The Isimangaliso Boat Cruise & Game Drive Day Tour from Durban offers an immersive journey through the diverse landscapes of the Zululand region. Travelers can expect a captivating 10-hour experience that combines a guided tour of the charming town of St Lucia, a serene boat cruise on the estuary, and an exciting game drive through the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park. With the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, from hippos and crocodiles to elephants and rhinos, this small-group tour provides a hassle-free and flexible booking experience. But what truly sets this tour apart is the chance to witness the intricate balance of nature in a truly remarkable setting.
This experience made our list of the 22 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Durban.
Key Points
- This 10-hour day tour from Durban includes a 2-hour Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise in the St Lucia Estuary and a 4-hour game drive in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
- The tour offers the opportunity to observe a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and the possibility of spotting leopards and lions.
- The tour includes pickup and drop-off from 8 different locations in Durban, making it convenient for participants.
- The tour is small-group limited to 15 participants and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a personalized and inclusive experience.
- The tour offers flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to pay now or later.
Tour Details
This 10-hour day tour from Durban includes pickup and drop-off, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a small group limited to 15 participants, making it wheelchair accessible.
Guests can reserve now and pay later for this comprehensive tour.
The itinerary includes a photo stop, guided tour, and shopping in St Lucia, followed by a 2-hour hippo and crocodile boat cruise in the St Lucia Estuary.
The tour then ventures into the iSimangaliso Wetland Park for a 4-hour game drive, with a break for photos and shopping.
Travelers can expect to see a variety of African wildlife, including crocodiles, hippos, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and rhinos, with eight convenient pickup and drop-off locations available.
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Itinerary Overview
The tour commences with an early 6am departure from Durban, allowing guests to make the most of the day’s activities.
The itinerary includes:
- A photo stop, guided tour, and shopping in the picturesque town of St Lucia
- A 2-hour Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise in the stunning St Lucia Estuary
- A 4-hour game drive in the renowned iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site
- A break with photo opportunities and shopping in the park
The tour returns to Durban around 3pm, providing ample time for participants to explore the city.
This comprehensive tour offers a diverse range of experiences, from encountering captivating wildlife to immersing oneself in the natural wonders of the region.
Highlights of the Tour
Guests can expect to observe an abundance of captivating wildlife, including crocodiles, hippos, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and rhinos, during this comprehensive tour.
The 8 pickup and drop-off location options make this day trip accessible from various points in Durban.
Visitors will enjoy a 2-hour boat cruise on the stunning St Lucia Estuary, where they can discover and observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.
The 4-hour game drive in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers the opportunity to see an array of African wildlife in their natural habitats.
With free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides a seamless and flexible experience.
About Isimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park stretches 220km along the Zululand coast, incorporating 8 interconnected ecosystems and 10 unique destinations that collectively form a diverse and captivating World Heritage Site.
This natural wonder offers a wealth of outdoor experiences and showcases Africa’s stunning wildlife, including:
- Diverse marine life and coral reefs
- Freshwater lakes, swamps, and estuaries
- Grasslands, savannas, and coastal dune forests
- Populations of elephants, rhinos, leopards, and more
- Over 500 species of birds
As one of South Africa’s most remarkable natural landscapes, iSimangaliso Wetland Park provides visitors with unparalleled opportunities to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the country’s Zululand region.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyBoat Cruise Experience
One of the highlights of the tour is the 2-hour Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise, which allows visitors to discover and observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species in the stunning St Lucia Estuary.
The leisurely cruise offers a unique opportunity to witness these remarkable African wildlife up close and in their natural habitat. Cruising along the serene estuarine waters, guests can expect to see hippos basking on the banks and crocodiles sunbathing on the shores.
The diverse birdlife, including herons, egrets, and kingfishers, can also be spotted throughout the journey. This captivating boat tour provides an immersive and unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the natural wonders of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Wildlife Sightings
Throughout the game drive within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, visitors can expect to catch sight of an array of captivating African wildlife.
From the mighty elephants roaming the grasslands to the graceful giraffes browsing the treetops, the park boasts an impressive diversity of species.
Guests may also spot the iconic zebras and rhinos, as well as a variety of antelope, including the nimble impala and the stately kudu.
The keen-eyed observer might even be rewarded with a glimpse of the elusive leopard or the powerful lion, the undisputed kings of the savanna.
With its abundance of flora and fauna, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers an unforgettable opportunity to take in the natural wonders of the African continent.
- Elephants traversing the vast grasslands
- Giraffes delicately feeding on the treetops
- Zebras and rhinos, iconic symbols of the African wilderness
- Diverse antelope species, such as impala and kudu
- Possibility of spotting the elusive leopard and the mighty lion
Pickup and Dropoff Locations
The tour provides a convenient pickup and drop-off service from 8 different locations around Durban, allowing participants to easily access the excursion from various points within the city.
Guests can be picked up and returned to centralized spots like the City Hall, Hilton Hotel, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, Protea Hotel Durban Umhlanga, Garden Court Marine Parade, Holiday Inn Express Umhlanga, Coastlands Musgrave Hotel, and The Balmoral Hotel.
This flexibility ensures that travelers from all parts of Durban can join the tour without hassle. The pickup and drop-off service is included in the tour price, making it a seamless and convenient experience for everyone.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Customers can reserve their spot on the tour easily by booking online in advance. Alternatively, they can also opt to pay later and confirm their reservation.
On top of that, the tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, providing flexibility for last-minute changes in plans.
The booking and cancellation policy for this Isimangaliso Boat Cruise & Game Drive Day Tour includes:
- Online booking available to secure your spot
- Pay now or select the ‘pay later’ option
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
- No hidden fees or charges
- Flexible and hassle-free booking experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour’s dress code is casual and comfortable. Participants are advised to wear light, breathable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and outdoor activities. Bringing a hat, sunscreen, and rain jacket is also recommended.
Are Food and Drinks Included in the Tour Price?
The tour price doesn’t include food or drinks. Participants are responsible for bringing their own snacks and beverages to enjoy throughout the day’s activities. Some stops may offer food and drinks for purchase.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Boat Cruise?
You don’t need any special equipment for the boat cruise. Just bring comfortable clothes, sun protection, and a camera to capture the stunning wildlife and scenery. The boat provider will have everything you need for the cruise.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Free Time and Shopping?
The tour allots 1 hour for break time, photo stops, and shopping in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This provides ample opportunity to explore the area, take pictures, and browse local shops and markets at your own pace.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
No, there is no option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a 10-hour day tour with a fixed itinerary and schedule. There’s no flexibility to add additional time or activities beyond the provided details.
Recap
The Isimangaliso Boat Cruise & Game Drive Day Tour from Durban offers an all-encompassing experience that showcases the diverse natural wonders of the Zululand region.
From the tranquil St Lucia Estuary to the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this tour provides an opportunity to observe a wide range of captivating wildlife in their natural habitats, making it a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting the area.
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