Hluhluwe is not just any dorp … it is steeped in African tradition and history. Hluhluwe is the birthplace of Zulu kings Kingiswayo and Shaka, and lies very close to the collective heart of this proud nation, in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.
Although striking fever trees dominate the surrounding bushveld, the village actually got its name from the Dalbergia armata (commonly known as the Hluhluwe Creeper), a ‘thorny rope’ that weaves through the bush and riverine forests of coastal Zululand. The area was first inhabited in the 1650s by a mix of Tonga, Swazi, Zulu and other tribes, with a diversity of cultures remaining one of the main attractions. A visit to the famed Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is a must, with self-guided walks, 4x4 trails, game drives and stunning picnic sites.
Hluhluwe acts as a hub for KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism and is a middle ground where one is nearby reserves such as Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Thanda Safari - Big 5 Game Reserve and Phinda Private Game Reserve. Visitors to Hluhluwe can enjoy a wide variety of activities in and around the area such as Big 5 safaris, horse riding trails, nature walks, a crocodile and snake park, canoeing, boat cruises and mountain bike trails.
For a cultural experience, visit a cultural village, interact with the locals and browse through the various curio shops. Apart from tourism, the industry in Hluhluwe is mainly agricultural, focusing on timber, sugar and pineapples. In fact, Hluhluwe produces over 90% of South Africa’s queen pineapples. Other crops include sisal, cotton, tomato and chilli.
DumaZulu is a traditional Zulu village situated near Hluhluwe in KwaZulu-Natal. The Hluhluwe area offers numerous fun walking and hiking tra...