in Africa.

Before the proclamation of Hluhluwe-uMfolozi Game Reserve, many brutal battles were fought in northern KwaZulu-Natal, in an area now known as the Battlefields. Six famous South African battles occurred within the Battlefields between the Voortrekker and the Zulu nations, the British and the Zulu nations and the Boer and the British. The most famous of these clashes are the Battle of Isandiwana and the Rorke’s Drift battle in 1879, which was the first attempt by the British to conquer the Zulu nation.”

“World renowned for the valiant efforts of continual conservation to black and white endangered rhino, the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is a remarkable testament of Africa’s ever increasing commitment to the preservation of wildlife. The park is a sanctuary to more than 400 black rhino and over 1600 white rhino, this being the largest population of endangered rhino species in the world.

The grasslands, forests and woodlands of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five, as well as the last remaining population of wild dogs in Africa. Nesting within the lush habitat of the reserve are more than 425 bird species, a paradise to the avid twitcher. With two predominant sections, Hluhluwe in the north and Umfolozi in the south, the protected lands of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve have been proclaimed in 1895 and is the is the oldest reserve found in Africa.

The best season to visit

KwaZulu-Natal is hot and humid in summer and mildly humid and warm in winter. The subtropical climate causes rain throughout, with 1400 mm of rainfall a year. Rainy seasons set in with hot and humid temperatures during September to April. Pleasantly warm days are expected during the dry season’s winter months from May to August

Cultural Visits

The towns surrounding the Battlefields exude traditional and ancient Zulu culture. Towns such as Eshowe, Melmoth, Ulundi, Babanango, Vryheid and Paulpieterberg are all easily accessed on a self-drive tour. You may even get a chance to meet a traditional sangoma.

Advice from Safari Russ:

“One of our favourite wildlife destinations, this picturesque habitat of hilly landscape and lush bush veld is an animal lover’s paradise. The best access is an easy 3 hour drive from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport. Hilltop Camp commands stunning views of the reserve and provides affordable accommodation with wildlife activities including bush walks, night drives and open vehicle guided excursions”