4 Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1 – Durban to Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park

Your 4 Day Safari from Durban begins with collection from your Durban hotel, guest house, B&B or agreed pickup point.

From Durban, we travel north through KwaZulu-Natal towards the Hluhluwe region. The drive usually takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and pickup location.

Along the way, your guide will share information about Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South African history, local culture, the Zulu nation and the landscapes we pass through. Guests are welcome to ask questions during the journey, making the drive part of the overall safari experience.

Optional Cat Rehabilitation Centre Visit

Before entering Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, guests may have the option to visit a cat rehabilitation centre near Hluhluwe.

This optional stop gives guests the opportunity to learn more about African wild cat species such as cheetah, serval, caracal and African wild cat.

The cat rehabilitation centre visit is an optional extra. The entrance fee is approximately R450 per person and is paid directly to the centre. Prices are subject to change.

Guests who prefer to maximise safari time may choose to go directly into Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park instead.

Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Game Reserve Safari

After the optional cat rehabilitation centre visit, or if guests prefer to continue directly, we enter Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park.

Game viewing begins as soon as we enter the reserve.

Hluhluwe–iMfolozi is one of South Africa’s most respected game reserves. It is known for its rolling hills, beautiful views, excellent wildlife and its important role in white rhino conservation.

During the safari drive, your guide will help search for wildlife and explain more about the animals, their behaviour, tracks, habitats and the reserve itself.

Possible sightings include rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, nyala, warthog, baboon, monkeys and many bird species. Lion and leopard also occur in the reserve, although sightings are never guaranteed because this is a natural wildlife area.

Lunch at Hilltop Camp

Lunch is usually enjoyed at Hilltop Camp inside Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park. Lunch is for the guest’s own account.

Hilltop Camp offers beautiful views over the reserve and gives guests time to relax before continuing with the afternoon safari.

Guests may also have the opportunity to view the sightings board, which can give an idea of animals that have been spotted in the reserve on the day.

Afternoon Game Drive

After lunch, guests continue with an afternoon safari drive.

The included game drive is done in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with your Tim Brown Tours guide. Windows are opened where possible for photography and wildlife viewing.

Guests who prefer an open safari vehicle experience may choose to book an optional 3-hour open vehicle game drive at R650 per person, per drive, subject to availability.

After the afternoon safari, we make our way to the safari lodge accommodation near Hluhluwe for dinner and overnight.

Day 2 – Morning Safari & Flexible Afternoon Wildlife Experience

Day 2 gives guests more time to enjoy Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Game Reserve, while still keeping the day comfortable, safe and enjoyable.

We usually depart the lodge early in the morning, around 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM, depending on the season, weather and gate times. Early morning is often one of the best times for game viewing, as many animals are more active before the heat of the day.

Guests enjoy a guided morning safari drive in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with their Tim Brown Tours guide. Where possible, windows are opened for photography and wildlife viewing.

Guests who prefer an open safari vehicle experience may choose to book an optional 3-hour open vehicle game drive at R650 per person, per drive, subject to availability.

A packed breakfast can be arranged so that guests do not need to return to the lodge immediately after the morning game drive. This allows us to enjoy more time inside Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park during the cooler and often more productive part of the day.

After the morning safari, the middle part of the day is kept flexible. This is important because safari days can become long, hot and tiring, especially in the bush. Planning the day carefully helps protect the safety and comfort of both guests and guide, while still allowing everyone to enjoy the wildlife experience properly.

Depending on timing, weather, wildlife activity and guest preference, options may include:

• A relaxed lunch stop at Hilltop Camp or Centenary Centre
• A scenic drive through selected areas of Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
• Returning to the lodge for a rest during the heat of the day
• An optional afternoon closed-vehicle safari drive
• An optional 3-hour open vehicle game drive at R650 per person, per drive
• Optional elephant interaction experience at R1,000 per person, if available
• Optional Zulu cultural village experience at R1,000 per person, if available

This flexible approach allows guests to enjoy excellent wildlife viewing without turning the day into an unnecessarily long continuous safari. It also helps ensure that the experience remains safe, relaxed and enjoyable throughout the day.

After the afternoon activities, we return to the safari lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 – Morning Safari, St Lucia & iSimangaliso Wetland Park

On Day 4, we depart the lodge early for a final morning game drive in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park.

This gives guests one last opportunity to enjoy the reserve and search for wildlife before leaving the Hluhluwe area.

As with the previous safari drives, guests can enjoy the included closed-vehicle safari with their guide. The vehicle is comfortable and air-conditioned, with windows opened where possible for photography and wildlife viewing.

Guests may also choose an optional 3-hour open vehicle game drive at R650 per person, per drive, which is for their own account and subject to availability.

On Day 4, we may take a packed breakfast with us so that we can make the most of the early morning safari and avoid returning to the lodge unnecessarily. The final plan can be discussed with your guide.

After the morning safari, we continue with the day’s schedule before travelling to St Lucia and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

St Lucia & iSimangaliso Wetland Park

St Lucia is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most popular nature destinations and forms part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This area offers a very different wildlife experience from Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park. Instead of Big 5 bushveld, guests experience wetlands, estuary scenery, hippos, crocodiles, birdlife and coastal vegetation.

The combination of Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park and St Lucia makes this 4 day safari a wonderfully varied wildlife experience from Durban.

St Lucia Boat Cruise

Weather permitting, guests enjoy a 2-hour boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary.

This is often one of the highlights of the tour. It gives guests the chance to view hippos, crocodiles and birdlife from the water in a relaxed and scenic setting.

If weather conditions do not allow for the boat cruise, an alternative activity such as a walk along the estuary boardwalk may be arranged where possible.

After the St Lucia experience, we stop for a light lunch. Lunch is for the guest’s own account.

We then depart for Durban. Arrival back in Durban is usually in the early evening, depending on traffic, weather, boat cruise timing and the day’s schedule.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided at a safari lodge approximately 20 minutes from Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park.

The lodge offers a comfortable base for the safari and allows guests to stay close to the reserve, making it easier to enjoy early morning and afternoon safari activities.

Breakfasts and dinners are served at the lodge.

On early safari mornings, packed breakfasts may be arranged so that guests can spend more time inside Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park.

Please note that safari lodges and bush accommodation are different from city hotels, Click here to learn more about the differences. The main appeal is the natural setting, wildlife, atmosphere and location. Guests should expect a relaxed bush lodge experience rather than a city-style hotel environment.

Wildlife You May See

Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park and the surrounding region are home to a wide variety of wildlife.

Possible sightings include:

• Rhino
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Lion
• Leopard
• Giraffe
• Zebra
• Wildebeest
• Nyala
• Impala
• Warthog
• Hyena
• Monkeys
• Baboons
• Hippos
• Crocodiles
• Excellent birdlife

Please remember that all wildlife sightings take place in a natural environment. No specific animal sighting can ever be guaranteed.

Your guide will always do their best to give you the best possible safari experience, but wildlife moves freely and sightings depend on nature, weather, animal movement and timing.

About Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park

Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park is one of South Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves and is widely known for its history, Big 5 wildlife and rhino conservation.

The reserve covers approximately 96,000 hectares and is one of the oldest proclaimed protected areas in Africa. It played a major role in the conservation of the southern white rhino, helping bring the species back from the brink of extinction.

Today, Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park remains one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most important safari destinations and is a favourite choice for guests wanting a Big 5 safari from Durban

About St Lucia & iSimangaliso Wetland Park

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most unique natural areas in KwaZulu-Natal.

The St Lucia estuary is famous for hippos, crocodiles, birdlife and beautiful wetland scenery. The 2-hour boat cruise gives guests a relaxed and memorable way to experience this incredible environment.

The name iSimangaliso means “miracle and wonder”, which suits the area perfectly. It combines wetlands, lakes, coastal forests, beaches, wildlife and rich biodiversity in one remarkable region.

Optional Extras

Optional extras may include:

• 3-hour open vehicle game drives – R650 per person, per drive
• Elephant interaction experience – R1,000 per person
• Zulu cultural village experience – R1,000 per person
• Cat rehabilitation centre visit – approximately R450 per person, paid directly to the centre
• Additional activities depending on availability, timing and guest preference

Optional extras are for the guest’s own account and should be discussed before or during the tour. Prices are approximate, subject to change and subject to availability.

Why Book with Tim Brown Tours?

Tim Brown Tours is a specialist Durban safari and tour company based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

With over 20 years of safari guiding experience, Tim Brown Tours understands what guests are looking for when booking a safari from Durban: good planning, honest advice, comfortable transport, local knowledge and a memorable wildlife experience.

An experienced guide also helps make the safari safer and more rewarding by understanding animal behaviour, reading the bush and knowing where to look for wildlife. This local knowledge can make a big difference to the quality of your safari, especially in a large natural reserve such as Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park.

When booking this 4 day safari from Durban, guests benefit from:

• Over 20 years of safari guiding experience
• Tim Brown Tours operating since 2010
• Local KwaZulu-Natal knowledge
• Professional and experienced guides
• Comfortable air-conditioned transport
• Personalised service
• Carefully planned safari itineraries
• Experience guiding international travellers
• A strong focus on wildlife, conservation and guest experience
• More time in the bush than shorter safari packages

This safari is ideal for couples, families, small groups and international travellers wanting a relaxed and professionally guided Big 5 safari from Durban. Interested in other Durban tour packages click the text.

Frequently Asked Questions