Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Cruise
Duration
14 hours
Start
05:00
Group Size
Max 7
Languages
English, Zulu
Difficulty
Easy
At a Glance
Starts
Hotel pickup in Durban CBD, Um...
Finishes
Back to Hotel
Stops
10 Locations
Guide
Live Expert Guide
“Full-day adventure combining a Big 5 game drive at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park with a St Lucia estuary boat cruise to see hippos, crocodiles, and prolific birdlife.
About This Experience
Experience the best of KwaZulu-Natal's wildlife on this unforgettable double adventure. Begin with a thrilling game drive through Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park — Africa's oldest proclaimed nature reserve and the sanctuary that saved the white rhinoceros from extinction. Your expert ranger navigates through diverse landscapes of riverine forest, open savanna, and rolling hills in search of the Big 5 — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. After a bush lunch overlooking the wilderness, travel to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park — South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board a boat at St Lucia estuary for an intimate cruise among pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and over 500 bird species. A day where the African bush meets the water.
Starting from
Pickup & Drop-off
Door-to-Door Collection
We collect all guests from any hotel, guest house, Airbnb, or other accommodation.
Within 8 km radius from Cape Town central
Up to 25 km radius from the city centre
Safe Return Home
At the end of your adventure, we drop you back at your accommodation — the same place we collected you.
Your Journey, Stop by Stop
Every moment planned, every detail considered
Early Departure
Pickup from Durban — coffee and rusks provided en route
Stop 2Drive to Hluhluwe
Scenic 3-hour drive through KZN sugar cane country
Stop 3Enter Hluhluwe-iMfolozi
Gate entry and transfer to open safari vehicle
Stop 4Morning Game Drive
Track Big 5 through diverse terrain — prime time for predators
Stop 5Bush Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a scenic picnic spot overlooking the reserve
Stop 6Afternoon Game Drive
Continue searching for wildlife at waterholes and river crossings
Drive to St Lucia
Travel to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park
St Lucia Boat Cruise
Cruise among hippos, crocodiles, and spectacular birdlife
Return Journey
Scenic drive back to Durban
Hotel Drop-off
Return to your accommodation
Route Map
Route is approximate and may vary based on conditions.
What's Included
Inclusions
- Hotel pickup & drop-off (Durban)
- Safari vehicle
- Expert ranger/guide
- Park entrance fees
- St Lucia boat cruise ticket
- Bush lunch
- Morning coffee & rusks
- Bottled water
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
What to Bring
Know Before You Go
Confirmation
Instant confirmation. Show your voucher on mobile or print it out.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup in Durban CBD, Umhlanga, or Ballito
Start Time
Departs at 05:00. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Accessibility
Contact us for accessibility details.
Availability
Available daily, subject to weather. We recommend booking 2+ weeks ahead.
Insider Tips from Our Guides
Early morning start is essential — predators are most active at dawn
The St Lucia cruise at golden hour is magical for photography
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Book Direct With Us
Why Book With Us
Typical conditions · Plan your visit accordingly
Best Time to Go
Winter months (May-Aug) offer the best game viewing as vegetation thins and animals gather at water sources.
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup in Durban CBD, Umhlanga, or Ballito
Need Help Planning?
Our local Cape Town travel experts are available 7 days a week to help you plan the perfect itinerary, combine tours, or arrange private experiences.
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“Absolutely incredible experience! Our guide was so knowledgeable and passionate. The views were breathtaking and the whole day was perfectly organized. Best tour we've ever done in South Africa.”
James & Maria
Verified Booking · TripAdvisor
One of 664+ five-star reviews from verified guests
About Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Cruise
The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Cruise is one of the most popular guided experiences in South Africa, operated by Beyond Africa Safaris — a Gray Line licensed tour operator based in Cape Town with over 11,000 verified five-star reviews across TripAdvisor, Viator, and GetYourGuide. This 14 hours experience takes you through 10 carefully curated stops, each selected to showcase the best of what this magnificent region has to offer. Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off is included from your accommodation in Cape Town.
Whether you're a first-time visitor to South Africa or a returning traveller seeking a deeper experience, our FGASA-certified local guides bring each location to life with expert commentary, insider knowledge, and a genuine passion for conservation and South African culture. All tours include English and Zulu commentary and small group sizes of maximum 7 guests for a personal, intimate experience.
Book directly with Beyond Africa Safaris for the best guaranteed price — no booking fees, no middlemen, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Secure your spot today and discover why travellers from around the world consistently rate this as one of Cape Town's must-do experiences.
Ready for an Unforgettable Experience?
Book direct for the best price — no middlemen, no booking fees. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.