Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP)

Set in the heart of Zululand, and established in 1895, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) is one of the oldest Game Reserves in Africa. Part of the land was the exclusive hunting preserve of the Zulu king Shaka, who protected the area by proclaiming 'conservation' laws through his ownership of the land.

The Park covers some 96 000 hectares and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora. Hluhluwe, the northern section, is characterised by hilly topography, and is noted for its wide variety of both bird and animal life. iMfolozi, the southern component of the park, is the larger section which has a large Wilderness area where no roads or permanent human habitation is permitted.

This Reserve was the home of the now famous 'Operation Rhino' in the 1950's and 60's. In 1962 the decision was taken by the Natal Parks Board (now renamed Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife) to remove a number of Southern White Rhino (Ceratotherium simium) from iMfolozi Game Reserve which was then the last remaining habitat of the species on the continent. In the first 10 years of this programme, more than 100 of these Rhino were caught and sent to Game Reserves, Parks and Zoos throughout the world resulting in the species being saved from extinction across the continent.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the "Big 5" as well as African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Hyaena, Jackal, Hippopotamus, and various antelope species including Waterbuck, common and mountain Reedbuck, Nyala, Kudu, Bushbuck, Steenbok, Duiker and Impala.

Wildlife ACT’s main focus on HiP includes the monitoring of Cheetah, Leopard, African Wild Dog and Rhino, making extensive use of innovative monitoring techniques including the use of remote camera traps.