Hluhluwe River Lodge

Highlights of Hluhluwe River Lodge

• Pretty setting overlooking the St Lucia wetlands
• Range of activities on offer from game drives to quad bikes and mountain bikes
• Good food served on the deck with glorious views
• Family friendly with family suites and lots of activities on offer

Hluhluwe River Lodge, near Hluhluwe Game Reserve, overlooks the northern stretch of the St Lucia Wetlands. Tucked away in an indigenous forest setting, it is both peaceful and yet well situated for visiting the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the northern part of the Isimangaliso wetlands park, the various cultural or wildlife experiences and craft villages nearby. From here, it's also an easy drive north to the beaches of Sodwana Bay (one hour's drive away).

Accommodation

The 12 chalets, including 2 family suites and 2 luxurious honeymoon suites with ball and claw baths, are supremely comfortable. All have air-conditioning, mosquito net, minibar (honeymoon and family chalets only) and wooden sun decks. The main lodge has an expansive terrace, for alfresco dining, and commands a spectacular view of the Hluhluwe river floodplain which borders the St Lucia Wetlands. There's a charming open air fire - perfect for pre-dinner drinks, as well as a convivial bar, sitting area and small library. In the garden, there's a secluded swimming pool with sun loungers.

Activities at Hluhluwe River Lodge

Hluhluwe River Lodge is well positioned to enjoy both game-viewing in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve and to explore the northern shores of Lake St Lucia and the False Bay Park.

Take open 4x4 morning or afternoon game drives to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve (30 minutes drive away) which offers Big Five game-viewing. The lodge also has a fleet of mountain bikes to help you explore the area. There’s a wonderful easy 20km bike ride in the False Bay. This wonderfully scenic ride passes through beautiful coastal forests and there are a number of lookout points for picnic stops. The lodge provides helmets, gloves and backpacks for carrying water and picnics. There are also two other trails for serious mountain bike enthusiasts.

Birding is excellent at Hluhluwe River Lodge as you have direct access to a large number of habitats: riverine, estuarine, floodplain, dense woodland and sand forest. This allows for a massive diversity in bird species making this area one of the best in South Africa.

The unique Sand Forests of False Bay Park are just a short drive or cycle ride from the lodge (7km away ). There are two walking trails available: the 6km Ingwe Trail and the 9.5km Mpophomeni Trail. Between activities you can take a walk along the lodge's own 2km trail within the grounds or relax and soak up the sun at the secluded swimming pool.

The Hluhluwe area offers an introduction to the rich cultural heritage of the Zulu nation. Experience Dumazulu, a showcase of a traditional Zulu kraal or visit the Ilala Weavers and Thembaletha Craft Village where you can experience first hand the basket weaving, bead working and other crafts used in the daily lives of the Zulu people.

Families are well catered for at Hluhluwe River Lodge with two family suites which have two extra beds in an alcove off the main bedroom.