You can see the park on your own or with a ranger. Most visitors combine a few self-drives with at least one guided drive or walk.
Self-drive
Roads in the park are well maintained and you do not need a 4×4. Buy a map at any gate: it marks the roads, camps, hides and picnic sites. The speed limit is 40 km/h, and you must stay in your vehicle except at designated picnic sites and hides.
Both sections can be reached from any gate. The park is large, so allow plenty of time between sights and plan to be out before the gates close.
Guided game drives
Rangers lead drives in open vehicles from Hilltop and Mpila camps. A drive lasts about two to two and a half hours, and morning drives start at 05:00 in summer and 06:00 in winter. Night drives leave in the early evening and are the best way to see nocturnal animals such as leopard, but they are for overnight guests. Book at camp reception, and book ahead in busy periods.
Guided walks
Short guided walks leave from Hilltop and Mpila camps, led by an armed ranger who knows how to track animals. They last about two hours, groups are small, and children under a minimum age (usually 12 or 13) cannot join. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dull-coloured clothing and tick repellent.
iMfolozi Wilderness Trails
For a deeper experience, join a multi-night trail in the 25,000-hectare iMfolozi Wilderness Area, where there are no roads. Trails are led by experienced Ezemvelo staff, start from Mpila Camp and run for two to four nights. Ezemvelo’s current options include Short, Base Camp, Primitive and Explorer trails. Minimum ages apply, and trails are booked through Ezemvelo well in advance.
Hides and picnic sites
Viewing hides overlook waterholes and rivers and let you watch animals at close range. The picnic sites marked on the park map are the other places where you may leave your vehicle. Always look around carefully before you get out.
Centenary Centre
Near Nyalazi Gate, about 12 km from Mpila Camp, the Centenary Centre has an interpretation centre about game capture, a community-run craft market and a takeaway restaurant that is usually open from 08:00 to 16:00. During the capture season it also offers guided access to the Game Capture Complex.
Birdwatching
More than 300 bird species have been recorded in the park. Bring binoculars, and try the hides and riverside picnic sites for the best views.
Activities, prices, age limits and departure times change. Book through Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and confirm the details when you book.