Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban
Durban, South Africa

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban

Outty Ranking 72 4.8 · 79 traveler reviews11 hoursFrom $226
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Outty Ranking

72/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 79 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban worth booking?

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban is a 11-hour experience in Durban, South Africa, from $226 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 79 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
72 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (79)
Duration
11 hours
From
$226 per person

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.

What you get

    About this experience

    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.

    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

    What you'll see and do

    1. Hluhluwe Game Reserve

      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.

      360 minutes here

    2. Zululand

      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 without stopping

    3. Tugela Mouth

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

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Tongaat Beach

      The Indian ocean is visible most days on route

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

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

    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 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Tim Brown Tours

    Know before you go

    • 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

    Photos

    Hluhluwe day Safari from Durban sighting of Elephants playing., Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from DurbanTim Brown Tour guide explaining how this tree ended up dead., Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from DurbanWhite Rhino marking his territory while on Safari in Hluhluwe Imfolozi game reserve., Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from DurbanTim Brown Tour guide spending time at a Cat Sanctuary., Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from DurbanElephant smelling the air in Hluhluwe game reserve., Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from DurbanHerd of Elephants wondering through the bush on our Durban safari., Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 79 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

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    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.

    Organization

    2 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

    79 verified traveler reviews for Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    66
    4 star
    10
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    r_liceaga · September 2026

    Fantastic Tour

    Tom Brown made of this Safari the best possible experience. All was perfect since the information, pick up, on site comunication, etc. Thanks for everything

    Response from the operator: Hi Rodrigo Thanks for the great feedback, we really appreciate it. Safe travels. Regards Tim Brown Tours Team

    via Tripadvisor

    Curious26111948765 · April 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.

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

    via Tripadvisor

    120johann · April 2026

    Terrible

    Had a one day tour of Hluhluwe Imfolozi park from Durban. A day of nearly 14 hours. Absolutely no snacks, not even a couple of courtesy cookies/muffin/chips are provided. On the way to Durban, they stop at a gas station, and they say "you can get your coffee...lunch is at 12 o'clock at the reserve". It is not an open back safari vehicle. You are told you can open the windows to take pictures, but close them due to air conditioning. On the side of the van, some of the windows don't work. For the others, you are struggling with the latch to slide the window sideways. Opening and closing windows all day. The guide was supposedly on a Whatsapp group with other drivers to get alerts about animal sightings. However, we saw only one elephant. Imagine driving 14 hours in Africa just to see one elephant. No lions, a couple of rhinos from far far away and two giraffes. I have been to about a dozen safaris, including some arranged by other Durban operators. This was my worst experience by far.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations, particularly after what is indeed a long day travelling to and from Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park. Regarding meals and refreshments, guests are responsible for their own lunch and any snacks or drinks during the day. We do, however, include scheduled comfort stops at reputable locations along the route where guests can purchase these items, and we ensure there is time allocated for lunch inside the reserve. Complimentary bottled water is provided on board. This information is clearly outlined in our itinerary, and we appreciate your feedback as we continue to refine how we communicate the tour experience. Our website itinerary is designed to be clear on what is included and excluded, including optional extras such as open vehicle game drives within the reserve. Our standard tour is conducted in enclosed, air-conditioned vehicles for comfort over long distances, with windows that can be opened for photography. We will also review your comments regarding window functionality with our team. With regard to wildlife sightings, Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park is a large, approximately 96,000-hectare protected reserve. While it is fenced, it remains a vast natural ecosystem, and animal movements are entirely unpredictable. Our guides do their best—often in communication with other guides via sighting groups—to locate wildlife, but sightings can vary greatly from day to day and are unfortunately never guaranteed. As much as we would like to, we cannot control nature or the movement of animals. We do understand how disappointing this can be when expectations are high. We appreciate your feedback and will continue working to ensure we deliver the best possible experience for our guests. Kind regards, Tim Brown Tours

    via Tripadvisor

    kittcatt0 · April 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.

    Response from the operator: 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

    via Tripadvisor

    Dunworthjuliet · December 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

    Response from the operator: 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

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    11 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $226 to $3,655
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    28
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Tim Brown Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.6.

    See everything Tim Brown Tours runs

    Why this scores 72

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)83
    Review evidence (18% weight)83
    Booking momentum (14% weight)79
    Value for money (12% weight)67
    Listing quality (10% weight)76
    Local standing (8% weight)66
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban cost?

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    Prices start at $226 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 Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban 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 Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 79 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Durban, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban?

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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 Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban suitable for kids and families?

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    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 Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban?

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    Around 28 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 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from 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?

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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?

    +

    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 Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban?

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    Included: Professional English-speaking driver/guide; Guided full-day Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 safari; Bottled water; Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve entry fees; and Return transport from Durban or Umhlanga Hotel pickup and drop-off. Not included: Lunch; Additional drinks and beverages; Personal expenses; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 152 listed pickup locations in and around Durban. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban 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 Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from 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.

    Is Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from 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.

    What do travelers say about Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban?

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    Across 79 reviews averaging 4.8 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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