South Africa · Safari

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari and Emdoneni Wild Cat Day Tour

13 Hours Round trip from Durban Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Full-day safari from Durban to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
02 Search for the Big 5 in South Africa’s oldest park
03 Travel through the reserve in a closed vehicle with a qualified guide
04 Learn about white rhino conservation in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi
05 Stop for lunch at scenic Hilltop Camp
06 Visit Emdoneni Wild Cat Sanctuary
07 See cheetah, serval, caracal and African wildcat up close
08 Return transport from Durban included

Travel from Durban into the heart of Zululand for a full-day wildlife experience combining a safari in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park with a visit to Emdoneni Wild Cat Sanctuary. Explore South Africa’s oldest proclaimed park in a closed vehicle as your guide searches for the Big 5 and other wildlife across its rolling savannah and varied landscapes.

After time in the reserve, stop for lunch at Hilltop Camp at your own expense before continuing to Emdoneni Cat Project. Here, enjoy a guided visit focused on endangered wild cat species including cheetah, serval, caracal and African wildcat, while learning about the sanctuary’s rehabilitation and conservation work.

This long but rewarding day trip offers a chance to experience both classic safari scenery and a closer look at South Africa’s remarkable wild cats, before returning to Durban in the evening.

Travel from Durban into the heart of Zululand for a full-day wildlife experience combining a safari in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park with a visit to Emdoneni Wild Cat Sanctuary.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 13 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Durban, Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park

Languages English, French, Greek, Polish, Portuguese

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari and Emdoneni Wild Cat Day Tour

The tour departs from Durban heading north up the coast to northern KwaZulu-Natal. You will arrive at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi gate 2.5 hours after departing from Durban. You 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.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Durban 2 cities · 13 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

National Park fees
Collection and drop off from Durban in an Air-conditioned vehicle
Qualified Tour Guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off

What's Not Included

Food and drinks: however the opportunity is given to buy something to eat , refuel and relax.

Know before you go

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Wheelchair accessible
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION: Pickup & drop off service with in a 5km radius of 1st Zulu Safaris office at Gooderson Tropicana Hotel, 85 OR Tambo Parade, Durban. If you are out of our pickup radius, special arrangements can be made to pick you up at your location of choice
DEPARTURE TIME: 06:30 AM
RETURN TIME: 08:30 PM
LOCATION: Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, Emdoneni Cat Project, KwaZulu-Natal
AGE: All ages welcome
DATES: All year round
TRAVELLER TYPE: Single or Per Person Sharing
We also do pick-up at the Durban Harbor / Richards Bay Passenger Terminal or any pick-up at a 5km radius from Tropicana hotel.
You are looking for a day safari in Hluhluwe Imfolozi.
You are ok travelling a 2.5hr distance to reserve.
You want to experience and learn about the wildlife that roams the reserve.
You want to experience a wild cat up close and learn about the important work the project is doing. (Cheetahs, Serval Cats, African Wildcats and Caracal (Lynx))
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Prices vary by group size and are priced per person, per your booking for your group