To encourage tourism, the Sunday Tribune has teamed up with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. visited the Hluhluwe-imfolozi Park this week
Nabeelah Shaikh
WORKING in a deadline-driven environment can take its toll and sometimes all one needs is a little tranquillity. A much-awaited bush getaway was just what the doctor ordered before we headed north to the Hluhluwe-imfolozi Park last weekend.
The trip to South Africa’s oldest and second largest game reserve, after the Kruger National Park, had been scheduled for last month, but Cyclone Dineo and the prospect of inclement weather delayed it.
Accompanied by my brother, Aasif, and my mother, Rashida we went on a boat safari through the St Lucia estuary.
We hopped onto the Santa Lucia, a 90-seater cruise boat with a guide on board.
We were the only locals and the boat was filled with two tour groups from Germany.
The Germans were in as much awe as we were, and it was pleasing to hear them praise the beauty of Kwazulu-natal.
The lake is home to more than 1 000 hippos and crocodiles. It is also home to a variety of bird species. During our two hours on the boat, we saw pods of hippos but spotted only one Nile crocodile. Crocodiles are apparently shy in summer.
Being that close to hippos was surreal and should be on everyone’s bucket list.
We left St Lucia for Hilltop Camp, confidently using Google maps on our cellphones to guide us to the resort. But sometimes even Google gets it wrong. We were directed on a route which added an extra hour to what was meant to be an hour-and-a-half drive from St Lucia to Hluhluwe-imfolozi.
We eventually found our way and entered the reserve through the Nyalazi Gate. It wasn’t long before we reached the resort.
On arrival, we were welcomed with warm smiles by the staff led by hospitality manager, Matt Jackson, who has worked for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for 41 years.
The resort includes selfcatering and non self-catering chalets with either two or four beds. It also has two-bed rondavels and one eight-bed lodge.
Hilltop Camp lies on the edge of a steep, forested slope commanding breathtaking views of the hills and the Hluhluwe River valley.
The thatched design of the roofing blends in with the natural surroundings.
The park lies within the heart of “old Zululand” and is rich in history dating from the Iron Age and heyday of the Zulu Kingdom of King Shaka.
The resort houses the Mpunyane Restaurant which offers a full English buffet breakfast, an à la carte lunch menu and a buffet dinner.
Being halaal guests, we had specific dietary requirements which Jackson and his team were able to accommodate.
We had grilled hake and baked vegetables followed by malva pudding and custard for dessert. Other meals on the buffet included minestrone soup, roast lamb, and a spread of vegetables and desserts.
In the morning we sacrificed a Sunday morning sleep-in for a sunrise safari.
We were advised that the mornings were the best time to glimpse animals.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work in our favour. Our tour guide joked that the animals were all at church.
After three hours of driving with our guide, Bonginkosi Mdletshe, who has worked at the park for 25 years, we saw rhinos and buffalos.
We headed back to the resort for a scrumptious English breakfast and hoped that we would spot the Big Five on a sunset safari.
We spent the rest of the day in the camp, appreciating the sights and sounds of nature. I took time to read on the balcony overlooking panoramic views of the park.
When it was time for the afternoon game-drive, this time I crossed my fingers. As we drove into the sunset, we spotted buffalo, lion, zebras, antelopes and rhinos.
As night approached, we neared the end of our three-hour game drive and,just as we headed back to the resort, luck was on our side. There, in front of us, were three gorgeous lionesses who blocked the road for 30 minutes before they let us pass.
The experience was exceptional and, as we prepared to head back to the hustle and bustle of city life the next day, I knew I would leave a piece of my heart in the Hluhluweimfolozi Park.
This little bush-break has taught me that a few days away from a busy life can do wonders for your mental health.
Watch a video of the Hilltop Camp resort at the Hluhluwe-imfolozi Park on the Sunday Tribune’s Facebook page. For more information, visit www.kznwildlife.com or call the central reservations office: 033 845 1000.