In lush Zululand is Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park (formerly known as Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve), a reserve with one of the most biologically diverse habitats on the planet - a unique mix of forest, woodland, savanna, and grassland with about 1 250 species of plants and trees.
It is best known for saving the white rhinoceros from extinction and a visit to this park should produce great sightings of rhinos, among other animals, including the rest of the Big Five. The park is run by the provincial Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (Ezemvelo is Zulu for "environment"). Compared with the famed Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is tiny - less than 6% of Kruger's size - but such comparisons can be misleading. You can spend days driving around this park and still not see everything, or feel like you're going in circles. Game viewing is good year-round, so visitors need not be concerned about seasonal peaks and valleys. Another bonus is its proximity to Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site), which has inexpensive boat trips and guided walks (which generally last two to three hours) to see hippos and crocodiles up close as well as many species of birds.
Most visitors see the park from their own cars - private vehicles are allowed in the park from sunrise to sunset. Consider joining a ranger-led game drive; it has several advantages over self-driving. You sit in a high seat in an open vehicle for the best possible views. The ranger can explain the finer points of animal behavior and local ecology; he also knows the best spots to find leopards, cheetahs, lions, and other animals. Drives are offered in the morning and at night.
Experienced rangers can lead you on wilderness trails over a period of days if you reserve well in advance and feel comfortable walking relatively rugged terrain. These trails are one of the finest wilderness experiences you can get in Africa.
By David Bristow
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