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Frank Shufelt
US
Visited:
September 2016
Reviewed: Jan 3, 2017
Email Frank Shufelt | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable experience. Only regret is waiting until my 74th birthday for first Africa Safari.
On our second day at Makakatana, our guide Michael drove us to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve. It was about an hour drive and we were at the entrance to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve when it opened at 6:00 AM. We weren't very far into the reserve when Michael pointed out a tree full of vultures. Instinctively Michael went straight to tree expecting to find some predator feeding on a recent kill. Just as we arrived to within about 50 meters of the tree six lions came scampering out of the bush. We soon became aware that the lions were being dispersed by an adult male elephant. The lions won’t try to take a fully grown elephant but they can prey upon the young ones. The action taken by the adult male elephant was to allow the female to pass safely with her young
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ones. Nothing can compare to seeing these amazing animals in their natural habitat with the ability see how they interact with members of their own species and how the activities of different species are interrelated. Here we saw the vultures waiting for the lions to finish feeding while elephants chases off the lions so the female with young could pass safely, then observing three young male lions huddled together for mutual grooming, cleaning and bonding.During the remainder of the day we continued driving through the reserve on scenic winding roads observing different animal species (mammals and birds) at every turn. The abundance of wildlife at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve and the ability to observe it close-up was an awe inspiring experience.
This was our first South African safari and at the conclusion of our second day there we decided that it would not be our last.
Images can be seen at <https://www.flickr.com/photos/fshufelt/albums/72157677022861421>
Franny
Fabulous scenery. The Big Five in abundance plus wild African dogs.
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getting into a tree. However, I did work out for months in preparation for the trip. Well worth the effort.
amanderson2
US
Visited:
June 2016
Reviewed: Nov 2, 2016
Email amanderson2 | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The park is amazing for Rhinos. I also saw Wild Dogs and Secretary Birds which I had not seen in other parks. The accommodation in the private chalets in Hilltop is outstanding, large and spacious and even comes with a breakfast buffet in the restaurant which has amazing views.
Justin
GB
Visited:
June 2016
Reviewed: Aug 28, 2016
Email Justin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Abundance of wildlife and good location
With a good motorway from Durban, we found the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve to be a good safari destination with hills and valleys making for some variety in the scenery. We saw an abundance of wildlife. Our highlight was seeing and photographing lions in close proximity on both days we were there. We also saw elephant, white rhino, zebra, blue wildebeest, buffalo, warthog, nyala, kudu, impala and a variety of birds. The facilities were good and the staff friendly. Generally, it was an all-round pleasant experience. We also found the location handy, as it’s a relatively short drive to Lake St Lucia for coastal wildlife.
zapiture
ZA
Visited:
July 2016
Reviewed: Aug 7, 2016
Email zapiture | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
This is the epicenter of Dr Ian Player's save the Rhino project.
Again, easy to access. The tented camp at Mpila was GREAT. Stay there. For a few nights if you can.
Since it's nature a lot of this comes down to luck but on our one morning here we saw a fresh buffalo kill with over a dozen lions feeding on it, and no less than eight rhinos, some with young calves. The atmospherics are a big different than Kruger as it's more green and there's less brush.
Scott
US
Visited:
October 2015
Reviewed: Jan 31, 2016
Email Scott | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wish we had more time
My wife and I visited Hluhluwe-iMfolozi as a day-trip during our stay at another game reserve. We wish we had taken more time to explore this park. It was massive and had so many opportunities for great wildlife viewing, we felt like we barely scratched the surface. One of our favorite spots was a hide built above a watering hole. We were able to watch a troop of baboons try to defend the spot from some nyala. The views from the roads and paths were truly breathtaking. We will be sure to give Hluhluwe-iMfolozi much more time next time we visit South Africa!
Michael Jansen
DE
Visited:
November 2012
Reviewed: Dec 20, 2015
Email Michael Jansen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Brilliant first safari impressions
Our safari at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve was the first safari we took part in.
We saw three of the big five, namely the buffalos, the majestic elephants and a lot of white rhinos. Sadly we did not encouter any predators, but that is nature. The beautiful and hilly landscape more than a compensation for that.
Our tour began at 6 am, so we experienced the south african sunrise over the hills of the park. What a beautiful scenery, a breathtaking sight.
Our ranger, a guide from the UK, did a great job explaining the diversity of animals and flowers of this park to us and provided invaluable background information. After four informative hours later the safari ended. It has added many new experiences and enriched our lives.
Kate
US
Visited:
August 2015
Reviewed: Sep 14, 2015
Email Kate | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We saw several prides of lions munching on a fresh kill, what more could we have hoped for!? I guess that might sway my opinion a little bit.