2 Days Hluhluwe Game Reserve & Isimangaliso Wetlands from Durban

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Depart from Durban at 6am and head to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve⌄

   A game safari in Hluhluwe‑iMfolozi Game Reserve offers an immersive journey into Africa’s oldest proclaimed nature reserve. Spanning an impressive 96,000 ha of rolling hills, river valleys, and woodland just north of Durban, this park is renowned for its Big Five sightings and legendary rhino conservation efforts. We do guided safaris in open 4×4 vehicles.

   After the game safari in Hluhluwe Imfolozi we depart and head to Isimangaliso Wetlands Park for the night. Visiting iSimangaliso Wetland Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching over 3,280 km² of coastline and wetlands in KwaZulu‑Natal—is a journey through nature’s finest wonders .

   Overnight: Overnight at St Lucia Palms or similar in St Lucia, Isimangaliso Wetlands Park

2. 2Hippo and croc boat cruise in St Lucia. Game safari in Isimangaliso Wetlands Park⌄

   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, you'll glide along calm mangrove-lined waterways for about 2 hours, covering 7–9 km northwards. 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.

   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, zebra, hippos, and a rich birdlife.

   After the game drive travel through Kwazulu Natal as we head back to Durban to conclude the 2 day tour.

   Meals: Breakfast