iMfolozi Game Reserve
iMfolozi Game Reserve
The iMfolozi Game Reserve is situated in the southern section of the 96,000 ha Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is famous for its conservation of the White and Black Rhino and is home to all of the Big 5. All accommodation within the iMfolozi Park is self-catering, as none of the camps or lodges have restaurant facilities.
Mpila Camp
Mpila Camp is the second-largest camp in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park and offers magnificent views of the wilderness area. The reception administers the bookings for open vehicle game drives and bush walks and also offers a small convenience store and fuel station. Mpila Camp runs on a generator which is switched off at 22h00. All ovens, fridges, and geysers are on gas. Rooms are serviced daily under normal conditions, and guests are required to wash their cutlery and cooking utensils.
Nselweni Bush Camp
Nselweni Bush Camp offers 2-sleeper chalets and is situated on the banks of the Black Umfolozi River.
Hlatikulu Bush Lodge
Hlatikulu Bush Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 8 people in four 2-sleeper free-standing units. It is situated on the banks of the Black Umfolozi River and is booked on a private basis.
Gqoyeni Bush Lodge
Gqoyeni Bush Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 8 people in four 2-sleeper free-standing units overlooking the Black Umfolozi River and is booked on a private basis.
Masinda Lodge
Masinda Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 8 people in three separate en-suite bedrooms and one outside annex room. It is booked on a private basis.
Activities
- Guided Open vehicle Game Drives
- Guided Bush Walks
Amenities
- Bird Watching
- Conservation Area
- Filling Station
- Free Parking
- Game Viewing
- Guided Walks
- Housekeeping (daily)
- Open Vehicle Game Drives (additional charge)
- Picnic Sites
- Scenic Views
- Shop
- WiFi (limited)
About Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park is the oldest game reserve in South Africa and one of the most popular Big 5 wildlife safari and tour destinations in Africa. Located in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, it was established by the former Natal Parks Board.
The park’s wide range of plant life supports a diversity of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Besides the Big Five – elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino – visitors can spot cheetah, wild dog, nyala, and many other well-known bushveld species.
When uncontrolled hunting brought many big game species to the brink of local extinction, Operation Rhino successfully increased the white rhino population through anti-poaching measures. Today, the park contains some of the largest concentrations of black and white rhino in the world and has repopulated rhino stocks in reserves across southern Africa.
The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park covers 96,000 hectares and consists of three reserves: Hluhluwe, Umfolozi (both founded in 1895), and the linking Corridor Reserve (proclaimed in 1989). Visitors can also explore the Centenary Centre, which offers tours and sightings of rhino and other game scheduled for release.
Frequently Asked Questions – Mpila Camp
Can I do guided walks with an armed ranger from Mpila Camp?
Yes, game walks with an armed ranger are available from Mpila Camp. These are normally 2–3 hours in duration.
Does Mpila Camp supply free coffee, milk, sugar, and tea in all rooms?
No, guests need to supply their own coffee, sugar, milk, and tea.
Is there a shop at Mpila Camp?
Yes. The shop sells basic foods and supplies, including bread, biscuits, milk, drinks, eggs, meat, charcoal, candles, matches, oil, butter, and tuck foods. Stock levels may vary.
Are there double beds in the rondavels and chalets at Mpila Camp?
No, all chalets and rondavels have single or twin beds.
Can I request room numbers?
Room numbers can be requested but are not guaranteed.
Can I arrive after office hours?
No. Gate opening and closing times are strictly enforced:
- November to February: 05h00–19h00
- March to October: 06h00–18h00
Late entry is charged at R 500 per vehicle (subject to change) and is only available from 19h00 to 22h00 with prior arrangement. Guests must be escorted to Mpila Camp after hours.
Can I check in early?
Only if housekeeping has finished cleaning your room before arrival.
Do all accommodation types have braai/barbecue facilities?
Yes.
Do monkeys come into the camp?
Yes. Do not leave food unattended and keep all windows and doors closed when away. Feeding monkeys is strictly prohibited.
Is there WiFi at Mpila Camp?
The signal is poor and is best at the reception area.
Is there a fence around Mpila Camp?
No.
Is there public transport or shuttles to and from Mpila Camp?
No, guests must arrange their own transport.
What time does Mpila Camp reception open and close?
07h00–18h00 daily.
Is there a filling/petrol station at Mpila Camp?
Yes. Open 07h00–18h00, offering petrol and diesel. Puncture repairs are not available. Payment is cash or petrol/garage card only.
Can I do my own game drives in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park?
Yes. Self-drive game drives are allowed, but follow park rules:
- Speed limit is 40 km/h.
- Only exit your vehicle at designated picnic/view sites.
- Keep a safe distance (30–50 m) from large game.
- Keep windows closed near baboons and monkeys.
- Do not enter restricted roads.
- Check the sightings board for recent wildlife activity.
Guests can only explore the park between gate opening and closing times.
Bush Lodges of iMfolozi Game Reserve
Nselweni Bush Camp
Overview:
Nselweni Bush Camp is situated on the banks of the Black Umfolozi River, offering peaceful views and an intimate bush experience. The camp consists of comfortable 2-sleeper chalets, ideal for couples or small groups wanting privacy in the wilderness. All accommodation is self-catering, and guests can enjoy the abundant wildlife that passes nearby.
Facilities & Amenities:
- 2-sleeper chalets
- Fully equipped kitchen facilities
- Scenic river views
- Daily housekeeping
- Braai/Barbecue facilities
- Guided walks (on request)
- Game viewing from camp
- No restaurant – self-catering only
FAQs:
- Can I book a single chalet at Nselweni?
Yes, but the camp may also be booked exclusively for groups. - Does Nselweni have electricity?
Yes, power is provided but may be restricted at night. - Are children allowed?
Yes, but standard adult rates apply. - Is there a shop at Nselweni?
No, supplies should be purchased before arrival. - Is there a fence around camp?
No, the camp is unfenced and wildlife may be seen nearby. - Is there WiFi?
No, there is no WiFi available. - Do I need to bring my own bedding?
No, bedding and towels are provided.
Hlatikulu Bush Lodge
Overview:
Hlatikulu Bush Lodge is located on the banks of the Black Umfolozi River and accommodates a maximum of 8 people in four 2-sleeper free-standing units. It is booked exclusively for one group at a time, making it ideal for family gatherings or small groups of friends.
Facilities & Amenities:
- Four 2-sleeper free-standing chalets
- Central kitchen and lounge area
- Scenic river views
- Daily housekeeping
- Braai/Barbecue facilities
- Guided walks (on request)
- Game viewing from camp
- Self-catering only
FAQs:
- Can I book only one unit at Hlatikulu?
No, the lodge is booked as a whole for exclusive use. - Are children allowed?
Yes, but all guests pay the adult rate. - Is there a shop at Hlatikulu?
No, supplies must be brought in. - Is there electricity?
Yes, but limited power may apply in the evenings. - Is the lodge fenced?
No, wildlife can roam freely in the area.
Gqoyeni Bush Lodge
Overview:
Gqoyeni Bush Lodge overlooks the Black Umfolozi River and provides a private and secluded bush experience. The lodge has four 2-sleeper units and is booked exclusively, offering guests uninterrupted privacy and a close connection to nature.
Facilities & Amenities:
- Four 2-sleeper free-standing chalets
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Scenic river views
- Daily housekeeping
- Braai/Barbecue facilities
- Guided walks (on request)
- Exclusive-use bookings only
FAQs:
- Can I book one chalet only?
No, the lodge is only available for exclusive use. - Are children allowed?
Yes, but all guests are charged at the adult rate. - Is there a shop?
No, bring all supplies with you. - Is there WiFi?
No, WiFi is not available. - Is there a fence?
No, the lodge is unfenced.
Masinda Lodge
Overview:
Masinda Lodge offers total privacy in a bush setting and accommodates up to 8 guests in three en-suite bedrooms and one outside annex room. The lodge is booked exclusively and is perfect for family gatherings or small private groups.
Facilities & Amenities:
- Three en-suite bedrooms + 1 annex room
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Daily housekeeping
- Braai/Barbecue facilities
- Scenic surroundings
- Exclusive-use bookings only
FAQs:
- Can I book part of the lodge?
No, it is only available for exclusive bookings. - Are children allowed?
Yes, but charged at the adult rate. - Is there a shop?
No, all supplies must be brought in. - Is there electricity?
Yes. - Is the lodge fenced?
No, it is unfenced.