Half-Day Durban Safari: Tala Game Reserve & Zulu Culture

Durban , South Africa

Half-Day Durban Safari: Tala Game Reserve & Zulu Culture

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About this experience

Explore the beauty of KwaZulu-Natal's wildlife and cultural heritage on a memorable half-day safari. Enjoy a scenic drive from Durban to Tala Game Reserve, where a guided open-vehicle safari offers intimate views of diverse wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and hippos. After wildlife spotting, immerse yourself in Zulu culture at Phezulu Safari Park, featuring a vibrant dance performance that showcases traditional customs and storytelling. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of nature and culture within a limited timeframe.

- Guided game safari at Tala Game Reserve for wildlife viewing
- Visit an authentic Zulu village and experience traditional dance and culture
- Ideal for those with limited time in Durban, lasting just a few hours
- Enjoy stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife in a relaxed setting

Available options

Half-Day Durban Safari: Tala Game Reserve & Zulu Culture

Pickup included

What's included

Tour guide

Experience African traditional performances in Phezulu

Game safari in Tala Game reserve

Visit African Village in Phezulu

See rhino, giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala, hippo, and many more

Detailed itinerary

The first stop is Tala Game Reserve, a private sanctuary known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. On a guided open-vehicle safari, you’ll have the chance to spot rhino, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, kudu, impala, antelope, hippos, and many more along with more than 300 bird species. While Tala does not have the Big Five, it offers a relaxed and intimate game-viewing experience ideal for photography and enjoying nature up close. The reserve’s mix of acacia thornveld, grassland, and wetlands makes every game drive unique and memorable.

Please note: In the event that Tala Game Reserve is un-available on the day of your tour, the game safari will instead take place at the nearby Gwahumbe Game Reserve, which offers a similar experience and quality of wildlife viewing.

From the wilderness of Tala, the adventure continues to Phezulu Safari Park, where culture and tradition take center stage. Here, visitors are welcomed into an authentic Zulu village to learn about the customs, beliefs, and daily life of one of Africa’s most famous peoples. A highlight of the visit is the energetic Zulu dance performance, complete with rhythmic drumming, traditional attire, and storytelling that brings the rich heritage of the Zulu nation to life.

What's not included

Tips

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

no restrictions

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