A journey to South Africa is not complete without an authentic Safari tour. The Big Five Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Safari Tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to encounter Africa’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. This is a chance to stand face-to-face with elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo – the legendary “Big Five” – while also enjoying breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems that make KwaZulu-Natal a top safari destination.
This world-renowned safari experience combines two spectacular highlights: the St Lucia Wetlands and the Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserve. Together, they provide an adventure that is both thrilling and deeply rewarding, offering sightings of big game, birdlife, and landscapes untouched by time.
Tour Overview
- Places to visit: Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Big Five Safari and St Lucia Wetlands
- Duration: 12 hours (with options for an extended overnight tour)
- Options: One-day or two-day safari experiences
St Lucia Wetlands – A World Heritage Site
Your Safari tour begins with a relaxing boat cruise through the St Lucia Wetlands, officially known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As Africa’s largest estuary, this region teems with wildlife both in the water and along the shores.
From the safety of your boat, you’ll see hippos wallowing lazily in the water and Nile crocodiles basking on the riverbanks. Overhead, fish eagles swoop down to catch their prey, while vultures circle the skies above. Bird lovers will be in their element, with the chance to spot rare species such as kingfishers, herons, and even flamingos in certain seasons.
This tranquil wetland scenery sets the perfect tone for the day ahead, blending relaxation with moments of wonder as the wild comes alive around you.
Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserve – Heart of the Safari
Leaving St Lucia, the Safari tour continues with a drive through Zulu tribal country on the way to the Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserve. The journey itself is scenic, with rolling hills and open countryside stretching as far as the eye can see. Visitors often comment on the sense of vastness – no towns or villages, just the unspoilt African landscape.
The Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserve is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa and remains one of the best places on the continent to see wildlife. This 96,000-hectare park is home to a staggering variety of animals. Keep your eyes peeled and you might encounter:
- The Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and both black and white rhino.
- Other predators: cheetah, wild dog, and hyena.
- Plains game: zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and numerous species of antelope.
- Birdlife: more than 300 species, including colourful bee-eaters, majestic raptors, and waterfowl.
The reserve is especially famous for its successful rhino conservation efforts, playing a key role in bringing the species back from near extinction. Every game drive here offers surprises — sometimes it’s a herd of elephants blocking the road, other times a leopard stealthily moving through the bush.
The Thrill of the Safari Tour
The excitement of a Safari tour lies in its unpredictability. Around every corner, there’s the chance to encounter something extraordinary. Your guide will help spot wildlife hidden in the bushes and share fascinating insights into animal behaviour, local ecosystems, and the cultural heritage of the area.
One of the most unforgettable moments is coming across a member of the Big Five right on the road – perhaps a rhino grazing, or a pride of lions resting in the sun. These encounters are what make Hluhluwe/iMfolozi one of the most sought-after safari destinations in South Africa.
Two-Day Safari Option
For those wanting to extend the adventure, the two-day Safari tour includes luxury overnight accommodation near the reserve. Staying overnight not only allows more time for wildlife viewing but also unlocks the unique experience of a night drive.
Armed with powerful searchlights, you’ll head into the reserve after dark to spot nocturnal animals under a canopy of stars. The African bush comes alive at night — the calls of hyenas echo through the darkness, owls glide silently overhead, and smaller creatures like bushbabies dart between the trees. The night safari is a truly magical addition to your adventure.
Why Choose This Safari Tour?
- Combines two world-class destinations: St Lucia Wetlands and Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserve.
- Safe, comfortable transport from your accommodation in Durban and surrounds.
- Expert and personalised guiding for the best chance to spot wildlife and learn about local history.
- Flexible options: enjoy a one-day tour or upgrade to a two-day experience with a night drive.
- A seamless way to experience the best of KwaZulu-Natal’s wildlife and scenery.
Book Your Safari Tour Today
The Big Five Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Safari Tour is more than just a game drive — it’s an immersion into the wild heart of Africa. From hippos in the estuary to lions on the plains, every moment is unforgettable. Whether you choose a day trip or an extended overnight safari, this adventure promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Don’t miss the chance to experience one of South Africa’s finest safari destinations. Book your Safari tour today and step into the untamed beauty of KwaZulu-Natal.
Click here for more photos taken on Big Five Safari Tours.
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Customer Feedback
Don, here is report from Martin. Well Done!!!
We are pleased to report, that we had a very good time with Don. Everything was well organised, worked well – no complaints, no real recommendations for improvements. We were also very happy with the Bonamanzi Lodge – an outstanding experience in an unique surrounding. And Don, a very knowledgeable, pleasant personality, probably the best guide in all of South Africa!! We really liked him.
Thanks again for everything. We would immediately book again for tomorrow, if Zululand wouldn’t be 10’000 km away from Switzerland!
Cheers, Martin