Safari Tours

Durban Safari Tours

Looking for a safari tour from Durban? I offer a range of safari day tours and multi-day wildlife experiences to some of KwaZulu-Natal’s best game reserves, including the famous Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve.

Whether you want to see the Big Five on a day trip, enjoy an overnight safari in the bush, or combine wildlife viewing with attractions such as St Lucia and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, there is a tour to suit most schedules and budgets.

All tours include collection and drop off in Durban and surrounding areas, making it easy to add an authentic African safari experience to your South African holiday. Browse the available tours below and feel free to get in touch if you would like help choosing the best safari for your visit.


Safari Day Tours

A white rhinoceros lies in a mud hole, sleeping gently while a second rhino is half hidden away.
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve Day Tour

DURATION: 1 Day

An amazing full day safari tour to Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve. Optional extra of an open vehicle game drive (subject to confirmation).

from R2850pp

(GBP £131 / USD $176)

Two African elephant stand facing a short wooden fence and reach out with their trunks to visitors who stand nearby with food.
Elephant Experience and 3 Hour Safari Game Drive

DURATION: 1 DAY

Get up close to African Elephant and learn more about these gentle creatures. Enjoy a 3 hour game driver with an optional extra of an open vehicle game drive (subject to confirmation).

from R3300pp

(GBP £152 / USD $204)

Tour to St Lucia Estuary and iSimangaliso Game Reserve

DURATION: 1 DAY

Enjoy a day tour from Durban to the UNESCO World Heritage site, iSimangaliso. Includes a 2 hour estuary cruise and tour of the croc park.

from R2650pp

(GBP £122 / USD $164)

Giraffe watch as guests enjoy their picnic lunch.
Valley of a 1000 Hills Wildlife and Zulu Cultural Day Tour

DURATION: 1 DAY

Visit Tala Game Reserve and view giraffe, rhino and many antelope species. Enjoy a Zulu dance and a tour of a reptile park.

from R1950pp

(GBP £90 / USD $120)


Multi-Day Safari Tours

A female warthog stands facing the camer while 4 small warthog role in the mud at her feet
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve & St Lucia Estuary Cruise

DURATION: 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT

Stay at the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve and experience the best of KZN. Accommodation and meals* included.

from R7600pp

(GBP £350 / USD $469)

*budget options available

Two rhino are grazing the long grass in the late afternoon
Hluhluwe Imfolozi, Elephant Experience, Cheetah Tour and St Lucia cruise

DURATION: 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT

This is an activities packed tour from Durban that visits the most popular site in Zululand on this big 5 safari tour

from R9,900pp

(GBP £455 / USD $611)

*budget options available

A white rhinoceros stands on a dirt track facing the camera, half in the bush and half in the dirt track in the Hluhluwe IMfolozi game reserve of a Durban safari tour.
Hluhluwe Imfolozi 3 Day Safari Tour

DURATION: 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

Includes St Lucia estuary cruise, visit to Emdoneni cheet project, accommodation and more.

from R8990pp

(GBP £414 / USD $555)

*budget options available

Hluhluwe Imfolozi 4 Day Safari Tour

DURATION: 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

Includes St Lucia estuary, Emdoneni Cheetah Project & Elephant experience.

from R17 900pp

(GBP £823 / USD $1,105)

An elephant enjoys a muddy bath in the Kruger National Park
Kruger Park to Durban Safari Experience

DURATION: 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

Hassle free safari experience from Kruger National Park to Durban via Eswatini. Includes game drives, estuary cruise, cultural village and more.

from R34,990pp

(GBP £1,609 /USD $2,160)


Good To Know

  • All our safari tours include transport to and from the game reserves.
  • We pick up and drop in the Durban and surrounding areas at no extra cost.
  • Easy payment options including credit / debit card.
  • Includes all entry and activity fees (unless otherwise specified).
  • Includes accommodation (options available).
  • Open vehicle game drives available as an added option.
  • We can collect form Richards Bay as well.

Safari Tours from Durban

If you are visiting Durban and would like to experience an authentic African safari, you don’t need to travel all the way to the Kruger National Park.

Some of South Africa’s best wildlife destinations are within easy reach of Durban, making it possible to enjoy anything from a full-day safari to a multi-day wildlife adventure.

I have been guiding visitors around KwaZulu-Natal for many years and one of the questions I am asked most often is, “Can I do a safari from Durban?” The answer is a definite yes. In fact, Durban is one of the best bases in South Africa for visitors wanting to combine wildlife, beaches, culture and history in a single holiday.

Most of my safari tours visit the world-famous Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve and one of the best places in South Africa to see rhino in their natural habitat.

The reserve is also home to the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – as well as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hyena and a remarkable variety of birdlife.

For visitors with limited time, I offer a selection of safari day tours from Durban. These tours allow you to leave Durban early in the morning, spend the day exploring one of KwaZulu-Natal’s wildlife reserves and return to your accommodation that evening.

Day tours are ideal for cruise ship passengers, business travellers and visitors who simply want to experience an African safari without committing to an overnight stay.

If you have a little more time available, I always recommend one of my overnight or multi-day safari tours.

Spending more time in the bush gives you a far better opportunity to experience the reserve at different times of day, enjoy additional game drives and explore other attractions such as St Lucia and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Multi-day tours are also a more relaxed way to experience the region and often provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

All of the tours listed depart from Durban and include transport to and from the reserve. Whether you are looking for a quick wildlife experience or a longer Big Five safari adventure, I can help you find a tour that suits your schedule, interests and budget.

Contact Us

If you are wanting more information about the safari tours I offer from Durban than please use any of the options below to get in touch with me.

    FAQ Section

    Can you do a safari from Durban?

    Yes. Durban is an excellent base for safari tours and several wildlife reserves can be visited as either a day trip or overnight experience. Most of my safari tours depart from Durban and include collection and drop off at your accommodation.

    What si the best safari from Durban?

    In my opnion, the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is generally considered the best safari destination near Durban. It is Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve and is home to the Big Five as well as a wide variety of other wildlife species.

    How far is the Hluhluwe Imfolozi game reserve from Durban?

    The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is approximately 280 kilometres north of Durban. Travel time is usually around three hours, depending on traffic, which gate we use and your collection point.

    Can I see the Big Five on a safari from Durban?

    Yes. Several of my safari tours visit the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, which is home to lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, visitors regularly encounter several members of the Big Five during their safari.

    Are safari day tours from Durban worth it?

    Absolutely. A safari day tour is a great option for visitors with limited time. An early departure from Durban allows plenty of time to explore the reserve and enjoy excellent wildlife viewing before returning in the evening.

    What should I wear on a safari tour?

    Comfortable clothing in neutral colours is recommended. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes are also useful. During winter, mornings can be cool so it is advisable to bring a light jacket.

    What animals can I see on a safari near Durban?

    Wildlife sightings vary from day to day, but common sightings include elephant, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, nyala, impala and many bird species. Predators such as lion and leopard are also present in several reserves.

    Are safari tours suitable for families with children?

    Many safari tours are suitable for families, although some activities may have age restrictions. If you are travelling with children, please contact me and I can recommend the most suitable safari experience for your family.

    Do your safari tours include transport from Durban?

    Yes. All safari tours include collection and drop off in Durban and surrounding areas unless otherwise stated.

    Should I choose a day safari or an overnight safari?

    Day safaris are ideal for visitors with limited time, while overnight safaris provide more opportunities for wildlife viewing and a more relaxed experience. If your schedule allows, I generally recommend spending at least one night in the bush.