South Africa Accommodation,
Kwazulu-Natal

Hluhluwe River Lodge

Scroll

Situated on the western boundary of iSimangaliso National Park, with magnificent views of False Bay, Hluhluwe River Lodge offers great comfort and hospitality for guests wishing to explore the local wildlife attractions. The main lodge area is a lovely relaxed space for guests to enjoy meals, drinks in the Paddle Bar, swimming in the pool or simply relaxing and admiring the extensive views.

Accommodation is in the form of individual chalets, spread around the forest garden surrounding the main lodge. The canopy overheard affords a cool, relaxed atmosphere within the chalets. The two honeymoon suites are large, luxuriously decorated chalets in a secluded forest ravine (for privacy) with large decking areas providing the perfect space to enjoy the beautiful forest surroundings. Also available are two family chalets, designed for two adults and up to two children. These offer a draw-able curtain to separate the sleeping areas but are otherwise open plan. Standard chalets are slightly smaller but offer the same luxurious yet natural atmosphere, providing a comfortable escape in the midst of the native forest.

For groups of up to four adults, the lodge offers a self-catering luxury chalet – Mkhulu’s House – allowing guests to enjoy the luxury accommodation but remain self-sufficient. The house has its own pool, fully equipped kitchen and outside barbecue.

Facilities

Air conditioning, en-suite bathroom (with bath tubs in honeymoon suites), private decking areas, tea and coffee making facilities and toiletries are provided in rooms. The main lodge offers a bar, indoor and outdoor dining areas and a relaxing lounge with stunning views of the property’s 80 hectare conservancy of sand forest, and the nearby False Bay of Lake St Lucia. Free WiFi is available in the main lodge and there is a television in the bar if needed.

Local Wildlife

Hippos and crocodiles are common in Lake St Lucia, as well as many water birds, and vervet monkeys are prolific in the area and often seen around the resort itself. Walks through the surrounding forest can provide great bird watching opportunities, and the 2km ‘Red Duiker Trail’ a particularly exciting chance to encounter the red duiker, suni, nyala and impala. Hluhluwe iMfolozi park is well populated by the big five, and is also heralded as having an extraordinarily high concentration of rhinoceros. Expect to see many safari delights on a drive through this park. Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Kudu and Reedbuck are commonly found in the Eastern Shores Game Reserve (Cape Vidal beach is within this reserve and therefore is a great place to see these).

Optional Activities

Whilst the lodge itself is located in a beautiful and fascinating environment, it is also a perfect base from which to visit the local wildlife and cultural attractions. Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park is a 30-minute drive away, and reaching Mkuze Game Reserve takes only an hour. Guests can either enjoy guided drives in a safari jeep, or self-driven tours in their own vehicles. Sodwana Bay and Cape Vidal beaches are also just an hour’s drive, and guests can indulge in scuba diving, swimming, snorkelling and off-shore fishing trips. The lodge is happy to arrange hippo and crocodile boat tours in the St Lucia estuary for guests wishing to see these fascinating creatures up close. Taking a trip to the local DuMaZulu cultural village gives guests interesting insight into the traditional lives of Zulu people, and includes dance shows, craft demonstrations and tours of the village and homesteads. Whilst this is both educational and enjoyable, be prepared that cultural villages are aimed at tourists and therefore may not offer an entirely authentic experience. To see the true everyday life of the locals, visit the Hluhluwe main street where you will find interesting traditional food, crafts and other shops.

Alan Godwin

Area Specialist

If you have any questions regarding our South Africa tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965

We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday. Leopard View was fantastic. The guide did his upmost for us and the rest of the game viewing was great. We saw everything that we wanted to see.

Mr RA - Basingstoke