Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour From Durban

The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban offers a remarkable opportunity to take in the diverse ecosystems of South Africa. Blending a boat safari on the St. Lucia Estuary with a game drive in the renowned Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, this tour promises an unforgettable ‘surf and turf’ experience. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, visitors can expect to witness a captivating display of both aquatic and land-based wildlife, including the iconic Big Five. With all applicable fees and taxes included, this tour provides a seamless and comprehensive way to explore the natural wonders of the region. What awaits those who embark on this journey is a true immersion in the heart of the African wilderness.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Safari Tours In Durban.

Key Points

• The tour offers a ‘surf and turf safari’ experience, combining a boat safari on the St. Lucia Estuary and a game drive in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve.
• Pickup and drop-off are provided in an air-conditioned vehicle from various locations in the Durban area, with a qualified tour guide leading the experience.
• The tour includes a 2-hour boat safari on the St. Lucia Estuary and a closed-vehicle game drive through the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, allowing sightings of both aquatic and land-based animals.
• The tour is not wheelchair-accessible, but infant seats are available, and it is easily accessible via public transportation, catering to a diverse audience.
• The tour accommodates large groups with a maximum capacity of 99 participants and offers language options beyond English, including German and Polish.

Tour Overview

This surf and turf safari tour allows travelers to experience Africa’s diverse wildlife through both a boat safari on the St. Lucia Estuary and a closed-vehicle game drive in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve.

The full-day round trip departs from Durban, taking visitors to the renowned St. Lucia wetlands and the iconic Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, home to the Big Five.

Travelers will spot a variety of wildlife, from aquatic species like hippos and crocodiles to land-based animals such as elephants, rhinos, and lions.

With a qualified tour guide, guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of the African wilderness, making this an unforgettable experience.

Included Activities

The tour includes a collection and drop-off from Durban in an air-conditioned vehicle, as well as the services of a qualified tour guide.

Travelers will enjoy a 2-hour boat safari on the St. Lucia Estuary and a closed-vehicle game drive through the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve.

All applicable fees and taxes are covered as part of the tour package.

This provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience both the aquatic and terrestrial wildlife of the region.

The boat safari allows for close encounters with diverse marine life, while the game drive offers the chance to spot the iconic ‘Big Five‘ and other impressive animals in their natural habitat.

Exclusions

While the tour includes a range of activities, food, drinks, and lunch are not covered as part of the package. Travelers are responsible for covering the cost of their own meals and refreshments during the day.

Exclusions	Details
Food	Travelers must purchase their own meals.
Drinks	Travelers must purchase their own beverages.
Lunch	A midday meal is not provided as part of the tour.

Participants should plan accordingly and budget for their own food and drink expenses throughout the day. This allows for flexibility and the opportunity to explore local cuisine and refreshments at their own pace.

Pickup and Meeting

Pickup and drop-off for the tour takes place at several convenient locations in the Durban area, including the Tropicana Hotel, Durban Harbour Passenger Terminal, and Richards Bay Harbour Passenger Terminal.

Guests can choose their preferred meeting point when booking the tour.

The tour then departs from the Gooderson Tropicana Hotel, a centrally located hotel in Durban. This makes it easy for travelers to join the tour, whether they’re staying in Durban or arriving at one of the nearby harbors.

The tour guide will collect guests from their chosen pickup location and transport them to the starting point in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a seamless start to the day’s adventure.

Confirmation and Accessibility

Confirmation of the tour is provided within 48 hours of booking, ensuring travelers can plan their day with confidence.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available, catering to families.

Located near public transportation, the tour is easily accessible for those arriving by various means.

The tour provider give you a seamless and inclusive experience for all guests.

Languages and Group Size

The tour offers language options beyond the standard English, catering to a diverse audience. Travelers can request German or Polish interpretation services, ensuring a more personalized and inclusive experience.

The tour also accommodates large groups, with a maximum capacity of 99 participants. This allows families, friends, or larger organizations to enjoy the safari together.

Whether you’re a German-speaking nature enthusiast or a Polish-speaking adventure seeker, the tour ensures your needs are met. With its flexible language support and group size, the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban caters to a wide range of travelers, making it an accessible and inclusive experience for all.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers may receive a full refund if they cancel the tour at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility and accommodation for last-minute changes in plans. This cancellation policy aims to offer a hassle-free experience, ensuring that customers don’t lose their investment due to unexpected circumstances.

Some key points about the cancellation policy include:

1. Full refund for cancellations made 24 hours or more prior to the tour.
2. No refunds for cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour.
3. Customers must notify the tour operator directly to initiate the cancellation process.
4. The refund will be processed back to the original payment method used for the booking.

This straightforward cancellation policy gives travelers peace of mind when booking the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour.

Additional Details

Besides the inclusions mentioned, this tour also allows for maximum flexibility and accessibility. It is not wheelchair-accessible, but infant seats are available for those traveling with young children. The departure point is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy for travelers to reach the meeting point at Gooderson Tropicana Hotel in Durban.

This tour caters to a wide range of languages, with German and Polish available upon request. The group size is capped at a maximum of 99 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, and the cancellation policy offers a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Additional Details
Languages Offered	German, Polish
Maximum Group Size	99 travelers
Confirmation Timeline	48 hours
Cancellation Policy	Full refund 24 hours in advance
Wheelchair Accessibility	Not wheelchair-accessible

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Wildlife Can I Expect to See on the Safari?

On a typical safari tour, visitors can expect to see a diverse array of African wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and various antelope species. The specific animals seen will depend on the location and time of the safari.

How Much Time Is Spent on the Boat Safari Vs the Game Drive?

The tour includes a 2-hour boat safari on the St. Lucia Estuary and a closed vehicle game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. The time spent on each activity depends on the tour itinerary, but the boat safari and game drive are both substantial parts of the experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions or requirements for this tour. Infant seats are available, indicating it’s suitable for young children. However, the tour may not be accessible for those with certain medical conditions like heart problems.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour operator doesn’t provide any. Lunch isn’t included in the tour price, so travelers are responsible for their own meals and refreshments during the day.

Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour Length?

The tour operator doesn’t offer options to extend or customize the tour length. The standard tour duration is a full day round trip from Durban. Additional services or modifications may incur extra fees and should be discussed directly with the operator.

Recap

The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & St Lucia Boat Safari Day Tour from Durban offers a unique opportunity to experience both land and water-based wildlife viewing.

The tour includes a boat safari on the St. Lucia Estuary and a game drive in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, providing a comprehensive wildlife experience.

With all fees and taxes included, this tour ensures a hassle-free and immersive wilderness adventure.