Exploring the natural wonders of South Africa’s UNESCO-designated iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a captivating experience for adventurous travelers. Located just a short drive from Durban, this full-day tour offers an immersive encounter with the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. From a leisurely boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary to an exhilarating game drive, this adventure promises unforgettable sights and thrilling moments. With convenient transportation, knowledgeable guides, and flexible cancellation policies, this tour provides the perfect opportunity to discover one of the country’s most remarkable natural treasures.
Good To Know
- A full-day excursion from Durban to explore the UNESCO-recognized iSimangaliso Wetland Park, featuring a 2-hour boat cruise and a game drive.
- Witness diverse ecosystems and an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five and numerous bird species, within the park.
- Enjoy a guided 2-hour boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary to observe crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird life.
- Set out on a game drive through the park’s lush forests, grasslands, and lakes to spot iconic African animals like elephants, giraffes, and zebras.
- Convenient pickup and drop-off services available from hotels, the airport, or cruise ships, with a flexible booking policy and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
The tour is a full-day excursion from Durban to the renowned iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lasting 10 hours, this tour departs at 6am and costs $221.60 per person. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour includes a 2-hour boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary to spot hippos and crocodiles, as well as a game drive through the park to view wildlife like elephants, giraffes, zebras, kudus, and impalas.
Pickup and drop-off services are provided from hotels, the airport, or cruise ship. The tour is led by a live English-speaking guide and is wheelchair accessible.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Durban.
About Isimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a diverse and spectacular natural wonderland located on South Africa’s northeast coast. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts a unique array of habitats, from wetlands and forests to grasslands and beaches. The park is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the iconic Big Five, as well as a myriad of bird species. Visitors can explore the park’s stunning landscapes through a variety of activities, from boat cruises and game drives to hiking and snorkeling.
Features | Key Facts |
---|---|
UNESCO World Heritage Site | Diverse ecosystems |
Home to Big Five animals | Abundant wildlife |
Variety of activities | Breathtaking landscapes |
Boat Cruise on St Lucia Estuary
On this tour, visitors embark on a thrilling 2-hour boat cruise along the St Lucia Estuary, renowned for its large populations of crocodiles and hippos.
The cruise provides an up-close encounter with these fascinating creatures as they bask on the riverbanks or swim in the calm waters. Guests may also spot a variety of bird species, including pelicans, storks, and flamingos.
The tour guide shares insights about the estuary’s ecology and the importance of this World Heritage Site.
The boat cruise offers a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant wildlife of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in its natural habitat.
Game Drive Experience
After the boat cruise, the game drive experience allows visitors to explore the diverse landscapes of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
The game drive takes visitors through lush forests, open grasslands, and along the park’s many lakes and waterways.
During the drive, guests may spot:
- Elephants grazing peacefully in the distance.
- Herds of zebra and giraffe roaming the savannas.
- Shy kudus and impalas darting through the undergrowth.
The knowledgeable guide shares fascinating insights about the park’s unique ecosystem and the animals that call it home, making the game drive an enlightening and memorable experience.
More Great Tours NearbyWildlife Viewing Opportunities
During the game drive, visitors have ample opportunities to spot a diverse array of wildlife inhabiting the park. Iconic African animals like elephants, giraffes, zebras, kudus, and impalas can often be seen roaming the vast landscapes. The park’s rich biodiversity is truly captivating, with each animal sighting sure to leave a lasting impression.
Wildlife | Probability of Sighting | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Elephants | High | Largest land mammals, gray skin, large ears, long trunks |
Giraffes | High | Tallest living terrestrial animals, long necks, spotted coats |
Zebras | High | Distinctive black and white striped coats, social herd animals |
Included in the Tour
The full-day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park tour from Durban includes several key activities and features.
The tour includes:
- A 2-hour boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary to spot hippos and crocodiles.
- A game drive through the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, where visitors can see a variety of wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, kudus, and impalas.
- Pickup and drop-off service from hotels, the airport, or the ship, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.
Plus, the tour provides access to the UNESCO-recognized Isimangaliso Wetland Park, known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
The package also includes the services of a live tour guide in English.
Booking Information
Booking this Isimangaliso Wetlands Park tour from Durban is easy and flexible. You can reserve your spot without upfront payment and pay later.
Simply check the availability for your preferred starting time. The tour is live guided in English, ensuring you’ll fully understand the park’s features and wildlife.
It’s wheelchair accessible, too, making it inclusive for all travelers. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can plan your trip with confidence and get a full refund if your plans change.
Don’t miss this chance to explore the World Heritage-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park and its incredible diversity of flora and fauna.
Practical Details
This Isimangaliso Wetlands Park tour from Durban departs at 6am, ensuring an early start to make the most of the day’s activities.
The full-day tour lasts approximately 10 hours and is priced from $221.60 per person. To provide maximum flexibility, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour includes:
- A 2-hour boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary to view hippos and crocodiles.
- A game drive through the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park to spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, kudus, and impalas.
- Pickup and drop-off from hotels, the airport, or the cruise ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?
The tour does not have a minimum number of participants required. Travelers can book the tour individually, and it will run as long as at least one person has reserved a spot.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour operator encourages guests to pack a picnic lunch and snacks to enjoy during the day’s activities in the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Activities?
The tour has no age restrictions, so guests of all ages can participate in the activities. Children are welcome, though parents should ensure they can handle the boat cruise and game drive safely.
Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
Yes, travelers can request a private tour instead of a group tour. The tour operator offers this option, which allows for a more personalized experience and flexibility in the itinerary.
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour allows some customization of the itinerary, though it may incur additional fees. Guests can speak with the tour provider to discuss adjusting the activities, duration, or focus of the tour to better suit their interests.
The Sum Up
This full-day tour from Durban to the stunning iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers an unforgettable adventure. Guests will enjoy a boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary, spotting crocodiles, hippos, and birds, followed by an exhilarating game drive through the lush landscapes in search of the Big Five. With convenient services, knowledgeable guides, and flexibility, this tour promises amazing wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery.
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