Hluhluwe Safari & Emdoneni Wild Cat Conservation Experience

Durban , South Africa

Hluhluwe Safari & Emdoneni Wild Cat Conservation Experience

Active

13h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the wild heart of Africa on this unforgettable day trip from Durban. Journey through one of South Africa’s most legendary reserves, where big cats, elephants, and rhinos roam free in breathtaking landscapes. Experience the thrill of a safari game drive, discovering Africa’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. After an exhilarating morning in the bush, unwind with a scenic lunch overlooking pristine scenery. Then, get ready for a rare wildlife encounter like no other—an up-close experience with endangered wild cats, including cheetahs and servals, at a renowned conservation sanctuary. This is your chance to see Africa’s most captivating predators and support vital conservation efforts. End your day with a scenic drive back to Durban, filled with incredible memories of Africa’s majestic wildlife and wilderness. An adventure of a lifetime awaits!

Available options

Hluhluwe Safari & Emdoneni Wild Cat Conservation Experience

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water onboard the vehicle

Pick up and drop off within a 16km radius of Durban

Shared Tour Guide/Driver, Vehicle & Fuel

Entrance fees to places of interest

Detailed itinerary

Your unforgettable adventure begins with a 5:30 AM pickup from your Durban accommodation within a 10 km radius.
Embark on a scenic 3-hour drive through KwaZulu-Natal’s lush landscapes, setting the stage for an exhilarating day at Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park, where Africa’s iconic wildlife awaits.

Your expert guide will take you on an exciting open vehicle game drive through Hluhluwe Imfolozi, South Africa’s oldest park, renowned for its abundant wildlife, including the Big 5—lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino.

Spanning over 98,000 hectares of breathtaking landscapes, this park offers a diverse range of fauna, flora, and scenic topography, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Discover the significance of the park’s white rhino conservation efforts and enjoy the thrill of sightings in this legendary reserve.

Midday, enjoy a break at Hilltop Camp (own expense), perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.

Relax, refuel, and soak in the stunning scenery before continuing your adventure.

After lunch, you'll head to Emdoneni Wild Cat Sanctuary to explore and learn about Africa’s fascinating feline species, wrapping up an extraordinary day of wildlife exploration.

Next, at Emdoneni Cat Project, get up close with South Africa’s endangered wild cats, including Cheetahs, Servals, Caracals, and Wildcats.

Enjoy an educational tour that combines adventure with conservation—an unforgettable experience.

After a day filled with wildlife wonder and unforgettable memories, we will begin our scenic 3-hour journey back to Durban, where you will be dropped off, taking with you the incredible stories and experiences from your safari adventure.

What's not included

Gratuities (optional)

Drinks (alcohol beverages are higher in price and relative to location)

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Durban

Durban is a vibrant coastal city in South Africa known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and warm tropical climate. It's a melting pot of cultures, offering a unique blend of African, Indian, and colonial influences.

Top Attractions

Golden Mile

A stretch of beautiful beaches along the Durban coastline, offering a variety of water sports, beach activities, and a vibrant promenade.

Beach Half day to full day Free to enter, activities vary in cost

uShaka Marine World

A popular theme park and marine park featuring a variety of attractions, including a water park, aquarium, and dolphin shows.

Entertainment Full day Moderate to expensive

Durban Botanical Gardens

A beautiful botanical garden featuring a variety of plant species, walking trails, and a heritage site.

Nature 1-2 hours Free to enter, small fee for special exhibits

Victoria Street Market

A bustling market offering a variety of goods, including spices, textiles, and handmade crafts.

Market 1-2 hours Budget to moderate

Durban Museum

A museum showcasing the natural and cultural history of Durban and the surrounding region.

Museum 1-2 hours Budget

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, lamb, or beans. It's a popular street food in Durban.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Biltong

Dried, cured meat, similar to jerky, made from various types of meat such as beef, game, or ostrich.

Snack Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, lamb, or beans. It's a popular street food in Durban.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Durban Curry

A spicy curry dish with roots in Indian cuisine, often made with chicken, lamb, or seafood, and flavored with local spices.

Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Surfing Hiking Mountain biking Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga Cultural tours Museum visits

Best Time to Visit

December to February

This is the summer season with warm temperatures, frequent rain showers, and bustling beaches. It's the peak tourist season with vibrant festivals and events.

23°C to 30°C 73°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Zulu, English
Widely spoken: Zulu, English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
English: Widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Durban is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and violent crime can occur, particularly in certain areas and at night. Exercise caution, be aware of your surroundings, and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night

Getting there

By air

King Shaka International Airport • 35 km from city center

By train

Durban Station

By bus

Durban Bus Terminal, Grey Street Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

DART buses are affordable and convenient for getting around. They operate on dedicated bus lanes, making them faster than regular buses.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Berea Morningside Umgeni Road

Day trips

Valley of a Thousand Hills

30 km from Durban • Half day to full day

A scenic region known for its rolling hills, traditional Zulu villages, and cultural experiences. It offers a glimpse into rural Zulu life and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

St. Lucia

200 km from Durban • Full day or overnight

A coastal town in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and water activities. It's a popular destination for boat cruises, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting.

Drakensberg Mountains

250 km from Durban • Full day or overnight

A stunning mountain range known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a break from the city.

Festivals

Durban July • July Durban International Film Festival • October Sugar Rush Festival • December to January

Pro tips

Visit the beach early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler temperatures
Try local street food like bunny chow and samosas for an authentic Durban culinary experience
Explore the city's cultural heritage by visiting the Victoria Street Market and the Durban Botanical Gardens
Take a day trip to the Valley of a Thousand Hills for a scenic and cultural experience
Attend a local event or festival, such as the Durban July or the Durban International Film Festival, for a unique and memorable experience