Top 9 Things to do in Hluhluwe, South Africa

January 11, 2018 Sheron Bogner

Hluhluwe (Zulu pronunciation: [ɬuɬuw'e]) is a small town in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is situated between iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park on the banks of the Hluhluwe River. Hluhluwe is situated on the elephant coast, an area known for its national parks, natural diversity and cultural heritage. Although relatively undeveloped the area is of growing interest to international tourists and travelers. The area hosted several local and international movie productions including I dreamed of Africa and Ghost Son as well as several documentaries that were filmed in the surrounding national parks.
Restaurants in Hluhluwe

1. Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park

Hluhluwe, South Africa +27 33 845 1999
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 366 reviews

Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park

Reviewed By bestregards f

Hluhluwe imfolozi was our favourite game park in South Africa with its beautiful setting of rolling hills, winding rivers and great game viewing opportunities.
It turned out to be the greatest disappointment of our 3-month and 7-game park trip. If the park is still beautiful, its management & staff are terrible and totally ruined our experience. We stayed at the Hilltop (that is SOOOO expensive for what it is) and do yourself a favour: don’t!
- The rooms are old, smelly, and not well maintained (leaking taps, non-working fans, overgrown bush on the balcony completely blocking the view (that was beautiful 9 years ago), rooms not well attended to (no soap, or coffee creamer but no coffee, always something missing - not ok for the price and stars)).
- If the breakfast was good, the à la carte dinner was a total rip off with low quality meat that is completely over cooked and sides that are too salty to be eaten. The dinner buffet was not of the greatest quality but ok.
- The worst part of all is the attitude of the staff that is unprofessional, nonchalant and arrogant (room staff, restaurant staff, and rangers).
- The game drives with the rangers were also very disappointing. First of, we spotted a lot more than the rangers (and this on every drive) who seemed to not be able to be bothered. We had a break on a parking lot outside the park where there was nothing to look at (9 years ago, it was on a beautiful and scenic spot for sunrise and sunset). And one of them was over speeding to make it back.
We signalled some of these issues to the manager who was listening, said he would follow up, and has never done so. So we can only conclude that the management is not good and the staff is just a reflection of it.
Also, the place was empty but every time we called to make a booking, we were always told that it was fully booked. The manager was very surprised to hear so as the occupancy had been low. So don’t book over the phone as someone doesn’t want to get the job done there. Go online or show up and insist.
Bottom line: go to Hluhluwe: it is a beautiful park with great game. But do everything on your own: self drive and self cater. It’s just a shame that the management and staff are not passionate, nor professional and ruined our (honeymoon) experience.

2. Emdoneni Cheetah project

District Road 123 | Emdoneni Lodge, Hluhluwe Game Reserve 3960, South Africa +27 35 562 7000
Excellent
72%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 186 reviews

Emdoneni Cheetah project

Cat Project with Cheetah, Serval, African Wildcats and Caracals

Reviewed By Gypsiewoman - BOYNTON BEACH

The cheetah project was an interesting and informative experience. We felt that we learned a lot about the cats and there place in nature. We were in an enclosure with two full grown cheetahs and although we could not actually touch them it was fascinating to get as close to them as we did. We thought the two guides gave a very thorough explanation of the work that they do to aid these beautiful animals. We were satisfied with the tour and the price we paid.

3. Zamimpilo Community Market

N2 between Hluhluwe & Mtubatuba Ophondweni, Mtubatuba Rural, Ophondweni, South Africa
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 2 reviews

Zamimpilo Community Market

A community run farmer's and craft market, this is one of the best shopping experiences in Zululand. It is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Local women have established a large produce and craft market, getting their merchandise from established vegetable Gardens and African craftsemn and selling in order to support their families and send their children to school.

Reviewed By shannonvet64 - Saint Louis, Missouri

I accompanied 16 high school students (and 2 teachers) from St. Louis, MO to South Africa in June/July 2017. On our way to Phinda Private Game Reserve from Durban, Zamimpilo Community Market was a great place to stop for the students to purchase souvenirs to take home! Huge variety - anything/everything could be purchased here! Excellent prices! Fun atmosphere. And I highly recommend the freshly prepared Pineapple "on a stick" - We all had these as a snack as we continued on our journey. (Make sure you have paper towels/hand wipes handy!)

4. Ilala Weavers

1 Ngweni Road, Hluhluwe, 3960, Kzn, Hluhluwe 3960, South Africa +27 87 400 0947
Excellent
44%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

Ilala Weavers

Reviewed By Condocat - North Carolina

Wonderful friendly craft market worth visiting! Very clean with all items attractively displayed indoors. Browse at your leisure. Prices are very reasonable and less than markets located on N2. Beautiful baskets in all sizes!
Very knowledable and helpful staff assisted us with shipping items back to the US.
Easy to find off N2: take exit to Hluhluwe, go to 4the rotary make 1st turn, continue straight, road will become gravel, you will see signs for Ilala Weavers on your left.

5. Zulu Croc and Wildlife

Old Sodwana Road, Hluhluwe Game Reserve 3960, South Africa +27 81 594 7442
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

Zulu Croc and Wildlife

Zulu Croc offers a hour and a half, hands-on crocodile and snake experience, bringing these fascinating creatures up close and personal and allowing you to actually feel and touch some of the world’s most feared reptiles. This awesome interactive encounter will no doubt leave you with many unforgettable images and memories. Visit our “Snake O Zeum” where our guides give daily demonstrations and informative talks on snakes in general. Their infectious enthusiasm is clearly evident and their willingness to share and impart knowledge adds to their popularity. Our guides' professional snake-handling skills are put to the test as they boldly interact with and discuss highly venomous species such as puff adders, cobras and boomslangs, much to the amazement and awe of the visitors. Check out in close detail the snake with the longest fangs in the world, the Gaboon Adder, and see the impressive and defensive hoods of several of the deadly cobra species. Learn about their movements, their venom types and their danger to us, as well as get acquainted with a few of the large colorful and impressive constrictor species. This interaction is further enhanced by the utilization of informative audio and visual technology turning a simple demonstration into a rich, rewarding wildlife experience. Set in safe and tranquil surroundings, the park meanders through cycad lined pathways, leading to a variety of secure, spacious and well maintained crocodile enclosures where the guides are always on hand to answer any questions and offer assistance if needed. Here the Nile crocodile is king and specimens of varying sizes, from hatchlings to behemoths of close to a ton, can be seen. A restaurant with succulent meals, bar, curio shop and clean restroom facilities are also available. At the end of an exciting and exhilarating tour of the park, why not relax at Zulu Croc’s very own “Croc-Tale” Restaurant, where you can sit back and reflect on the day’s activities. Our guides' passion for reptiles goes far beyond the mere capturing of snakes and crocodiles. They are people persons, nature lovers and conservationists, always willing to assist with problem reptiles posing an immediate danger to surrounding workers or inhabitants. They are always quick to react to the many calls they receive on a daily basis. Our guides also work hand in hand with local nature conservation authorities especially when it comes to the removal of rogue or man-eating crocodiles. For an unforgettable experience set in a safe and serene environment, visit Zulu Croc where our team eagerly awaits your arrival.

Reviewed By Larni V - South Africa

Very well laid out, clean and welcoming establishment. The restaurant is small but more than adequite with a very good menu. Haven't tried it yet but I keep threatening to soon...it looks inviting. The tours are well structured, informative and very entertaining. You can just walk through on your own but you miss out on a lot of the overall experience...take the time and do the tour!

6. Bonamanzi Game Reserve

Hluhluwe, South Africa
Excellent
54%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 38 reviews

Bonamanzi Game Reserve

Reviewed By AlanBS1969 - Johannesburg, South Africa

We spent three nights at Bonamanzi in one of the self-catered lodges in June 2015, as three families with kids ranging between 7 and 11. It all worked wonderfully, with the kids loving the game walk, boat cruise and game drive and everyone enjoying the great hospitality and warm weather. The dads particularly enjoyed the excellent bird-watching. All the staff really bent over backwards to make us comfortable and we would not hesitate to go back again.

7. Ukuhamba Guiding

Hluhluwe 3960, South Africa
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 15 reviews

Ukuhamba Guiding

Ukuhamba Guiding is owned and run by Ryan & Jana Tippett. They are based on the Elephant coast outside Hluhluwe. They offer Specialised Guiding that focuses on the smaller things.Through Ukuhamba Guiding we aim to share our knowledge and passion for the bush, by offering guided activities in the greater Hluhluwe area.

Reviewed By sdfranc2016 - KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

We visited False Bay Park with Ryan in December 2015 focusing on birding with a target list in mind. Unfortunately, the Zululand summer served us with an absolute scorcher of a day which left the forest incredibly quiet. However Ryan's guiding service was great, pointing out all sorts of interesting things, from trees to tracks & signs. I'd highly recommend Ukuhamba to any nature lovers, from true beginners to experienced bush regulars. Great service (including the swift and informative replies from Jana) and all round an enjoyable and educational experience, despite very adverse weather on the day! Thanks for the great outing and looking forward to the next one!

8. Hluhluwe Horse Safaris

D 540 False Bay Road | Wildebees Ecolodge, Hluhluwe 3960, South Africa
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Hluhluwe Horse Safaris

Hluhluwe Horse Safaris is the only lisenced operator organizing horse Safaris in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park - False Bay section, a UNESCO proclaimed world heritage site. Our experienced, qualified guides are ready to take you on a selection of adventurous horseback Safaris. No horseriding experience is required to participate! The perfect natural alternative to a 'normal' safari. Our horseback Safaris will bring you deep into False bay park, with its vast views over False Bay Lake, scenic beauty and rare sand forest. During our horseback safari you might encounter game species including Zebra, Nyala and Impala. Our horseback Safaris operate daily.

Reviewed By heatherquick - Chicago, Illinois

We rode out on well cared for, sturdy horses into the sand forest with two guides. They explained what we were seeing along the route and the importance to the Zulu culture.
We are experienced riders and were able to enjoy some faster trails.
Great views over the bay. We also came across leopard tracks, hyena tracks and more. These are the only ones who ride into Isimangaliso Wetlands.
We own horses and have ridden at many other places on our travels. This was one of the most enjoyable rides due to the quality of care for the horses, the wonderful guides who shared their local knowledge, and the opportunity to ride in the sand forest.

9. Maputaland Adventures

1 Douglas Crowe Dr | Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, Hluhluwe 3950, South Africa +27 82 556 2115
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
50%
Terrible
50%
Overall Ratings

1.5 based on 2 reviews

Maputaland Adventures

Situated on the boarder of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi. We are the first lodge to be built that close to the park Maputaland Adventures has begun the journey in creating an affordable lodge in the most ideal location in Zululand. The Lodge is the first of its kind as it is the only fully functioning lodge in the area and withing the local community. The Lodge is right on the fence line of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi. The Lodge has four separate chalets, each with king size beds or two double beds depending on your requirements. The rooms are spacious and look onto the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi park. They are eloquently decorated with a bar fridge and a spacious patio to view the big five. The camp has a beautiful bar and Lounge area, great for enjoying a few drink with friends or play board games with the family in the evenings. The dining room is a perfect setting for up to 20 people. Beautifully authentically South African cuisine is the order of the day. Game drives leave every morning and afternoon from the lodge. Or you can take a self drive into the park. We are able to pack you a scrumptious picnic basket for the day at your request. Special prices for South Africans

Reviewed By cara975 - Johannesburg

Please stay away from any dealings with Maputuland Adventures! We purchased a 4 night stay with Daddy's Deals and confirmed our stay with Kyle van Huyssteen from Maputaland Adventures in April. Kyle and his father Adi exited from the accommodation at the end of April without informing us whatsoever. We drove 8 hours to get to an empty and deserted (and unsafe) destination where we had to source emergency accommodation. A hair-raising experience!

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