About
iMfolozi, along with Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the St Lucia Game Reserve, were established in 1895 and are thus amongst the oldest game reserves in the world, and are the oldest game reserves in Africa. Hluhluwe and iMfolozi were combined with the Corridor Game Reserve in 1989 to form the 96 000 ha Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
It contains the legendary “Big Five”- lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino - and is the genetic home of the white rhino. The wide range of habitats in the Park support 80 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds, making it a game viewing and bird-watching paradise.
Operation Rhino has its roots in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Initiated in the 1960s, the project aims at spreading rhinos from the Park to other protected areas and privately owned land in order to promote an increase in the population of these iconic and threatened animals.
Mpila is also the starting point for the world-renowned guided iMfolozi Wilderness Trails, begun in 1959, which take visitors on foot through the 25 000 ha iMfolozi Wilderness Area.
The Centenary Centre, an easy drive from Mpila, provides guided access to the Game Capture Complex (during capture season), as well as presenting the visitor with an interpretation centre on game capture, a community-run craft market and refreshment kiosk.
Activities
Game Drives
- Game drives are conducted in open viewing vehicles and are a popular tourist attraction in the reserve.
- Each drive is approximately 2 - 2.5 hours in duration.
- Depending on the number of guests booked, drives are conducted in 10 seater open vehicles.
- An additional vehicle can only be provided once the first one is fully booked.
- Should guests prefer to be on their own in a particular vehicle they will be required to pay for the outstanding seats.
- Guests are requested to book all activities at reception where they will be requested to make payment as well as completing an indemnity form.
- Guests are requested to meet in front of reception 15 minutes prior to departure. Please do not board the game drive vehicle in the absence of a guide and ensure that you have signed the indemnity form before departure.
- The schedule below will be adhered to unless otherwise prearranged:
Morning drive
Summer: Starts 05:00
Winter: Starts 06:00
Night drive
Monday - Saturday: Starts18:00 Sunday: Starts 17:00
Game Walks
- No Children under the age of 12
- Game walks are offered on a daily basis and are conducted by a guide. Each walk is limited to 8 people only.
- Guests are requested to meet in front of reception 15 minutes prior to departure.
- Please take precautions against ticks by applying repellents which are on sale at the Curio Shop.
- You are also advised to wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Please do not wear brightly coloured clothing.
Morning walk
Summer: Starts 05:00 (1 November to 28 February)
Winter: Starts 06:00 (1 March to 31 October)
Afternoon walk
Starts 14:00
Useful Info
- Due to the presence of dangerous game visitors are only permitted to leave their vehicles at designated points and no other area within the Park.
- Due to the fact that Mpila is fenced for elephant only, residents are requested to stay within the parameters of their accommodation units after sundown.
- No pets of any kind are permitted in the reserve.
- The speed limit is 40 km/h.
- Dependent on availability, unleaded petrol is sold at Mpila daily from 07:00 - 18:00.
- Bank credit and debit cards are accepted.
- Electricity is available by generator from 06:00 - 22:00 daily.
- Although iMfolozi Game Reserve does not fall within a high risk malaria zone, visitors are advised to consult their physician before visiting the reserve.
- Gate entry times: Summer (1 November - 28 February) 05:00 - 19:00 Winter (1 March - 31 October) 06:00 - 18:00
- The Centenary Centre take-away restaurant is open from 08:00 - 16:00 daily and situated near Nyalazi Gate, +/- 12 km from Mpila and provides light meals.
- The nearest shops are in Mtubatuba, 50 km from Mpila. The curio shop does have basic food stuffs and amenities.
