Month by month
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi in December
December is the wettest month in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and the busiest, when South African families fill the camps from the middle of the month.
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About 95 mm of rain over 14 wet days, days of 28.1°C and nights of 19.1°C. Thick green bush, long 05:00 to 19:00 gate hours and full camps from mid December. Wilderness trails stop in early December. Book months ahead for the festive weeks.
December weather
The normals give about 95 mm of rain over 14 wet days, the most of any month, with days of 28.1°C and nights of 19.1°C. Afternoon storms are common, and the low-level river crossings on the main internal road can flood in heavy rain. Drive early, and phone your camp before crossing between the sections after a storm.
The festive season
Mid December to early January is the peak domestic holiday season, and Ezemvelo's high-season rates apply on the public holidays and adjacent weekends. Hilltop, with the park's only restaurant, and Mpila both fill. Drives and walks are sold on arrival, first come first served, so book yours at check-in.
No trails after early December
Ezemvelo's 2025 trails schedule had no departures after 8 December, and the trails do not run again until February. If you want to walk in the wilderness area this season, go in late November or the first week of December. Guided walks from Hilltop and Mpila continue through the holidays, for walkers aged 12 and over.