National Park in South Africa
Africa’s oldest game reserve
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is one of the oldest proclaimed nature reserves in Africa, founded in 1895, and the place where the southern white rhino was brought back from the brink of extinction. It remains one of the best places in the world to see rhinos, with one of the largest white rhino populations in the world and a good number of black rhino.
The park covers about 960 square kilometres of rolling hills, valleys and rivers in KwaZulu-Natal, and holds the Big Five. It is quieter than Kruger, and the wilderness walking trails in the iMfolozi section are among the best in Africa.
The park is renowned for white and black rhino, and also holds elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and African wild dog. Giraffe, zebra, nyala, kudu, waterbuck and wildebeest are common. Hippo and crocodile live in the Hluhluwe and iMfolozi rivers.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Green, rolling hills with open grassland, thick bushveld and the two rivers, the Hluhluwe and the White iMfolozi.
Activities here
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is hot and humid in summer, with days up to 34°C, and mild and dry in winter. The rains fall from October to March.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 | 20 | 120 |
| Feb | 30 | 20 | 110 |
| Mar | 29 | 19 | 100 |
| Apr | 28 | 16 | 60 |
| May | 26 | 12 | 30 |
| Jun | 24 | 9 | 20 |
| Jul | 24 | 9 | 15 |
| Aug | 25 | 11 | 20 |
| Sep | 26 | 14 | 35 |
| Oct | 27 | 16 | 65 |
| Nov | 28 | 18 | 100 |
| Dec | 29 | 19 | 110 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to September is dry and clear. The bush is thinner, and game viewing is at its best.
October to March is hot and green with afternoon thunderstorms.
May to September is the best time for game viewing. The park is rewarding all year.
Best time to visit May to Sep
The park is about 280 kilometres north of Durban, a drive of three hours, or about 90 minutes from Richards Bay. It lies on the road to iSimangaliso and eSwatini.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Many nationalities, including most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Please check the rules for your passport.
The park is a low-risk malaria area, with the highest risk from October to May. Please take advice before you travel.
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Private ConservancySabi Sand Game ReserveThe leopard capital of AfricaOur take
“Our take”
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is the best rhino park in South Africa. Stay at least two nights.
Safaris from
US$3,666 per person
Plan your time in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
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Made to measure
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