The Hluhluwe and Umfolozi reserves were founded in 1895 and are the oldest such sanctuaries in Africa. It was here that the world- acclaimed Operation Rhino was introduced during the 1960s, successfully capturing and relocating white rhino to havens within South Africa and abroad. As a result, this country's white rhino population is now 12 times the 1960 count of 500. Today a single park, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is focusing its efforts on saving the endangered black rhino, whose number in Africa has dwindled from 14 000 to a pitiful 2 550 in the past decade. You'll find at least a fifth of the world's black and white rhino population here.

This park is located in central Zululand. From the north, leave the N2 at the Hluhluwe off-ramp. At the stop street turn right and cross over the freeway, follow this tar road for about 14 Km to the memorial gate, the northern entrance to the reserve.

Coming from the south, cross the bridge over the Umfolozi river on the main north coast road (N2), and take the Umfolozi Game Reserve turnoff, 3km north of the Mtubatuba turnoff. From the north the signboard is opposite the Mtubatuba turn off on the right. Take the tarred Nongoma road for 27km, before turning off left to the Nyalazi gate. Follow the signposts to Umfolozi. The reserve may also be approached from Vryheid, either via Nongoma and Hlabisa, (but most of the route is gravel), or via the tarred road to Ulundi, then take the gravel road to the Cengeni gate, which is 24km from Mpila Camp.

Besides the big five - Rhino,Elephant, Leopard, Lion And Buffalo, There is an astonishing variety of wildlife to ensure a fascinating encounter for the visitor.

KZN Wildlife offers lodge or self-catering accommodation at Mtwazi, Hilltop, Muntulu and Munyawaneni in the Hluhluwe section of the park. In the Umfolosi section accommodation is provided at Masinda,Mpila, Sontuli, Nselweni, Gqoyeni, Hlathikhulu, Mpila, Sontuli, Nselweni,Gqoyeni and Hlathikhulu camps.