Travel from Durban to Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park and explore this historic Big Five reserve on a four-hour guided open-vehicle safari.
FROM R3,300 PER PERSON
Minimum 2 guests
Group discounts available
Solo travellers welcome — please enquire
Would you like the comfort of private transfers from Durban combined with the atmosphere and visibility of an open safari vehicle inside the reserve?
Our Full-Day Open-Vehicle Big 5 Safari takes care of the long journey from Durban before you join a specialist safari guide for an approximately four-hour game drive through Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park.
The raised seating and open sides provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography while you search for lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo and many other African animals.
Tour Details
- Duration: Full day
- Pickup: Durban and surrounding areas
- Departure: Early morning
- Safari drive: Approximately four hours in an open safari vehicle
- Highlights: Big Five reserve • Open vehicle • Rhino conservation • African wildlife
- Includes: Return transfers • Park entrance fees • Open-vehicle safari • Bottled water
Why Choose This Open-Vehicle Safari?
- Four hours in an open safari vehicle – Enjoy raised seating, unobstructed views and a closer connection to the African bush.
- A genuine Big Five reserve – Hluhluwe–iMfolozi is home to lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.
- Specialist safari guide – Your open-vehicle guide works regularly within the reserve and uses current conditions and sightings to plan the drive.
- Private Durban transfers – Relax in an air-conditioned touring vehicle during the approximately three-hour journey in each direction.
- Excellent photographic opportunities – The elevated open vehicle helps provide clearer views across roadside vegetation.
- Experienced Durban tour guide – Your journey is hosted by a guide with extensive experience in KwaZulu-Natal and Hluhluwe–iMfolozi.
Full-Day Open-Vehicle Safari Itinerary
- Early pickup from Durban – We collect you from your hotel or accommodation in Durban and surrounding areas.
- Journey through KwaZulu-Natal – Travel north in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle while your guide introduces the landscapes, history and communities of the region.
- Arrive at Hluhluwe–iMfolozi – At the reserve, you meet the open safari vehicle and specialist safari guide.
- Four-hour open-vehicle game drive – Explore the reserve in search of the Big Five, giraffe, zebra, hyena, antelope and other wildlife.
- Lunch break – After the open-vehicle drive, we stop at a reserve restaurant or suitable picnic area. Lunch is for your own account.
- Additional wildlife viewing – We continue looking for wildlife from the transfer vehicle as we make our way out of the reserve.
- Return to Durban – We normally leave the reserve during the afternoon and return you to your Durban accommodation in the evening.
Experience Hluhluwe–iMfolozi from an Open Vehicle
Hluhluwe–iMfolozi is one of South Africa’s oldest and best-known wildlife reserves. Its hills, valleys, rivers, grasslands and woodlands provide habitat for an extraordinary variety of animals and birds.
The open vehicle gives you a very different perspective from a normal touring vehicle. Raised seating helps guests see over roadside vegetation, and the open sides offer clear views for photography and a stronger sense of being immersed in the reserve.
Possible sightings include elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hyena, warthog and many species of antelope. Leopard and African wild dog also occur here but are elusive and rarely seen.
More Than Finding the Big Five
A rewarding safari is not simply about racing between sightings or ticking animals off a list.
Your safari guide helps interpret animal behaviour, tracks, calls and the different habitats encountered during the drive. When conditions allow, there is time to watch what the animals are doing and enjoy the smaller details of the reserve.
Wildlife moves freely through a large natural environment, so no particular animal or Big Five sighting can ever be guaranteed. Every game drive is different, and that unpredictability is part of an authentic African safari.
Optional Safari Barbecue
A barbecue lunch at a suitable picnic site may be arranged as an optional extra, subject to availability and the day’s safari arrangements.
Please request this when enquiring so that we can confirm the current price, menu and arrangements before your tour. Guests who do not select the barbecue option can purchase lunch at the reserve restaurant or bring a packed lunch.
Who Is This Safari Suitable For?
This safari is ideal for couples, families, photographers, first-time visitors and small private groups who would prefer an open-vehicle experience while still enjoying convenient door-to-door transport from Durban.
It is a long but rewarding day, with approximately three hours of travelling in each direction. The four-hour safari provides a focused wildlife experience without requiring an overnight stay.
What Is Included?
- Pickup and drop-off in Durban and surrounding areas
- Return transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Fuel and road tolls
- Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park entrance fees
- Approximately four-hour guided open-vehicle safari
- Bottled water
What Is Not Included?
- Lunch or optional barbecue
- Additional drinks and snacks
- Souvenirs and personal expenses
- Gratuities
R3,300 PER PERSON
Minimum 2 guests
Group discounts available
Solo travellers welcome — please enquire
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the open-vehicle safari?
The guided open-vehicle game drive is approximately four hours. The precise timing may vary according to availability and arrangements on the day.
Are the Durban transfers also in an open vehicle?
No. The long-distance transfers between Durban and the reserve take place in a comfortable closed, air-conditioned vehicle. The open vehicle is used for the guided safari inside Hluhluwe–iMfolozi.
Can we see the Big Five?
Hluhluwe–iMfolozi is home to lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. These animals roam freely, so sightings of any particular species cannot be guaranteed.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is for your own account. A restaurant stop, packed lunch or optional pre-arranged barbecue may be possible depending on the day’s arrangements.
Is the safari suitable for children?
Yes, subject to the open-vehicle operator’s age requirements. Please provide the ages of all children when enquiring so that we can confirm suitability.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera or phone. Open vehicles can be cool and windy, particularly in winter, so a warm jacket is recommended.
Do you collect guests from Durban hotels?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available from Durban and surrounding areas. Please provide your accommodation details when enquiring.
You May Also Like
- Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Big Five Day Safari – A private safari in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- 2-Day Hluhluwe and St Lucia Safari – Stay overnight and experience sunset and early-morning wildlife viewing.
- Elephant Encounter and Big Five Safari – Combine an elephant experience with a Hluhluwe game drive.