ADVERTORIAL
ESCAPE TO HLUHLUWE:
WHERE SOUTH AFRICA’ S SAFARI STORY BEGAN
Most travellers assume South Africa’ s safari story begins in the Kruger National Park. It is a name that carries global recognition and is often the default reference point for wildlife travel in our country. The greater Kruger area remains spectacular, but this is not where the country’ s bush and wildlife story began. That distinction belongs to northern KwaZulu-Natal, where Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park was established in 1895.
As the oldest proclaimed game reserve in South Africa, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi predates modern safari tourism and remains one of the country’ s most important conservation areas. Its history is closely tied to early efforts to protect wildlife, including the long-term recovery of the white rhino population, which remains one of Southern Africa’ s most significant conservation stories.
The park forms part of the wider Elephant Coast, with inland bushveld, wetland systems, estuaries, and coastal environments sitting within one richly varied single stretch of the province. To explore this amazing piece of South African heritage and conservation, the four-star ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe offers the perfect comfortable and practical base.
The four-star hotel is located a short drive from the reserve gates, allowing guests to plan early morning and late afternoon game drives without long travel time in between. Game drives can also be arranged through ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe, led by experienced guides who understand the terrain and its rhythms.
Guests will be spoilt for choice, as the property includes standard rooms, family rooms, deluxe rooms, and selfcatering rondavels, offering flexibility for both short stays and longer visits. Rooms include air conditioning, Wi- Fi, en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee facilities, and mini fridges.
Daily life at the hotel is relaxed and
30 INBOUND SA / JUNE 2026