Over the years I’ve taken hundreds (probably thousands) of guests into Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, and one of the most common questions I get is this: “What exactly can we expect on the day?”
So to answer that question, here is my Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safaris from Durban: What to Expect on the Day blog post.
If you’re planning a safari from Durban, then a trip to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is probably right at the top of your list and for good reason.
Early Morning Pickup from Durban
Your day starts early, there’s no getting around that.
For a Hluhluwe Imfolozi safari day tour from Durban, pickup is usually between 5:30am and 6:00am, depending on where you are staying (Durban, Umhlanga, Ballito etc).
Now I know that sounds rough, especially if you’re on holiday, but there’s a good reason for it:
- The drive to the reserve is about 2.5 to 3 hours,
- Early morning is prime game viewing time,
- It gives us the best chance of spotting the Big 5.
In my experience, once you’re on the road with a coffee in hand and the excitement kicks in, the early start becomes part of the adventure.
Entering Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve
Hluhluwe Imfolozi is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa, and it really does feel different to some of the more commercial parks.
It’s known for:
- Large elephant, rhino and buffalo populations,
- A strong population of white rhino,
- Beautiful rolling hills and open Savannah,
- Far fewer visitors than other parks,
- and so much more!
Once inside, the focus shifts completely – this is where we slow things down and start looking for wildlife.
The Safari Game Drive Experience
This is what you’ve come for.
Depending on your preference, your safari experience will be one of the following:
Closed Vehicle Safari
You’ll be in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, ideal for a relaxed experience or mixed weather conditions. Our vehicle also allows for us to explore much more of the park on a day tour or multi-day tours.
Whether I am guiding or one of my colleagues, we are all qualified and more importantly, passionate about wildlife and we always aim to give us the best sightings that we can.
Open Vehicle Safari
You also have the option to enjoy an open safari vehicle experience – this is the most popular option. Although you wont cover as much of the the park as the closed vehicle, the difference is you get to experience game viewing with the wind in your hair, the smell of the bush in your nostrils and the warmth of the African sun on your skin.
Our guides are based permanently in the park and all have a great deal of insider knowledge leading to the best experience we can provide (though do remember that no one can guarantee sightings).
What Animals Will You See?
As previously mentioned, there are no guarantees, we do the best we can. That said, you have a very good chance of seeing elephant, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest.
Lions and leopards are present but more elusive and usually you will see them early mornings or late afternoons, so overnight stays are best for predators.
Midday Break and Lunch
We stop at rest camps where you can use facilities and eat. Lunch is either at a restaurant or a packed lunch or I can even put together good ol’ fashioned South African braai (time dependant).
Afternoon Game Viewing
After lunch we head out again for more sightings. This is often when activity picks up again. Most of the wildlife have taken it easy over the heat of midday and are now beginning to sort themselves out for the night ahead.
Often predators are also beginning to stir and so your chances of spotting them increase.
You’ll get to continue spotting wildlife until around 4pm on a day tour (6pm or 7pm on an overnight tour) and then we’ll start back for Durban.
The Return to Durban
Depending on traffic we are usually back in Durban around 6:30pm. I am quite happy to drop you off at your accommodation in the greater Durban area.
What to Bring on Your Safari
- Light jacket (it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings),
- Sunglasses (that summer sun is strong!),
- Hat to keep the sun out of your eyes,
- Comfortable clothing (that’s a given).
- Camera (cellphone is great for animals nearby),
- Binoculars (we do have if you don’t),
- Cash/card (you may want to buy some curios and of course lunch).
Is It Worth It?
Yes. It’s a long day, but seeing wildlife in its natural habitat makes it all worthwhile. It my be your first safari ever, or it could be the 10th, Hluhluwe Imfolozi never fails to deliver.
Booking Your Safari
To book or enquire about any of my safari tours, use any of the options below to get in touch;