December 2022 has been a crazy-busy period with a number of tour bookings coming out of what feels like nowhere; it kinda feels like the old days pre-covid when tourism to South Africa kept us all nice and busy.
I had intended to sit down and write a trip report of sorts for each tour but after a while they all blur into one and it’s hard after a couple of days to remember specific details for each tour.
Apart from trying to remember all the different tours, there’s also far too many photo’s taken while on tour to sort through – I have no idea why I take so many photo’s, you’d think I have enough by now.
So instead of writing out what happened in every tour, I thought I would just mention a few observations about the different tours I’ve been on recently, stating with the safari day tours to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve.
Day Tours from Durban to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve
We’ve had a lot of rain the past few weeks and so the northern section of the park (Hluhluwe) is about as green, luscious and thick as I’ve ever seen the park. Problem is, it’s a little too thick to spot animals and so sightings have dropped off a bit.
Heading towards the southern section is far more rewarding since the animals are doing the same. Over the last few tours we’d have the most amazing lion sightings, giraffe and elephant.
I’ve not bothered with the hides though, they are a bit quiet which is not entirely unexpected since a lot of rain means lots of muddy holes to drink from.
The heat is a major challenge though. There were a few days of close on 40 degrees Celsius which meant if you weren’t in an air-conditioned vehicle you suffered a bit. One positive about the high temperatures is that the animals tend to find a shady spot and stick there all day making sightings pretty great.
Want to book a day tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve from Durban and experience the African wildlife for yourself? Click this link to our tour page and let us know when you’d like to travel and we’ll do the rest.
Durban City Tours
I have done quite a few of these especially since it’s cruise season and most visitors are only here for a day making a day tour of Durban a great way to see the city and learn more.
One of the selling points of the city tour is a walk through the traditional Zulu markets which guests absolutely love, it’s gives them such great insight into the culture and tradition of the Zulu people themselves.
Another popular stop on our Durban day tour is the Botanical Gardens where our site guide Vishnu has been entertaining guests with his passionate knowledge about the gardens.
Our old lunch stop called “Blue Zoo” unfortunately closed during covid and so we had to find a new destination for lunch. Fortunately in Durban there are loads of fantastic restaurants so we are spoiled for choice. I absolutely love a spot called “House of Curries”, they make the best bunny chows and roti’s.
One thing that has irritated me is discovering the my cruise guests are given quite a horror story about Durban, they are told it’s very dangerous and they shouldn’t explore the city by themselves. Personally I find that a little insulting; I’ve travelled and the only time I’ve been a victim of crime on my travels was in London – Durban is far safer in my opinion.
Apart from that, the Durban city tours have been great fun and I always enjoy them.
If you would like to learn more about the city of Durban and her people, then visit our Durban city tour page for more information and to book your spot!
Day Tour to Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana from Durban
I did two day trips to Rorkes Drift while one of my guides Brandyne did a trip as well, so three in total. And all three went so well!
Here’s what one of the guests has to say about their trip;
This tour is not to be missed ! If you are interested in the Zulu wars and the history then it’s a must . Our guide Brandyne was absolutely full of knowledge we found out so much and he definitely made the tour for us . It’s a long day but the views and the countryside are fantastic. You will get all the facts and all the history, I say again do not miss this tour.
Richard C – TripAdvisor
I was quite pleased on how well the sites were looked after during the lockdown periods, but it also quite distressing as to how quiet the battlefields were.
The road to the battlefields was in the process of being repaired of potholes due tot he fact that the new Zulu king, King Misuzulu Zulu kaZwelithini was due to attend the re-enactments of the battle of Isandlwana over the weekend of the 21st January.
One of the other things I noticed is that the smaller local “stores” that supplied guests tea and coffee and small snacks on the battlefields is closed, no doubt another fatality of covid.
If you are keen to book a tour to the battlefields of Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana, you can get all the details for the tour page or send me an email.
St Lucia Estuary Tour
It’s been absolutely ages since I last did a St Lucia estuary tour and over December I got to accompany a group out to St Lucia and my fellow guide to do a 2nd tour.
St Lucia is a fascinating place in that the actual town sits inside the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park which is known for the hippo that call the estuary home; often are found walking up the main road of the town!
Here’s what a client had to say about their trip,
We had a lovely day on the tour. Your guide Paul, was an absolute star, so knowledgeable, and helpful. An absolute pleasure to have as our guide. I thanked him, but I would be grateful if you could again thank him from my wife and I.
TripAdvisor
St Lucia has changed a great deal over the years, the estuary is higher now than I’ve ever seen it but it’s still an amazing wildlife reserve that is home to a fantastic array of birds and mammals.
St Lucia is easy to get to from Durban and Richards Bay. Get in touch with me to book your spot on my St Lucia day tour from Durban.
Looking forward to 2023
2022 Has closed on a really positive note so I’m hoping that the increased bookings continue into 2023; South Africa is one of the best countries in the world to vacation to and Durban is only now being recognised as one of the most popular safari destinations in South Africa.