Saving the White Rhino

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is more than just a safari destination - it’s a place where the wild heart of South Africa beats strong

White Rhino in the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve on the North coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

---

Tucked away in the hills of KwaZulu-Natal, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is South Africa’s oldest game reserve and one of its most important. It was first protected in 1895, making it older than even Kruger National Park. But this park is more than just a safari destination—it’s a place where conservation history was made. In the 1950s and 60s, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi became the heart of “Operation Rhino,” a project that helped save the southern white rhino from extinction. Thanks to these efforts, the park is now home to one of the world’s largest populations of this once-endangered animal.

Located about 3 hours north of Durban, the park covers over 96,000 hectares and is split into two sections: the northern Hluhluwe area and the southern iMfolozi section. It’s one of the few parks in South Africa where you can see the Big Five—lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard—along with giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, and over 340 bird species. Visitors can explore the park by self-drive or guided game drives, and there are also walking safaris for those wanting to get even closer to nature. The rolling hills, river valleys, and acacia trees make this park not only rich in wildlife but incredibly scenic too.

Nearby, you can visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beaches, hippos, and flamingos. The town of St Lucia is a good base if you want to explore both land and sea adventures. You can also take cultural tours to local Zulu villages or visit conservation centres that work with cheetahs and elephants.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is a special place—not only for its wildlife but for its role in protecting it. It’s living proof that conservation can work, and it offers a powerful experience for anyone who visits.

In today’s email:-

• Saving the White Rhino - Visit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park for a truly unforgettable safari experience. It’s one of the best places to see the Big Five in a natural, unspoiled setting - and it’s the very park that saved the white rhino.

• Inside the Park

  1. Big Five Game Drives – Spot lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard on guided or self-drive safaris.

  2. Rhino Tracking Walks – Learn about the park’s famous rhino conservation on a guided bush walk.

  3. Birdwatching – Over 340 species including bee-eaters, hornbills, and fish eagles.

  4. Hilltop Camp Viewpoints – Incredible views from this historic camp and base for early conservation work.

  5. Visit Centenary Centre – Learn about white rhino conservation and local Zulu culture.

  Nearby Places to Visit

  6. iSimangaliso Wetland Park (1 hr drive) – Boat safaris with hippos, crocs, birdlife, and stunning beaches.

  7. St Lucia Estuary – Charming town with access to wetlands, beaches, and estuary cruises.

  8. False Bay Park – Part of the Greater iSimangaliso system with rare sand forest and walking trails.

  9. Zulu Cultural Village Tours – Visit nearby traditional villages for drumming, dancing, and heritage stories.

  10. Bayete Zulu Elephant Interaction (nearby) – Get close to habituated elephants in a responsible setting.

  11. Emdoneni Cat Project – A conservation centre for endangered wild cats like cheetahs and servals.

Saving the White Rhino:-