Hotels in Hluhluwe

Hluhluwe: Gateway to Africa's Oldest Game Reserve

Hluhluwe is a small town in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, positioned roughly 280 km north of Durban along the N2 highway. The town draws visitors almost entirely as the southern access point to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, proclaimed in 1895 and the oldest protected nature reserve in Africa. The park covers approximately 96,000 hectares and is credited with saving the southern white rhino from extinction in the 20th century.

Where to Stay and Getting Around

Accommodation ranges from tented bush camps inside the reserve to small lodges and guesthouses on the town's outskirts along Hluhluwe village and the Memorial Gate road. Self-drive visitors from Durban typically allow 3–3.5 hours on the N2. The nearest commercial airport is King Shaka International in Durban. No public transit serves the park gates; a 4×4 is not required on main reserve roads, but a high-clearance vehicle improves access during the wet season (November–March).

Practical Tips

• Best game-viewing months: May through September — dry season concentrates wildlife near water sources.
• Malaria risk: The area falls in a malaria zone; consult a travel clinic at least four weeks before arrival.
• Gate hours: Memorial Gate and Nyalazi Gate open at 06:00 and close at 18:00 (summer) or 17:00 (winter).
• Book camps early: SANParks accommodation inside the reserve fills months ahead during South African school holidays.