Tailor-made tours and safaris to Southern Africa
HLUHLUWE RIVER LODGE
Hluhluwe River Lodge overlooks the spectacular Hluhluwe floodplain and False Bay. It is situated on the western shore of Africa' s Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, one of the world's most remarkable wetland and marine reserves, and a recently declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At Hluhluwe River Lodge a wide choice of eco-adventures awaits you in this Africa's most diverse wildlife wonderland. Given its central location, guests of the lodge can easily access the famous Hluhluwe, Umfolozi, Mkuze and Ndumu Game Reserves where lion, elephants, rhino, buffalo, giraffe and a multitude of antelope can be seen. On the lake, hippo's and massive crocodiles abound. The lodge also prides itself on its abundance of bird life. Many of the 400 species which occur in the area, live in the surrounding bush whilst the lake shore attracts thousands of water birds.
Absorb the magic of the Zululand Wilderness by participating in some of the many activities on offer at the lodge.
Track Africa's big game animals in a specially adapted open Landrover in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park (Africa’s oldest proclaimed reserve and the bastion for rhinos in Africa) with one of the lodge's knowledgeable guides; as the sun sets, enjoy drinks and snacks overlooking the beautiful rolling hills of old Zululand. Take a sunrise cruise down the Hluhluwe River and then into the lake where you meander along the shoreline of this World Heritage Site wetland. Your guide will explain the origins of the lake and how its five habitat types form the largest estuarine ecosystem in Africa.
Another way of exploring the lake is by canoe in the early morning with qualified canoe guides. With the cry of the fish Eagle as the only noisy intrusion, this is the best way to absorb the natural beauty of the lake with its indigenous forests and dramatic cliff faces. Along the way you will go ashore to examine the fossil beds and ancient coral reefs of the Cretaceous era, before leaving the lake to glide silently between the reed lined banks of the Hluhluwe River. Guides also lead walks through the Sandforest of False Bay Park, offering the opportunity of exploring this rare sub tropical forest with its complex interactions between soil, rainfall, fire and herbivores.
The Lodge offers only eight luxurious thatched A-framed double Chalets. All are air-conditioned, have private en-suite bathrooms and an open-air shower enclosed by a boma. Each chalet has its own wooden viewing deck from where guests can enjoy the surrounding bush. The colonial styled Main Lodge incorporates an air-conditioned central living and dining area, surrounded by a wooden viewing-deck. Facilities include a curio-shop, library, an outside dining boma and a secluded swimming pool.
This owner-driven lodge offers personalized service, sumptuous traditional cuisine and warm Zululand hospitality. It enjoys a beautiful location, surrounded by lush African bush, and within easy reach of the St Lucia Wetland Park and all of Kwazulu-Natal's top game reserves. As such, it provides the perfect base from which to explore this most under-rated and undiscovered of South Africa's nine provinces.
To find out more about Hluhluwe River Lodge, or to make a reservation, call on
27-11-463-7889 or email us.
LIYATSHWA SAFARIS PORTFOLIO - Maputaland
Photo credits: Hluhluwe River Lodge