2 Days Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari Tour

For the time strapped traveller, we have created a leisurely 2-day safari in the heart of Zulu land. During these 2 days you can enjoy some of KwaZulu-Natal’s finest wildlife, game drives and wildlife conservation projects. Let’s view our 2 Day Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park Safari Highlights.

Day one.

The tour departs from Durban heading northward along the coast to northern KwaZulu-Natal. The first stop is the town of St Lucia and the estuary inside the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. There you will board a river boat for a 2 hours guided tour of the estuary. The local guide will inform you of the reserves history and its incredible wildlife.

The iSimangaliso Wetlands Park was declared South Africa’s first Natural World Heritage Site in 1999. Previously known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, the UNESCO site dates back over 120 years. Established in 1895 the reserve is considered South Africa’s third largest park with its’ unique ecosystem spanning over 280km of near pristine coastline and 328 000 hectares of magnificent scenery. The protected area is home to one of the largest population of hippopotami in SA as well as an estimated 1000 crocodiles. Isimagaliso has a wealth of plant, bird and animal life, including lion, zebra, African elephant, leopard, giraffe, black and southern white rhino and fish eagles.

After the boat tour, you will travel to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. Your experienced guide will show you around the park in search of the diverse wildlife and big 5.

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve set in the heart of Zululand where Africa’s Big 5 (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhinoceros) roam the flourishing savannah. Established in 1895 this is the oldest park in South Africa and encompasses over 98 000 hectares of beautiful African landscape. This tour is in a closed vehicle. The Park contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is characterised by hilly topography. The list of animals at the park is long and varied.  Hluhluwe Game Reserve makes up the northern top half of the reserve which is renowned for its diverse variety of bird and animal life. South of Hluhluwe is the Imfolozi Game Reserve which makes up half of the park. These two reserves were joined together to create the largest reserve in KwaZulu Natal.  The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Reserve is noted for its White Rhino conservation. Their Centenary Capture Centre is celebrated for its exceptional research in animal capture, rehabilitation and release as well their approach to sustainable ecotourism in South Africa.

After the boat tour, you will travel to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. Upon entering the National park, your experienced guide will drive slowly through the park on route to Hilltop Camp or Mpila Camp. After settling in you will embark on a 3 hour Open-Vehicle Safari during sunset with the local guide. After the drive dinner is served at the camp.

Day Two

The day starts early with a closed vehicle morning safari before breakfast. After a hearty breakfast at the camp you will continue with the safari experience in the closed vehicle. After leaving the park, you will visit the local market in the town of Hluhluwe before moving onto Emdoneni Wild Cat Project.

Emdoneni Cat Project offers a guided tour about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species. The aim of the Emdoneni Cat Project is to care for the various wild cat species which have been orphaned or injured in the wild and need care and rehabilitation. Emdoneni’s guided tour offers visitors a unique and exciting opportunity to literally get up close and personal with their magnificent cat species. There are four species of wild cats at Emdoneni; African Wildcat, Caracal, Cheetah and Serval. This once in a lifetime opportunity can be enjoyed whilst being educated on a tour. This activity is very popular!

After the tour we start the two hours journey back to Durban for drop off.