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Hluhluwe Imfolozi
Established in 1895, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is the oldest game park in Africa and is the only under formal conservation in KwaZulu Natal where the Big 5 occur. Set in the heart of Zululand, the game reserve offers visitors activities - from self guided walks, auto-trails, game drives as well as picnic sites. Viewing hides overlook pans and waterholes enabling visitors to see animals at close range. The Park covers some 96 000 ha and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora. It became world renowned for its white rhino conservation. Hluhluwe is characterised by hilly topography, and this northen section of the park is noted for its wide variety of both bird and animal life. Imfolozi, the southern component of the park is generally hot in summer, and mild to cool in winter, although cold spells do occur. Wildlife The wide range of plant life in the park gives rise to a diversity of mammals, birdlife, reptiles and amphibians. The Big Five - lion, rhino (back & white), elephant, buffalo and leopard - are all to be seen. Its abundance of wildlife include: Nile crocodile, hippo, white and black rhino, leopard, lion, cheetah, hyena, elephant, buffalo, blue wildebeest, jackal, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, nyala, eland, kudu, impala, duiker, suni, reedbuck, warthog, bushpig, mongoose, baboons, monkeys, a variety of tortoises, terrapins, snakes and lizards. In excess of 300 species of birds have been recorded. The variety of habitats within the area is one of the prime reasons why it is one of the prime birding destinations in South Africa. The Hluhluwe River Flood Plain is one of the only areas in the whole of South Africa where Yellow throated, Pink throated and Orange throated Long claw species can be seen together. The above can be enjoyed on self-drives, game drives on open 4x4's and boat cruises as well as self-guided walks. There are a number of picnic sites and self-guided walks providing magnificent views. |
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