Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban
Durban, South Africa

Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban

Outty Ranking 52 3.0 · 3 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $217
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

52/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.0/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban worth booking?

Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban is a 12-hour experience in Durban, South Africa, from $217 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
52 / 100
Rating
3/5 (3)
Duration
12 hours
From
$217 per person

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in 1999 in recognition of its superlative natural beauty and unique global values. Lake St Lucia is the highlight of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and is renowned for its large numbers of crocodiles, hippos, pelicans, and flamingos. Our boat cruise set sail across the vast lake for a wildlife-watching excursion and you get to admire the views from the water. Listen to the on-board commentary from the park rangers and keep your camera ready as you get the chance to admire the wild animals in their natural habitat. The game drive gives you the opportunity to see elephants, zebras, rhinoceros, giraffes, buffaloes, kudus, and many more animals. There is also a huge range of bird species. This is a memorable tour comprising a game drive and a boat cruise in one of the most beautiful places on earth all within the same day.

What you get

    About this experience

    The iSimangaliso Wetland Park was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in 1999 in recognition of its superlative natural beauty and unique global values. Lake St Lucia is the highlight of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and is renowned for its large numbers of crocodiles, hippos, pelicans, and flamingos. Our boat cruise set sail across the vast lake for a wildlife-watching excursion and you get to admire the views from the water. Listen to the on-board commentary from the park rangers and keep your camera ready as you get the chance to admire the wild animals in their natural habitat. The game drive gives you the opportunity to see elephants, zebras, rhinoceros, giraffes, buffaloes, kudus, and many more animals. There is also a huge range of bird species. This is a memorable tour comprising a game drive and a boat cruise in one of the most beautiful places on earth all within the same day.

    What's included

    Included

    • Pick up and drop off at hotels, airport and ports
    • Game drive
    • Bottled water
    • Isimangaliso Wetlands Park - a World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful places on earth
    • 2 Hour Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise

    What you'll see and do

    1. iSimangaliso Wetland Park

      We depart from Durban at 6am and head off along the North Coast route with beautiful scenery which comprises mainly of sugar cane plantations and gumtree plantations en route to Isimangaliso Wetlands Park. This is a 3 and 1/2 hour drive from Durban. Isimangaliso Wetlands Park is a World Heritage Site, one of the most natural beautiful places in the world. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in December 1999 in recognition of its superlative natural beauty and unique global values. At Isimangaliso Wetlands Park we do: 1. A 2 hour Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise - Lake St Lucia is the highlight of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and is renowned for its large numbers of crocodiles, hippos, pelicans, and flamingos. 2. Game Drive in the St Lucia Game Reserve where we get to see elephants, rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras, kudus, buffaloes, and much more including a wide variety of bird species and the vast African bush.

      720 minutes here · Admission included

    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 Saf Tours

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban, photo 2Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban, photo 3Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban, photo 4Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban, photo 5Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban, photo 6Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    2 mentions

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

    Value for money

    1 mention

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Small groups

    1 mention

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Meander60234258903 · August 2025

    Wonderful Day

    We were happy to see Joseph as our guide again. we hand a wonderful day with him again. the boat cruise was amazing. the weather was good, saw a lot of hippos and crocodiles. the area has a lot of birds also. Worth every penny.

    via Tripadvisor

    395stefaniez · November 2023

    Worst experience ever - guide could not answer a single question. HUGE Disappointment

    The boat ride in the morning was very nice and overall a pleasant experience. The game ride in the afternoon though was a huge disappointment. Although our driver and guide was very friendly, he had no experience at all. According to him, it was his first time at the resort. He never drove there before. Also, we were not aware that we will do the game ride in a small compact car, which was not suitable for driving off-road. Unfortunately, our guide could not answer any standard questions (how big is the resort, what animals are located, etc.). During the game ride, he did not know which roads to use and overall, he was not sure if driving on certain roads with the small car was safe at all. It was concerning and we felt not very secure. We saw some animals during our tour, but again our guide could not provide any information at all. For example, we asked about a certain bird, and he just answered “it’s a white bird. I don’t know. I have to google it”. He could not provide any information on the different animals. In general, it was a huge disappointment. It was our first time visiting Africa and that was not what we expected of a game ride. We paid a lot of money for this trip which was not performed as advertised.

    Response from the operator: We apologise that the customer had this experience. Corrective action has been taken as this was a learner guide

    via Tripadvisor

    CATHLEEN_D · April 2023

    Full day tour from Durban

    This was the only provider I found that offers this TOUR. It was a private tour in a personal car. I was satisfied with the Tour, I did see many free roaming animals on the land tour. I saw many hippos on the lake tour.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    12 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $217 to $5,200
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by African Saf Tours, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.0.

    See everything African Saf Tours runs

    Why this scores 52

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)59
    Review evidence (18% weight)26
    Booking momentum (14% weight)16
    Value for money (12% weight)75
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)23
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban cost?

    +

    Prices start at $217 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 Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban take?

    +

    Plan for about 12 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 Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3/5 across 3 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 Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from 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 Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban?

    +

    Around 1 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban?

    +

    Included: Pick up and drop off at hotels, airport and ports; Game drive; Bottled water; Isimangaliso Wetlands Park - a World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful places on; and 2 Hour Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1 listed pickup location in and around Durban. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban offered in?

    +

    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 Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban?

    +

    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 Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban?

    +

    Across 3 reviews averaging 3.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Isimangaliso Wetlands, plus Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise Full Day Tour from Durban.

    Pick your date