Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve in Ocean City, United States
Ocean City, United States

Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve

Outty Ranking 76 4.9 · 31 traveler reviews14 hoursFrom $279
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Outty Ranking

76/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 31 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve worth booking?

Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve is a 14-hour experience in Ocean City, United States, from $279 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 31 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
76 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (31)
Duration
14 hours
From
$279 per person

Wherever you are in the Zulu Kingdom you are no more than 3 hours from Africa’s iconic Big 5. Today, however, you shall be a whole lot closer. It is a 05h00 start. As you know wildlife, especially predators, are most active around dawn and dusk. The Big 5 Bucketlist Safari gives you the best chance to see the Big 5 on a day tour within KwaZulu Natal. Enter into a Premier Private Game Reserve and meet your knowledgeable ranger. Listen to a briefing on game drive etiquette before you start your 3 hour morning safari. Your ranger will track wildlife while keeping tabs on sightings throughout the reserve giving you the best chance to be in the right place at the right time. This reserve only permits travellers staying at their luxury lodges to traverse the park, unless you’re with us of course. Time for lunch. After lunch we’re heading deeper into the reserve. Embark on another 3 hour game drive focusing on different game. At approximately 16h00 we will depart for Durban.

What you get

    About this experience

    Wherever you are in the Zulu Kingdom you are no more than 3 hours from Africa’s iconic Big 5. Today, however, you shall be a whole lot closer. It is a 05h00 start. As you know wildlife, especially predators, are most active around dawn and dusk. The Big 5 Bucketlist Safari gives you the best chance to see the Big 5 on a day tour within KwaZulu Natal. Enter into a Premier Private Game Reserve and meet your knowledgeable ranger. Listen to a briefing on game drive etiquette before you start your 3 hour morning safari. Your ranger will track wildlife while keeping tabs on sightings throughout the reserve giving you the best chance to be in the right place at the right time. This reserve only permits travellers staying at their luxury lodges to traverse the park, unless you’re with us of course. Time for lunch. After lunch we’re heading deeper into the reserve. Embark on another 3 hour game drive focusing on different game. At approximately 16h00 we will depart for Durban.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • Binoculars
    • Multilingual Safari Guide Books (English/German/French)

    Not included

    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Manyoni Private Game Reserve

      Embark on an authentic African Safari on an open safari 4x4 with your knowledgeable ranger who will track predators and Africa's iconic Big 5 while keeping tabs on sightings throughout the reserve giving you the best chance to be in the right place at the right time. This reserve only permits travellers staying at their luxury lodges to traverse the park, unless you’re with us of course.

      480 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

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

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve in Ocean City, photo 2Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve in Ocean City, photo 3Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve in Ocean City, photo 4Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve in Ocean City, photo 5Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve in Ocean City, photo 6Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve in Ocean City, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 29 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    29 verified traveler reviews for Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    27
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    X5941NGsandrab · September 2026

    Amazing beyond words

    We had an absolutely amazing time on this trip. Thabo our driver was so interesting to chat to on our drive to and from the Game Reserve. Our game drive was so good words are not adequate. Kwanele’s knowledge and skills made the whole day truly magical.

    via Tripadvisor

    Dianshi · February 2026

    Once in life time

    We were overwhelmed by a female lion making a kill in the safari, which is well-worth for the booked reserve. The experience is great. We met really nice people as well, Sheldon drove us to and back from the reserve, he also provided the Zulu culture along the way. The ranger Sizo is the star of the reserve drive, he knows the spots well where to find those animals and he shares some knowledge about the animals we saw. And he kept warning the coming branches may get to us.

    via Tripadvisor

    JanLeonard_N · January 2026

    African safari wirh big 5...

    African safari wirh big 5 is always great. Not much animals but enought for good safari. Beautifull nature. We recimanded.

    via Viator

    145anaiss · November 2025

    Truly the most incredible day!

    The partner and I went on this safari trip on the 7th of November and it was one of the best days of our lives! Kyran picked us up from our apartment at 5:30 and the journey was about 3 hours, it was smooth and he stopped many times so we could have breaks and drinks if we needed! He was a great guide and really informative about the areas we were driving through, a great start to the trip. Once we arrived at the reserve we immediately stumbled across two lionesses hunting wildebeest, it was so exciting! We were taken on tour in the morning by our wonderful guide, Wonderboy! He was amazing and we saw 4/5 of the big five, we even saw a rare leopard which no one could believe! The tour is so worth while and after lunch we went out for another 3 hours! I can't recommend this enough, the tour is great, the people are so kind and so knowledgable. I wish we could do it all over again! It exceeded my expectations of something I have dreamt of doing.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your amazing experience! We’re thrilled to hear that Kyran and Wonderboy made your safari unforgettable and that you had such incredible sightings — especially the rare leopard! It’s wonderful to know that the trip exceeded your expectations and that you felt well cared for throughout. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon — there’s always more to explore!

    via Tripadvisor

    Manuela B · November 2025

    Fantastisch

    Very, very nice and interesting. Driver and Guide very friendly and helpful. We have to see a lot of animals. Thank you very much

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re so glad you enjoyed seeing all the animals and that your driver and guide made the experience enjoyable and memorable. 🐘🦁 We hope to welcome you on another Wild Routes adventure soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    14 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $279 to $4,500
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    11
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Wild Routes Africa, who run 10 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.4.

    See everything Wild Routes Africa runs

    Why this scores 76

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
    Review evidence (18% weight)55
    Booking momentum (14% weight)47
    Value for money (12% weight)98
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)70
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve cost?

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    Prices start at $279 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ocean City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve take?

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    Plan for about 14 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 Ocean City is not rushed.

    Is Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 31 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Ocean City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive 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 Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve?

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    Around 11 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City and add a light layer if any part of the 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Ocean City 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 Ocean City?

    +

    Ocean City, MD packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Ocean City by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Ocean City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include OC Bay Hopper - Assateague Island Cruise, 45-Minute Sea Rocket Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City MD, 1 Hour Sunset and OC Harbor Cruise in Ocean City MD. 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 Ocean City?

    +

    Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Ocean City, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. 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 Ocean City?

    +

    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?

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    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 Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve?

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    Included: Bottled water; Binoculars; and Multilingual Safari Guide Books (English/German/French). Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 141 listed pickup locations in and around Ocean City. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve offered in?

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    It is offered in German, English and French. 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 Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive 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.

    What happens to Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Durban: Big 5 Safari - Open Safari Vehicle at Exclusive Reserve?

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    Across 31 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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