Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve near Richards Bay, South Africa

The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi (pronounced shu-shu-ee um-fo-loo-zee) Park is the oldest game reserve in South Africa. Established in 1895, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is the only park under formal conservation in the KwaZulu Natal of South Africa where the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhinoceros, cape buffalo, and leopard) occur.

We visited Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve in the early morning while on an African cruise on the Silversea Silver Wind. The ship stayed two days in Richards Bay so that passengers could do overnight excursions to other nearby game reserves. It was difficult arising before dawn, but we saw many more animals than those who toured the park in the afternoon. The green rolling hills of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi were peaceful and green, criss-crossed by dirt roads for the game viewing vehicles. These photos show some of the amazing wildlife we saw on our day at the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve.

Cruise Diary from Day at Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve

St. Lucia Wetlands Park near Richards Bay