I'm struggling to find a camping spot somewhere close to the most western gate of Umfolozi (Cengeni Gate) or Ulundi. Can anyone help?
For the eastern side, or near Memorial Gate, I found Hluhluwe Backpackers (reeaally laid-back email responses, not sure what to make of them, but ideally situated 2km from the gate) and Isinkwe Backpackers (more organised, better first impressions but 30km from Memorial Gate).
Has anyone used either of these two places and would you recommend it?
I feel that we should stay 2 nights on the west side to explore Umfolozi, and then 3 nights on the east side to explore Hluhluwe - do you agree, or is it easy enough to explore the total park from the Memorial Gate (own car)?
Many thanks!!
wilmaw
1
ndlovu
Have you tried looking up Coast to Coast? It's actually a guide to backpackere hostels, but many of the places appear to allow, or even encourage, camping within their property. They have a web-site at www.coastingafrica.com. You might also try www.backpacking.co.za, they've been useful in the past too.
Ndlovu
2
sapster
Hi there,
I would say it is easy enough to explore the total park from Memorial gate by car. But it might be worthwhile to stay overnight on the Umfolozi side as well, since the animal-spotting can be better on that side (less vegetation). Staying close to the Umfolozi gate allows you to enter the park first thing in the morning -best time for spotting! What I could definitely recommend however is that you spend a couple of nights inside the park! Both sides have camps where you can spend the night, book at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Slightly expensive but worth the experience. Hilltop Camp is very comfortable but more mass-touristy, Mpila Camp in Umfolozi more basic but nice and quiet.
I can't recommend any accomodation outside the Umfolozi Gate.
I did stay at Hluhluwe backpackers and their location is excellent. The place itself is quite spartan but also 'funky', my two friends loved it more than I did. Beds and rooms are nothing special but ambiance with joint kitchen and outside dining area is charming. Give it a try unless you don't like dogs...
Enjoy your trip!
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