Centrally situated in the Imfolozi section, Mpila Camp commands magnificent views of the Wilderness area.
Twelve single-room thatched rest huts accommodate four people each. This section of the camp is self catering and guests prepare their own food in a central kitchen.
Communal ablution blocks are situated close by. Mpila also has two self-contained 3-bedroomed cottages, each accommodating seven people, with a cook on hand to prepare food supplied by guests.
For smaller groups, there are also six self-catering chalets which accommodate five people each. These have two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, and a lounge/diningroom.
The Safari Tented Camp at Mpila consists of seven 2-bedded and two 4- bedded units, all with bathroom en-suite. An optional third bed is available in each tent on request.
Each unit has a verandah and is electrified. A fully equipped kitchen and dining area is connected to each tent by a wooden boardwalk. Barbecue facilities are available. These units are self-catering and are serviced daily.
Petrol is available, and curios, cool drinks and camera film can be purchased from the Mpila Camp Shop, but no provisions or restaurant facilities are provided.
Lodges
Masinda Lodge:
This secluded lodge sleeps six people in three bedrooms, all of which are en-suite.
This is a self-catered lodge.
Gqoyeni Bush Lodge
Elevated on a peninsula overlooking the confluence of the Black Imfolozi River and the Gqoyeni Stream, this bush lodge offers excellent game viewing opportunities in an ideal setting. Four 2 bed units, each with individual showers and toilets, are linked by wooden walkways to a central living area. A cook is available to prepare food supplied by guests, and a field ranger conducts walks into the surrounding bushveld.
Hlatikulu Bush Lodge
Elevated on a terrace overlooking the Black Imfolozi this lodge is situated in the heart of the park and provides excellent opportunities for walks. Four 2-bed units, each with individual showers and toilets, are linked by wooden walkways to a central living area. A cook is available to prepare food supplied by guests, and a field ranger conducts walks into the surrounding bushveld.
BUSH CAMP:
Rustic but very comfortable accommodation is provided at Nselweni Bushcamp situated on the Black Imfolozi River. It has four 2-bed units, a communal ablution unit, an open plan lounge/dining room and a fully equipped kitchen. A cook is in attendance as well as a field ranger, available to accompany guests on walks.
Situated in Imfolozi's Wilderness area, Mndindini Tented Bush Camp has ten beds. It is available from December-February and acts as a base camp for Wilderness Trails from March-November.
Culture
At the beginning of the 18th centary and during the ensuing sixty years, the area between the two Imfolozi rivers from the junction to the Mpila range of hills, was inhabited by africans of the Mthethwa clan under the rule of their King Dingiswayo, up to the time he was killed in 1818. This, as well as
a stretch of country extending southwards as far as the Dondhota hill was known, and still is known as Mthethwaland.
One of Dingiswayo's main kraals, where he spent most of his time, was situated within this area. The site is still clearly visible on a high ridge midway between the two Imfolozi rivers, not far from a large waterpan known by the name of ‘Dadethu'(Zulu for Sister).
This name, it is stated was given by the king himself at a time when one of his sisters was taken by a crocodile whilst she was dipping water from this pan. On account of this tragedy the King forbade all his people from drinking water from the pan. This decree has been observed and respected by all the Mthethwa people even up to the present day.
It is stated that the King in the later years of his regime before he vacated the area between the two rivers, had only kept his herd of white cattle there. The reason being given was that these cattle were less susceptible to the disease ‘Umuca'(nagana), which was reckoned to be affecting cattle at that time. This herd of the King's white cattle was generally known as "Inyonikayipumuli" (bird that never rests - the white egret).
This is interestibng because in later years when the tsetse fly trap was evolved various colours for the coverings of the trap were experimented with and it was discovered that the tsetse fly, which hunts for its food hosts purely by sight and which is responsible for nagana, was not attracted to a trap covered with white material. For example a trap covered with a brown material attracted swarms of tsetses, whilst no tsetse went to a white trap placed alongside the brown trap.
Facilities
• Trails
• Picnic Sites
• Game Drives
• Boat Tours
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