A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve in Durban, South Africa
Durban, South Africa

A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve

Outty Ranking 67 5.0 · 9 traveler reviews11 hoursFrom $210
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Outty Ranking

67/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve worth booking?

A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve is a 11-hour experience in Durban, South Africa, from $210 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
67 / 100
Rating
5/5 (9)
Duration
11 hours
From
$210 per person

The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is not only the oldest game reserve in Africa, but one of the best. Just 2,5 hours north of Durban, you'll get to spend a fantastic day enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of Africa's bushveld. The park is home to Africa's "Big 5" as well as numerous other animals species. If you are short on time and only have a day available, then this is the best way to spend it. With your own private, qualified and passionate guide, you'll not only be escorted throughout the day but you'll learn more than you thought possible about the animals of Africa.

What you get

    About this experience

    The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is not only the oldest game reserve in Africa, but one of the best. Just 2,5 hours north of Durban, you'll get to spend a fantastic day enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of Africa's bushveld. The park is home to Africa's "Big 5" as well as numerous other animals species. If you are short on time and only have a day available, then this is the best way to spend it. With your own private, qualified and passionate guide, you'll not only be escorted throughout the day but you'll learn more than you thought possible about the animals of Africa.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • All Fees and Taxes

    Not included

    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Hluhluwe - iMfolozi Park Wilderness Area

      A wide range of animals in their natural habitat.

      360 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Durban Safaris and Tours

    Know before you go

    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    White Rhino resting during the heat of the day at the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve., A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game...Male Impala rutting to establish dominance in the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game...An African Buffalo looks towards us, he has a Oxpicker sitting on his head. Seen on a day tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve., A Full Day...A pod of Hippo seen in the Hluhluwe river on a safari day tour., A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve in DurbanA solitary elephant blocks our way along the road, A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve in DurbanA family of warthog enjoy the attention, A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve in Durban

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    9 verified traveler reviews for A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    9
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    lindsaytU4710FS · October 2025

    Fantastic tour with knowledgeable guide

    We had a great time on our safari. Our guide Paul was very knowledgeable and fun and we saw many more animals in the short time we had than we could have imagined! Herds of elephants, rhinos plus warthogs, monkeys and even dung beetles. So good! Would highly recommend.

    Response from the operator: Paul is excellent isn't he! I'm so glad your enjoyed you activity-packed safari tour. All the best, Shelldon.

    via Tripadvisor

    S3123LFchads · April 2025

    Sani Pass / Lesotho day trip

    Sheldon was an awesome driver and the day trip to Lesotho up the Sani Pass was very memorable and a crazy exciting drive. A day well invested to see Lesotho and for the drive alone worth it!

    via Tripadvisor

    jayanthaw2022 · April 2025

    One of the best trips!

    We are two seniors from Canada, and we did two overnight tours with Durban safaris and tours. We had very good drivers/guides for our both trips. Mr.Shelldon did some of our driving and he has good knowledge of fauna and flora of this region. We had enough breaks during our long driving and had good food in our hotels. One of the best trips we had so far! Saw some animals, learnt about the culture and visited some villages in Lesotho. We had very clear days in Sanni Pass and the view was so beautiful! We did overnight trips so that we were not too rush to get back to Durban, and enough time to explore the areas. We hope to visit South Africa again and do more trips with them. A big thanks for all the drivers for showing us the countryside.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words and great review! Safe travels :)

    via Tripadvisor

    lynn D · December 2024

    Adventure of a lifetime

    We did the three day safari with Paul. It was the experience of a lifetime. Paul is very knowledgeable and we could tell that he genuinely wanted to give us an amazing experience. He went out of his way to find as many animals as possible. We were thrilled to see all of the big five plus many more creatures from right up close. We had an amazing experience. The accommodations were also top notch. We highly recommend them. Thank you so very much!

    Response from the operator: Thank you Lynn for your review! Paul is an amazing guide and I'm thrilled you had such a great day with him.

    via Tripadvisor

    borroloola · November 2024

    Awesome overnight safari experience

    We did the overnight safari to Hluhluwe with Shelldon and it was one of the best touring experiences we have ever had. Shelldon is a very knowledgeable and friendly person who told us a lot about Zulu culture on the way to the safari reserve. Once there we were treated with three most memorable game drives (evening/night and early/late morning) in an open vehicle that allowed us to see the animals up and close. Seeing a full grown lion and an enormous male elephant walk right past our vehicle is an experience we will never forget. We stopped in Durban on a cruise and he did not only pick us up and dropped us safely and on schedule - he also adapted the times accordingly at just a day’s notice when we learnt that we would arrive three hours early. So we were able to see even more. A full recommendation from the four of us. Even if you have time for just one tour - book this one and you won’t regret it. Should we ever return to South Africa we will book Shelldon again. Thank you so much for the wonderful memories!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the kind words! It was definitely a great tour considering the short time spent in the park.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    11 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $210 to $6,600
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    3
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Durban Safaris and Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.3.

    See everything Durban Safaris and Tours runs

    Why this scores 67

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)82
    Review evidence (18% weight)43
    Booking momentum (14% weight)33
    Value for money (12% weight)71
    Listing quality (10% weight)81
    Local standing (8% weight)64
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Durban.

    How much does A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve cost?

    +

    Prices start at $210 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Durban usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve take?

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    Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Durban is not rushed.

    Is A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Durban, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve?

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    Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Durban can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Durban and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Durban within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Durban?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Durban experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Culture Walking Tour of Durban, Sani Pass & Lesotho 4x4 Experience Day Tour from Durban, Luxury Canal Boat Cruise - Fun Things Durban Ushaka. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Durban?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Durban?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve?

    +

    Included: Private transportation; and All Fees and Taxes. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 6 listed pickup locations in and around Durban. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Durban. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about A Full Day Safari Tour to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve?

    +

    Across 9 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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