1 Day Safari Isimangaliso Boat Cruise & Game Safari From Durban

Durban , South Africa

1 Day Safari Isimangaliso Boat Cruise & Game Safari From Durban

Active

(1 reviews)

10h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

A safari from Durban to iSimangaliso Wetland Park is an unforgettable adventure combining wildlife, scenery, and unique ecosystems. Departing at 6am, you’ll arrive at St Lucia to embark on an exciting hippo and crocodile boat cruise on Africa’s largest estuary, to see hippos, basking crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. After a lunch break (own cost) in St Lucia, continue with a game safari in a closed vehicle through the Dukuduku section of iSimangaliso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll explore lush forests and grasslands while spotting elephants, buffalo, rhino, and a variety of antelope and bird species. The tour ends with a scenic drive back, arriving in Durban in late afternoon, filled with memories of a truly spectacular day in the wild.

Highlights:
- Hippo and crocodile boat cruise in St Lucia Estuary
- Closed vehicle game safari in Dukuduku, iSimangaliso
- Chance to see elephants, buffalo, giraffes, antelope, and abundant birdlife
- Journey through scenic KwaZulu-Natal

Available options

1 Day Safari Isimangaliso Boat Cruise & Game Safari From Durban

Pickup included

What's included

St Lucia Game Reserve

Air conditioned vehicle

Bottled water

Elephants, Rhino, Giraffes, Kudu, Leopards, Impala, Zebras, etc....

Big 5 Game Reserve

Hotel pick ups and drop offs

Detailed itinerary

Depart from Durban at 6:00am and embark on a 3 hour journey to Isimangaliso Wetland Park.

In Isimangaliso, we start with an exciting hippo and croc boat cruise. The hippo and crocodile boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary is one of the highlights of visiting the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Cruising along the calm waters of Africa’s largest estuary, you’ll come face-to-face with pods of hippos wallowing in the shallows and massive crocodiles basking on the banks. The estuary is also a bird lover’s paradise, with sightings of fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and even the rare Goliath heron. As you glide through the waterways, your guide shares fascinating insights into the unique ecosystem and the animals that call it home, making this an unforgettable wildlife experience in a truly spectacular setting.

Stop 2

After the boat cruise, we take a lunch break, own expense. Thereafter we do a game safari.

A game safari in the Dukuduku section of iSimangaliso Wetland Park takes you deep into one of South Africa’s most biodiverse landscapes, offering a comfortable experience in a closed safari vehicle. This part of the park is known for its lush coastal forests and open grasslands, creating the perfect environment for spotting elephants, buffalo, rhino, and a variety of antelope species. Birdlife is equally abundant, with fish eagles, hornbills, and colorful kingfishers adding to the spectacle. As you journey through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, your guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the park’s ecosystems, ensuring a safari that is both educational and exciting.

Traveling from Durban to iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a scenic journey that showcases the beauty of KwaZulu-Natal’s landscapes. The drive takes you through rolling sugarcane fields, rural villages, and stretches of lush greenery before reaching the coastal town of St Lucia, the gateway to the park. Along the way, you can enjoy glimpses of traditional Zulu life and the natural charm of the province. After exploring the wetlands, enjoying safaris, or taking a hippo and croc boat cruise, the return trip to Durban in the late afternoon offers a chance to reflect on the day’s adventures as you travel back through the picturesque countryside, arriving in the evening.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 1.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

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