Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park

SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARIS AND HLUHLUWE-UMFOLOZI NATIONAL PARK

The Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park is the only state-run conservational project and national park with the ‘Big Five’ in South Africa. This park boasts the largest white rhino (endangered) population in the world, over 10 000 white rhinos can be found within it’s boundaries. The Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park started as a conservational project to protect the white rhinos from extinction… This is one of the most successful National Parks in South Africa, visiting this area on a South African safari can help their wildlife cause…

The Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park covers an area of over 960 km2 – situated in the central Zululand, KwaZulu Natal, the terrain is typically very hilly. Founded in 1895, the Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park is the oldest game reserve in South Africa. This Park is one of the most popular ‘Big Five’ wildlife safari and tour destinations.

The Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park area was once home to the Zulu people who were the hunters and gatherers of the region many years ago. There are still many signs of Stone Age settlements scattered throughout this South African National Park – making it a historical and fascinating safari destination.

During the 1960’s 'Operation Rhino' successfully relocated white rhinos into havens in South Africa and abroad. Today the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park holds at least a fifth of the world's black and white rhino population. Due to its rich diversity of tree and plant life, over 300 species of birds and a large variety of safari game can be found in this park! Viewing hides enable visitors to see the ‘Big Five’ (lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino and leopard), giraffes, hippos, wild dogs, cheetahs, nyala's, jackals, zebras and many more animals wandering through pans or drinking at the waterholes. You can explore the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park via car, day walks, game drives, boat tours or wilderness trails - for which the park is seen as a bench mark throughout Africa.

In 1981, the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife group attempted to reintroduce African wild dogs into the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park. This unfortunately was not as successful as they thought it would be… However, the African Wild dog can still be seen in varying numbers and this South African Park is actively working at increasing their numbers!

The Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park offers its guests an unforgettable safari experience hosting one of the best conservation teams in the world! Choose from a wide range of accommodation, from bush camps to luxury lodges.

Have a look at our South African safaris that include the Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park below. There are also other South African attractions beneath that you might want to visit on your South African Safari.