Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa, established in 1895. The park is world-renowned for its role in saving the southern white rhinoceros from near-extinction — the “Operation Rhino” program in the 1950s and 60s brought the species back from fewer than 200 individuals to thousands.
Covering 960 square kilometres of hilly topography, the park offers Big Five game viewing in a landscape of rolling green hills, riverine forest, and open savannah. Hluhluwe (the northern section) is hillier and more forested; Imfolozi (the southern section) is more open and supports the bulk of the rhino population.
The park offers guided wilderness trails — including the original Wilderness Trail established in 1957, the first of its kind in Africa. Night drives and self-drive routes are also available. The proximity to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park makes for an excellent combined KwaZulu-Natal safari.