Named after the many thorny climbers that were once found along the Hluhluwe River, on whose banks the town rests, Hluhluwe is sandwiched between the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. This fact ensures that visitors will be treated to incredibly scenic surroundings. Those who enjoy fresh, juicy South African pineapples can indulge themselves to the fullest, with most of the country’s pineapples produced in this region. Visitors can also look forward to exploring one of many surrounding reserves to view the world-renowned Big Five; soaking up the incredible natural scenery; and enjoying a variety of activities including scuba diving, horse riding, hiking, canoeing, boat cruises, and mountain biking.
iSimangaliso - meaning miracle, or the greatest thing you will ever see - is centred around the Lake St Lucia lagoon system, and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999. The Park includes the lake, beaches, grasslands, dune forests, and marine reserve. It is home to exceptional biodiversity, featuring over 500 bird species. This is the largest estuarine system in Africa and includes the southernmost extension of coral reefs. Among its attractions are the world's highest forested sand dunes, large numbers of nesting turtles, whales, dolphins, whale sharks, and huge numbers of waterfowl including large breeding colonies of pelicans. In recent years, buffalo and elephants have been reintroduced onto the eastern shores of the lake.
