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iMfolozi Game Reserve / uMfolozi Game Reserve
Afrikaans name: iMfolozi-Wildtuin
![Zebras block the road in iMfolozi Game Reserve](images/00416-imfolozi-game-reserve.jpg)
Zebras in iMfolozi Game Reserve
Photo © Steven Herbert
KwaZulu-Natal
A 3 hour drive up the north coast from Durban will bring you to iMfolozi Game Reserve. This reserve was established on 30 April 1895 which makes it the oldest game reserve in South Africa.
The iMfolozi Game Reserve is linked with the Hluhluwe Game Reserve and together they are called the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Visitors to either Hluhluwe Game Reserve and iMfolozi Game Reserve are freely able to visit the other park.
The main camp in iMfolozi is Mpila camp which sits on top of some hills. Other camps in the park are Masinda Lodge, Gqoyeni Bush Lodge and Hlatikhulu Bush Lodge.
Mpila Camp is only fenced to keep out Elephants so a wide variety of game may be seen around the huts. Impala, Burchell's Zebra, Warthog, Nyala and Vervet Monkey can be seen during the day. At night one should keep a cautious eye out for the Spotted Hyenas which snoop around (don't feed them!). On my last visit Lions killed and ate an Impala next to my car so be very careful after dark.
iMfolozi is world-renowned for its conservation of White Rhino. Over the years the population was built up to the point where the park is able to provide them to other game reserves. At the Centenary Centre there is a take-away restaurant as well as a small museum documenting rhino capture over the years. It is really well worth a visit and a good place to spend some time during the heat of the day.
Other mammals which may be seen include Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe, Wild Dog, Leopard and many more. There is also a substantial check list of birds that have been recorded in the reserve.
![Nyala at Mpila Camp in iMfolozi Game Reserve](images/00416-imfolozi-game-reserve-b.jpg)
Photo © Steven Herbert
Above - Nyala are often shy creature but these youngsters were strolling amongst the huts at Mpila Camp. Below - Other mammals to be seen in the camp include Impala, Burchell's Zebra, Vervet Monkey, Spotted Hyena and Warthogs. Be aware that Lion can, and do, also enter the camp on occasion.![Impala and Zebra at Mpila Camp in iMfolozi Game Reserve](images/00416-imfolozi-game-reserve-c.jpg)
Photo © Steven Herbert
![Lion at iMfolozi Game Reserve](images/00416-imfolozi-game-reserve-d.jpg)
Photo © Steven Herbert
Above - iMfolozi Game Reserve is home to the Big 5. Out of the Big 5 the 3 that you should see are Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino. There is a chance of seeing Lion but Leopard is always a challenge. This magnificent male Lion was one of two lurking around near a water hole to the west of Mpila.![2 bedded hut at Mpila Camp in iMfolozi Game Reserve](images/00416-imfolozi-game-reserve-e.jpg)
Photo © Steven Herbert
Above - There is a wide variety of accommodation available at Mpila Camp. It is not really fenced and many mammals find their way into the camp. Some of these are harmless and others are somewhat dangerous! Be careful after dark... This particular hut is one of the row of 2-bedded huts near the main entrance to the camp. They have an amazing view out over the reserve. In the heat of the day you can sit on the veranda and watch Elephants in the river a few kilometres away.Mammals of iMfolozi Game Reserve
Please note that this is only a guide and, while we have made every effort to be accurate, we can't be held responsible for any errors.
Antbear / Aardvark
Bush Pig
Common Duiker
Honey Badger
Striped Polecat
Water Mongoose
Wild Cat
List of Birds of iMfolozi Game Reserve (uMfolozi)
Some of the birds that may be seen in the iMfolozi Game Reserve
Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill
Others
References and further reading
Wild Issue 37 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 44Wild Issue 20 - Author: - Published: 2012 - Page: 14
Wild Issue 1 - Author: - Published: 2007 - Page: 49
Where to Watch Birds in Southern Africa - Author: A. Berruti and J.C. Sinclair - Published: 1983 - Page: 176
Where to see Birds in Natal - Author: Gordon Bennett - Published: 1989 - Page: 25
Top Birding Spots in Southern Africa - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 1992 - Page: 267
Where to see Birds in KwaZulu-Natal - Author: Bennett and Herbert - Published: 1995 - Page: 50
Things to do in Moer & Gone Places - Author: Jacques Marais - Published: 2015 - Page: 64
The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa - Author: P. Briggs - Published: 2020 - Page: 147
The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 135
Stuarts Field Guide to National Parks & Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd ed - Author: Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Published: 2018 - Page: 89
Southern African Birdfinder - Author: Cohen, Spottiswoode and Rossouw - Published: 2006 - Page: 138
Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 318
Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 252
Road Tripping South Africa - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2014 - Page: 145
Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 156
Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 362
On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 265
On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 144
Maps of the Zululand and Maputaland Reserves - Author: Honeyguide Publications - Published: 2016 - Page: 2
Insiders Guide - Top Wildlife Photography Spots in South Africa - Author: Shem Compion - Published: 2010 - Page: 286
Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 156
Hit the Road - 2nd Edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2018 - Page: 191
go! - Issue 135 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 52
go! - Issue 151 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 41
Getaway - Vol 29 No 10 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 76
Getaway - Vol 29 No 11 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 60
Country Life - Issue 267 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 84
Country Life - Issue 241 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 57
Country Life - Issue 252 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 32
Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 214
Chris and Tilde Stuarts Guide to Southern African Game and Nature Reserves - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1989 - Page: 141
Atlas of National Parks and Reserves of South Africa - Author: Marielle Renssen - Published: 2006 - Page: 72
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