If you are visiting Durban or dreaming of safari adventures in South Africa, then look no further—our Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve safaris from Durban offer an unforgettable experience, whether you’re in Durban for a day or planning an extended stay.
Just 2,5 hours north of Durban lies the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa and home to the big-5 and a plethora of animals, plants and trees that will make your Durban safari experience one to remember!
Why Choose the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve?
The Hluhluwe Imfoloz Game Reserve really become prominent due to it’s Rhino conservation efforts that saw the white and black rhino populations being saved from the edge of extinction.
The Wildlife
Apart from being the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa, with a rich history that encompasses Zulu, British and Boer influences, this game reserve is famous for its rich biodiversity and is home to the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—as well as a variety of other species, including cheetahs, wild dogs, and over 300 species of birds.
Today the park is home to a number of research partners who actively monitor the health of lion, African wold (wild dog) and other species and ensure their survival for future generations.
The Convenience
Today, thanks to the fact it is only a few hours north of the 3rd largest city in South Africa, Durban this is a popular game reserve is spread out over 960km2 of grasslands, coastal forests and Zululand thornveld.
It may not be the largest of the game reserves in South Africa (Kruger National Park is around 6 times larger) it’s smaller size means that the park can be entirely explored in two days and is perfect for a day visit.
The park has a number of accommodation options though they do tend to fill up quickly. Even staying outside the park is no problem as the lodges are all within an easy 20 minute drive of the gates.
The Experience
There is nothing quite like a safari experience with early morning game drives as the park comes alive again. Enjoying the views of the landscape with a welcoming coffee and rusk is an experience locals crave.
You’ll get to experience the park through the locals eyes as your guides drive you around in our open vehicles or closed vehicles, stopping to point out sights and sounds you would never have expected on your own.
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve Safaris from Durban.
We offer a range of safari tours to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, tailored to fit your schedule and interests:
1. Safari Day Tours to Hluhluwe Imfolozi
Perfect for those with limited time, our Hluhluwe Imfolozi day tour departs early in the morning from Durban, allowing you to spend the day exploring the reserve.
You’ll have the chance to see the Big Five and other wildlife while learning about the reserve’s history and conservation efforts from our experienced guides.
After a full day of adventure, you’ll return to Durban in the late afternoon.
Day Tour Options:
- Full day Safari to Hluhluwe Imfolozi,
- Elephant experience with 3 hour game drive,
- Cheetah project tour with 3 hour game drive
2. Overnight (2 Day) Tours to Hluhluwe Imfolozi
For a more immersive experience, our overnight safari tours from Durban offer the opportunity to spend the night within the reserve. Enjoy evening and early morning game drives when the animals are most active. Relax in comfortable accommodations and experience the sights and sounds of the African bushveld.
On the overnight tours you also get to visit iSimangaliso, the world heritage site where you’ll enjoy a 2 hour estuary cruise on the St Lucia estuary.
Overnight Tour Options:
- Overnight (2 Day) Hluhluwe Imfolozi tour,
- 2 Day Hluhluwe safari: includes Elephant experience and Cheetah tour
3. Multi-Day Safari Tours to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve
If you’re looking for the ultimate safari experience, my multi-day tours provide a deep dive into the wonders of Hluhluwe Imfolozi game reserve.
Spend multiple days exploring different areas of the reserve, with extended game drives, guided walks, and the chance to see a wider variety of wildlife.
These tours are ideal for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone looking to truly connect with nature.
Why Choose Us?
As a Durban-based tour operator, I specialise in creating unforgettable safari experiences. My guides are not only experts in the wildlife and ecology of the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve but also in the local culture and history of KwaZulu-Natal. On my Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve Safaris from Durban;
- You’ll be travelling with a company that has over 14 years of tour guiding and safari experiences.
- You will be picked up and dropped you off at your accommodation in the Durban or immediate surrounding areas at no charge.
- You’ll spend the day with passionate and qualified wildlife guides.
- Your guide will have first-aid training and hold public driving permits.
- The vehicles you travel in are licensed to carry members of the public and carry passenger insurance.
- I offer budget wildlife safari tours from Durban to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve – just ask.
Book Your Safari Today
I want you to enjoy the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve the way I have enjoyed visiting the park for the last 30 years. I have some of my fondest memories of family trips in the park and I want the same experiences for you and your family.
Book your safari today and embark on a journey you’ll never forget.
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safaris from Durban: F.A.Q
It’s a 2,5 hour drive from Durban. You will get to stop about 1,5 hours into the journey for a comfort or coffee break. On the way your guide will chat to you about the history of the area, point out sites along the way and help just break up the journey.
You can walk in the park on a walking tour which can be arranged directly with the camp, but outside of that no. Reasons being there are dangerous animals in the park, and I’m not just talking of lion. Buffalo are responsible for more injuries to staff than any other animals. There are snakes, spiders and ticks they may make life miserable so best don’t.
You have two options, stay in the park or stay outside the park. Staying in the park offers only 3 star “very rustic” options whereas staying out the park is a little more comfortable. I’ll give you the options when you are ready to book.
You will obviously spend most of your time on game drives with me, but you can also book a walking tour with the camp. There are other activities in the area such as the Elephant Experience, Emdoneni Cheetah Tour and the St Lucia Estuary Cruise that can be included. Just chat to me.
The chance to see the big 5 is always there but I cannot guarantee the big 5 simply because the park is not a zoo. We will go out on game drives as much as you want and do our very best, but no matter the skill of the guides and trackers, there is still a huge element of luck. Of course the more you go out, the luckier you’ll be!
Yes, thousands of tourists, both locals and international, visit the park and stay at the resort every year and all of them survive the food. If you do have dietary requirements then just let us know – although not known for it’s vegan options for example, the restaurant will accommodate you.