Best hotels in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi

Set on a hillside with bushy views to the horizon, Rhino Ridge is the first safari lodge in KwaZulu-Natal's Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Africa's oldest proclaimed game reserve. A newish lodge, its architecture has clearly been influenced by the vistas, which now incorporate a waterhole that is visited by rhino, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and even the elusive African wild dog. Accommodation and dining are faultless, and the staff, many of whom are part of the community that owns the land and benefits from the revenues, are smilingly dedicated to your comfort.

Hluhluwe River Lodge is a gorgeous 24-bed forest lodge with a wonderful view of Lake St Lucia. Set in indigenous gardens, it is the ideal base for visiting Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park. The spacious chalets are separate from the main lodge building and tucked away amid the forested environment. The lodge offers great food and comfortable accommodation coupled with friendly staff. It also offers a self-catering option if required. Mkhulu’s House is a private self-catering homestead, with a swimming pool and an entertainment area, tucked away in its own secret forest.

Relax in the comfort of your beautifully appointed room, bask by the poolside in the African sun or enjoy a game-drive on the Reserve, then top off the day with refreshing cocktails from the comfort of the lodge’s balcony as a legendary African sunset unfolds. The spa and gym face onto the Reserve offering further relaxation and the opportunity to exercise during your stay.

Biyela Lodge is named after local chief, Phlwayinkesi Biyela, a descendent of King Shaka. It is built into the hillside, perfectly positioned to maximise the sweeping views of the imposing plain of the White iMfolozi River below. Biyela Lodge consists of 12 luxury standalone suites all with their own private deck and most with their own private pool. Each suite provides unmatched views of the wildlife that traverse daily down to the river. The lodge is an oasis of privacy and eco-luxury. mFulaWozi and surrounds are home to a rich diversity of wildlife including the ‘Big 5’ – Black & Southern White Rhinoceros, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion and Leopard. Other intriguing species you can encounter, include skilled hunting packs of African Wild Dog, curious Honey Badgers, cheeky and daring Spotted Hyena, graceful Giraffe, Nile Crocodiles faking somnambulance in the sun, and scurrying mongooses. As one of the last havens of large numbers of ungulates and the predators they support, this Big 5 game reserve is one of the most important conservation areas in South Africa.

The Heritage Safari Lodge was originally built in the 1940’s as a hotel and was a landmark pitstop for weary travelers between Maputo and Durban. Acquired in 1996, the gracious building was lovingly restored to its original colonial grandeur, enhanced with new accommodation, and tastefully themed to highlight Zululand’s unique cultural heritage. With buffet-style meals in the restaurant, the wide, welcoming veranda and the ‘human watering hole’ – the pub or thatched boma, warm and relaxing atmosphere is conducive to shared good times and conviviality.

The Hemingway Tented Camp is on the same grounds as the Heritage Safari Lodge – tasteful, beautifully furnished tents offer stylish ‘glamping’ within exquisite gardens. Submerge yourself in the atmosphere of bygone days and allow yourself to relax on your tent’s veranda with views towards the Lebombo Mountain Range.