Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is located in the South African province of KwaZulu Natal and is situated 270 km (167 miles) north of Durban and 100 km (62 miles) north of Richards Bay and Empangeni. Both major carriers and low-cost airlines fly to Durban from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth. South African Express and South African Airways connect Johannesburg and Richards Bay. There is no public transport beyond Empangeni. The nearest towns with full services are Hluhluwe and Mtubatuba. There are two park gates, Memorial Gate and Nyalazi Gate. To reach Memorial Gate exit the N2 at Hluhluwe and follow the tarred road to the park. To reach Nyalazi Gate exit the N2 at the R618 (Nongoma Road), just north of Mtubatuba, and travel northwest for 27 km (17 miles).

Self-drive safaris may be the main attraction at this game reserve but they aren't the only way to explore the bush. Ranger guided game drives are offered both day and night. Ranger guided walks, roughly 2 hours in length, are offered daily at Mpila and Hilltop camps. (The minimum age on the Mpila walk is 13.) The Imfolozi Game Reserve boasts three self-guided walking trails - Emoyeni Mpila, Enkulu and Masinda Ncane. Boat tours on the Hluhluwe Dam depart twice daily and are conducted by members of the local community. There two types of multi-day programs: Wilderness Trails and Weekend Wilderness Trails. Both are offered from mid-March to mid-December and are multi-day backcountry treks. The minimum age is 14 and while game viewing is one of the activities it isn't the main event.

While there is no right or wrong time of year to visit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park there are a few things to consider when traveling with kids. Summers (November to February) are hot and humid. Winters (May to September) are mild and dry. Rain is possible from December to February. Game viewing is best from May to August. Bird watching is excellent year-round but summer and spring offer special sightings. The peak season (December, January, April and July) coincides with South African school holidays.

Malaria and animal hazards are the principal health risks at this game park. Hluhluwe Game Reserve is a low risk malaria area. iMfolozi Game Reserve is a malaria risk area. Consult your physician. Precaution is warranted. Follow the safety guidelines set out by your lodge or camp. Listen to your guide. Don't taunt or tease animals. Use common sense and closely supervise your kids.

Park gates are open 5:00 - 19:00 from November to February and 6:00 - 18:00 March to October. Memorial Gate office is open 7:00 - 19:00. Nyalazi Gate office is open 8:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 16:30.

A conservation levy is charged to all visitors. Children under 3 years of age are free of charge. A reduced rate is available for children aged 12 and under. A separate fee is charged for guided walks, wilderness trails and game drives.

For additional information on Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park dial +27 (0)33 845 1002 or send an email to info@kznwildlife.com. For camp reservations dial +27 (0)33 845 1000 or send an email to webmail@kznwildlife.com. For information on the Wilderness Trails dial +27 (0)33 845 1067 or send an email to trails@kznwildlife.com.