By Vicky · Published Sep. 24th, 2025
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is one of the top safari destinations in South Africa and one of the best places in the world to see wild rhinos.
Page Contents:
Location
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is in KwaZulu-Natal, almost 3 hours drive northeast of Durban, and 1 hours drive from St Lucia (a touristy town on the coast). There’s no public transport to the park so you have to drive. Find cheap rental cars here*! Alternatively, going on an organised day trip from St Lucia* is quite popular.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Map
Tips for Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
- Hluhluwe-iMfolozi entrance fees are R280/140 per adult/child per day for foreigners and half-price for South Africans. If you stay one night in the park, you only pay the entrance fee for one day but get to stay for two. Entrance to the park is free with a WildCard.
- Gate times: Nov – Feb (summer) 5am to 7pm, Mar-Oct (winter) 6am to 6pm.
- They accept Debit/Credit cards in the park, though they only work if there is electricity (normally 6am to 10pm).
- Bring binoculars* and a wildlife guide*.
- If you’re staying inside the park, bring a headlamp* as lighting is limited.
- South African holidays and weekends see many more visitors, while during the week out of season, it is fairly quiet.
- Petrol and diesel are available at Hilltop Camp, while petrol (no diesel) is available from Mpila from 7am to 6pm.
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife manages the park.
- Book accommodation and activities online in advance from the official website or call +27 33 845 1000.
- You’ll get a map of the park at the gate when you arrive.
- For more fun guides and hikes, check our South Africa page.
Things to do in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
What can you do in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park?
- Go on a Self-drive Safari
- Take a Guided Game Drive
- Go on a Guided Walking Safari
- Bird Watching
- Visit the Centenary Centre
- iMfolozi Wilderness Trails
1. Go on a Self-Drive Safari
Most people visit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park to go on a self-drive safari. It’s a good idea to buy a map at the entrance to the reserve, and a Wildlife Guide can make a self-drive safari much more fun. You can identify the animals and read a little about them, plus cross them off the list when you’ve seen them! I’d recommend the Signs of the Wild Wildlife Guide*, though it only includes mammals.
When setting out on your self-drive safari, make sure you have enough water and snacks for your trip. A flask of warm tea can also be very welcome for those early morning outings.
The best time of year to visit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi for the animals is the dry season, June to September (this is opposite to when you want to see the birds).
Notes
- Gate times are 5am to 7pm Nov – Feb (summer) and 6am to 6pm Mar-Oct (winter).
- Speed limit in the park is 40 km/hr.
- A couple of the loops are one-way.
Best Places to Visit on a Self-Drive Safari in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi
Generally, the southern iMfolozi side has more open areas and grassland, so it’s often easier to spot animals. The northern Hluhluwe side is more forested and hillier. The Sontuli Loop is a great choice in iMfolozi (note it’s one-way). There’s a picnic spot by the Umfolozi River (bring all your own food and drink) with great views.
Picnic Sites
Many of the picnic sites have great views overlooking a river, so they’re definitely worth checking out.
- Siwasamakhosikazi Picnic Site: Toilets and picnic tables with views of a river meander and cliffs over the riverbed.
- Maphumalo Picnic Site: A lovely site with tables, grill spots and toilets, overlooking a river (or dry river bed depending on the season). There’s lots of shade and nice birds too, but you do have to keep an eye out for dangerous animals.
- Sontuli Picnic Site: Another great picnic spot with tables, grill spots, toilets and shade. There are nice views of the river, but again you have to watch out for animals.
- Mpila Picnic Site: A picnic site at one of the camps. Even though it’s near the camp, the picnic site feels quite secluded and there are views over the bush for miles.
- Hilltop Camp Picnic Site: A picnic spot at the largest camp in the park.
Do I need a 4×4 for Game Drives in Hluhlu-iMfolozi?
You do not need a 4×4 for game drives in the park. The main routes, for example those between the gates and the two main camps, are tarred. The other roads are gravel but are well maintained, making them drivable for basically any car. However, in the rainy season you do need to take care in some places. Plus, a 4×4 or any higher car will give you slightly better views of the wildlife. There is one designated 4×4 game drive, see below.
4×4 Game Drive Loops
Okhukho Loop, towards the western edge of iMfolozi, is meant to be a 4×4 only game drive loop. It’s not that difficult at all, there’s just one steep section, but the track is eroded in places. You need high ground clearance, but might not need 4×4 mode.
2. Take a Guided Game Drive
Guided game drives can be organised at Hilltop Camp or from Mpila. They last approximately 2-3 hours and are R575 per person (no children under 6). They take place three times a day – the morning, mid-day and evening when it’s getting dark. The evening drives can be particularly exciting as you experience the first part of the night when the nocturnal animals wake up.
3. Go on a Guided Game Walk
Guided game walks can also be organised from both Hilltop and Mpila camps. Morning walks start at 5 am in summer (Nov-Feb) and 6 am in winter (March-Oct). Afternoon walks start at 2 pm year-round. It can be warm on these walks, so make sure to bring a sunhat and wear sunscreen. Additionally, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and avoid bright clothing. These walks can get fully booked as they’re limited to 8 people per day, so book in advance.
4. Bird Watching
Bird watching is great year-round in Hluhlu-iMfolozi Park. It’s especially good from November to April, i.e. the local summer, when all the migrant birds from the northern hemisphere are here. There are several hides within the park: Thiyeni in the northern Hluhluwe section, Ubhejane and Mphafa in the southern iMfolozi section. Hilltop Camp, being high up, is a good vantage point for spoting birds of prey such as bateleur eagles.
Trumpeter hornbills live in the park and these look cool, plus they’re quite large and distinctive, with what looks like a double beak, so easy to spot for beginner bird watchers. Crested barbets are another spectacular, though smaller bird, and look like they’ve just been to a punk rock concert. Make sure to bring binoculars* if you’re keen on birdwatching! Additionally, this small guide* is a great companion for those who want to identify the most common birds, but aren’t expert birdwatchers.
5. Visit the Centenary Centre
The Centenary Centre has an interpretation centre about game capture, an information desk, a craft market and a refreshment stand. There’s also a game capture complex, which temporarily houses (often endangered) animals that will soon be released into the park. This section is visited on a guided tour (nominal fee) and only at certain times of the year. The refreshment stand is open from 8am to 4pm every day.
6. iMfolozi Wilderness Trails
The iMfolozi Wilderness Trails are very popular as they take you into a part of the park that is only accessible by foot or on horseback, and you get to sleep out in the middle of the wilderness. Armed guards accompany you all the way, and they are also very knowledgeable about wildlife.
There are five different Wilderness Trails to choose from, which have a minimum person requirement of 4-6, and a maximum of 8. The trails range between 3 and 5 days. You can book as an individual or pair, but if the minimum people required isn’t met, the walk will be cancelled and you’ll be fully refunded.
The different trails either sleep in designated Wilderness Camps, where you sleep in dome tents, or really out in the wild. In the latter case, you sleep under the stars around a campfire. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into before you sign up for one of these walks. Check here for more details about the Wilderness Trails.
The Short Trail, of 2 nights, costs R3200, while the most expensive trail is the Base Camp Trail with 3 nights for R5100. The Primitive Trail of 3 or 4 nights costs R3300/R3900: on this trail, you camp really in the bush with no facilities. Prices don’t include the conservation fee. Prices are the same in low or high season, and children under 16 are not allowed.
Animals in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is known for its high concentration of rhinos. These are fairly easy to see – much easier than in Kruger! If you drive around for a day, you’ll likely see several rhinos.
Elephants are also almost a certainty, as are buffalo if you drive around the park enough. Lions are harder to spot, and leopards are very tricky but possible to see. Wild dogs also live in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, as do a few cheetahs, but these are fairly hard to spot.
To help identify all the different types of antelopes and other mammals, it’s a great idea to have a wildlife guide*.
Does Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park have the Big 5?
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park does have the Big 5 animals – lions, buffalo, elephants, rhinos and leopards. It’s actually one of the easiest places in the world to spot rhinos in the wild. Elephants and buffalo are also rather easy to find, while lions are more difficult to find. In Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, leopards are the hardest of the Big 5 to spot.
Accommodation in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
The largest camp in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is Hilltop Resort, followed by Mpila. There’s also a smaller, more secluded lodge called Nselweni Bush Lodge. Additionally, there are three exclusive lodges you can book for up to 8 people each. Accommodation can be booked on the official KZNWildlife website. Note, you have to select Mpila as the resort to find the smaller lodges.
There’s no camping within Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
Hilltop Resort
Hilltop Resort is the largest rest camp in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and has a reception, mini supermarket, petrol (and diesel), bar/lounge and restaurant. You can organise guided activities here, such as 3 hr Safari Walks & Game Drives. There are great views from the camp, a swimming pool, and a very short self-guided hiking trail.
There are 2-bed rondavels with shared ablutions and kitchen area, and 2 or 4-bed self-catering chalets. Note that breakfast is included in the price for all accommodation at Hilltop.
The cheapest accommodation option at Hilltop is the 2-bed rondavels, at R1160/R1280 for two people in the low/high season. These rondavels have a communal ablutions and kitchen area.
The 2-bed self-catering and non self-catering chalets are the same price, both at R2100/2630 for two people in the low/high season.
4-bed self-catering chalets are R3150 for three or R4200 for four people in the low season, and R3945 for three or R5260 for four people in the high season.
Mtwazi 8-Bed Lodge
Mtwazi is an exclusive lodge in Hilltop Resort. You get your own cook, daily house service, and a game ranger for your personal, wilderness safari walks and game drives. Prices start at R7,800.
Mpila Camp
This is the more rustic of the two main camps in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. There’s no restaurant and only a very basic shop, so all the accommodation is self-catering. There’s no swimming pool, but there is a petrol station (no diesel). The camp is protected against elephants but not other wild animals. For this reason, you should remain inside after dark and always be vigilant.
Accommodation options include 2-bed chalets and tents, and 5 & 7 Bed chalets. However, most are 2-bed, costing R1250/1680 for two in the low/high season.
Lodges
Nselweni Bush Lodge: On the banks of the Umfolozi River, Nselweni Bush Lodge is a secluded self-catering camp. It’s roughly 35 minutes drive from Mpila. There are ten 2-bed chalets, of which 6 have no view, 2 have a semi-view and 2 have a great river view. There’s also a communal lounge. Prices for two people are R1600/2250 for no view, R1700/2400 for a semi-view and R1800/2500 for the river view. Bear in mind that these chalets can be far apart, and you can’t walk about after dark.
The following Bush Lodges are exclusive and come with a guide and cook:
- Masinda Bush Lodge: 8-bed lodge, R4320/5700 for 6 people, an extra R720/950 per person up to 8.
- Hlatikulu Bush Lodge: 8-bed lodge, R5460/6600 for 6 people, an extra R910/1100 per person up to 8.
- Gqoyeni Bush Lodge: 8-bed lodge, R7200/9600 for 6 people, an extra R1200/1600 per person up to 8.
Luxury Lodge in the Park
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge* is by far the most luxurious place to stay within Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Prices start at around R7,000 (~roughly 360 Euros) for two people per night in the off-season. These rates include full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and two activities such as game drives or bush walks per day.
Camping near Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
There is no camping within Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park itself; however, Nyalazi Camp is a great campsite just along the border fence. The staff are extremely helpful, the ablutions wonderfully clean, and the pitches are fairly private with a sandy base. There are even views into the park, and with luck you can spot some of the larger animals like elephants. It’s just a 3 km drive to the Nyalazi Gate, and prices are reasonable at R180/90 per adult/child per night.
Accommodation further Afield
There are not many other accommodation options very close to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. However, a few great places a little further away include:
870 on Riverview Drive* – a lovely self-catering cottage 30 minutes drive away.
Monzi Safari Lodge* – beautiful cabins with private splash pools and terraces, a few antelope and plenty of birds, 55 minutes drive away.
The Sandpiper* – an idyllic hotel with a big pool and sub-tropical garden in St Lucia with a delicious breakfast, 1 hour drive away.
Recommended Guidebook
I hope you enjoyed our guide to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in South Africa. When in the area, check out the Drakensberg Mountains, for example, Injisuthi Camp or Royal Natal National Park. For more hikes and activities, check out our Guide to South Africa.
FAQS: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park entrance fees are R140/R70 for South Africans and R280/140 for foreigners per adult/child per day. If you stay one night in the park, you only pay the entrance fee for one day but get to stay for two. Entrance to the park is free with a WildCard.
Yes, there are lions in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, along with the other Big 5 animals, namely elephants, leopards, buffalos and rhinos. There are also wild dogs, cheetahs and many more exciting animals in the park.
Both parks are different, so it’s hard to say which is better. Kruger is much larger (about 10 times), but also sees more tourists. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is less busy and you may even be alone at sightings of exciting animals. It’s easier to spot rhinos at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, while it’s easier to find leopards in Kruger. Both parks are well worth a visit. An advantage of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is that it’s not in a malaria area.
No, there is not malaria in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. This is a great advantage over Kruger.
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