2 Day Hluhluwe Imfolo & Isimangaliso W/Park Tour From Durban

Explore the wonders of South Africa’s Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve and Isimangaliso Wetlands Park on this comprehensive 2-day tour. Embark on thrilling game drives to spot the Big 5, cruise along the St. Lucia Estuary, and learn about the region’s stunning landscapes. With convenient pick-up, comfortable accommodations, and a knowledgeable guide, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience. But the true highlight might just be the unexpected…

Good To Know

• This 2-day tour from Durban explores the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve and Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, offering opportunities to see the Big 5 and diverse wildlife.
• The tour includes a game drive at Hluhluwe Imfolozi, a boat cruise on the St. Lucia Estuary, and an overnight stay at the Elephant Lake Hotel or similar.
• The tour is priced at €623.46 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Hluhluwe Imfolozi is the oldest national park in South Africa, established in 1895 and covering over 98,000 hectares, while Isimangaliso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The tour highlights the importance of sustainable ecotourism and conservation efforts in these protected areas.

Tour Overview

The 2-day Hluhluwe Imfolozi & Isimangaliso Wetlands Park Tour from Durban is priced at €623.46 per person.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve a spot without any upfront payment.

The tour lasts 2 days and includes pickup from preferred locations. A live English-speaking guide accompanies the tour, which is wheelchair accessible.

The highlights include a game drive at Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, a game drive at Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, a hippo and crocodile boat cruise at St Lucia Estuary, and an overnight stay at Elephant Lake Hotel or similar in St Lucia.

Highlights of the Tour

Commencing the tour, guests explore the renowned Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve – the oldest park in South Africa, established in 1895. Covering over 98,000 hectares, the park is home to the Big 5 and is noted for its white rhino conservation efforts. Continuing the adventure, visitors journey to Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, South Africa’s first Natural World Heritage Site. This protected area spans 280km of pristine coastline and 328,000 hectares, boasting diverse wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The tour culminates with a relaxing boat cruise on the St. Lucia Estuary, where guests can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.

Hluhluwe Imfolozi	Isimangaliso Wetlands
Oldest park in SA	1st Natural World Heritage Site
Home to Big 5	280km pristine coastline
White rhino conservation	328,000 hectares
Diverse African landscape	Hippos, crocodiles, birds

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve

Established in 1895, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is the oldest national park in South Africa.

Covering over 98,000 hectares, it boasts a diverse African landscape that’s home to the Big 5 – lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos.

The park is renowned for its successful rhino conservation efforts, including the Centenary Capture Centre which rehabilitates injured animals.

With an emphasis on sustainable ecotourism, Hluhluwe Imfolozi offers visitors the chance to witness Africa’s wildlife in its natural habitat.

The game drive through this remarkable reserve is a highlight of the 2-day tour, providing an unforgettable safari experience.

Isimangaliso Wetlands Park

Spanning over 280 km of pristine coastline and 328,000 hectares, Isimangaliso Wetlands Park is South Africa’s first Natural World Heritage Site.

The park is home to one of the largest populations of hippopotamus and an estimated 1,000 crocodiles. Its rich biodiversity includes lion, zebra, African elephant, leopard, giraffe, black and southern white rhino, and fish eagles.

Visitors can explore this diverse landscape on a game drive, spotting the abundant wildlife.

The park’s designation as a World Heritage Site reflects its exceptional natural value and the importance of conserving this unique ecosystem for future generations.

Day 1: Exploring Hluhluwe Imfolozi

On the first day, guests will explore the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, the oldest national park in South Africa.

This vast 98,000-hectare reserve is known for its diverse African landscape and the presence of the Big 5 – lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino.

Guests can look forward to:

1. Embarking on a thrilling game drive to spot the park’s abundant wildlife.
2. Visiting the Centenary Capture Centre, a facility dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of animals.
3. Gaining an appreciation for the park’s sustainable ecotourism initiatives that prioritize the protection of the land and its inhabitants.

The day’s activities will provide an immersive introduction to the wonders of Hluhluwe Imfolozi, setting the stage for the next day’s exploration of the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park.

Day 2: Isimangaliso and Boat Cruise

The second day of the tour takes visitors to the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, South Africa’s first Natural World Heritage Site.

This expansive protected area spans over 280 km of pristine coastline and 328,000 hectares. Guests will embark on a game drive through the diverse wetlands, home to one of the largest hippopotamus and crocodile populations in the country.

The highlight of the day is a boat cruise along the St. Lucia Estuary, where travelers can witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

The tour then returns to Durban in the afternoon, completing the two-day exploration of Hluhluwe Imfolozi and Isimangaliso.

Accommodation and Amenities

During the 2-day tour, travelers stay at the Elephant Lake Hotel or a similar accommodation in St. Lucia.

The hotel provides the following amenities:

1. Comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.
2. A daily breakfast served at the on-site restaurant.
3. Access to facilities like a swimming pool, gym, and lounge areas.

The accommodation is conveniently located near the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, allowing easy access to the game drives and boat cruises.

The standard of the accommodations and amenities ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay during the tour.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

This tour allows travelers to book their spot with no upfront payment. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it provides flexibility for travelers’ plans. The booking and cancellation policy is as follows:

Policy	Details
Reservation	No upfront payment required to reserve a spot
Cancellation	Full refund available up to 24 hours prior
Changes	Modifications permitted subject to availability
Children	Same policies apply to all travelers
Refund	Processed within 7-10 business days

This tour offers a hassle-free booking experience, allowing travelers to secure their adventure with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Discount for Booking as a Group?

The tour overview does not mention any group discounts. However, it states that the tour price is per person, so it’s possible that larger groups may be able to negotiate a discounted rate directly with the tour operator.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, meal options are also available for purchase during stops at the game reserves and wetland park. Snacks and beverages may be consumed throughout the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Game Drives?

There is no strict dress code for the game drives, but comfortable, neutral-colored clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Guests should dress in layers to accommodate varying temperatures during the safari experiences.

Are Guides Available to Provide Translation Services?

The tour provides live English-speaking guides. While translation services are not explicitly mentioned, the guides can likely provide assistance to non-English speakers. Guests are encouraged to inquire about translation needs when booking the tour.

Can We Extend Our Stay at the Elephant Lake Hotel?

Yes, guests can extend their stay at Elephant Lake Hotel or a similar accommodation in St Lucia. However, this would need to be arranged separately from the 2-day tour package. Any additional nights would incur an extra cost.

The Sum Up

This 2-day tour from Durban offers an exceptional opportunity to take in South Africa’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Explore the renowned Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, spot the Big 5, and cruise through the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and convenient transportation. It’s an unforgettable adventure that allows travelers to witness the country’s natural wonders up close.