South Africa · BIG FIVE GAME DRIVES IN DURBAN
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 9 big five game drives in Durban worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
You leave Durban at 6:00 am for a 11 to 12 hour safari at Hluhluwe Imfolozi, with entry, transport, a guide, and limited bottled water included. Guides such as Sibo and Nikolas provide wildlife commentary, but sightings are never guaranteed.
“There are not much wild animals to be seen. I really would not recommend this safari to anyone who is expecting to see the big 5.”
Leave Durban at 5:30 am with driver Thabo Mokgape or another Wild Routes Africa driver for the 2.5 to 3-hour ride to Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Spend about 6 to 8 hours in an open safari vehicle, using binoculars and ranger tracking to seek rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, and more.
“The guide was wonderful and the animals even better. It was everything we hoped it would be. We give it 5 stars.”
Leave Durban at about 6:30 a.m. for a closed-vehicle safari in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. A professional guide such as Wendy, Jan Jordaan, Prince, or Thabo leads the game drive, with chances to see rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodile, and many birds. An open vehicle costs extra and must be booked ahead.
“This was an excellent trip our Guide, Jan Jordaan ,was very knowledgeable - there was plenty of room in the vehicle as there were only 4 of us - we left the hotel at 6.15am and returned at 7.30pm. The whole time we were absorbed in the woRead more”
Spend 10 hours exploring Tala Private Game Reserve, Natal Lion Park, and Phezulu Safari Park from Durban. Expect a 4x4 game drive, chances to see rhino, giraffe, zebra, lions, and elephants, plus optional Zulu culture and reptile activities. Phezulu admission costs extra.
“The tour would have been fantastic if our guide spoke. She didn’t say much the whole day although she was polite. No information about the animals, where we were going, facts about the country etc etc. We relied on Google. The places we went to were worth a visit though.”
Travel from Durban to Tala Game Reserve for a 4x4 safari among rhino, giraffe, hippo, zebra, kudu, and more, then continue to Natal Lion Park for lions and elephants. English guiding, hotel, airport, and cruise-port pickup are offered, but transport reliability requires careful confirmation.
“The trip itself was worth seeing. We saw many animals, and were able to get very close to some of them. Unfortunately, the weather put a damper on our plans (persistent, torrential rain). The guides made the most of it.”
Spend a full day traveling from Durban to Hluhluwe Imfolozi, South Africa’s oldest game park, on a private guided trip with a closed vehicle safari. Guides such as Freddy, Aaron, and Nene have helped guests spot rhinos, elephants, giraffes, antelope, and birds. Optional extras include a wild cat sanctuary, boat cruise, and Zulu cultural visit.
“Purtroppo nonostante il parco sia uno dei più famosi per fare i Safari e sia davvero un parco molto bello e pieno di animali, avremmo fatto meglio ad organizzarci il tour in autonomia! Primo problema: Il nostro Safari doveva durare un intera giornata, mentre non si sa il motivo siamo stati inseriti dal partner locale (senza possibilità di rinunciare!) in un tour composto da più esperienze che ha portato via moltissimo tempo al nostro Safari e questo ha fatto si che all’interno del parco la guida avesse molta fretta per riuscire a stare nei tempi (in ogni caso il nostro rientro in hotel che doveva essere ad un certo orario…”
Leave Durban before sunrise for a small-group safari in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Your English-speaking guide handles the long drive and wildlife viewing, with lunch at Hilltop Camp or a similar spot. Expect rhino country, rolling hills, birds, and a full 12-hour day.
“We had a wonderful life experience, and our tour guide was incredible, friendly what a sweet woman. a big shout out to Thompsons traveling agency we are content and happy. Cheers to the future”
Leave Durban at 6am with pickup included and drive about three hours to Hluhluwe Imfolozi. Benson handles the transfer, while a reserve guide leads the 4x4 safari through 98,000 hectares known for rhino conservation, elephants, lions, and varied wildlife.
“Fantastic trip, great close encounters with Elephant, Lions and Rhino.. loved the dung beetles and great views of the park. Benson did everything possible to make it a day to remember!”
Leave Durban around 5 AM for a 2.5-hour drive at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, lunch at Hilltop Camp, then a four-hour open 4x4 safari at Manyoni. Your small group may work with guides such as Tambo, Wanda Boy, David, or Mzamo, with binoculars and wildlife books provided.
“It was great! The private game reserve was excellent! Our driver Tambo and guide Wanda Boy were the best! Highly recommend.”
Pick a reserve, a coastline or a cellar.
