
Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game Reserve
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game Reserve worth booking?
Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game Reserve is a 6-hour experience in Durban, South Africa, from $139 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 19 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (19)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $139 per person
Leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and journey into the gently rolling countryside of the Natal Midlands, to one of our best kept secrets, Tala Game Reserve! Tala, a privately owned wildlife conservancy, has a charm all its own – teaming with birdlife, magnificent “plains game”, such as eland, giraffe, kudu and zebra, and a family of hippos, which are extremely rare in this area! Enjoy the spectacular scenery and closed vehicle game viewing, returning to the port in time for the ship’s departure.
What you get
About this experience
Leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and journey into the gently rolling countryside of the Natal Midlands, to one of our best kept secrets, Tala Game Reserve! Tala, a privately owned wildlife conservancy, has a charm all its own – teaming with birdlife, magnificent “plains game”, such as eland, giraffe, kudu and zebra, and a family of hippos, which are extremely rare in this area! Enjoy the spectacular scenery and closed vehicle game viewing, returning to the port in time for the ship’s departure.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Private return transfers from Durban port
- Closed vehicle game drive
- Services of a English speaking qualified guide
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Tala Private Game Reserve
Guests enjoy Game Drive in closed vehicles
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Durban
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cullinan Guided Journeys
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required. Maximum 8 guests
- At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Cullinan Guided Journeys strictly follow the SA Government approved TBCSA Health and Safety COVID-19 Protocols. Should guests present COVID-19 symptoms, COVID testing and quarantine will be at their own cost. We recommend that you ensure that your guests take adequate personal travel insurance cover before departure from home.
- Morning tour - ship should arrive early morning and guests need to be disembarked by 08h00 for departure at 08H30AM
- Morning tour - ship departure time should not be before 15H00.
- Afternoon tour - Ship should arrive late morning and guests need to be disembarked by 12h00 for 12H30 departure.
- Afternoon tour - Ship departure time should not be before 19h00.
- game drives are done in closed vehicles.
- Small Group Tour, guests may be joined by other guests who are on the same Cruise ship.
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What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game Reserve. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Seeing BIG Animals
Excellent trip! We had a terrific cheerful and knowledgeable guide. We saw many animals, including giraffes, zebras, blesbucks, wildebeests, impalas, kudus, nyalas, and rhinos. And I was surprised to see a few vervet monkeys and many ostriches.
Response from the operator: Good Afternoon, Thank you for taking the time and providing us with your feedback. We are pleased to hear that you had an excellent trip.
via Viator
The Best of Safaris
Wonderful experience. Many animals up- close. Zebras, Rhinos, Ostriches, Deer, Giraffes, Hippos etc…….. The guide was exceptional providing commentary on environment and history of Durban. Worth every penny and more. Vehicle was clean, comfortable and provided AC.
Response from the operator: Good Afternoon, Thank you for taking the time and providing us with your feedback. We are pleased to hear that you had a wonderful experience.
via Viator
It was a good trip....
It was a good trip. Joyable, entertaining and the guide (Du?) was also able to remain silent. We saw all animals. Kind regards André and Anja
Response from the operator: Good Afternoon Thank you for taking the time and providing us with your feedback. We are pleased to hear that you had a good trip.
via Viator
Great experience
Incredible views to the animals. Our driver told us many interesting facts about nature history and culture. We felt very safe und well informed
Response from the operator: Good Afternoon Thank you for taking the time and providing us with your feedback. We are thrilled to hear you had a great experience.
via Viator
Great day and enjoyed the safari.
our guide was completely professional and supply bottle water two both myself. He was 15 minutes early, so we were able to leave right away. the car was clean and appeared new. The guide was knowledgeable and well informed. He drove safely and obeyed all traffic laws. the safari was enjoyable and we saw all the animals as advertised. I would recommend this for everyone.
Response from the operator: Good Morning Thank you for taking the time and providing us with your feedback. We are pleased to hear you had a great day.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $139 to $4,840
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cullinan Guided Journeys, who run 25 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.7.
See everything Cullinan Guided Journeys runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game Reserve: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Durban.
How much does Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game Reserve cost?
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Prices start at $139 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 Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game Reserve take?
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Plan for about 6 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 Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game Reserve worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 19 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable family friendly in Durban, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game Reserve?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game Reserve suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game Reserve?
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Around 7 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?
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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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game 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 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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game Reserve?
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Included: Private transportation; Private return transfers from Durban port; Closed vehicle game drive; and Services of a English speaking qualified guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game Reserve offered in?
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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 Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala 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 Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game Reserve wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala 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.
What do travelers say about Durban Shore Excursion: Private Small Group Tala Game Reserve?
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Across 19 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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