Full Day Isimangaliso Wetlands Park Tour From Durban

The Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beckons adventurers to explore its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Embarking on a full-day tour from Durban provides the perfect opportunity to take in this natural wonder. From serene boat cruises observing crocodiles and hippos to exhilarating game drives in search of the Big Five, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking to disconnect from the urban hustle, this comprehensive excursion offers a chance to discover the breathtaking beauty and ecological significance of one of South Africa’s most treasured natural havens.

This experience made our list of the 16 Best Full-Day Tours In Durban.

Key Points

• A full-day guided tour from Durban to explore the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty.
• Includes a 2-hour boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary to observe crocodiles, hippopotamuses, pelicans, and flamingos in their natural habitat.
• Followed by a game drive through the park with potential sightings of the Big Five and other iconic African species like giraffes, zebras, and kudus.
• Wheelchair-accessible tour with convenient pickup and drop-off service from hotels, the airport, and cruise ships.
• An immersive and unforgettable wildlife experience in one of South Africa’s most biodiverse and ecologically significant World Heritage sites.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from Durban provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the stunning iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, a World Heritage Site renowned for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty.

The tour includes a 2-hour boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary, where you’ll have the chance to see crocodiles, hippos, pelicans, and flamingos in their natural habitat.

After the boat cruise, you’ll embark on a game drive through the park, with the possibility of spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, kudus, and other iconic African animals.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, airport, or cruise ship, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Pickup and Drop-off

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel, airport, or cruise ship, ensuring a seamless and convenient travel experience. Your transportation is taken care of, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic journey to the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park.

Pickup Location	Pickup Time
Hotels	6:00 AM
Airport	5:30 AM
Cruise Ship	5:45 AM

At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off back at your original pickup location, eliminating the need to worry about logistics. This hassle-free service allows you to focus on the incredible wildlife and natural beauty that awaits you at the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park.

Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise

A highlight of the tour is the 2-hour Hippo & Croc boat cruise on the serene St Lucia Estuary, where visitors can marvel at the sight of crocodiles and hippopotamuses in their natural habitat.

The cruise offers a unique opportunity to observe these iconic African animals up close as they bask in the sun or submerge themselves in the tranquil waters.

Passengers will also have the chance to spot a variety of other wildlife, including:

• Pelicans gliding gracefully across the surface
• Flamingos standing tall on the shoreline
• Diverse bird species indigenous to the wetland ecosystem
• Other aquatic creatures like fish and water monitors

This boat tour provides an immersive and unforgettable experience in the heart of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Isimangaliso Wetlands Park

Spanning over 332,000 hectares along South Africa’s northeastern coast, iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a diverse World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional natural beauty and abundance of wildlife.

This protected area is home to five distinct ecosystems, including coastal forests, grasslands, lakes, and savannas, each teeming with a diverse array of flora and fauna.

Visitors can spot the Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes – as well as an array of other species such as hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird life during the game drive portion of the tour.

With its stunning landscapes and thriving ecosystem, iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers a truly immersive and unforgettable wildlife experience.

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Wildlife Sightings

During the game drive portion of the tour, visitors can expect to see a diverse array of wildlife found within iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This includes the iconic Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and buffaloes – as well as a variety of other species such as hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of bird life.

The game drive provides an opportunity to spot:

• Graceful giraffes stretching their necks to feed on the lush vegetation
• Majestic herds of zebras and wildebeests roaming the open savannas
• Agile kudus and other antelope species darting through the brush
• Colorful birds like flamingos, pelicans, and storks in their natural habitats

With the expert guidance of the tour, visitors can enjoy the rich biodiversity of this remarkable World Heritage site.

Tour Duration and Timing

The tour commences promptly at 6am from Durban, allowing ample time to explore the wonders of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park over the course of a full day excursion.

Lasting approximately 10 hours, the tour offers a comprehensive itinerary that immerses visitors in the diverse ecosystems of this World Heritage Site.

From the captivating boat cruise along the St Lucia Estuary to the exhilarating game drive through the wetlands, the carefully curated schedule ensures that guests make the most of their time.

Whether it’s observing the iconic wildlife or marveling at the breathtaking landscapes, this full-day tour provides an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.

Booking Information

Booking for the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park tour from Durban is priced at $202.83 per person.

Guests can easily reserve their spot now and pay later, with the added convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour is also wheelchair accessible, catering to visitors with diverse accessibility needs.

The booking process offers the following advantages:

• Reserve now, pay later
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior
• Wheelchair accessible
• Secure and convenient booking platform

With these flexible and inclusive booking options, guests can confidently plan and enjoy their full-day adventure in the stunning Isimangaliso Wetlands Park.

Accessibility

The Isimangaliso Wetlands Park tour from Durban caters to visitors with accessibility needs. The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring those with mobility challenges can fully participate in and enjoy the experience.

The transportation used for the tour can accommodate wheelchairs, and the boat cruise and game drive activities are also accessible. The tour operator is committed to providing an inclusive experience, and they’ll work with guests to address any specific needs.

Whether you have physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities, the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park tour is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all. With careful planning and a focus on inclusivity, this tour allows everyone to explore the stunning natural wonders of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour appears suitable for children. The itinerary includes a boat cruise and game drive, which can appeal to children’s interests. However, the long duration may be tiring for young kids. Parents should consider their children’s ages and stamina before booking.

What Is the Maximum Group Size?

The maximum group size for this tour is not specified. However, it’s likely that the tour accommodates small to medium-sized groups, as it’s a private tour with pickup and drop-off services. The size may vary depending on the operator and availability.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour operator allows participants to pack a picnic lunch and beverages to enjoy during the cruise and game drive activities.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes?

The tour price includes all fees and taxes. There are no additional charges for travelers. The total cost covers pickup and drop-off, the boat cruise, game drive, and access to the national park.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour operator recommends casual, comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities. Guests should wear closed-toe shoes and bring sun protection, insect repellent, and layers for changing weather conditions. No formal attire is required.

Recap

This full-day tour from Durban provides a comprehensive exploration of the remarkable iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guests can expect to witness the park’s diverse wildlife, including crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and the potential for spotting the Big Five, during the boat cruise and game drive.

The tour is wheelchair-accessible, ensuring a hassle-free and immersive experience in this natural wonder.

You can check if your dates are available here: