Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park - South Africa

This 47 753-ha reserve lies between, and stretches beyond, the White and Black Umfolozi rivers from which it takes its name. Now linked together with the Corridor and Hluhluwe game reserves, it is managed as one reserve, about 96 000 ha in extent. The vegetation, thickest along river courses, is composed largely of tamboti and acacia trees. White and black rhino, waterbuck, wilderbeest, nyala, kudu, buffalo, giraffe, cheetah, lion and crocodile, as well as many other smaller animals and a diverse birdlife, can be observed.

Umfolozi is a Zulu word embracing the essential qualities displayed by the leader of a span of oxen courage, strength and patience. Certainly the name is appropriate for this park as it, too, is a leader in its field.

To the ecologist are environmental educationalist the name calls to mind a number of worthwhile ventures in nature conservation, but none could have won as much public sympathy as the determined and successful bid to save the white rhino from extinction.

Besides the 'big five', elusive cheetah, wild dogs and many other well-known bushveld species inhabit the park, offering visitors a rich game viewing experience.

The park covers 96 000 hectares, and comprises three reserves: Hluhluwe and Umfolozi - two of Africa's oldest game reserves, both founded in 1985 - and the linking Corridor Reserve, proclaimed in 1989.

The Park's accredited star attractions are its rhino, both the white or square-lipped rhino and, in lesser numbers, its cousin the black or hooked-lipped rhino. For its size the Park is home to the largest population of the southern white rhino in the world.