Hluhluwe Reviews

Our first visit to Hluhluwe-Umfolosi was wonderful. From day 1 we saw most of the Big 5. However, the antelope and elephants especially were scarce. Here and there an impala or Nyala but not in great numbers. I am passionate about wildlife and having grown up in Kruger and visited many parks my expectations were more than satisfied! When I finally did see more than one elephant it was a huge herd complete with baby pachyderms and a hot-tempered matriach who was shooing off some dodgy hyenas! The wild dog pack was a delight to see 2 days in a row on the Memorial Route. Despite being nippy and a bit rainy, we were comfortable and did not feel hedged in nor harrassed by over-zealous tour-operators (as is the case in other parks). A great pity is the state of the roads that are sorely in need of pothole repair and some grader work.
Our stay at Hilltop was superb. The rondavel was comfortable ans tastefully decorated. The ablution block and kitchen was modern and clean at all times. We had breakfast and afternoon tea at the Mpunyane Restaurant. The breakfasts were superb but the scones for afternoon tea were dismal. The staff are friendly but spend much time conversing with each other a bit loudly in earshot of the guests. Front desk is efficient and attention to detail is much appreciated.

I would return in a heartbeat. A wonderful getaway, a jewel in the KZN Crown.

A wonderful stay with lots of game even though the Imfolosi section of the park appears to have more game this is probably due to the more open terrain. Travelling at less than 20 km /hr is essential.
The Chalet was clean, well equipped and comfortable
N.B.The shower in the Paraplegic chalet is not well enough drained with water running down the shower curtain falling outside of the drained area and therefore running onto the remainder of the bathroom floor.

The lady at reception (unfortunately I have'nt got her name)is not capable or able or equipped to handle the reception desk. My booking got mixed with someone else as well as the reservation number and she could not sort it out with her "head office". I eventually took the phone over from the reception desk and sorted it out myself!

Just come back from a trip to SA. Spent 3 nights at Hilltop. Could not fault anything. Staff all very helpful and friendly. Chalet clean and comfortable. Game fantastic.I can only highly recommend it to anyone.

WE HAD A COMFORTABLE STAY EXCEPT FOR THE TOILETS AND BATHROOMS WHICH WE HAD TO SHARE. iN THIS TIME OF HIV/AIDS IT WOULD BE PROPER TO HAVE ABLUTION FACILITIES IN OUR OWN HUTS. ALSO THE LADIES NEED SHOWERS AND NOT BATH TUBS. IN SUCH LOCALITIES A SHGOWER IS MORE PRACTICLE. TO BE HONEST WITH YOU ALL THE LADIES IN THE CAMP USED THE MENS SHOWERS. .........THE WHOLE HUT SECTION NEEDS UP GRADING.

Our bookings were professionally handled in a most friendly manner.This included the bookings for two American friends who joined us on the visit to the game reserve.They agreed with us that ALL was spent in very special surroundings, the service was excellent and the accommodation equal. The game viewing too, proved great excepting for the cats which chose to remain hidden.All in all, a very special experience which the USA visitors would like to repeat.

Unit very clean & comfortable. Items that were unsatisfactory were: In the kitchen there was only 1 (one) 15a PLUG. A double 15A plug would allow one to boil water and use the toaster at the same time. In the bathroom, the toilet paper was of poor quality. Although nothing can be done about the toilet itself, it was in a very awkward place (cramped) while the seat was extremely low. In general it was pleasant, staff very friendly. The restaurant was good. One problem there was that after the night drive we arrived at 8pm and were asked to leave at 9.30 pm as the restaurant was closing. This was not a problem, but thinking of all the visitors arriving for 2010, I do not think that overseas people will appreciate it to leave a restaurant that early.