Hluhluwe
is a tiny town surrounded by fabulous game reserves and some wonderful
cultural attractions. You could visit a traditional Zulu weaving operation
where you could buy baskets, mats and other woven goods, or do a tour of
Dumazulu Cultural Village – a living museum of traditional Zulu culture
and lifestyle. The nearby Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is the oldest
game reserve in South Africa and is renowned as the place where an eleventh-hour
conservation push rescued the white rhino from the very brink of extinction
in the 1960s. Think about it – we came a hair’s breadth from never ever
seeing a white rhino, and every one in southern Africa is descended from
those few that survived in Hluhluwe.
Things have changed, though.
Now it’s the black rhino under threat – so get in there and have a look
at one while you still have a chance. Another claim to fame of this fabulous
park, which was originally two different parks, Umfolozi and Hluhluwe,
is that it was here the first wilderness safaris were run. It took a couple
of years, but eventually the idea caught on and now many other reserves,
among them the Kruger National Park, now offer this exciting experience.
Hluhluwe is at the southern
end of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, where
you can do a boat ride to see hippos and crocs, kayak on the lakes, or
do a hike or a horse trail. Keen birders should visit Mkuze, which has
the reputation of being one of the best birding spots in South Africa,
and divers will love the nearby Sodwana Bay, with its lovely coral reefs,
extensive dive infrastructure and party atmosphere.
Note: If you are planning
to travel to Hluhluwe/Umfolozi please be aware that this region is malarial.
Consult your doctor or travel clinic for advice and refer to our article
on malaria.
Bushlands
Game Lodge, HLUHLUWE Centrally situated in Zululand
within 300 acres of bush and game area and surrounded by over 300 000 acres
of national parks, including Hluhluwe, Umfolozi, Mkuzi, Nduma, Sodwana
Bay and The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Bushlands Game Lodge offers
guests the ultimate African bush experience. Fully air-conditioned,
en-suite accommodation blends seamlessly with the African bush and includes
a telephone, air-conditioner, radio and tea/coffee making facilities.
The rooms are connected by raised wooden walkways which lead to the main
dining room, bar, swimming pool and Boma. The boma provides the perfect
meeting place where guests can enjoy drinks around the fire before dinner,
or simply unwind at the end of a wonderful day.
Bushwillow,
Lodge, HLUHLUWE Bushwillow is a stylish,
unique bush lodge, situated in 150 hectares of beautiful indigenous sand
forest. The lodge is fully serviced and offers a bush experience where
the only disturbance will be that of the game visiting the lodges’ own
small waterhole. Guests may enjoy walks on the self-guided walking trails
where they are likely to have encounters with zebra, giraffe, wildebeest,
nyala, warthogs and other ‘safe’ game. The abundance of bird life and the
variety of trees and other flora makes for a great African experience but
with the luxury and comforts of a 4-star graded establishment. Guests may
either cater for themselves or be spoilt with leisurely breakfasts and
first-class evening meals. Bushwillow is ideally situated for visitors
exploring the splendour of The Elephant Coast, KwaZulu Natal. Located just
16km from Hluhluwe town on the way towards Sodwana Bay, it also proves
a perfect destination for a visit to the beach.
Emdoneni
Lodge & Game Farm, HLUHLUWE Situated in the heart of
Zululand and the newly proclaimed St Lucia World Heritage Site. Emdoneni
Lodge is situated on a small game farm, with sand forest vegetation. Walk
with the wildlife including Impala, Nyala, Grey Duiker and other antelope.
Birdlife is abundant. Approximately 2 hours drive from Durban and 5 hours
from Johannesburg. Only 4 hours drive from the Kruger National Park via
Swaziland and 30 minutes from the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve and Lake
St Lucia. Accommodation is in the form of 3 self-catering rondavels
and 12 chalets. Our accommodation offers intimacy and comfort and is set
in a lovely well-maintained garden with swimming pool and braai (barbeque)
facilities. Emdoneni Lodge offers a Dinner, Bed and Breakfast rate,
which enable guests to sample the delights of true South African cuisine.
Falaza
Game Park, Lodge, HLUHLUWE Falaza Game Park is a privately
owned, owner run game farm centrally situated 15km from Hluhluwe, bordering
the St. Lucia World Heritage Site. Accommodation is in luxury en
suite tents, with all the modern convieniences and luxuries. there are
15 tents each sleeping two persons. Meals of very high standard are
served in the tatched restaurant, reed walled boma or under the stars -
at a bush dinner. Game Drives, guided walks, boat cruises and horse
trails are offered on the property. Friendly white rhino graze on
the lawn daily. Great for game viewing and birding with over 300
different bird species. White rhino, leopard, hippo, crocodile, giraffe
are a few of the species you can view on your activities.
Leopard
Mountain Game Lodge, HLUHLUWE Winner of the 2001, 2002
and 2003 and Hall of Fame for 2004 and 2005 in the AA Travel Guides Accommodation
awards for Game & Nature Reserves. There is a place for you in
the heart of Africa - Leopard Mountain Game Lodge is the ideal getaway
where everybody from the old to the young, will enjoy a fascinating experience
in the wild. Close to 'Big Five' country - the place to see elephants,
leopards, rhino, buffalo and giraffe in the wild. Discover them all
in the unspoilt wilderness that surrounds our luxurious lodge. You can
track elephant on foot, or follow them in air-conditioned comfort.
You can climb mountains, go on trails or enjoy leisurely walks. You can
visit the world's greatest Black Rhino and White Rhino reserves, or snorkel
and scuba dive on the world famous Sodwana reefs, or go tiger-fishing on
Lake Josini.
Nkonka
Game Ranch, HLUHLUWE Set within the borders of
developed private Game Parks, Nkonka Game Ranch is situated at Bayala between
Hluhluwe and Mkuze which are both well renowned areas for Big 5 experiences.
Nkonka is a 3 hour drive from Durban or 5 hours from Johannesburg making
it a perfect weekend getaway. Within the borders of a number of privately
developed game parks near Hluhluwe is Nkonka Game Ranch. Home to a variety
of wildlife including buffalo, rhino, giraffe and many others. The ranch
buildings consist of six en-suite chalets and offers full board and catering.
With a minimum of 12 people you can book the lodge for exclusive self-catering
getaways. Interiors of family and twin bedded chalets are spacious and
comfortable with air-conditioning and coffee & tea making facilities.
Game drives at Nkonka are done in open air 4x4 vehicles; which brings one
up close to the animals. Even mom’s with their offspring.
Sand
Forest Lodge, HLUHLUWE Discover the magical quality
of wetlands and ancient sand forests on the western shores of the greater
St Lucia Wetland Park - one of the worlds most remarkable estuaries, at
Sand Forest Lodge. The lodge is situated on a game fenced nature reserve,
just 10 minutes drive from the village of Hluhluwe and 20 minutes from
the oldest Game Reserve in Africa - Hluhluwe/Umfolozi. Accommodation
comprises a number of comfortable one and two bedroomed cottages, tastefully
decorated in Elegant Afro Colonial style. The en-suite bedrooms are equipped
with air-conditioning, mosquito nets, ceiling fans and are serviced daily.
In addition, each cottage has a kitchenette with a fridge and private verandah
with braai facilities. Facilities include: Marula Tree Bar and entertainment
area, swimming pool, lapha, boma and Sand Forest bird and tree trail.
A number of unique attractions invite exploration from Sand Forest Lodge...
Shayamoya
Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge, HLUHLUWE Shayamoya is a true gem
offering genuine hospitality, unique settings with stunning panoramic views
across the Pongolapoort Lake (also known as Jozini), Lebombo Mountains,
and the Phongolo Nature Reserve. Our speciality is the challenging
sport of tiger fishing where the record is 8.3kg, however we also offer
game drives, boat cruises, canoeing, elephant tracking and rhino and bush
walks. 10 Luxurious thatched chalets are individually situated with
their own private viewing deck, ensuite wooden bathroom and enclosed outdoor
showers that makes the experience truly romantic. A central lodge
accommodates the lounge, bar, cellar, sundeck, and the restaurant which
serves scrumptious SA cuisine. Weddings & Honeymoons: Shayamoya
Tiger Fishing and Game Lodge is a stunningly romantic venue with awesome
views and private settings for the honeymooners. The outdoor shower also
has that sexy appeal.
Sungulwane
Game Lodge, HLUHLUWE Sungulwane Hills Game Lodge
is situated between Hluhluwe & Mkuze in the Natal bushveld. This 1000ha
Conservancy is home to diverse species of wildlife, including white rhino,
buffalo, leopard and an incredible variety of birds. Our chalets
are all non-smoking & en-suite, with private entrances & patios,
air conditioning and tea & coffee facilities. Full linen, towels &
basic toiletries are provided and rooms are serviced daily. We have four
double and three twin rooms. The main building has two comfortable
lounge areas, a fireplace, dining room, bar, satellite television, a book-exchange,
a tea & coffee buffet and patio overlooking a waterhole. We have a
big swimming pool and provide pool towels. We serve choice cuisine
and will gladly cater for special dietary requirements by prior arrangement.
Thanda
Private Game Reserve, HLUHLUWE Winner of 'Africa's Leading
Luxury Lodge' at the 2007 World Travel Awards, Thanda Private Game Reserve
is situated 23km north of Hluhluwe in northern Zululand, South Africa,
and is set on a 6000 hectare Big Five private game reserve. Thanda,
meaning ‘love’ in Zulu, is an expression of the magical union of the power
of Zulu culture, wildlife, romance and exclusivity. Thanda Private Game
Reserve is South Africa’s top award winning safari destination and is situated
in northern Zululand, in close proximity to the Indian Ocean. The
inimitable integration of South Africa’s best climate and rehabilitated
and rich bush land has made Thanda home to amazing wildlife and over four
hundred bird species. Ignite your imagination and open your mind to an
extraordinary experience for your soul, mind and body.
Thula
Thula Private Game Reserve & Safari Lodge, HLUHLUWE Only 2 hours north from
Durban, and 45 minutes from Richardsbay, in a malaria free area, Thula
Thula, the oldest private game reserve in Kwazulu Natal, once part of the
private hunting grounds of legendary Zulu King Shaka, founder of the Zulu
Empire, is today home to the Big 4 with buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard,
giraffe, hyenas, crocodile, nyala, kudu, wildebeest, zebra and many more,
as well as 370 species of birds, including raptors. Exclusive bush
experience and absolute luxury, with only 8 thatched chalets decorated
in flavours of ethnic and colonial elegance, the Elephant Safari Lodge
offers superb accommodation with as much privacy and comfort you could
wish for.. Candle lit dinners are served either in the dining room
around the pool on the veranda, looking at wildlife coming to the waterhole,
or in the Boma around a fire under the stars.
Ubizane
Wildlife Reserve (Three Cities Group), HLUHLUWE Ubizane Wildlife Reserve
boasts a wide variety of game, including white rhino, giraffe, wildebeest,
and most species of antelope. You can view the game from the comfort of
equipped game viewing Land Rovers, on foot for a more thrilling encounter
or on horseback for a wonderfully unique experience. Adjacent Ubizane is
the renowned Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Game Reserve, the oldest in Africa where
the Big-5 roam the bush. (The Big-5 are made up of lion, elephant, rhino,
buffalo and leopard.) Ubizane consists of two distinctly different
lodges for you to choose from. Zululand Tree Lodge: Set in
the cool, whispering tranquillity of a fever tree forest, a mere 5 hours
drive from Johannesburg, Zululand Tree Lodge in the heart of Zululand is
a truly special retreat where you will be accommodated in 24 luxurious
stilted chalets.
Dinizulu
Cottage, Self-catering, HLUHLUWE Situated 1km from entrance
gate to False Bay Park, 13 km from Hluhluwe town, 30 km from Hluhluwe-Umfolozi
Game Reserve. Fully furnished house consisting of 2 self catering
apartments. Apartments have inter-leading door and can be used as
one unit. Features & Facilities: View of Lake St Lucia.
Paved patios with braai facilities. Fully fenced with security gate. Walks
on property, excellent bird-life. Other Activities In The Area:
Walks in False Bay Park. Horse rides. Open vehicle game drives
in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. Fishing at False Bay. Dumazulu
Cultural Village. Ilala weavers. Boat cruises. Whale
watching at St Lucia. Beaches: Sodwana & St Lucia.
iZungla
Lodge, Self-Catering Game Lodge, HLUHLUWE iZungla Lodge is a luxurious
and discreet self-catering game lodge, accommodating up to eight people,
situated within Weavers, a securely fenced nature park 18 kilometres from
Hluhluwe. It stands in 150 hectares of pristine, indigenous sand forest
in the heart of the Elephant Coast on the eastern seaboard of South Africa,
a conservation area of unparalleled diversity. iZungla is a secluded, secure
and private haven where one can be alone or with friends, lying at the
private swimming pool or sitting around the fireplace and enjoy quiet walks
and view the trees, the birds and the plains game. It is a wonderful place
for a retreat because there are many spots that invite self-exploration
and it’s perfect for couples in need of uninterrupted time together.
iZungla consists of a main lodge four bedroom suites....
The
Canopy, Self-Catering, HLUHLUWE A visit to the Canopy Lodge
is an experience to savour, remember and repeat. Located within Weavers
Nature Park – a 150 hectare private reserve where untamed bush and parkland
unite to create a jewel within the Kingdom of the Zulus. A superb situation
midway between the sandy beaches and coral reefs of Sodwana Bay and the
world famous, Big 5 Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Park. In terms of comfort
and the ultimate luxury experience, the Canopy has been constructed to
allow for maximum privacy. This mini lodge comprises a beautifully appointed
bedroom for 2 with DSTV, a complete, fully equipped kitchen for our self
catering guests, a bathroom to indulge in and a covered deck overlooking
a private plunge pool - truly a romantic honeymoon hideaway. Relax,
read and rest or make use of the many adventure opportunities from walking
trails under the umbrella of Sand Forest and discovering the hundreds of
bird species located within Weavers to experiencing the thrill of giraffe,
zebra, wildebeest and Nyala watching over your wanderings.
Hluhluwe
is a tiny town surrounded by fabulous game reserves and some wonderful
cultural attractions. You could visit a traditional Zulu weaving operation
where you could buy baskets, mats and other woven goods, or do a tour of
Dumazulu Cultural Village – a living museum of traditional Zulu culture
and lifestyle. The nearby Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is the oldest
game reserve in South Africa and is renowned as the place where an eleventh-hour
conservation push rescued the white rhino from the very brink of extinction
in the 1960s. Think about it – we came a hair’s breadth from never ever
seeing a white rhino, and every one in southern Africa is descended from
those few that survived in Hluhluwe.
