Hluhluwe

Hluhluwe is a small town in northern KwaZulu-Natal, between Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, on the river of the same name. The district grows timber, sugar and more than 95 percent of South Africa’s queen pineapples, and the town itself is small, with about 3,800 people at the 2011 census. Nobody comes for the town. They come because it is a handy base for the northern side of one of the country’s best known Big Five reserves, with the iSimangaliso wetlands and coast within reach as well.

Getting there

Hluhluwe is reached on the N2 national road. Richards Bay is the closest airport with scheduled flights, about 80 km away, with services to Johannesburg. Locally the R22 is tarred, and the gravel roads in the area are fine in an ordinary car.

When to go

On a day trip into the park, the clock matters more than the season. The current published hours are 7 am to 5 pm, and the park means it. Overstay and you will be fined, and if you turn up after closing you cannot drive in alone; the resort has to arrange an escort. Check the times again when you book.

What to do

From town, the R22 takes you about 17 km to Memorial Gate, the northern entrance to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, a drive of 15 to 20 minutes. The park covers some 96,000 hectares and holds lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. The plant life runs from grassland to forest, and Hilltop Camp, reputedly the oldest tourist resort in KwaZulu-Natal, offers everything from rondavels and chalets to eight bed lodges. Buy a map at the gate. It marks the roads and camps, and you will want it to find the hides, loop roads and lookouts on a self-drive day.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Indian Ocean beaches make a good second stop. Around the area, Wikivoyage lists diving, horse riding, boat cruises, canoeing, mountain biking, a crocodile and snake park and Zulu cultural visits. The Hluhluwe Rhino Charge mountain bike race brings hundreds of riders each year.

Good to know

Restaurants in town are few, and many lodges serve meals mainly to their own guests, so check what is included when you book. Bring an ID or driving licence, as it is asked for at the park gate.

Last updated 6 October 2026. Sources: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage, Hluhluwe Game Reserve (gates and directions), Hluhluwe Game Reserve (gate rules), KZN Parks.