 | Hluhluwe Game Reserve Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 14 |  |
 Entrance to our Bedroom by LoriPori |
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday --September 27, 28 & 29, 1994
Hans, his brother Wim and I stayed at the BONAMANZI GAME PARK in a Tree House for three nights. It was our "Home" while we visited three game reserves located in the area -- Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve -- Mfabeni/Cape Vidal -- Mkuzi Game Reserve and the town of St. Lucia. Theme: OtherAddress: PO Box 48 Hluhlewe 3960Directions: Located about a 3 hour drive north of Durban
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Nestled in the foliage of forest trees, the TREE HOUSES offer a unique living experience high above the animals that pass by below.
The Tree Houses have electric lights, cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, a cook stove and refrigerator. Guests must bring their own provisions but linen is provided.
In this photo, Hans is in the "kitchen" boiling water for tea. He looks so domestic!!! Theme: OtherAddress: PO Box 48 Hluhlewe 3960Directions: Located about a 3 hour drive north of Durban
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 Our chalet at Hilltop camp by linnyloo
The camp was completely revamped in the early nineties, and having been to the previous camp in the 80's, I have to say we were stunned with the difference!
We stayed in a spacious 2 bed self-catering chalet which was superb. There was a pull-out bed for our 4 year old, a bathroom with shower in bath and a retractable clothes line, a well equipped kitchen and lounge and finally a fabulous wooden deck overlooking the valley. The chalet is serviced daily, and was spotless.
There are a variety of different types of chalets available. The one next to us was a 4 bed, in two bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, on two floors for larger families.
There is also the option of chalets without a kitchen if you do not intend to self-cater (there is a very good restaurant on-site) and for the budget traveller, there are 2-bed rondavels which have communal ablutions and kitchens!
A fully equipped shop selling a wide range of curios and supplies is available
There are also luxury lodges and bush camps which must be booked exclusively.
Please see my travelogue for more images and detailed desciption!!
The views!
There is a hide in the camp, from which we saw some male Nyala grazing.
Although the camp is fenced, a warning is given that the fence is not lion proof and these animals can get in. They particularly warn you to take care at night. (lion hunting time)
There is a swimming pool for the hot summer months (much needed!!) Theme: HotelPrice: US$40-80 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: Within Hluhluwe ReservePhone: (035) 562 0848Directions: Turn off the N2 at Hluhluwe village and follow the tarred road to Memorial Gate. Thereafter follow roadsigns for 'Hilltop' The camp is 15 km from the gate, which will take 45 minutes at the recommended speed limit - which is strictly enforced!!Website: http://www.kznwildlife.com/hluhluwe_acc.htm
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 Entrance Hilltop by Waalewiener
hills and valleys.
It is a wonderful place to stop and rest and have a great lunch.
The view from the Restaurant (Mpunyane) is fantastic, the bar/lounge is called'' Uzavolo ''
There is a swimming pool , a petrol station ,and a souvenir shop.
Facilities : 69 Chalets/Huts. Children are welcome.
Disable Facilities.
Big Five Game viewing.
Open in front of restaurant Parking Theme: CampgroundAddress: Hluhluwe Game Reserve P/O Box25 Mtubatuba 3935.Phone: 035-5620255Directions: In the heart of Zululand 280 KM North of Durban, and 130 KM from Richard's Bay Airport.Other Contact: Fax. 035-5620113
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In Umfolozi are different paces to stay. In several camps you can rent a cabin with self-catering. That is what we did and my dear cousin had everything with her for the meals, from breakfast to dinners. Salt, pepper, jam, coffee, tea, everything.The cabin had a well equiped kitchen.
And don't forget the candles (electricity closes at 10 PM), the matches, etc.
Staying in the middle of a game park. At night you see a hyena crossing the grass under the bedroom window. Theme: OtherComparison: about averageDirections: All reservations are to be made through: KwaZulu Natal Nature Conservation PO Box 13069, Cascades 3202, South Africa Tel (033) 845-1000, Fax: (033) 845-1001 email: bookings@rhino.org.za
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 zebra by dutch_anna
And here we had a zebra in our backyard!
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Mpila camp is located quite centrally in the Umfolozi section of the park. This is one of my favorite camps. There is a variety of accommodation on offer (all self-catering): rondavels with only four beds, a sink, table and chairs - and communal kitchens and ablutions; cottages and chalets in addition to a safari tented camp which I have not yet had the pleasure of staying in!
RONDAVELS (REST CAMP)
These are the most basic of accommodation. A small hut containing four beds (one bunk bed and two singles) one small sink, a cupboard with basic utensils, a fridge, a table and four chairs. There is usually a table and bench outside the hut, and a braai (BBQ) a few meters away from the front door.
The communal kitchen consists of sinks, ovens and cupboards containing basic cooking utensils. Each rondavel is allocated a cupboard complete with the aforementioned utensils.
Both the kitchen and communal ablution block is a short walk from the huts. The bathrooms are simple but clean: one bath and one shower, two loos. The water is a brackish brown, so I don't recommend bathing - it looks like you are bathing in tea - rather shower, that way you don't notice the colour so much! A bar of soap is provided.
The lights go out at 10pm so if you are a night owl, bring your own torch or candle!
Keep your windows closed when you are not around - the monkeys are thieves and will be in your windows eating from your fridge the minute you are out of sight!
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Mpila camp is located quite centrally in the Umfolozi section of the park. This is one of my favorite camps. There is a variety of accommodation on offer (all self-catering): rondavels with only four beds, a sink, table and chairs - and communal kitchens and ablutions; cottages and chalets in addition to a safari tented camp which I have not yet had the pleasure of staying in!
CHALETS and COTTAGES
These vary from either two (sleeping four) or three (sleeping 6-8) bedroomed thatched houses. Quite lovely, rustic but comfortable accommodation. They often have a lovely sliding door, opening onto a patio overlooking the braai (BBQ) area. You need nerves of steel if you are the designated braai-er - often it is quite a walk from the cottage or chalet and after dark it can be daunting being in the bush all by your self - fire or no fire!
Electricity goes off at 10pm so if you are a night owl, bring along a torch or candle.
Keep doors and windows closed when you are not around - given half a chance, the monkeys will be in your house, raiding your fridge.
I love to check out the sand around the house first thing in the morning - trying to spot which footprint belongs to who!
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Hilltop is an award-winning camp situated in northern Hluhluwe section of the park.
It is the oldest camp but was rebuilt in the early nineties. We first stayed at Hilltop while it was being renovated, and I recall the number of animals that walked through our camp during our stay. Hilltop is now fenced - which has put an end to night time stalkers!
The camp is quite large, and situated at the top of a very big hill - hence the name! It is slightly more expensive than Mpila. Accommodation is varied: from rest huts (rondavels) to self catering chalets to non-self catering chalets (there is a restaurant and bar for those who do not wish to self-cater.)
We stayed in the self-catering chalets and were impressed with the high quality furnishings and finishings: it was a very glamourous camp compared to the rondavels (round huts, with beds and a sink...and usually communal ablutions) in which we stayed previously.
My folks have eaten only once at the restaurant (The Mpunyane Restaurant) however weren't too impressed. The meal that night was a venison braai (BBQ) and they had quite high expectations of trying different game. They were disappointed in both the selection on offer and the way it was cooked: very dry and over done.
We stopped off at Hilltop Camp on our last visit for a cup of tea and an opportunity to stretch our legs. The view from the restaurant / cafe is fabulous: lovely green rolling hills. Ocassionally we have spotted rhino grazing in the distance, but on the whole not seen too much really! So a wonderful vista, but not many animals in sight.
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