Four Day Wildlife Experience

Where do we go?

• Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is the premier game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. It is Africa's oldest conservation area, and is highly acclaimed for its remarkable save the rhino conservation project. This 96 000 hectare reserve is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) as well as cheetah, wild dog, hyena, and a wide variety of antelope, birds, reptiles, and plants. The game drive runs through what was once the royal hunting grounds of the Zulu King Shaka.

• ISimangaliso Wetland Park / Lake St. Lucia (2-hour boat cruise)

The miracle and wonder of ISimangaliso Wetland Park made it South Africa's first world heritage site. While on a 2-hour cruise on the estuary system, there will be close encounter(s) with hippo, and possibly crocodile. The park's birdlife is incredibly abundant and includes the African fish eagle. Lake St. Lucia is surrounded by reserves on either side – giraffe and elephant sightings on the banks are not uncommon.

• St. Lucia Town

St. Lucia is a small holiday town in the middle of 3 wildlife reserves. With only one main road, wildlife sightings in the town of St. Lucia are common-place.

• Eastern & Western Shores Game Reserves (Night Drive in an open vehicle)

The Eastern and Western Shores of Lake St. Lucia are a remarkable display of nature's contrasting beauty. Feel the sea breeze, smell the coast, and experience immensely diverse forest wildlife behind the sand dunes. This "island" is utterly and beautifully surrounded by wildlife reserves, the ocean, and the estuary. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers biodiversity, scenery, and boardwalks that are world-renowned. Rehabilitated wildlands and timber plantations form part of the identity of a diverse story of nature's survival. Sharing the reserve with immensely diverse species of land animals, birdlife, and marine life are the tsessebe antelope in the wildlands of the west, and KwaZulu-Natal's highest concentration of leopard in the forest lined east, known as the Cape Vidal. The night drive offers a memorable atmosphere with the chance to spot the nocturnal leopard as well as owls and hyena.

• Mkhuze Game Reserve

Mkhuze Game Reserve is one of KwaZulu-Natal's best kept secrets, offering spectacular birdwatching and game viewing. It is home to more than 420 Southern African bird species, making it one of the best birding sites in South Africa. With world class hides situated in areas abundantly populated with game and birds, Mkhuze promises close-up wildlife views. This 40 000 hectare reserve is also home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) as well as cheetah, wild dog, and hyena.

• The Bayete Zulu Elephant Interaction

The Bayete Zulu Elephant Interaction offers a rare and ethical opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with a group of elephants that have found a safe haven on the Zululand and Elephant Coast of Northern KwaZulu-Natal. The elephants roam freely within a Big 5 game reserve. They visit the interaction project habitually with their rangers who "form part of their herd." Under the expert guidance of these remarkable rangers, the most humbling intimate experience of standing underneath the trunk of the largest land animal becomes a reality.

• Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre

Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre is a rare and ethical opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the African wild cat, serval, caracal, and cheetah. The rehab centre makes remarkable contributions to the conservation of these revered cat species. Emdoneni provides a safe haven to cat species injured or orphaned in the wild. The project prides itself on a history of successful release.

• St. Lucia Community Market

St. Lucia Community Market is a beautiful thatched market in the holiday town of St. Lucia. There is a wide selection of African curios as well as locally produced fresh fruit and nuts available. It's an opportunity to support sustainable tourism, and to enjoy the magic of the local community.

• Zamimpilo Community Market

Zamimpilo Community Market is sustainable tourism at its best. It's an impressive market of more than 100 stalls, and it's run with creative efficiency to provide a seamless experience where you can access hand-made African arts and crafts. It's an ideal souvenir stop and an opportunity to support local communities. You can taste seasonal fruit and vegetable, and hear first-hand stories of how the art is created.

Is this the tour for me?

• Yes, I have At Least 4 Full Days Available to tour (If you have less than 4 full days that's okay – check out our other options or talk to us!)
• Yes, I want to visit multiple Big 5 Game Reserves
• Yes, I really like Wildlife, Nature and Conservation
• Yes, I want to visit a Wildlife Sanctuary
• Yes, I want Up-close-and-personal Experiences with Wildlife
• Yes, I want Rare Photo Opportunities of Myself with Wildlife
• Yes, I want to Experience a Night Drive in the Wild in an open vehicle
• Yes, I will enjoy a Boat Cruise (aboard a comfortable ferry) to view wetland wildlife
• Yes, I'm interested in Star Gazing
• Yes, I'm a Bird Enthusiast
• Yes, I'm interested in Photography
• Yes, I want to support attractions with Local Community Participation
• Yes, I'd like to see or purchase Handmade African Souvenirs and support Sustainable Tourism

What did others say?

Read Our Tripadvisor Reviews

What's included in the tour package?

• Pick up and drop off within the Durban metro area
• Entrance fees
• Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation x3 nights
  • Private Luxury Tent / Private Luxury Lodge in Holiday Town of St. Lucia
  • Private Luxury Tent / Private Luxury Chalet in Game Reserve
  • Private Luxury Tent / Private Luxury Chalet in Game Reserve
• Breakfast x4 days
  • Morning coffee/tea & muffin
  • Continental breakfast
  • Continental breakfast
  • Morning coffee/tea & muffin
• Lunch x4 days
  • Restaurant in holiday town of St. Lucia
  • Restaurant in Game Reserve
  • Picnic in Game Reserve
  • Brunch in Game Reserve
• Dinner x3 nights
  • Traditional Braai (Barbeque) / Restaurant in Holiday town of St. Lucia
  • Traditional Durban bunny chow in Game Reserve (Durban Indian dish – curry in a bread bowl)
  • Traditional South African Potjie in the Game Reserve (a stew slow cooked in a cast iron pot on a fire)
• Limited Alcoholic Drinks
• Bottled water
• Local snacks
• Use of binoculars
• Fully attending experienced tour guide

How long will we need?

• 4 days

What can I add on?

• Night Drive in an open vehicle at Mkhuze Game Reserve

The night drive at Mkhuze Game Reserve is especially alluring as its impressive viewing hides offer the spectacular opportunity to get close to nocturnal animals like the leopard. The 40 000 hectare reserve with diverse habitats of mountains, plains, and swamps is densely populated with lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo as well as cheetah, wild dog, and hyena. With an experienced game ranger, Mkhuze is the perfect place to feast on the sights and sounds of the night, not least of which are the starry skies in the unpolluted reserve.

*Subject to Availability

• Morning Guided Fig Forest walk

Rooted in the Mkhuze Game Reserve is a wondrous Sycamore fig forest with trees that are up to 900 years old. Standing in the shadow of the majestic fig tree that has fascinated us since ancient times is humbling. We snake through the forest on a series of bridges, boardwalks, and trails to view these spectacularly large trees that continue to feed the birds and the animals all year round. We also focus in on the interesting details of the plants, insects, and birds.

*Subject to Availability

So when can we leave?

We look forward to our pre-planning chat, so we can build in your preferences and requirements into your itinerary.