Authentic African Game viewing without the luxurious "extras". (Hluhluwe)

Member Name: sparkleem

Product:	Hluhluwe
Date:	02/06/09 (14 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fantastic game viewing, amazing views , comfortable but more "adventure" than luxury

Disadvantages: Our local camp guide was not enthusiastic.

Following on from the previous review of Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, I will like to offer a "family holiday review" of this amazing place.

We spent 3 nights in Mpila Camp in February 2009. "We " are a family of 2 adults and 2 children (aged between 3-8 years old).

ACCOMODATION
We stayed in the tented accommodation, consisting of "permanently" erected tents (two for us) and a covered but open-fronted kitchen. These were all linked by a slightly raised wooden platform that also has seating areas.

The accommodation is basic but comfortable. Basically think camping UK style rather than luxury game lodge and you won't be disappointed! It might help to know that the place is owned and run by the Kwazulu-natal parks board and not privately owned.

Bamboo -roofed bathrooms with hot showers are attached to the tent. The kitchen is equipped with the bare essentials and there is a bbq just outside the wooden walkway. The most important tip I can give is to BRING FOOD with you as there is little to buy on site - a small shop at "neighbouring" Hilltop camp stocks some fresh meat and booze etc. But limited choice and higher prices.

ROAMING WILDLIFE
As the previous review mentioned, the Mpila camp is NOT FENCED IN. This made for some mind-blowing experiences, such as walking past zebra grazing outside the camp reception as well as eating breakfast while a warthog family sniffed around the tent. However this does also mean that you cannot let your children run around unsupervised.

The highlight of our first evening was a hyena a few metres outside our tent, looking out from the undergrowth, checking for potential bbq leftovers. Exciting as this was, we then (unsurprisingly perhaps...) decided to all sleep in the same tent together. Fortunately, the tent had very large beds, that when pushed together gave us an enormous family sized sleeping area. Not so romantic for the parents but great "camping" style fun!

GAME VIEWING
Mpila camp is place on top of a hill at the border between Hluhluwe and Umfolozi game reserves. We drove mostly through the Hluhluwe part of the reserve. This is the area with the best roads and we experienced the best game viewing here. As long as you keep to the speed limit, driving slowly, you can see so much by yourself in whatever hire car you happen to be driving.

Of the "Big Five" we saw Lion, White Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant, missing out on the elusive Leopard only. We also saw an incredible array of other creatures, from dung beetles and snakes to vultures, buzzards and Eagles. Our kids loved shouting "Zebra crossing" and were experts at spotting monkeys (funny that :)). The kids did love it all but sometimes we needed the backup of snacks, drinks and car games for when the game drives dragged out a bit for them.

THE PARK
Just need to second the first review regarding the scenery. It is just SO beautiful, with some of the best scenery I have ever seen and beats the pictures I have seen from other reserves hands down. Hilltop camp is worth a visit for the view from the restaurant alone!

DOWNSIDE
The only downside to this trip was the guided evening "night drive" from Mpila camp that we paid for. Our guide was pretty unenthusiastic to say the least and we did not really see much game. It was however worth trying it out - definitely no regrets from this trip! Oh and no pool. But we drove on to the coast after 3 nights - which was definitely a great holiday combination.

Summary: An amazing family adventure to be had for brave(ish) parents and curious children.

Information for bookings at Mpila and Hilltop Camp can be accessed online via www.kznwildlife.com

Summary: An amazing family adventure to be had for brave(ish) parents and curious children.