Durban Safaris: Frequently Asked Questions, 2025 Edition

Absolutely yes! Going on a a safari in South Africa is a privilege and one I wish more people from around the world would get to enjoy. Having experienced safari trips as child to working in wildlife parks and now planing Durban safari itineraries, I have a wealth of safari knowledge I would be most happy to share.

Send me an email with your dates, how big the group is and what your budget is, and I’ll help you plan an amazing safari experience.

This is easy one to answer, any time!

Here’s the thing, animals don’t have the luxury of taking time off, so everyday they are out there hunting or being hunted, basically going about their business. I have been fortunate to have seen some of the most spectacular sightings in the pouring rain or in the hottest time of the day.

At the end of the day though, it’s about your comfort.

Summers in South Africa can be brutal, with midday temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve on occasion and in the Kruger National Park almost daily (I exaggerate but you get my meaning) which is why most safari companies and lodges offer early morning game drives and later afternoon game drives – it’s too hot for the guests at midday.

During winter the temperatures in the morning are very cold, jackets, blankets and beanies are the order of the day. Midday the temperature rises, but there is usually a chill in the air.

My advice is to plan your travel from late April to June, and say end July through to around November.

But, and this is a big but….go when you’re able – animals still have to do their regardless of temperatures and weather.

This is the million dollar question!

You can enjoy a safari at almost any budget level. Have the money and want the 5 star treatment – then book into a provate lodge – you’re almost guaranteed the Big 5 and barely need to lift a finger.

Want a more authentic safari where you have to do a little work and actually look for animals – then consider Kruger National Park or Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve.

You can spurge on the luxury of chefs or enjoy a traditional braai under the stars as the Gods intended.

At the end of the day, the cost of a safari is subjective and depends on a lot of factors.

Have a look at my safari tours I offer and you’ll see that you get a lot of bang for your buck when booking with me.

I am not a doctor and although I try to stay up to date with the reuiremetns, it’s far better you speak to your doctor about vaccinationas.

It’s best to visit the South African consulate in your country for up to date info – I quite like the CDC website, it’s has great information on travel health related stuff.

So obviously this depends on your country of origin, but most travellers to South Africa will not need a visa provided they are staying less than 90 days in the country – you can visit the DIRCO page for more info.

For the most up to date info contact the South African consulate closest to you.

In summer, dress to be cool and comfortable. Most safari guides, drivers, trackers etc will be in shorts and button up shirt that dries quickly (you are gonna sweat).

In winter, game drives can be really chilly, so long pants and long sleeves with a jacket is a good idea.

It’s also a good idea to ask the lodge you are staying at about their dress code – some are more formal than others.

Often guests will ask me about what colours are best. Fact is, you’ll be in a vehicle 90% of the time so any colour is fine; animals are more observant of movement than colours. If you planning to enjoy a game walk, then drab or muted colours are usually best.

On my safaris, it’s all very informal so just dress in layers. It’s also worth remembering that you can buy anything you need in South Africa at very affordable prices.

Depends on your level of photography really.

If you are a first time safari goer, I am going to recommend going light – forget the 800mm prime lens and all the trimmings, stick to maybe a 80mm-200mm zoom. There is often a lot going on during a safari tour, birds zooming by, insects, animals on the move etc, last thing you want o be doing is switching lens around and missing the shot.

Video cameras are also really popular. In the old days they were bulky and a pain in the butt for everyone to be around, but these days they are far smaller and personally it’s what I now use.

Absolutely yes.

Most tour operators (myself included) will have travel insurance of some sort but you will be far better covered by your own insurance. Check with your broker.

Easiest questions of all.

Check our my safari tours pages and find a tour that is right for you; remember I can customise any tour.

Use the form on the page to submit your query or booking, remember to include details such as the time you wish to travel, the size of your party and sleeping arrangements.

You can also simply send me an email from my contact page.

If it’s a Durban safari you’re after, I typically recommend staying at Bonamanzi Game Reserve. I wrote a whole blog post about why I recommend Bonamanzi.

If it’s a Kruger National Park tour, then usually we’ll stay in the park itself but it depends on availability and time of year etc.

Most of the accommodation options are rugged 3-star options.

If you hop on over to the Durban Safari day tour page you’ll find all the info you need.

But, here’s a quick breakdown;

– All entry fees,
– Pickup and drop-off at your hotel/B&B,
– Game drive in our vehicle or,
– Game drive in open vehicle (depends on group size),
– The company of a qualified and passionate wildlife guide!

Dinner and breakfast are always included on your safari tours – sometimes it may be a packed breakfast.

Lunch is for your account simply because not everyone eats a lunch so it would be unfair to charge you if only some eat the lunch and some don’t.

Yup, I include transportation as follows;

– Transfers to and from the hotel in either a SUV or a 10 seater vehicle. For larger groups we use a 22 seater or a 50 seater.
– In the park we will use an SUV or an open safari vehicle.

Yes we do.

Going an a safari is something everyone should experience at least once in their lives and so I will happily customise my tours to ensure you have the best possible experience to fit your schedule and budget.