The Hluhluwe Imfolozi (also called Umfolozi) Game Reserve is one of the oldest game reserves in South Africa, having been established in 1897. The Park covers some 48,000 hectares and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora. It became world renowned for its white rhino conservation, pioneered by our Founder, Dr. Ian Player DMS who initiated “Operation Rhino”, which is widely credited as having saved this particular species from extinction.
The reserve has a typically hilly topography, with Imfolozi, the southern component of the park, generally being hot in summer, and mild to cool in winter, although cold spells do occur. The peak time for travellers coming out from the UK to participate in a wilderness trail are the months of June through August – our summer – and the tail end of winter into spring in South Africa.
Our Umfolozi trails follow the course of the rivers – the Black and White Umfolozi and are focused on the river valley area. After leaving behind our motor transport, groups walk out into the reserve, carrying everything they need for the next five to fifteen days in a rucksack on their back. The maximum size of any trail group is eight participants, who will be accompanied by two experienced guides from the Wilderness Leadership School. Wherever possible we mix the pairings of our guides, so that you can benefit from two different cultural experiences and relationships to the veld, as represented by relayed by a South African and Zulu guide. It is these two people who will take you on a physical, emotional and spiritual journey in the wilderness, as well as being responsible for your safety and comfort throughout.
