
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 Safari from Durban
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
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
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
Tugela Mouth
Tugela river crossing from Durban area into Zululand, Hold your breath!
Pass by without stopping
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






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 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, 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.
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
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
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
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
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 runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
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?
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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 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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