Hluhluwe Imfolozi & Isimangaliso Wetlands 3 Day Safari fro Durban

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Depart from Durban to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve⌄

   Depart from Durban at 6:00am Drive along N2. See the beautiful sugar plantations en-route to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve on this 3 hour drive. Hear about the local Zulu tribes. Enjoy a cup of coffee along the route.

   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. Guided safaris in open 4×4 vehicles—available as half-day, full-day, or private exclusive options—lead you across varied habitats where you’re likely to encounter 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

   Overnight: Overnight stay at St Lucia Palms in Isimangaliso area

2. 2Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise followed by game drive 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. 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.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight stay at St Lucia Palms in Isimangaliso area

3. 3Game drive in Isimangaliso Wetlands Park. Travel back to Durban in the afternoon.⌄

   You’ll explore the park traversing acacia woodlands, floodplain pans, and lush forest edges with chances 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 we explore the park across diverse landscapes.

   In the afternoon travel through KwaZulu Natal en-route to Durban to end the 3 day tour

   Meals: Breakfast