Journey from Durban to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve

Hluhluwe Game Reserve - Depart from Durban at 6:00 am. Travel along the N2, passing through picturesque sugar plantations on the way to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve during this 3-hour drive. Learn about the local Zulu tribes and enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee along the route.

Hluhluwe - iMfolozi Park Wilderness Area - Embark on a game safari in Hluhluwe‑iMfolozi Game Reserve, offering an immersive experience in Africa’s oldest proclaimed nature reserve. Covering an expansive 96,000 ha of rolling hills, river valleys, and woodlands just north of Durban, this park is famous for its Big Five sightings and renowned rhino conservation efforts. Guided safaris in open 4×4 vehicles—available as half-day, full-day, or private exclusive options—take you through diverse habitats where you’re likely to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and both black and white rhinos, as well as giraffes, zebras, wild dogs, hyenas, and a rich birdlife of over 340 species.

Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise followed by a game drive in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park

Saint Lucia Estuary - A hippo-and-crocodile boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary is one of the most iconic wildlife experiences in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Aboard small, shallow-draft vessels seating up to 15 passengers, glide along calm mangrove-lined waterways for about 2 hours. These cruises offer nearly guaranteed sightings of 800 hippos (with yawns, grunting, and group behavior on full display) and the chance to spot 1,200 Nile crocodiles, plus abundant birdlife such as African fish eagles and giant kingfishers.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park - A game safari in the Dukuduku area of iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers a unique blend of bush and wetlands just outside St Lucia. Accessed via the Dukuduku Gate, this section—also known as the Western Shores and including the scenic uMkhuze Reserve—spans over 25,000 ha and supports some of the Big 5 alongside giraffes, zebras, hippos, and a rich birdlife.

Game drive in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. Return to Durban in the afternoon.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park - Explore the park by traversing acacia woodlands, floodplain pans, and lush forest edges with opportunities to spot elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and more in their natural habitat. Expect to encounter wildlife at scenic lookouts or waterholes—ideal moments for photography as the park is explored across diverse landscapes.

KwaZulu-Natal - In the afternoon, travel through KwaZulu Natal en-route to Durban to conclude the 3-day tour.

• Hotel accommodation, bed and breakfast
• Pick up and drop off from hotels, airports, cruise ships, etc.
• Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise in St Lucia Estuary, Africa’s biggest Estuary
• Game safaris in Isimangaliso Wetlands Park
• Game safari in an open 4x4 in Hluhluwe Game Reserve
• Breakfast
• Tour Guide

• Tips

This is an excellent opportunity to spend three days exploring the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, home to the Big 5, and the World Heritage Site, Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, through game safaris and a Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise. Experience the adventure of a lifetime as you discover the wonders of the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve and Isimangaliso Wetlands Park. This tour provides a fantastic chance to see Africa’s Big 5 up close. Additionally, gain firsthand knowledge about hippos and crocodiles in the St Lucia Estuary, the largest estuary in Africa.

• A game safari in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve offers an immersive journey into one of Africa’s premier reserves
• The hippo-and-crocodile boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary is one of the most iconic wildlife experiences
• Game safaris in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park offer a unique blend of bush and wetlands
• no restrictions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.