Durban Tours and Safaris

Private Group Safaris and Tours From Durban & Richards Bay

Experience an Unforgettable Elephant Encounter and Big 5 Safari

Discover one of the popular Big 5 safaris from Durban with an unforgettable combination of a close-up elephant encounter and an exciting wildlife safari through the world-famous Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. This full-day adventure offers the perfect opportunity to experience South Africa’s incredible wildlife while learning about conservation and the natural heritage of KwaZulu-Natal.

Meet Africa’s Gentle Giants

Your journey begins with an early morning departure from Durban as we travel north through the beautiful landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal.

Our first stop for the day will be the Elephant Interaction Game Reserve.

Here you’ll enjoy a unique elephant interaction experience with two remarkable African elephants, Rambo and Rachel. Unlike traditional captive experiences, these elephants roam freely within the reserve and choose when they wish to interact with visitors, creating a natural and respectful encounter.

You’ll have the opportunity to feed and gently touch these magnificent animals while an experienced guide shares fascinating insights into their individual personalities, history, behaviour, intelligence, and the important role elephants play in Africa’s ecosystems. This intimate experience is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime highlight by visitors from around the world.

Big 5 Game Drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Following your elephant encounter, the adventure continues to the renowned Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, one of South Africa’s oldest and most celebrated game reserves.

Internationally recognised for its outstanding rhino conservation programme, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is home to the famous Big 5—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—as well as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hyena, hippo, crocodile, and an incredible variety of birdlife.

Your professional guide will lead a leisurely three-hour game drive, sharing expert knowledge about the park’s wildlife, ecosystems, history, and conservation efforts while searching for unforgettable animal sightings.

Travelling in an open safari vehicle provides elevated viewing, outstanding photographic opportunities, and an even closer connection to the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the African bush.

The northern Hluhluwe section is known for its rolling green hills and spectacular viewpoints, while the southern Imfolozi section offers open plains that attract large grazing herds and their predators. Every safari is different, making each visit a unique African wildlife experience.

After an incredible day immersed in nature, you’ll relax on the return journey to Durban with memories that will last a lifetime.

Safari Pricing

Elephant Interaction & Big 5 Safari

FAQ. Questions and answers.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is approximately 280 km (175 miles) north of Durban. The drive takes around three hours, making it one of the best destinations for a full-day Big 5 safari from Durban

Yes. The elephant interaction takes place at Bayete Zulu Game Reserve with two habituated elephants that roam freely within the reserve. The elephants choose when they interact with visitors and are cared for by experienced handlers who focus on their welfare and conservation education.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is home to the Big 5—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Guests regularly see giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, nyala, warthog, kudu, hyena and many species of birds during the safari.

Comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, binoculars and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Bringing a light jacket is advisable during winter mornings.

Yes. Families with children are welcome. Children should always be supervised during the elephant interaction and while on safari. Please contact us if you have very young children so we can recommend the most suitable tour.