Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal

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Hluhluwe is a small town in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It situated between Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve on the banks of the Hluhluwe River. The Zulu name refers to the thorny climbers that were found growning in profusion along the river. Cattle, timber, sugarcane and pineapples are farmed in the area. Up to 95% of South African pineapples are produced in this area. Fact|date=April 2007Stretching north from the mighty Thukela River to the southern Lebombo Mountains, this far off the province is a treasure trove of African Jewels. Home of the proud Zulu warrior, a visit will open your eyes to the cultural history of this powerful nation whose status is still respected and revered today. Experience first hand the tribal rhythms and custorms that are the fabric of traditional life. Or you can watch dancing and building of beehive huts. [cite web |title=Zigzag.org|url=http://www.zululandzigzag.co.za/town_hluhluwe.php |accessdate=2007-04-12 ] .

Traditional Ways

Further north, on the coastal flats east of the Lembobo and Ubombo mountains, are the Tstonga people who were never defeated by Shaka. These pastoral folk are famous is the Kosi Bay area for their fish kraal – it is the only place on the African coastaline where this particular type of fishing is still practiced today.

Greater St Lucia Wetland Park

Travellers visiting this region must take the time to visit the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, containing its incredible diverse components of wild plants and animals on the south eastern coast of Africa. Aptly bestowed with the status of World Heritage Site, the Park is a sparkling gem on its own. A coastal mosaic of freshwater lakes, riverine estuaries, mangrove swamps and vegetated dunes, this diverse expanse of land is now protected for all time. The place supports an abundance of animals, birds and plants, from the Nile crocodile, leatherback and loggerhead turtles, hippo, black rhino, suni, to Palm Nut vutures, Pels fishing owl, flamingos, pelicans, a variety of herons and terns as well as many other rare and protected species. You can dive or snorkel, fish or canoe, or you can simply sit back and choose to watch nature at her best.

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve

Once the exclusive royal hunting grounds of King Shaka's, Hluhluwe – Umfolozi offers an astonishing kaleidoscope of viewing options. With its rugged hills, savannah and wooded areas it is one of the largest game parks in South Africa. Uncontrolled hunting once bought many wildlife species to the brink of extinction hence the establishment of reserves like Hluhluwe-Umfolozi which, thanks to major conservation efforts, is credited with ensuring the White Rhino's survival.

The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is acclaimed internationally for its conservation efforts. Besides the Big Five - rhino, elephant, leopard, lion and buffalo - there is an astonishing variety of wildlife to ensure a fascinating encounter for the visitor. The Park is home to the largest population of the southern white rhino. The area offers zulu crafts and culture as well as an abundance of birdlife.

The Big 5, namely elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard can all be spotted from the comfort of your own car or on an open safari vehicle with a knowledgeable guide. A wide range of plant life sustains many other mammals including cheetah, wild dog, giraffe and nyala.

Strategically placed hides near water holes throughout the park offer a wonderful opportunity to view the prolific wildlife or the area up close. Other activities include elephant traking, game drives, night game drives, self guided or wilderness trails that take you near to wildlife either on foot, on horseback or in a canoe.

Other things to do

Be sure to visit llala Weavers, which showcases wonderful traditional handcrafts, museum and craft village.

Hluhluwe derives its name from the river named after the thorny monkey rope called umHluhluwe. Hluhluwe produces over 90% South Africa's pineapples. Other agricultural-crops include sugar cane, sisal, cotton, tomatoes and chillies. The Hluhluwe region produces a large proportion of South Africa's pineapples and is also home to Africa's oldest game reserve. More info at http://www.elephantcoasttourism.com

Accommodation

Accommodation available ranges from luxuary five star lodges to cosy chalets and tented camping options. See local tourism office website for more info http://www.elephantcoasttourism.com [cite web |title=Hluhluwe South Africa,|url=http://www.hluhluwe-accommodation.co.za/ |accessdate=2007-04-12 ] .

Vukuzame Craft Centre

Emerging tourism entrepreneurs offer guided game drives, birding tours and visits to craft markets such as Vukuzame Craft Centre.

llala Weavers

Be sure to visit llala Weavers, which showcases wonderful traditional handcrafts, a museum and craft village.

Tours

A number of boat trips are offered in the area, as well as Mokoro canoeing and Kayaking safaris on Lake St Lucia, these are wonderful ways to experience the beauty and nature of Hluhluwe and view hippo, crocodile, birds and wildlife [cite web |title=Hluhluwe South Africa,|url=http://hluhluwe-accommodation.co.za/content/blogsection/4/72/ |accessdate=2007-04-12 ] .

If you prefer to venture experiencing Hluhluwe on horseback, horse-riding trails are abundant.

Whale watching is offered by the Advantage Charter in St Lucia, they hold a legal permit to provide boat-based whale watching from as close as 50m. Educational tours are also available. The whale watching season falls between the 1 June to the 30th of November, when the Humpback whales can be seen.

There is also many walking trails in the area.

References

External links

* [http://hluhluwe.info/ Hluhluwe Accommodation ]
* [http://hluhluwe-accommodation.co.za/ For a wide selection of places to stay in Hluhluwe ]
* [http://www.zululandzigzag.co.za/town_hluhluwe.php/ More information on Hluhluwe ]
* [http://hluhluwe-accommodation.co.za/content/blogsection/4/72/ Tours in and around Hluhluwe]