DumaZulu Traditional Village
WHERE? Lot H29, Bushlands Road, Hluhluwe, Zululand, KwaZulu Natal.
WHEN? The cultural shows are performed daily at 08h15 and 15h15.
Enjoy the 11h00 show followed by a traditional cooked Zulu lunch.
HOW? Call +27 (0)31 337-4222
DumaZulu Traditional Village presents something special to its guests. Experience the traditions and language of the Zulu people, learn and interact with a living culture, one of our planet’s most indigenous cultures.
A visit to our Cultural Village is an experience of a lifetime. Discover the Zulu way of life and watch the pulsating traditional dancing with the taste of Zulu beer on your lips and the drumbeat of the Zulus echoing in your ears. Not only is DumaZulu a cultural enriching experiencing for guests where they are afforded the opportunity to learn more about the rich variety of African cultures, but it also allows the local community to continue practicing their traditional ways of living and earn profits from selling curios.
All products and produce sold on the property are made from natural products and are sourced from the land – 100 % green. The cultural shows are performed daily at 08:15 and 15:15. Enjoy the 11:00 show followed by a traditionally cooked Zulu lunch.
Guided Walking Tours at Emdoneni
WHERE? Emdoneni Lodge, Emdoneni Farm, Hluhluwe, Zululand, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
WHEN? Walking tours are done on a request basis in groups of up to six guests.
Guided walking tours will keep you busy for an hour or more at Emdoneni Lodge. On this tour your will learn more about the various geology, wildlife and plant-life of the region. Without the fear of predators, guests feel safe and are more relaxed during the walk. One can get close to Zebra, which might follow us on the walk and also meet some Impana, Nyala, Wildebeest and the shy red and grey duiker as well on the way.
The guided walk also offers the chance to view the abundant bird life in the sand forest trees and also in the vlei lands, one can also notice the ever popular dung beetles hard at work, rolling the days collection whilst following the sun.
All walks are done by qualified guides.
Hluhluwe Horse Safaris
WHERE? Hluhluwe Horse Safaris, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal
WHEN? Our regular start timings are 08h00 and 15h00. Private rides are available for those who would like something a little different, please call for options and availability.
HOW? +27 (0)35 562-0246
With years of experience in providing a world class experience, Hluhluwe Horse Safaris would like to take you on an adventure ride through the beautiful False Bay Nature Reserve, part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park and a World Heritage Site. With horses to suit all ages and levels of experience the Horse Trails experience is one to be enjoyed by the whole family. Experience Nature up close and personal, enjoy the thrill of seeing Zebra, Impala, Kudu and Hippo without any disturbances.
Under the guidance of qualified guides you will be taken out into the False Bay Nature Reserve to experience the scenic beauty and tranquility of this world heritage site. As part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, False Bay Nature Reserve is an area of grand Landscapes and beautiful Natural Bush and Sand Forest. We look forward to sharing our special piece of Africa with you, from the comfort of our well trained horses.
Kiss a Baby Crocodile
WHERE? 10 km South of Hluhluwe, Off the N2, KwaZulu Natal.
WHEN? Daily.
HOW? Call +27 (0)72 020-7500 or +27 (0)72 020-7500
Pucker up to a baby snout sharp with cute deception. Baby jaws of baby crocodiles are on offer for a first date kiss without any obligatory baby talk – pretty friendly for a reptile capable of more than a love bite. An optional swim with diminutive crocodiles in the snorkelling pool displays a superlative encounter with this powerful predator that as adults will be able to devour any life form on the waters edge.
Touch the rough scaly hide that creates a pebble effect on these apex predators which contributed to it’s Greek etymology Crocodylus; ‘kroko’ meaning pebble, ‘deilos’ meaning worm or man. These ‘pebbled worm men’ creatures get their first crack at life breaking themselves out of their shells at birth with their egg tooth and continue on to pursue a career as impressive photo companions with a full grown smile of sixty odd cone shaped bone crushers. ‘Crocodile whisperer’ Mr. Vernon Diggins, will expose the magnificent qualities of these misunderstood monsters on a personal tour that will get you as close to these beasts as the spur-winged plover that pecks the meat from between their teeth.
Clamp your own jaws around the culinary creations served at the tea garden which include crocodile steak, traditional South African braai’s (barbecues) and potjiekos (pot food) delicacies. The natural setting of this crocodile education gives an authentic environment to the fascinating life of an animal that fuelled legends; formed the Egyptian God, Sobek; and showcased Hollywood with ‘Crocodile Dundee’ entertainment. Enclosures of emu, ostrich and bunny’s are also open for exploration as is the kiddies play park.
What to do emu, get rich ostrich, in a while crocodile…
Primitive Trail
WHERE? iMfolozi Game Reserve, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal
WHEN? Booking ids essential.
Time: 2-3 days.
HOW? Call KZN Wildlife on +27 (0)33 845-1067
Join the Primitive Trail in Hluhluwe for a fun, exhilarating and challenging hiking experience like no other. Backpack for three or four nights and make the most of the trail and the game reserve. Get in touch with nature and enjoy camping under the stars with the animals and wildlife around you in a well known Big Five area.
There are no tents or permanent camping spots available but equipment and food will be provided. You will be taking a bath in the river and will carry all your own food and gear with you during the day. Trails will only take place if there is a minimum of four persons on a three night stay or a minimum of six persons on a four night stay. Although the distances you hike during the day are not too taxing you will need to be physically fit to carry your stuff with you along the way while tackling the change in terrain.
You are advised to wear clothes that will blend with the surroundings and avoid bright colours. The trail is suitable for children aged fourteen and over only. Rules are strict with age and proof will be required. The trail officer may also turn you away on arrival if they feel you are not fit or able enough. For an experience of a lifetime make sure you book onto the Primitive Trail.
The Cheetah Calabash Tea Garden
WHERE? Emdoneni Lodge, Emdoneni Farm, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
The Cheetah Calabash tea garden is a new addition to the Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre. The tea garden is popular with guests who can enjoy a refreshing drink after a hot sunny day, relaxing while enjoying the view and natural surroundings.
So the next time you pop in, come and enjoy an ice cold drink to help ease the heat and treat yourself to a specially prepared pancake with one of our famous fillings!
Zulu Croc Reptile Park
WHERE? Zulu Croc Reptile Park, (see directions below), R22 Sodwana Road, Hluhluwe.
WHEN? Monday to Saturday from 08h00 to 05h00
Snake Shows and Croc feedings at 10h00 or 15h00 (Bookings essential).
HOW? Call +27 (0)35 562-0313
Zulu Croc Reptile park offers a two hour croc and snake experience – you will be up close and personal with the creatures and will be able to touch and feel them.
The manager of the park also gives daily demonstrations and talks on snakes; both handling and interacting with venomous species such as boomslangs and puff adders. You will be able to watch the crocs and feeding times with the Park manager once again answering any questions you might have on these scary reptiles!
Snake Shows and Croc feedings at 10h00 or 15h00 (Bookings essential) For more that 10 people we are willing to adapt our times and we do night shows on request.
Directions: Take the Hluhluwe/Sodwana offramp on the N2 and head towards Hluhluwe town. Follow the signs for Sodwana / False Bay and travel about 15km down this road. Zulu Croc is on the left hand side.
Zulu Croc Restaurant
WHERE? Old Sodwana Road, R22 Lot 14 ,Hluhluwe, LwaZulu Natal
WHEN? Daily from 08h00 to 17h00.
The Zulu culture is one of South Africa’s most significant, and has a history that is as fascinating as it is long and deep. This culture is celebrated throughout the county (along with many of the other African cultures), but is particularly significant to the KwaZulu-Natal Province. Hluhluwe is a small town in this province, but is known for its many things to do and see. In fact, it is a veritable tourism hotspot, despite its small size. One of its little gems is the Zulu Croc Restaurant, situated at the reptile park and educational centre of the same name.
Zulu Croc Restaurant offers excellent food with a real local twist, as well as a bar, where an ice-cold beer or an irresistible glass of world-class wine from one of the South African vineyards can be savoured. However, this restaurant is extra special for the features all around it. In addition to the curio shop, where gifts and keepsakes can be bought for those back home, there are daily snake and crocodile shows called Adventure Shows. These are exciting and informative, no matter the age of the visitors, who are encouraged to interact with the animals under the watchful eye of the experienced guide.
Trips to the breeding enclosures of the crocs are also a must. The enclosures have been beautifully landscaped, and these massive creatures are always impressive in their seemingly docile beauty, with astounding power behind it. The Mini Zulu Village is a delight for visitors wanting to get a taste of local culture and customs. For tourist groups or special occasions, Zulu dancers can be arranged ahead of time, but advance notice is essential.
The snakes here include the puff adder, boomslang, Gaboon viper, Burmese python, black mamba, reticulated python, black-necked spitting cobra, forest cobra, and the mighty boa constrictor.
Hluhluwe locals, as well as visitors from all over the world, frequent Zulu Croc Restaurant for its outstanding quality and the element of adventure that surrounds it.
Hluhluwe itself offers visitors much to see and do. Visit the pineapple and sugar cane farms, or see the acclaimed iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park for some of the country’s most wonderful game and birding experiences.
Source: SAvenues
