Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park in northern KwaZulu Natal, South Africa is one of Africa's oldest wildlife reserves famous for saving the Rhino species from extinction. It remains the best place to have close encounters with both Black and White Rhino in Africa. Visitors to the region are often faced with the choice of staying within the park's large 250 bed state run Hilltop Camp or in a private lodge outside of the reserve.

The 4-star Hluhluwe River Lodge is situated just 25 minutes from the Memorial Gate entrance and offers daily morning, evening and full day guided trips into the reserve. We offer an intimate and personalised lodge experience for 24 guests in a beautiful location overlooking Lake St Lucia. Also on offer are a variety of adventures such as horse riding, scenic mountain bike trails, hikes, boat trips and a unique cultural tour on quad bikes.

The main lodge contains a restaurant, bar, lounge and terrace which commands a fantastic view of Lake St Lucia and the savannah grasslands of the Hluhluwe River floodplain. Twelve separate thatched bungalows are all privately spread about a shaded canopy of indigenous forest garden where there is also a secluded swimming pool to while away the warm days with chattering birds and shy antelope that feed on the grassy lawns.

There are 8 two sleeper standard chalets ideal for couples and 2 four sleeper family chalets all with en suite shower, vanity and private toilet. There are 2 spacious luxury suites tucked away in a quiet forest ravine and romantically appointed with a Victorian bath looking out into the forest. All the chalets have a wooden deck and African eclectic decor to compliment the use of wood, thatch and natural materials used in the buildings. Each room is fully air-conditioned and a full menu of wine, beer and malt is available for service to the rooms from the Explorers bar at the main lodge. The lodge is equipped with a standby generator in the event of power failures and the chalets are connected to the main lodge with a network of well-lit paved pathways.

Standard chalet description - Thatched A frame style chalet with deck. The bathroom is made up of an en suite shower and separate toilet, a vanity unit with one basin, a large mirror and shaver plug. The chalet is equipped with a mini bar and tea and coffee facility. There is a comfortable wing back chair, a writing desk, two suitcase racks, clothes cupboard, telephone, digital safe and an air conditioner.

Family chalet description - Thatched A frame style chalet with deck. The bathroom is made up of an en suite shower and separate toilet, a vanity unit with two basins, a large mirror and shaver plug. The chalet is equipped with a mini bar and tea and coffee facility. There are two comfortable cane chairs, a writing desk, a large suitcase rack, clothes cupboard, telephone, digital safe and an air conditioner. The chalet is open plan with two three quarter beds allowing for a double or twin arrangement and then two single beds which can be screened off with curtains if required.

Luxury chalet description - Thatched A frame style chalet with an expansive deck area, chairs and coffee table. The bathroom is made up of an en suite shower and separate toilet, a vanity unit with two basins, a large mirror and shaver plug. A Victorian bath is just off the main room area and looks out into the forest. The King size bed is draped with a romantic mosquito net. The chalet is equipped with a mini bar and tea and coffee facility. There are two comfortable cane chairs, a writing desk, a large suitcase rack, clothes cupboard, telephone, digital safe and an air conditioner.

Meals are served most often on the lodge terrace with its wonderful view of the lake and surrounding bush. Our chefs Cindi, Caba and Bona prepare a variety of delicious Kudu and Nyala venison fillet along with the best local organic beef and Lamb all flame grilled to your liking. Fresh sea fish such as Dorado, Yellowtail and King Mackerel are regulars on the dinner menu as well as a variety of Spicy Indian Curries and Chicken dishes all prepared with African influenced flavours and fresh vegetables from our local organic grower. The Explorers bar is always a hive of activity in the evenings with guests enjoying a pre dinner drink on the sundowner deck before settling down to a candlelit dinner. After dinner liquors and Irish coffee around the terrace log fire is the ideal end to a day of exploring the area.

We know the importance of making the most of your holiday time and offer a variety of adventures all of which are run by our in house field guides. Our popular game drives to the famous Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve are conducted in the morning and evenings. For the adventurous and active types we offer hiking, horse and mountain bike trails in the forests and along the pristine shores of Lake St Lucia. Our cultural tour is conducted on Quad bikes and affords guests an interactive insight into the vibrant rural culture of a Zulu community. Birdwatchers can take a sunset boat cruise on the Hluhluwe river and see a variety of interesting riverine bird species whilst enjoying a chilled glass of wine. We also offer guided day trips to Mkuze game reserve and the coastal marine reserves of St Lucia, Cape Vidal and Sodwana Bay.

Other Activity Options Available in the Area:

• St Lucia Boat Cruise
• Hiking Trails at False Bay
• Tunga Studio - local art/embroidery upliftment programme.
• Ilala Weavers Craft Village and Museum
• Cheetah and Serval project
• St Lucia Kayak Safaris
• Coastal Air Safari

Fully inclusive rate includes: Welcome drink, 1 game drive per day, tea/coffee, brunch, high tea, game drive refreshment and dinner.
Dinner, bed and breakfast rate includes: Welcome drink, tea/coffee, high tea, dinner, bed & breakfast.

Children?s Policy: Two family chalets available, allows 2 children sharing with parents. Children 3 yrs & under no charge, 12 yrs & under pay 50% of FI or DBB adult rate. Children 12 yrs & under in own chalet pay the full FI or DBB adult rate.