Hilltop Camp and Sustainable Tourism in South Africa

High in the mountains of the Zululand region, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, lies Hilltop Camp, within the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Reserve, in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. More than just a tourist destination, the site is a symbol of environmental preservation and community development. At the helm of the operation is Nqobile Nene, the general manager who knows the terrain like few others — since 2007, when she began her career as a receptionist.

“When I got here, I said to myself: one day I want to manage all of this. And I did it. It was a dream come true,” says Nene, with a smile.

130 years of history and pioneering spirit

Proclaimed in 1895, the reserve where Hilltop Camp is located is the oldest in Africa. “It is a landmark in conservation. We were pioneers in projects such as the rhino recovery project. We had the last 50 specimens of the species here, and many countries have benefited from this preservation effort,” highlights the manager.

The connection with history goes beyond the fauna: places like Isi Wasama Kosgazi, a former refuge for women during the Zulu war, and Emma Kangene, an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset, preserve the living memory of the territory.

Hosting for all profiles

Hilltop Camp offers a variety of accommodation options, from self-catering family units to budget-friendly chalets. “We have accommodations for eight people, with kitchens, to budget-friendly units with shared bathrooms. There are also non-self-catering rooms for those who prefer to use the on-site restaurant,” explains Nene.

In addition, there is a swimming pool for guests and a restaurant with high gastronomic quality.

Guided safari and walking experiences

The lodge offers safaris at different times of the day, adapted to the seasons. “In the summer, departures start at five in the morning. In the winter, we postpone them until six, because of the light. We also have guided walks, which last about two hours,” he explains.

For those looking for something more exclusive, it is possible to book private tours. And there are also picnic spots in the woods, such as Pomona, a favorite among visitors.

Rooted sustainability

Sustainability is not just about conserving wildlife, but also about connecting with local communities. “We employ local residents and buy from local suppliers whenever possible. This strengthens ties and creates a system of mutual protection,” explains Nene. “When there is any suspicious activity of illegal hunting, for example, the residents let us know.”

Open to the Brazilian market

Still little known among Brazilians, Hilltop Camp is now open to the country’s public. “We receive more Germans, French, Americans and tourists from the SADC region (Southern African Development Community - a regional organization made up of 16 countries in Southern Africa), such as Mozambique. But we would love to see more Brazilians here,” invites Nene. “We are ready to offer an unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, we do not have guides in Portuguese, but we can help with solutions in English or with multilingual guides on demand.”

How to get there

The nearest airport is in Durban, about a three-hour drive away. With a mild climate all year round, Nene guarantees: “Any time is a good time to visit us. Winters here are mild, so there is always life to observe and unique experiences to live.”

Nene’s message to Brazilian tourism operators and agents is: “Hilltop is much more than a lodge. It is living history, protected nature and a model of how tourism can benefit everyone involved. We need you to tell this story to the world.”

Report and photo: Mary de Aquino.