Spend a day on safari in the magical Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Located in the heart of Zululand, this huge, well managed reserve is home to 84 species of game and an impressive variety of bird species. It is also home to the magnificent "Big Five" - lions, buffaloes, rhinos, elephant and leopards, as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebra, blue wildebeests, spotted hyenas and wild dogs.
The reserve enjoys international acclaim for it's work in Rhino conservation, spearheading the successful "Operation Rhino" campaign to bring the White Rhino population back from the brink of extinction in the 1950's and 1960's. This is an ongoing campaign which the reserve is proud to be a part of.
The tour includes closed vehicle game drives throughout the day, and you have the option to take an open vehicle game drive at an additional cost, payable direct to the supplier on the day. Lunch is at the award winning Hilltop Camp, which has incredible views over the reserve.
A superb day all round. This company is a subsidiary of a much bigger well renowned organisation and you could tell. Air conditioned Mercedes van was punctual and had plenty of room for our group of 16. Our tour co-ordinator was accompanied by a driver who got us to the game reserve efficiently and safely. The location required an early start at 6.30 am for the 2.5 hours plus journey including comfort breaks each way Upon arrival our group was divided into two as we transferred to superb off road vehicles each specialist guide acting also as driver. These guides and vehicles belonged to the tour company not the reserve and they were the best of the many we saw during the day. Our guide was superbly knowledgeable of the reserve and kept in close contact with other guides by radio to ensure that we managed to see as many animals as possible. We managed to see 4 of the big five apart from a leopard as well as baboons, zebras, impalas, the bonus being an energetic dung beetle! on occasions, animals were very close, particularly an elephant and a herd of zebras grazing beside our path. Altogether a long day lasting a little over 12 hours but nonetheless memorable in numerous ways. Highly recommended!
Review by: janetgill_9, November 2017
Fantastic experience
Review by: Patricia S, April 2017
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 wonderful scenery and the animals - we saw many elephants, rhino, wart hogs, baboons, giraffes, Cape buffalos and the crowning moment - just as we had given up was a pride of lions - we can honestly say it was a wonderful trip.
Review by: Marion M, April 2017
Whilst we didn't see any lions we say loads of other wild life , at one point I thought the elephant were coming into the car , excellent day out if you are an animal lover , our tour guide provided loads of info and new exactly were to find the animals, the meal that was included in the tour price was lovely, the pick up and drop off service was excellent as the reserve is a few hours away, an excellent day out
Review by: Kathy B, July 2016
My family and I had the most special day , our guide,Prince ,was especially good . We saw Rhino Elephant ZEbra Giraffee wildebeest Buffalo baboon warthogs and lots of Buck . I definitely want to return and maybe be lucky enough to see some cats next time . _br/_ Recommend this tour as it was just the 3 of us.
Review by: Raymond E, October 2014
Colin our guide did an excellent job.
Review by: Alexander N, March 2014
My Husband (30) and I (24) from Germany had a wonderful day in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. In the park we saw crocodiles, giraffes, elephants, warthogs, rhinos, buffalos, zebras, several species of monkeys, spiders, snakes and birds. The guide knew exactly where to find the animals, it was great. Also the driver from Durban to the game reserve was very nice. He was a zulu man and told us so much about the zulu culture. The Lunch at the Lodge was also very nice, we were able to choose from the whole card of the restaurant._br/_
We had a wonderful day.
Review by: Helmut M S, March 2014
After seeing the Serengeti and Masai Mara, it was a bit disappointing, but the long ride to and from Durban cuts into the best viewing time. Should be a two day trip. The Driver did his very best and can only be commended.
Review by: Thierry G, April 2012
This gamme reserve is a lot more rugged than Pilanesburg. And much further from Durban than Pilanesburg is from Johannesburg. So we got back almost at 8.30 pm after leasing at 6.30 in the morning. The guide was well intentioned but like most guides they are on a mission to spew all they know! Had to reign him to the job at hand several times. Did not see many animals. Worth doing if spending a night there!
Review by: Fiore L, December 2011
Perfect nothing to be signalled, beautiful and interesting excursion
Review by: J Antoni R, August 2011
Long trip from Durban gave us an idea of the agricultural economy of SA - sugarcane and eucalyptus farms as far as eye can see. Beautiful landscape of the Reserve, we saw zebras, giraffe, elephant (1), water buffalo (1), rhinoceros only from very far, some other animals as well. No big cats - February is not the best time. Very pleasant and friendly, well informed Zulu guide.
Review by: Freddie M H, April 2011
Driver drove too fast during the trip to and from the reserve and did not observe village speed bumps. The safari though was exciting.
Review by: Freddie M H, March 2011
Driver drove too fast during the trip to and from the reserve and did not observe village speed bumps. The safari though was exciting.
Review by: J Antoni R, March 2011
Long trip from Durban gave us an idea of the agricultural economy of SA - sugarcane and eucalyptus farms as far as eye can see. Beautiful landscape of the Reserve, we saw zebras, giraffe, elephant (1), water buffalo (1), rhinoceros only from very far, some other animals as well. No big cats - February is not the best time. Very pleasant and friendly, well informed Zulu guide.
Review by: Rachel, February 2011
I loved going to to Hluhluwe. It was a long drive there, about 3.5 hours from Durban but we spent over 8 hours just at the game reserve, it made for a long day but it was amazing. Our driver was very nice. We saw only 3 of the big 5, but we saw lots of the buffalo and rhinos. We saw many beautiful giraffes and zebras. It was great how close they get to the cars. I suggest paying the extra for the open game drive, it was worth it. If you only have a short time for a safari, this is perfect for you. I would recommend this tour and the company.
Review by: Rachel, December 2010
I loved going to to Hluhluwe. It was a long drive there, about 3.5 hours from Durban but we spent over 8 hours just at the game reserve, it made for a long day but it was amazing. Our driver was very nice. We saw only 3 of the big 5, but we saw lots of the buffalo and rhinos. We saw many beautiful giraffes and zebras. It was great how close they get to the cars. I suggest paying the extra for the open game drive, it was worth it. If you only have a short time for a safari, this is perfect for you. I would recommend this tour and the company.
Review by: Arlene V, May 2010
While we only saw three of the "big five" I would consider our safari to be a success. Our driverguide was both very personable and also very informative. He shared a lot both on our trip to and from the game reserve as well as providing us with information on animals in the reserve itself. I would highly recommend this safari to anyone who was considering it.
Review by: Walt V, United States of America, April 2010
While we only saw three of the "big five" I would consider our safari to be a success. Our driverguide was both very personable and also very informative. He shared a lot both on our trip to and from the game reserve as well as providing us with information on animals in the reserve itself. I would highly recommend this safari to anyone who was considering it.
Review by: Deborah C, United Kingdom, April 2010
This trip was work flying 6,000 miles for on its own. Our guide Thabo was excellent. Full of information and spotted things that we would have missed. Our meal at the hilltop restaurant was delicious and the view could not have been bettered. Anyone planning at trip to Hluhluwe should definitely book it through Viator. Excellent value for money.
Review by: Arlene V, April 2010
While we only saw three of the "big five" I would consider our safari to be a success. Our driverguide was both very personable and also very informative. He shared a lot both on our trip to and from the game reserve as well as providing us with information on animals in the reserve itself. I would highly recommend this safari to anyone who was considering it.
Review by: David W, United Kingdom, February 2010
On my game drive, we’d barely got through the gates when we came across a bull elephant. Unfortunately, it had no intention of moving, and our guide started sensing that Dumbo was becoming agitated. A quick reverse back up the hill was in order – these male elephants can be very dangerous. We watched him slowly trudge away from a safe distance and then continued. It was pretty hot, so a lot of creatures were undercover, but we did see warthogs, buffalo, zebras, rhinos and giraffes before sightings dried up. After lunch, it was a different story. We were treated to rhinos wallowing in mud, giraffes up incredibly close, wildebeest sauntering around and seemingly hundreds of impalas. The highlight came towards the end, though. At the other side of a watering hole from our vehicle sat four lions, just waiting for something to come their way and have a drink.
Review by: Anonymous, February 2010
_strong_Note from Viator:_/strong_ This review is from David Whitely, who posted a _a href="http://travelblog.viator.com/top-day-trips-from-durban/"_complete tour summary_/a_ over on the Viator blog.
Review by: _i class="icon icon-flag unit mtxs"__/i_Report problem, February 2010
On my game drive, we’d barely got through the gates when we came across a bull elephant. Unfortunately, it had no intention of moving, and our guide started sensing that Dumbo was becoming agitated. A quick reverse back up the hill was in order – these male elephants can be very dangerous. We watched him slowly trudge away from a safe distance and then continued. It was pretty hot, so a lot of creatures were undercover, but we did see warthogs, buffalo, zebras, rhinos and giraffes before sightings dried up. After lunch, it was a different story. We were treated to rhinos wallowing in mud, giraffes up incredibly close, wildebeest sauntering around and seemingly hundreds of impalas. The highlight came towards the end, though. At the other side of a watering hole from our vehicle sat four lions, just waiting for something to come their way and have a drink.
Review by: _i class="icon icon-flag unit mtxs"__/i_Report problem, February 2010
On my game drive, we’d barely got through the gates when we came across a bull elephant. Unfortunately, it had no intention of moving, and our guide started sensing that Dumbo was becoming agitated. A quick reverse back up the hill was in order – these male elephants can be very dangerous. We watched him slowly trudge away from a safe distance and then continued. It was pretty hot, so a lot of creatures were undercover, but we did see warthogs, buffalo, zebras, rhinos and giraffes before sightings dried up. After lunch, it was a different story. We were treated to rhinos wallowing in mud, giraffes up incredibly close, wildebeest sauntering around and seemingly hundreds of impalas. The highlight came towards the end, though. At the other side of a watering hole from our vehicle sat four lions, just waiting for something to come their way and have a drink.
Review by: _i class="icon icon-flag unit mtxs"__/i_Report problem, February 2010
On my game drive, we’d barely got through the gates when we came across a bull elephant. Unfortunately, it had no intention of moving, and our guide started sensing that Dumbo was becoming agitated. A quick reverse back up the hill was in order – these male elephants can be very dangerous. We watched him slowly trudge away from a safe distance and then continued. It was pretty hot, so a lot of creatures were undercover, but we did see warthogs, buffalo, zebras, rhinos and giraffes before sightings dried up. After lunch, it was a different story. We were treated to rhinos wallowing in mud, giraffes up incredibly close, wildebeest sauntering around and seemingly hundreds of impalas. The highlight came towards the end, though. At the other side of a watering hole from our vehicle sat four lions, just waiting for something to come their way and have a drink.
Review by: _i class="icon icon-flag unit mtxs"__/i_Report problem, February 2010
On my game drive, we’d barely got through the gates when we came across a bull elephant. Unfortunately, it had no intention of moving, and our guide started sensing that Dumbo was becoming agitated. A quick reverse back up the hill was in order – these male elephants can be very dangerous. We watched him slowly trudge away from a safe distance and then continued. It was pretty hot, so a lot of creatures were undercover, but we did see warthogs, buffalo, zebras, rhinos and giraffes before sightings dried up. After lunch, it was a different story. We were treated to rhinos wallowing in mud, giraffes up incredibly close, wildebeest sauntering around and seemingly hundreds of impalas. The highlight came towards the end, though. At the other side of a watering hole from our vehicle sat four lions, just waiting for something to come their way and have a drink.
Review by: _i class="via-flag mrxs"__/i_Report problem, February 2010
On my game drive, we’d barely got through the gates when we came across a bull elephant. Unfortunately, it had no intention of moving, and our guide started sensing that Dumbo was becoming agitated. A quick reverse back up the hill was in order – these male elephants can be very dangerous. We watched him slowly trudge away from a safe distance and then continued. It was pretty hot, so a lot of creatures were undercover, but we did see warthogs, buffalo, zebras, rhinos and giraffes before sightings dried up. After lunch, it was a different story. We were treated to rhinos wallowing in mud, giraffes up incredibly close, wildebeest sauntering around and seemingly hundreds of impalas. The highlight came towards the end, though. At the other side of a watering hole from our vehicle sat four lions, just waiting for something to come their way and have a drink.
Review by: Wyn G, August 2009
We had an excellent driver/guide, who did all he could to make our trip both enjoyable and to let us see so many animals.
Review by: Wyn G, United Kingdom, July 2009
We had an excellent driver/guide, who did all he could to make our trip both enjoyable and to let us see so many animals.
Review by: Retired Nomads, July 2009
Very anxious having to confirm once in Africa as well as before leaving the UK, relied upon kindness of hotel. Good day. Long journey, as expected. First vehicle absolutely terrible...impossibly small for 4 adults. Driver agreed to change. Finally set off in van and all was great. Very knowledgeable driver guide.Pleased with animals seen. Very late return but to our advantage having had very late start.
Review by: Maire R, July 2009
Totally professional service. Driver to Hluhluwe and back was so entertaining and knowledgeable about South Africa that the 3 hour drive to the reserve passed quickly. Our guide for the safari was also excellent and when to great lengths make sure we saw as many animals as possible. Lunch was excellent too.
Review by: Donald G, United Kingdom, May 2009
Very anxious having to confirm once in Africa as well as before leaving the UK, relied upon kindness of hotel. Good day. Long journey, as expected. First vehicle absolutely terrible...impossibly small for 4 adults. Driver agreed to change. Finally set off in van and all was great. Very knowledgeable driver guide.Pleased with animals seen. Very late return but to our advantage having had very late start.
Review by: DONALD G, May 2009
Very anxious having to confirm once in Africa as well as before leaving the UK, relied upon kindness of hotel. Good day. Long journey, as expected. First vehicle absolutely terrible...impossibly small for 4 adults. Driver agreed to change. Finally set off in van and all was great. Very knowledgeable driver guide.Pleased with animals seen. Very late return but to our advantage having had very late start.
Review by: Retired Nomads, May 2009
Very anxious having to confirm once in Africa as well as before leaving the UK, relied upon kindness of hotel. Good day. Long journey, as expected. First vehicle absolutely terrible...impossibly small for 4 adults. Driver agreed to change. Finally set off in van and all was great. Very knowledgeable driver guide.Pleased with animals seen. Very late return but to our advantage having had very late start.
Review by: Maire R, Ireland, September 2008
Totally professional service. Driver to Hluhluwe and back was so entertaining and knowledgeable about South Africa that the 3 hour drive to the reserve passed quickly. Our guide for the safari was also excellent and when to great lengths make sure we saw as many animals as possible. Lunch was excellent too.
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