Isimangaliso Day Tour & Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise From Durban

Exploring the captivating iSimangaliso Wetlands Park from Durban is a must for nature enthusiasts. This day tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the remarkable wildlife of South Africa’s premier UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kicking off with an early morning boat cruise, participants can observe hippopotami and crocodiles in their natural habitat along the St Lucia Estuary. But the adventure doesn’t end there – a thrilling game drive promises sightings of majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, and more. With a delightful lunch in between, this comprehensive excursion is…

This experience made our list of the 22 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Durban.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day tour from Durban exploring the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, including a 2-hour guided boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary to observe hippos and crocodiles.

• Adventurous game drive through the park’s diverse landscapes to spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife in their natural habitats.

• Wheelchair accessible tour with live English-speaking guide, flexible cancellation policy, and pay-later options available.

• Tour includes hotel/port/airport pickup and drop-off, with pricing ranging from ZAR17,300 to ZAR18,402 per person.

• Memorable wildlife experiences and immersion in the rich biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Isimangaliso Day Tour & Boat Cruise offers a comprehensive exploration of the renowned iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, starting from Durban.

This 10-hour excursion includes a 2-hour guided boat cruise to observe hippos and crocodiles in the St Lucia Estuary, followed by a game drive in the park to spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more.

Priced from ZAR18,402 to ZAR17,300 per person, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickup and drop-off services are included, and the tour is wheelchair accessible with an English-speaking guide.

Secure your spot now and pay later to ensure an unforgettable wildlife experience in one of South Africa’s premier natural wonders.

Departure and Itinerary

Departing from Durban at 6am, the tour sets off on an immersive exploration of the renowned iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.

The first stop is the town of St Lucia, where guests embark on a 2-hour guided boat cruise along the St Lucia Estuary. During this scenic journey, they’ll have the opportunity to observe hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat.

After the boat tour, the group takes a break for lunch before continuing on a game drive through the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. This allows them to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, kudus, impalas, and antelopes.

In the late afternoon, the tour returns to Durban.

Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise

A 2-hour guided tour aboard a boat takes visitors along the St Lucia Estuary, where they’ll have the chance to observe groups of hippos and crocodiles in their natural riverside habitats. The boat cruise provides an up-close and personal encounter with these magnificent creatures, allowing guests to witness their behaviors and interactions within their ecosystem.

Highlights	Hippos	Crocodiles
Behaviors	Resting on banks	Basking on logs
Interactions	Socializing in groups	Hunting for prey
Viewing Opportunities	Submerged in water	Sunbathing on shores
Conservation	Threatened species	Vulnerable species
Ecosystem Role	Keystone species	Top predators

Game Drive Highlights

After the serene boat cruise, visitors embark on an exhilarating game drive through the diverse landscapes of the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.

The game drive offers a chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, striped zebras, and agile kudus, impalas, and antelopes.

The park’s expansive grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands provide a natural habitat for these magnificent creatures, allowing visitors to witness their behavior in their native environment.

The game drive is a thrilling opportunity to take in the rich biodiversity of this World Heritage Site, leaving lasting memories of the region’s incredible wildlife.

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Inclusions and Pricing

The tour includes a 2-hour guided Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise in the St Lucia Estuary as well as a game drive in the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.

Pickup and drop-off from hotels, ports, and airports are included. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and a live English-speaking guide is available.

Prices range from R18,402 to R17,300 per person, with up to 6% in savings.

Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve the tour now and pay later to secure their spot.

Cancellation and Reservations

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing guests a full refund should their plans change.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, providing flexibility in their booking. This tour is popular, so securing a reservation in advance is recommended.

The tour operator requires a 20% deposit upon booking, with the remaining balance due 24 hours before the tour departs.

Guests can easily manage their reservation through the online booking platform, checking availability and making changes as needed.

With the convenience of free cancellation and pay later options, planning this Isimangaliso adventure has never been easier.

Accessibility and Languages

This tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests of all mobility levels to enjoy the Isimangaliso experience.

The live tour guide is available in English, ensuring visitors can fully understand and engage with the tour’s informative commentary. Whether you’re an English speaker or require accessibility accommodations, this day trip caters to your needs.

The guided boat cruise and game drive provide opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, from hippos and crocodiles to elephants and giraffes, all while exploring the stunning iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.

With the convenience of hotel, port, and airport pickup and drop-off, this tour makes discovering the natural wonders of South Africa seamless and accessible for everyone.

Wildlife Experience

The boat cruise allows visitors to catch sight of some of iSimangaliso’s most iconic wildlife, including the mighty hippopotamuses and the formidable Nile crocodiles that call the St Lucia Estuary home.

The game drive in the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park promises even more wildlife encounters, with the potential to spot:

• Majestic elephants roaming the lush landscapes
• Graceful giraffes towering above the treetops
• Zebras with their distinctive black and white stripes
• Kudus, impalas, and other antelope species darting across the terrain

This diverse array of wildlife makes the Isimangaliso Day Tour a true treat for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour’s maximum group size is not specified in the provided details. The details focus on the tour itinerary, inclusions, and accessibility, but do not mention the group size.

Are Any Additional Food or Drinks Provided During the Tour?

The tour includes a lunch break after the boat cruise, but it does not provide any additional food or drinks. Participants are responsible for bringing their own snacks and beverages for the duration of the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment on the Boat Cruise?

Yes, guests are allowed to bring their own camera equipment on the boat cruise. This allows them to capture the stunning wildlife sightings during the 2-hour guided tour of the St Lucia Estuary.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate in the Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement stated for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though parental supervision is recommended for younger participants to ensure their safety and enjoyment during the activities.

Will I Have Opportunities to Interact With the Wildlife During the Game Drive?

During the game drive, visitors can expect to see various wildlife like elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. However, they won’t be able to directly interact with the animals as the tour focuses on observing the animals in their natural habitat.

The Sum Up

The iSimangaliso Day Tour & Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise from Durban offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore South Africa’s stunning iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. Participants can observe hippos and crocodiles on a guided boat cruise, followed by a thrilling game drive where they might spot elephants, giraffes, and zebras. This tour is a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts, providing an immersive and memorable experience in the heart of the iSimangaliso Wetlands.

You can check if your dates are available here: