Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Entry Fees, Tickets & Gate Times [2026]

How Much Does It Cost to Enter Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park?

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife — KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial conservation authority — rather than SANParks. This means entry fees are set by Ezemvelo and differ from the SANParks conservation fees charged at Kruger or Addo. The park operates its own reservation and payment system, separate from the SANParks Wild Card programme.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Entry Fees 2025/2026

Daily conservation fees (approximate — confirm at ezemvelo.co.za before visiting):

• International adults: ZAR 280–320 per person per day (~USD 15–17)
• SADC nationals: ZAR 160 per person per day
• South African citizens: ZAR 120 per person per day
• Children under 12 (SA citizens): ZAR 60 per person per day
• Children under 3: Free

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife adjusts fees annually. Always confirm current rates at ezemvelo.co.za before your visit.

Is There a Wild Card for Hluhluwe-iMfolozi?

The SANParks Wild Card does not cover Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, as the reserve is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, not SANParks. Ezemvelo operates its own annual pass — the Ezemvelo Wildlife Annual Card — which covers unlimited entry to Ezemvelo-managed reserves including Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, and others across KwaZulu-Natal. Contact Ezemvelo directly for current annual card pricing.

How Do You Buy Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Tickets?

1. Online via Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife: book accommodation and pay entry fees through the Ezemvelo reservations system at ezemvelo.co.za
2. At the gate: Memorial Gate (south) and Nyalazi Gate accept credit cards and cash; gate staff collect the daily conservation fee on arrival
3. Via your lodge: private lodges near Hluhluwe-iMfolozi (andBeyond Phinda, Rhino River Lodge, others) typically handle any required park access fees as part of your lodge stay

What Are Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Gate Times?

Gate times vary by season and align with sunrise and sunset:

• Summer (October–February): 05:00–19:00
• Autumn/Spring (March–April, August–September): 06:00–18:00
• Winter (May–July): 06:00–17:30

Vehicles remaining inside the park after gate close are fined. Rest camps (Hilltop, Mpila) operate their own curfew times — confirm with camp reception on arrival.

Which Gate Should You Enter?

• Memorial Gate — the primary southern entrance near Hluhluwe village; best access for the Hluhluwe section and Hilltop Camp
• Nyalazi Gate — southern alternative; also accesses the Hluhluwe section
• Cengeni Gate — eastern gate; access to the Corridor and iMfolozi sections from the east
• Mbhuzane Gate — western access to iMfolozi; from the Ulundi direction

For guests staying at Hilltop Camp, Memorial Gate is the recommended entry. For Mpila Camp (iMfolozi section), use Cengeni or Mbhuzane Gate.

Do Private Lodge Guests Pay Entry Fees?

Guests at private lodges on land adjacent to but outside the Ezemvelo reserve (such as andBeyond Phinda, Rhino River Lodge, and others) do not typically pay Ezemvelo conservation fees for activities on their private property. For game drives that enter the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi reserve itself, the daily fee applies and may be included in or added to your lodge rate. Confirm with your lodge at the time of booking.

Plan Your Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Safari

African Safari Group designs KwaZulu-Natal safari itineraries covering Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Phinda Private Game Reserve, and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park — one of Africa’s great coastal wildlife circuits.

Enquire Now to plan your Hluhluwe-iMfolozi safari.