EXPLORE Hluhluwe

Hluhluwe, an area rich in history, has been known for its rich wildlife for centuries. Hunted first by the Zulu in the early 1800’s and then by the Great White Hunters in the 1840’s after travelling up from the Cape, they plundered the area of its wildlife resources for skins, ivory and rhino horn. Within 50 years the species in the Hluhluwe area were hunted into extinction and the elephant herds, and numerous other animal species were destined to be extinguished. By the late 1890’s, fewer than 100 White Rhino had survived, and thankfully, by 1895 the area received government protection as a game sanctuary from the Natal Colonial Government as the Imfolozi Junction Reserve, together with the Hluhluwe Valley Reserve.

Today the Nature Reserves in the area host 84 mammal species as well as over 350 bird species, reptiles and amphibians. The big 5 roam freely within these reserves and can be found alongside Cheetah and Wild Dog packs.

This small town in Northern KwaZulu-Natal is situated on the banks of the Hluhluwe River, on the Elephant Coast. Close proximity to the large number of national parks and game reserves, this area provides some great accommodation for those wishing to make day trips into these reserves.

The area is not only diverse in wildlife, but in accommodation options as well. From rustic and almost inaccessible Bush Lodges such as Hluhluwe Gate Bush Camp, to a taste or glorious luxury in the Rhino River Lodge, one is spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to stay in Hluhluwe.

Bordering Lake St Lucia, Hluhluwe is within driving distance of the East Coast of South Africa and the town of St Lucia, where more accommodation can be found in abundance.

Hluhluwe also hosts the RIS Hluhluwe Rhino Charge Mountain Bike Race. This race is part of the Big 5 mountain bike challenge which attracts riders from all around the world.