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What Hluhluwe-iMfolozi lacks in
sheer size, it more than makes up
for in boundless wildlife
conservation. A recent surge in poaching
now threatens those achievements, but
the park is still lauded as a global model
for conservation and the ideal place in
which to experience these stoic animals
first-hand.
Looking out from Hilltop Camp early
the next morning it was clear how the
location earned its name. Hill after rolling
hill stretched out as far as the eye could
see, many covered in indigenous growth.
My two daughters, Keala and Indigo, joined
me and we heard a lion roar not too far in
the distance, much to their excitement and
concern. They didn’t have to wait long to
see them up close.
After a hearty buffet breakfast we
climbed into our own vehicle and drove
into the reserve, where we saw everything
from rhino beetle to our first sighting of
lions. Three young males were relaxing
under an acacia tree on the side of the
main road. I wasn’t sure whether they
had recently fed or not, but they seemed
content to just sit there and entertain a
long, orderly line of vehicles with their
yawns, stretches and general lolling about.
An hour later, while driving through
a valley, we encountered our first real
44 // MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE
problem of the trip – ironically, it was
nature’s call. With the Big Five in such close
proximity you are advised to stay in your
vehicle at all times, but Levi was bursting.
I asked him if he could hold it in until we
got back to camp, but the answer was an
emphatic no. After finding an open clearing
and cautiously checking for wild animals I
was left with little choice but to hold my
son out of the window like lion bait so he