Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban
Durban, South Africa

Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban

Outty Ranking 59 4.4 · 5 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $204
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban worth booking?

Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban is a 10-hour experience in Durban, South Africa, from $204 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (5)
Duration
10 hours
From
$204 per person

This tour offers a Croc & Hippo Boat Cruise as well as a game drive all in the same day. On the Croc & Hippo Boat Cruise, Discover, Witness, and Observe Hippos, Nile Crocodiles, and Hundreds of bird species on our Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise while in St Lucia. This 2 hour Boat Cruise Safari gets you close up to the residents of the estuary. On the game drive, while on safari, enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of the park as you explore numerous loop roads, outcrops, and lookout points. With knowledgeable and experienced guides, discover an abundance of wildlife species in the park. Search for Africa's Big 5 game animals: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Spot other animals such as waterbuck, impala, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, reedbuck, chameleon, giraffe, and hyena.

What you get

    About this experience

    This tour offers a Croc & Hippo Boat Cruise as well as a game drive all in the same day. On the Croc & Hippo Boat Cruise, Discover, Witness, and Observe Hippos, Nile Crocodiles, and Hundreds of bird species on our Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise while in St Lucia. This 2 hour Boat Cruise Safari gets you close up to the residents of the estuary. On the game drive, while on safari, enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of the park as you explore numerous loop roads, outcrops, and lookout points. With knowledgeable and experienced guides, discover an abundance of wildlife species in the park. Search for Africa's Big 5 game animals: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Spot other animals such as waterbuck, impala, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, reedbuck, chameleon, giraffe, and hyena.

    What's included

    Included

    • Isimangaliso Wetlands Park Game Drive
    • Isimangaliso Wetlands Park - World Heritage Site
    • St Lucia Estuary Croc & Hippo Boat Cruise
    • Africa's Big 5

    What you'll see and do

    1. Saint Lucia Estuary

      We depart from Durban at 6am and head off to St Lucia Estuary, a 2 hour drive from Durban. At St Lucia we go for a Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise which runs for 2 hours at the St Lucia Estuary. This is an exciting excursion. Discover, Witness, and Observe Hippos, Nile Crocodiles, and Hundreds of bird species on the Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise while in St Lucia. This 2 hour Boat Cruise Safari gets you close up to the residents of the estuary. While on cruise with the experienced and knowledgeable rangers, you will gather some exciting information about the crocs and hippos. The rangers will undoubtedly answer every question that you might have and furnish you with some incredible facts and information on the area.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    2. iSimangaliso Wetland Park

      After the Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise we proceed to the game reserve in Isimangaliso Wetlands Park. This is a self drive game drive with our guide. While on safari, enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of the park as you explore numerous loop roads, outcrops, and lookout points. With knowledgeable and experienced guides, discover an abundance of wildlife species in the park. Search for Africa's Big 5 game animals: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Spot other animals such as waterbuck, impala, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, reedbuck, chameleon, giraffe, and hyena.

      240 minutes here · Admission included

    3. iSimangaliso Wetland Park

      Spend time exploring this beautiful area and the town of St Lucia and you tour around the area, the greater Isimangaliso Wetlands Park area before departing to head back to Durban in late afternoon.

      240 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, fr
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    African Tournet Safaris

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban, photo 2Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban, photo 3Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban, photo 4Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban, photo 5Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban, photo 6Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

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

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    1 mention

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

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
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    asyas325 · January 2025

    Poor customer service by management

    Our guide for the trip was absolutely fantastic. He arrived early, was very nice and personable, and a safe driver. Our day started with a river cruise in the wetlands, which was lovely! After lunch we went to Isimangaliso for the afternoon game drive through the park. Unfortunately, that's where things started to go downhill. We were denied entry and informed at the gate (by the rangers) that the entire company had been banned from the park due to one of the guides being caught illegally off-roading inside the National Park. As mentioned earlier, our guide was fantastic. We attempted to enter at a different park gate and were denied entry there as well. Our guide then spent almost an hour calling and trying to find us another company to take a game drive with. He was unsuccessful and we had to return to Durban. When we returned I kindly reached out to company management and requested a partial refund since we were not provided with the entire guarenteed tour. The manager became immediately defensive, insisting the company had not been banned (the park rangers were lying?) and that he would get back to me when he spoke to our guide (even though our guide had been on the phone with him several times already during the situation). It took 3 days for the manager to get back to me and agree to provide a very small refund (personally I would have liked a larger refund since the issue was due to his employee acting illegally, but I was grateful to get anything). He assured me the refund would be processed the next day, but it was not processed for an additional SIX days after I had to follow up with them again. And even then I was provided a refund even smaller than they had originally offered by several percent. Given how expensive this excursion was, we were very disappointed with how we were treated when the company was very clearly at fault for the situation. Hopefully they took the incident seriously and the employee responsible for the banning faced appropriate consequences so future guests do not have the same problems.

    via Tripadvisor

    Nicolo_B · December 2024

    One day in Isimangaliso

    The place itself is just stunning, and Joseph was a great guide. He knows a lot about the history, nature and wildlife in the area and answered all of my questions, he helped me spotting a lot of animals in the reserve and had a nice and kind attitude. Isimangaliso is amazing, and if you're lucky enough you'll have Joseph as your guide

    via Viator

    Jonathan_R · March 2024

    Great Experience

    It was great! The guide was kind and friendly, and was excellent at spitting animals on the game drive.

    Response from the operator: We thank you for the positive response and we are happy that you enjoyed the experience

    via Viator

    kieron_B · February 2024

    Definitely a great experience

    Such a wonderful day and memorable experience. Kudzi was our guide for the day which started on time as he arrived a few minutes prior to our scheduled time. During our journey he was polite and engaging throughout, he also seemed to be very knowledgeable and was keen to answer any of our questions. Both the boat ride and safari were enjoyable. Especially as we were able to see most of the animals.

    via Viator

    Veronica_S · November 2023

    Great Adventure

    My tour guide Kudzi, picked me up promptly at my chosen pick up point. Introducing himself making me feel safe, as i was doing the tour by myself. From the start of the tour he pointed out lots of interesting places, people and information about the area. He was very knowledgeable about everything on our long drive up to St. Lucia. SA Our first stop was the Wetlands park. We arrived early. So Kudzi showed me around the town. Letting me visit the local craft shops, which were full of the most beautiful craftwork. On my boat trip i seen many hippos enjoying the swamp lands and many interesting birds. I was happy to see my first Kingfishers. After my boat trip Kudzi dropped me off at a lovely restaurant to have lunch and a nice cold drink. Then we entered the game reserve where we seen some beautiful animals enjoying life. I especially loved seeing the giraffes walking across the grassland busy enjoying their day. After seeing many different animals, we headed back to Durban, and again Kudzi kept me entertained by telling me about places and things we seen on the way. Than you Kudzi for a great day out. Top marks.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    10 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $204 to $4,999
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by African Tournet Safaris, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.3.

    See everything African Tournet Safaris runs

    Why this scores 59

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)71
    Review evidence (18% weight)34
    Booking momentum (14% weight)26
    Value for money (12% weight)68
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)44
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban cost?

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    Prices start at $204 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 Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban take?

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    Plan for about 10 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 Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 5 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 Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban?

    +

    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 Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban?

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    Around 2 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban 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?

    +

    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?

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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 Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban?

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    Included: Isimangaliso Wetlands Park Game Drive; Isimangaliso Wetlands Park - World Heritage Site; St Lucia Estuary Croc & Hippo Boat Cruise; and Africa's Big 5. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 116 listed pickup locations in and around Durban. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban offered in?

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    It is offered in 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 Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban?

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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 Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban 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 Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park -Croc & Hippo &Game Fr Durban?

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    Across 5 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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