The central portion of the Elephant Coast covers the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Hluhluwe town, False Bay Park and Muzi Pan. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park was established in 1895 and is the oldest game park in Africa. Once the royal hunting ground of King Shaka, this reserve is credited with ensuring the survival of the white rhino survival. Made up of 96 000ha of protected wilderness, it offers visitors access to the ‘Big Five‘ (elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lion) and much more. Game drives, self-drives and wilderness trails are available. Hluhluwe Town is a bustling, vibrant centre with shops, banks and medical practitioners. Luxury and budget accommodation facilities are available in town.
False Bay Park lies to the west of Lake St Lucia and is joined to the Lake at Hell’s Gate. It contains important animals and coral marine fossils. Visitors should stop at the interpretative centre to gain a better understanding. Excellent bird watching and game viewing opportunities exist in a variety of habitats including sand forests, thornveld and open savannah. Activities include boat cruises and tours, fishing, hiking and mountain biking.
Nibela Peninsula Sand Forest Reserve is a treasure chest for nature enthusiasts. Serene forest walks allow visitors to mingle with the enormous diversity of large and small mammals, birds, butterflies and plants. A guided eco-walk with a bush-wise ranger from the Nibela tribe provides fascinating insights into the ethno-botanical use of sand forest species.
Muzi pan is situated between Hluhluwe and Sodwana on the western boundary of Sodwana State Forest. It is made up of 8km of fresh water pans with exceptional water-birdlife. Here visitors can canoe among hippos and crocodiles while enjoying the numerous flamingos, pelicans, fish eagles, spur-winged geese and other bird species.
