Hi, we, Louis & Cecillie Nel are from Emdoneni Lodge in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal.
HLUHLUWE IS BEST KNOWN FOR its Game Reserves and incredible wildlife, Wetlands, Pine-apples, Fever Trees, hot summers and being close to the most beautiful beaches (Sodwana and Cape Vidal).
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the Animal Care & Rehabilitation Centre with a tame cheetah or in the Game Reserve with a Rhino in the background.
THE BEST WILDLIFE PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT the Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserve, The St Lucia Wetlands Park or with the Wild Cats at Emdoneni Lodge.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT the beach, the hills or shopping for curios at local markets …
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO go to one of our beautiful beaches. For example, at Cape Vidal, only a limited number of vehicles are allowed per day along the 30 km of unspoiled beach with its tidal pool.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO curl up with a good book and stay in bed.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT HLUHLUWE IS anytime in Autumn, Winter or Spring, because the temperature is comfortable and the game viewing is excellent at these times.
MY FAVOURITE BREAFAST SPOT IS Maphumulo in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Maphumulo is a picnic site within the reserve. (A boat ride from Maphumulo picnic site is also available when the river level is sufficient. This is a 2 hour ride to the Hluhluwe Dam.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST one of the restaurants in St Lucia.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Ocean Basket in St Lucia – try the Quarter Deck!
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM … Sorry – we are in the bush! No late night snacks here!
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO If you want to meet locals, go to the local Rugby Club.
MY FAVOURITE WALKING SPOT IS the sand dunes at Cape Vidal. The swept up high sand dunes are quite a sight!
HLUHLUWE’S BEST KEPT SECRET IS the amazing stargazing on a clear night.
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS a relaxed braai at our home.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO watch the sun set. We have the most wonderful sunsets here in Hluhluwe.
IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY a deep sea fishing experience with Nkosana Fishing Charters. Deep sea game fishing takes place at Cape Vidal or Sodwana. Or try Scuba diving at Sodwana Bay – This world class dive spot is regarded as one of the top ten reef dives in the world, so definitely worth doing! Other exciting activities include open vehicle game drives in the Hluhluwe / iMfolozi Game Reserve lasting 3, 6, 8 or 10 hours.
MY FAVOURITE WALK IS along our pristine coastline. Just beautiful …
MY FAVOURITE SHOP IS … I love shopping at Gateway in Durban. So many shops …
MY FAVOURITE BIRD WATCHING SPOT IS Mkuze Game Reserve. Mkuze is renowned as a Mecca for bird lovers with more than 420 bird species on record.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS to the beach for a day of snorkelling and swimming. Cape Vidal beach is also renowned for its sport fishing and is an excellent snorkelling spot.
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS a boat ride on Lake St Lucia and a pizza afterwards. Take to the waters on a Mississippi-style viewing boat which provides one of the best opportunities to view crocodiles and hippos wallowing in shallow waters.
WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO travel the world and visit the countries where our guests come from and experience their cultures!
THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS a python catching a baby impala – very sad but it is part of nature …
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS to Durban for some shopping, good restaurants and movies.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I donate clothes, linen and furniture not used at the lodge and we do educational cheetah tours for the local schools at our Cat Rehabilitation Centre. (We offer educational tours to the public daily, with feedings during the afternoon tour and an informative talk about the animals and the project by an experienced guide).
I Love Hluhluwe because Africa is in our blood! Hluhluwe is an African bush experience where you can catch a marlin in the morning and do big 5 game viewing in the afternoon.
Useful Hluhluwe Links
- Hluhluwe Attractions
- Hluhluwe Accommodation
- Hluhluwe Hotels
- KwaZulu Natal Hotels
- KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
Desirable Digits
Ocean Basket St Lucia +27 (0)35 590-1241
Nkosana Fishing Charters +27 (0)35 562-7000
Gateway Theatre of Shopping +27 (0)31 566-2332
KZN Wildlife Office in St Lucia for the boast cruise +27 (0)35 590-1259
