Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve
Benefits of accommodation outside the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park

Many visitors seem to give less preference to staying outside the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park for some strange reason. If accommodation in the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park is not available, many will change their plans and skip this wonderful region completely. Below are just some reasons why staying outside the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park is an excellent option.

Locations
Outside Lodges are geographically better located for visitors who would like to visit

• DumaZulu (Zulu cultural village)
• Ilala Weavers and Museum (also a decent restaurant)
• Emdoneni Cheetah & Serval Sanctuary
• Lake St Lucia World Heritage Site (Famous for its guided boat rides)
• Fannies Island
• Charters Creek
• Cape Vidal
• Mabibi
• Kosi Bay
• False Bay
• Sodwana Bay, (famous for scuba diving and dolphin trips)
• Mkuzi Game Reserve (famous for its bird life)

All these attractions above are highly recommended and will certainly enrich your visit to this region.

Game Viewing
Staying outside the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park enables guests to arrive at Memorial Gate at opening time and depart at closing time. The memorial gate area is generally the best area for game viewing in the Hluhluwe Umfolozi park. Visitors staying in the park would have to leave the Memorial Gate area a lot earlier as they need to get back to their camps by gate closing time. Driving your own vehicle after sunset in the park is not recommended due to the dangers imposed by large animals.

No Strict Gate Times
You can arrive at your accommodation at any reasonable time and not be locked as you would be at the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park due to the strict gate closing times imposed. These gate closing times are imposed for visitors safety, however if you are traveling long distance, the chances of arriving late due to unforeseen circumstances are a very real possibility. Driving fast to get the gates before closing is not advisable due to domestic cattle crossing roads in rural areas.

Gate Opening and Closing Times for the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park
Summer(November to February ) 05h00 to 19h00
Winter ( March to October )             06h00 to 18h00   

Ambiance
At night time you do not see the lights from other distant towns as you do from Hilltop Camp and Mpila Camp due to their height altitude locations.

Peace of mind
Accommodation establishments outside the park issue their guests with keys for their rooms,
Inside the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park your accommodation remains unlocked.

Open Game Vehicle Drives
All private open vehicle operators are based outside the park. It is very easy to arrange morning, afternoon and full day open vehicle safaris.

Disadvantages of staying outside the park
The only real disadvantage to staying outside the Hluhluwe park is doing a the night drive.
Start:     17h00
Return: 20h00

Cost R 150.00 (First come first serve basis.
Even if you have paid a month in advance there is no guarantee that you will get on as you need to confirm on the day. If you do not confirm early in the day, you might find that the vehicles are already full.

Recommended Accommodation outside the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park

Bonamanzi Game Park