Affordable Safari Tours from Durban

For many people, a safari tour is a once in a life time experience but if you’re not careful, it can be a very costly experience – but it really doesn’t have to be at all. I have been running affordable safari tours from Durban for 14 years now and here is why you should consider booking a safari tour from Durban.

Before I get started though, you should know that an affordable safari tour doesn’t mean skimping on the basics, rather it’s about selecting options that give you the best bang for your buck.

The Budget Safari

So starting off, let’s chat about the most important part, the game reserves. There are so many amazing reserves to choose from both in South Africa and in neighbouring countries like Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Eswatini etc; but in terms of affordability, it’s hard to beat those in South Africa.

And when it comes to South Africa, you have so many choices, from the big-daddy of them all, the Kruger National Park, to the lesser know Hluhluwe Imfolozi, iTala, Nambiti, Mkhuzi, Manyoni, Thula Thula…the list goes on and on.

Here in KwaZulu-Natal, just 2,5 hours north of Durban, there lies an entire province of game reserves, from iSimangaliso, to Hluhluwe, Manyoni and on and on. And all of them for the most part, are home to the big 5. And it’s these reserves where you can find some of the biggest savings.

Looking for an affordable safari tour? I have got some great options for you to have a look at. Visit my safari page for more info or simply contact me and I will help you plan!

Make no mistake though, for a 5-star luxurious safari experience with all the trimmings, northern KwaZulu-Natal holds it’s head up just as high as any other lodge, but here and there you can find sparkling gems that will amaze you and be light on the budget.

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve

The Hluhlwue Imfolozi Game Reserve is only 2,5 hours north of the Durban and is the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa. at over 900 km2, there is plenty to explore and is home to the big 5 plus other species.

The Hluhluwe Imfolozi is my personal favourite simply because it’s often over-shadowed by Kruger National Park which means often there are not many people in the park and so you can enjoy viewing the animals without the crowds.

The entry fees into the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve are far more affordable than those of say Kruger, and even the game drives tend to be a bit better prices.

The accommodation in Hluhluwe is where you really benefit when it comes comes to a budget safari tours from Durban. You can stay in the rondavels which are small rooms with two twin beds, a fridge and table and chairs – perfect for guests sharing. There is no ensuite though, instead there are shared ablutions.

Bonamanzi Game Reserve

If I have a choice, budget or not, I choose Bonamanzi for our accommodation each and every time, even if it’s my family vacation time. The costs fall within the “budget” range but the entire site feels like 5-star. Amazing staff, the best meals in Zululand in my opinion – they have a great space for a South African “braai” and above all, have their own game reserve and are only 20 minutes from the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve!

The rooms are absolutely perfect with aircon available (it gets hot here in the summer) and ensuite bathrooms. And nothing ever seems to be too much trouble for the always-smiling staff. 10 Out of 10 from me.

Safari Experiences

But you didn’t come all this way just experience the rooms right? It’s about the safari itself, about seeing the wildlife of Africa in it’s natural habitat, thrilling at excitement of chasing down lion and leopard and cheetah sightings, or being charmed by the sight of a crested barbet. Well affordable safari tours from Durban doesn’t mean skipping the best parts.

First off the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is perfect for budget safari goers. It’s only 2,5 hours from Durban so you’re not wasting time just getting there, and on the way there are things to do and see as well.

St Lucia

St Lucia is roughly 2 hours north of Durban is one arguably one of the best, if not the best place in South Africa is see hippo. In St Lucia you can enjoy a 2 hour estuary cruise spotting said hippo, and you an even stay over in the area (yes, there are budget options) and do an evening game drive into the Eastern of Western Shores reserves. You can also do a turtle tours, go snorkeling at Kosi Bay or even do a spot of whale watching.

Emdoneni

Further north that St Lucia is Emdoneni, aka the cheetah project. I have been stopping here for 14 years now and am stilled astounded by the good work they do. The tour here consisted of visiting 4 of Africa’s bats, the cheetah, caracal, serval and African wild cat. The tour lasts about an hour and you get to get up really close and personal to all the species. Plus, by visiting you are supporting conservation of the cats, so win win!

Looking for an affordable safari tour? I have got some great options for you to have a look at. Visit my safari page for more info or simply contact me and I will help you plan!

Bayete Zulu

Ever wanted to get up and close to an African elephant? Well this is the best way to do it without being tossed about like a weirdly shaped beach ball by some moody elephants! Well now you can! Bayete Zulu has a whole herd of ellies on their property, but two of them have become accustomed to getting some treats everyday at 11am, and so they head to the boma to do exactly that, and there you can enjoy their massive presence!

False Bay

False Bay is a picturesque site with hundreds of kilometres of pristine coastal forest – perfect for birders and walkers. It’s not all fun and games though, there are hippo and crocodile so when walking about you still have to be on your toes but it’s an amazing experience to walk with a professional guide and learn about the trees, small antelope, insects and birds that call this eco-tourism paradise home.