Depart from Richards Bay at 7:30 AM and travel to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve for a safari adventure

Hluhluwe - iMfolozi Park Wilderness Area - Begin your journey from Richards Bay at 7:30 AM and make your way to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve for an exciting safari. A game drive in this reserve offers a unique experience, taking you into South Africa’s oldest declared nature reserve, celebrated for its rich history and remarkable biodiversity. As you explore this vast reserve, you’ll encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including the iconic Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos—in their natural environment. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi has been pivotal in rhino conservation, and seeing one of these majestic animals up close is an unforgettable highlight. The reserve’s landscapes range from rolling hills to lush river valleys, providing picturesque settings for wildlife observation. Guided by expert rangers who offer insights into animal behavior and conservation efforts, a game drive here is both exhilarating and deeply enriching, connecting visitors with nature in one of Africa’s most historic reserves.

Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise in St Lucia Estuary and Game Drive in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park

Saint Lucia Estuary - Start the morning with a hippo and croc boat cruise in St Lucia Estuary. This cruise offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience South Africa’s incredible wetland ecosystems up close. As you glide along the waters of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll encounter some of the largest populations of hippos and Nile crocodiles in the country. Hippos are often seen wallowing in the water or lounging along the banks, while crocodiles sunbathe nearby, blending into the natural landscape. Alongside these iconic animals, the estuary is home to a variety of bird species, including fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers, adding another layer of beauty to the experience. Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the behavior of these animals and the ecosystem they inhabit, making this boat cruise a thrilling and educational journey into one of South Africa’s most biodiverse regions.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park - After the boat cruise, enjoy a lunch break at your own expense. Following lunch, embark on a game drive. A game drive in iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers a unique safari experience that combines the excitement of wildlife viewing with the serene beauty of diverse landscapes. As South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso presents a mosaic of habitats—from coastal dunes and savannahs to wetlands and lush forests—that support a wide array of species. On a game drive, visitors may encounter elephants, zebras, giraffes, and the rare samango monkey, while also spotting hippos and crocodiles relaxing in freshwater lakes. The park is also home to endangered species, such as the leatherback turtle and elusive leopard, adding to the excitement. With scenic viewpoints overlooking the Indian Ocean and Lake St. Lucia, each turn on the drive reveals stunning vistas and abundant wildlife, making iSimangaliso a truly special and unforgettable safari destination.

• Pick ups and drop offs from Richards Bay
• Game drive in Isimangaliso Wetlands Park
• Hippo and Croc Boat cruise in St Lucia Estuary
• Game drive in an open 4x4 in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve
• Africa’s big 5 and more

• Gratuities

This tour is ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups. It features a 1-day safari at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, followed by a second day of adventure with a hippo and crocodile boat cruise and a game drive in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, creating an outstanding two-day experience. On the first day, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi safari provides encounters with Africa’s Big Five amidst picturesque landscapes and hills that have been pivotal in rhino conservation. Moving to the second day, the St. Lucia Estuary hippo and crocodile cruise offers close-up views of these impressive creatures along the serene waters of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, the game drive in iSimangaliso Wetland Park reveals a variety of ecosystems, where unique wildlife such as elephants, zebras, and rare birds wander against a backdrop of lakes and coastal dunes. This blend of safari, wetland exploration, and rich biodiversity offers a truly remarkable and immersive experience in South Africa’s iconic wilderness.

• no health restrictions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.