Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve Safari – Day Tour

R 2 600 per person based on a minimum of 2 Clients.
R 4 750 Solo Traveler rate

ITINERARY

6.00 AM: Pick-up

It’s an early start! You will be collected from your accommodation venue. This only applies to pick-up’s and drop-off’s in Durban City, feel free to contact us if you are unsure as to whether your pick-up location is covered. Should your pick-up location not be covered, we will still collect you, however, there may be an additional charge dependent on where you are based.

9.30 AM: Hluhluwe Imfolozi

From time of pick-up, it is approximately a 2.5-hour drive to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve. During transit, your guide will share a bit of history with you and you are encouraged to ask questions to reap the full benefit of the safari. Rest assured that you will travel in absolute comfort as Tim Brown Tours use a Ford Tourneo or a Ford Everest to conduct all tours. This is subject to availability and Tim Brown Tours reserves the right to make alternative vehicle arrangements.

1.00 PM: Hilltop Camp

Once you have reached your destination, Hluhluwe Imfolozi, your guide will attend to the necessary entry requirements into the park after which you will take a slow Game drive towards Hilltop Camp. Your guide will educate you on the history of the area as well as conduct a 4-hour game drive in a closed air-conditioned vehicle so you can experience the amazing wildlife that Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve has to offer in comfort. Have your cameras ready! Dependent on time, we shall stop Hilltop Camp where you will have the opportunity to stretch your legs. The views from the terrace will leave no doubt in your mind that the name “Hilltop” has been aptly chosen. Here you will also have the chance to view the sightings board which will give you an idea of animals spotted on the day as well as have the opportunity to add your own sightings. Should time allow, we may rest for lunch (This is at the discretion of your guide and not included in the tour. All meals are for your own account).

4.00 PM: Depart for Durban

Once again, you will be given the chance to spot some game when you depart the Hilltop Camp and make your way for the exit gate. After the game drive,sadly, its back to Durban.

6.30 PM: Drop Off

Approximate time of arrival in Durban.

HISTORY

Hluhluwe Imfolozi is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve spanning 96 000 ha. In 1890 the white rhino numbered less than 100 in the areas in and around Hluhluwe Imfolozi and it is mostly thanks to this park, which received formal recognition as a protected wildlife sanctuary in 1895, due to the possibility of extinction of this magnificent creature, that we have the fortune of seeing the white rhino in its natural habitat today. At this stage, there were approximately only 20 Southern White Rhino surviving on earth and they were all within the Imfolozi area.

By 1960, their numbers had improved so drastically that intervention was required to avoid over population. Rhinos were relocated to protected areas outside of the park and this initiative was run by the then Natal Parks Board. The relocation process was not always an easy one and there were casualties. However, the operation was considered a huge success. Hluhluwe Imfolozi now has the largest population of white rhino in the world. But, they are under constant siege and it is our duty as protectors of this world, to ensure that we do not face the same catastrophe as we did in the late 1800s.

*Ask your Guide* – There are two different rhino species within the park, the black and the white. Ask your guide on their identifiable traits, habits and see whether you are able to correctly identify the species should you have a chance to see one of these magnificent creatures.

The elephant – gentle, wise and with the ability to walk with such grace considering its size has always fascinated those visiting the park. The males are identifiable by their rounded head, thicker and larger tusks and larger body size. The females have a flat top head which comes down at angle to the trunk. The Big 5 – Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo were classified as such as they were and are the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot, the Buffalo being the most dangerous.

Besides the Big 5, and the various other large species of mammal found in the park, the park is home to over some 1200 species of plant, it is abundant in birdlife, reptiles as well as little guys – don’t overlook the little guys. Remember, that here the dung beetle gets right of way.