Tours/Durban/Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban
Viator · group up to 20 pax

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban

4.8(77)Durban1 hour
VIATOR4.3(4)TRIPADVISOR4.8(73)

Description

Experience a full-day Big 5 safari from Durban to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, one of Africa’s oldest and most historic wildlife reserves. Ideal for travellers staying in Durban or Umhlanga, this tour offers a real safari experience in one day with Tim Brown Tours, an award-winning local operator with over 15 years’ experience. Hluhluwe Imfolozi is famous for lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant, as well as giraffe, zebra, antelope and beautiful Zululand scenery. Enjoy a professionally guided safari into one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most iconic Big 5 game reserves.

Tour Options

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

360 min

Durban Safari to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve'(Africa’s oldest protected area). Chance to see the "Big 5" which are: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo. Travel in comfort in a closed airconditioned vehicle.

Pass by

Drive through some of the most interesting landscapes. See how the Zulu people traditionally live in todays day and age. Enjoy seeing Cows, goats and the People of Africa. Traditional Zulu huts Cattle herders Historical Sugar cane plantations where the Indian indentured laborer's were brought out in the 1860's to harvest the cane. Eucalyptus (Blue Gum) plantations, used for making paper. Street vendors, selling traditional Zulu bowls, mats and baskets. Young boys selling fresh Honey and honey combe.

Pass by

Tugela river crossing from Durban area into Zululand, Hold your breath!

Pass by

The Indian ocean is visible most days on route

Highlights

Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Guided full-day Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 safari
Bottled water
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve entry fees
Return transport from Durban or Umhlanga Hotel pickup and drop-off

What's included

Included
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Guided full-day Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 safari
Bottled water
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve entry fees
Return transport from Durban or Umhlanga Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included
Lunch
Additional drinks and beverages
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Optional open-vehicle game drive
Any items not listed under inclusions

Pickup Locations & Times

All pickup locations in the Durban area are included in the package up to 30KM from the City center. (This is subject to change) so please do not hesitate to contact us to inquire on whether your area is included within our pickup zone.

Traveller Ratings

4.8
77 reviews
5
65
4
10
3
1
2
1
1
0

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required or the Solo rate will apply

Reviews(77)

C
Curious26111948765
April 26, 2026
Very satisfying professionally managed tour

Though I booked the tour at the last minute the vehicle reached in time for pickup. Nicholas was the driver cum guide with a great sense of humour. The itinerary was well planned, vehicle condition was good and the schedule was perfectly adhered to. The safari was a memorable experience with lots of sightings of different species. Overall a very satisfying experience. Will surely recommend to others.

Operator response

Good day Thanks very much for your feedback, we really appreciate you sharing your experience with us. Kind regards Tim

K
kittcatt0
April 16, 2026
Profoundly excellent

Tim was very communicative and responsive. The guide was knowledgeable and courteous. We saw many animals: elephants, lions, zebras, buffalo, birds, impalas, warthogs and more. It was magical.

Operator response

Hi there Thanks very much for your wonderful feedback, we really value it and are so pleased you got to see so many amazing animals! Until we meet again, safe travels. Regards Tim

I
I8893JN_
February 28, 2026
That's great!

Beautiful organization. wonderful guide. A very interesting tour. Comfortable car. There's a water fridge in the trunk. I recommend it!

Operator response

Привет, Джордж! Спасибо за отличный отзыв, да, здорово, что в багажнике машины есть холодильник. Рад, что вам понравился день, проведенный в африканской саванне. С уважением, Тим

D
Dunworthjuliet
December 29, 2025
A memorable visit to Durban and KwaZulu

Tim, Sibo and his team are wonderful. They are knowledgeable, well organised, very reliable and safe to be with. We saw so much wildlife, birds, flowers and stunning landscape. Highly recommend them and will certainly use them again. They are also very nice people and pleasant to deal with… they made our visit memorable in every way. Thank you Tim, Sibo and your team

Operator response

Hi Juliet Thank for the lovely feedback! We really enjoyed meeting you all and spending time with you! Safe travels until we meet again. Best wishes Tim/Nats and Sibo

R
rmoelders
December 20, 2025
Excellent customized safari experience

We booked a custom version of this trip from Durban. Left mid-morning to travel to the park. Did an afternoon game drive and then stayed at a nearby lodge. Next day had an early morning game drive. Then drove to St Lucia for a noon River tour before heading back to Durban. Our driver stayed with us the whole time. He was knowledgeable and a very safe and confident driver. The Safari was in an open vehicle with a separate guide who really worked hard to find animals and give us a great experience. The lodge setting was beautiful and food delicious. I highly recommend Tim Brown for your travel experiences!

Operator response

Hi Renee Thanks for your lovely feedback! So glad you enjoyed the safari with us from Durban. We look forward to hosting you in the near future. regards Tim

I
inca357
November 20, 2025
Incredible experience!

What a wonderful experience! Sibo our guide was an absolute pleasure to spend time with and very knowledgeable. We would highly recommend Tim Brown tours. The service was impeccable from start to finish.

Operator response

Hi Inca Thanks very much for your lovely feedback, so glad you enjoyed your tour with us and Sibo. Regards Tim

T
Trek27870595151
November 13, 2025
Beautiful day!

We had a day safari with Nicholas yesterday and it was great!😍 My mother said it was one of the best days of her life. The animals and the park were impressive and Nicholas told us a lot of interesting things about life in Africa.

Operator response

Hallo Melina, vielen Dank, dass du deine Erfahrungen mit uns geteilt hast! Wir freuen uns sehr, dass du und deine Mutter den Tag so genossen habt und auch so viel Wissenswertes über unser schönes Land mit nach Hause nehmen konntet. Wir würden uns freuen, dich in Zukunft wieder bei uns begrüßen zu dürfen. Viele Grüße Tim __________________________ Hi Melina Thanks very much for sharing your experience with us! We are very happy that you and your mother enjoyed the day so much as also took home some wonderful information of our Beautiful country. Look forward to hosting you in the future. regards Tim

Q
Q5508NIpeterr
October 12, 2025
Amazing day

Superb day into the reserve. While we didnt see the big cats, we did see Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo. My guide, Marieste was fantastic - very knowledgeable across all sorts of local topics.

Operator response

Hi Peter Thanks very much for your lovely feedback! We really appreciate you joining us. regards Tim

M
macekie1968
September 8, 2025
Fantastic experience

We have just spent 3 days on Hluhluwe Big 5 safari , with Nicholas from Tim Brown Tours . Our tour started at the Cat sanctuary, well worth a visit . We headed straight to the game reserve from there . We were very lucky with the animal spotting .The overnight accommodation is 20 mins drive from the reserve . We stayed in an adjoining room lodge , which was great for us . The food served was great . Day 2 was a morning with Nicholas . The afternoon we opted for a private open air truck . This is a must for a full experience , we came up close to elephants , zebras , rhinos etc , this truck was able to get into areas the regular vehicle could not . Day 3 We visited st lucia for the hippo and crocodile experience .That was ok , saw some hippos and a couple of small crocs . We then headed back to Durban All in all it was a great experience . Nicholas is a fantastic guide ,very knowledgable and witty. The only downside i would say is the vehicle( a small mini van) isnt the most comfortable to sit in , i think a 4x4 would have been better

Operator response

Hi Clive and Donna Thanks for your lovely review, so glad you enjoyed it and got to see some animals really close up. We appreciate your feedback! Regards Tim

D
daliakanalia
August 26, 2025
Safe & well organized

Good full day experience. I felt well taken care of. The driver was also very knowledgeable and was describing everything on the way to Hluhluwe and back. Nicholas had also a very good eye for animals in the park. Did not see any cats but had a chance to spot many other wild animals. Also before the trip, the contact was very good and the organizer was responsive and helpful.

Operator response

Hi Dalia Thanks for your great feedback, we are very glad you enjoyed your Safari with us. Safe Travels. Regards Tim

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