Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Full Day Big 5 Safari Tour
5
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Full Day Big 5 Safari Tour
By Heritage Tours & Safaris
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 6-85, max of 9 per group
Duration: 7–8 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024
- Breakfast and Refreshments are included while at one of the numerous picnic spots
- Enjoy a traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue), salads and refreshments included at lunch
- All vehicles carry additional coolers with bottled water for all clients for the duration of the Safari
- Private transportation
- All Conservation Levies are Included on this Safari
- Blankets are also provided on all of the game drive vehicles
- Entry/Admission - Hluhluwe - iMfolozi Park Wilderness Area
What's not included- Gratuities are not included
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- Nyalazi Gate - Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, R618 Machibini, Area, Nyalazi, Mtubatuba, 3935, South AfricaWe will meet you at the NYALAZI gate at 6:00am, the vehicle will be branded with Heritage Tours logo.
Pickup details- We will gladly pick you up from any accommodation within St Lucia at 05:00 am, Alternatively, should you like to meet us at the Nyalazi Gate (Imfolozi Park) we will meet you at 06:00 am. Please NOTE pickups do not include Durban & Richards Bay.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 112985P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travellers can participate
- No Children under the age of 6 years old are allowed
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 112985P1
From
R 1 700,00
per adult
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1Your game ranger for the day will pick you up at your accommodation at 05:00 am in St Lucia. You will then be transferred to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Nyalazi Gate (the southern section of the Park). All clients meeting us at the Nyalazi Gate please if you would be their by 06:00 am. Once everyone is onboard your ranger will offer you an introduction to the Park, let you know regarding the area or destination for the day and you are off on a magnificent day's wildlife safari. The Park is home to the African Big 5, Cheetah, Wild Dogs and much more. Sit back and enjoy as the Bush comes alive. Early morning departures are more productive as this is when the predators are more active enhancing your chances of seeing them. The full-day Big 5 safari includes Breakfast, Bush Lunch, and Refreshments.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 570yl0 contributionsGreat safari!The safari was great! The park/nature itself is already really beautiful. Our tour guide Jam knew a lot about the animals we saw. Breakfast in between was great. Would highly recommend this tourWritten 9 October 2024
- nondumisom190 contributionsBest place best service best people I love it ❤️Our driver was Siyabonga, he is the best in the world, we really enjoyed our time with him. He is friendly, and because of him we now know alot about different animals. We will definitely come back. He also made us safely escape an elephant that had people stuck on the road for hours, wish I could shared the video with yall, it was so exciting 😁❤️Written 26 September 2024
- U1185YWalices0 contributionsUnforgettable Wildlife experienceThe experience was amazing. We took many pictures of the different wild life in the park. I want to commend Phindy our guide for her vast knowledge and clear explanation of the wild life, survival and protection of the animals. We missed seeing the Rhinos unfortunately but spotted many giraffes, impala. Warthog and a variety of bird species that live in the area. Highly recommend this tour.Written 22 September 2024
- U1185YWalices0 contributionsUnforgettable Wild life experienceThe guide Siyabonga made the tour an unforgettable experience. A very knowledgeable guide. We saw a variety of wild life such as the hippopotamus, Buffalos, bushbuck, impala, warthog to name some. We visit the St Lucia beach. Highly recommend to book this tour if you want to experience upclose wild life creatures. Coming from Ecuador I find this place and the people absolutely amazing.Written 19 September 2024
- maylyn70 contributionsFabulous from beginning to endThis was fabulous totally loved it. Staff friendly and knowledgeable. We were fortunate to see a whole herd of elephants, Kudus and various birds etcWritten 18 September 2024
- Meander495611006400 contributionsElephants blew their horns at usI had the best trip! The Tour guide , Siya took his time and explained everything to us . He was nice and friendly . We saw birds , i got to learn that there are different kinds of birdsWritten 17 September 2024
- 806angeliquek0 contributionsFantastic game drive, highlight of our tripI visited Kruger earlier on my trip, but i have to say that Hluhluwe-imfolozi is the park you must visit when you can. We have seen so many wildlife thanks to our great guide Lindo. It was a fantastic experience.Written 15 September 2024
- U6288GTcarlosc0 contributionsGreat day with Kyle!Excellent day with our guide Kyle, who clearly enjoys his work and is eager to share his guiding knowledge, experience, and skills. His ability to imitate the animals was impressive! We highly recommend this tour, which was one of the best game drives (plus beach) during our trip to South Africa. Thanks!Written 12 September 2024
- mnijhuis20240 contributionsGreat tourWe have seen a lot of animals and our tourguide was very friendly en know a lot. We would recommend the Day safari.Written 12 September 2024
- K5034GRtomast0 contributionsHluhluwe - animals and natureThe park is great, beautiful nature, plenty of animals (we have seen rhinos, elephants, giraffes, buffalos and number of others). Our guide, Siya, was very nice and made the whole experience unforgettable. We recommend to go early in the morning when the park opens.Written 7 September 2024
- NMcG01070 contributionsThank you Heritage Tours & Safaris.Our night drive safari in iSimangaliso Wetland Park was outstanding and well worth it. We were collected promptly at 7pm from our accommodation in St Lucia. Sakhile, our guide, was first-rate - he covered local culture, biodiversity, even astronomy during the coffee/tea/rusk/muffin break, all with a sprinkle of humour. Sakhile was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to find wildlife for us, from chameleons to spotted hyena (buffalo, hippo, zebra and more). The night drive exceeded our expectations, great experience! We enjoyed it so much we didn't even mind not seeing a leopard (although we did try). Thank you Heritage Tours & Safaris.Written 3 September 2024
- T985ZKlucag0 contributionsBeautiful day with SiyaI've done this amazing experience with my brother and we were on the jeep with Siyabonga as our guide. Siya was not only our driver but also he explained us the animals' behaviors and characteristics and about his Zulu culture. He was the best guide we could ever had. The full day tour includes safari in iSimangaliso wetland park and finishes in Cape Vidal where it is possible to swim into the ocean.Written 30 August 2024
- Ilkewhitehorn0 contributionsAwesome safari experienceWe loved it! Firstly, the whole area is beautiful and the weather is fantastic this time of year. Secondly, we saw so many animals in the park and also during the sunset cruise and even in town(hippos) in the evenings. Nele was so sharp with dates and information during the booking process as we were a big group and needed quite a few rooms. Jabu was our guide and he immediately organised the truck so that our entire family could travel together. The meals they gave us were very fresh and tasty and Jabu is a braaimaster. He cooked tasty steaks and boerewors in the bush. We do need to mention Jury as well, the main security man who alerted us to hippo activity at night. They really cater for everybody and pay attention to all the details. The blankets in the truck were so handy during the morning drive and they were clean and smelled freshly laundered. They even baked a birthday cake for us! Our rooms were clean and comfortable.Written 29 August 2024
- Roving670638182470 contributionsAn amazing experienceWe had such an amazing day and lots of laughs. Our guide, Kyle, went above and beyond. Definitely would recommend 👌🏻 Thank you - Zelda, Charmaine and Chandré.Written 29 August 2024
- Curious1055660 contributionsGreat safariFantastic day out. Guide was extremely informative and had good contacts to find us lions a couple of times during the day. He asked what we wanted to see, so prioritised find those animals. The food was also good, and ride comfortable, with blankets provided for warmthWritten 23 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
239 reviews
Excellent
227
Very good
10
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Estella
8 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We did the hluhluwe /umfolozi full day safari and isimangaliso wetlands sunset tour and hippo and croc boat cruise tour. John was absolutely informative and knowledgeable on the full day tour... We had an awesome time, the whole day was full of suspense and adventure. Jabulani was a great tour guide for the sunset tour... We didn't spot much animals but never the less was wonderful being out in nature. The Wetlands is absolutely breathtaking. He made the effort to let us see as much as possible. We also did the hippo/croc cruise on the lake. There were alot of hippos but unfortunately no crocodiles... Appears the estuary is hippo dominant. Will definitely recommend this tour group. Thoroughly enjoyed my stay in the small town of st lucia. Hope to go back someday in the future.
Written 10 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the amazing 5 star review iw ill be sure to pass on the compliments to Jabulani :) We look forward to hosting you again.
Written 17 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ryton Resident
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK20 contributions
Sept 2022
We spent a night at Heritage House on the Friday with the Saturday being the Big 5 full day safari at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. Thea, who runs the lodge is very welcoming and the lodge is amazing. Very friendly, clean and well kept. On the Friday we done the Hippo Cruise through Heritage Tours and it was sensational. (separate review).
The safari itself was a truly amazing experience, made even better by our excellent guide Jabu. His knowledge of the animals, birds, trees and plants are second to none and he spots things many tourists would overlook. The full experience from staying in St Lucia is organised for you with transport and timed to precision.
We were truly blessed to see the animals we did so closely. From elephants to white rhino, we were treat to a fest of sightings all day. We even managed to see the wild dogs hunting that hadn't been spotted for several months. Food, drinks and refreshments are all included in this amazing trip and we cannot recommend it highly enough to others.
The safari itself was a truly amazing experience, made even better by our excellent guide Jabu. His knowledge of the animals, birds, trees and plants are second to none and he spots things many tourists would overlook. The full experience from staying in St Lucia is organised for you with transport and timed to precision.
We were truly blessed to see the animals we did so closely. From elephants to white rhino, we were treat to a fest of sightings all day. We even managed to see the wild dogs hunting that hadn't been spotted for several months. Food, drinks and refreshments are all included in this amazing trip and we cannot recommend it highly enough to others.
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for such a wonderful and insightful review Ryton. We truly appreciate it and hope one day that you return to our wonderful area for another Safari.
Written 28 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kayleigh Thompson
North West England, UK6 contributions
I have previously used heritage tours and safaris and enjoyed both safaris I have been on.
This time, myself and my partner booked the 2 night safari which included hippo boat tour, sunset safari, big 5 full day safari and cape Vidal tour with a stay at umlilo lodge.
What my partner didn’t know, is that I was planning a proposal on the big 5 safari at Hluhluwe. Nele has been amazing during this whole process before the safari happened and we had the most amazing guide Kyle, who went above and beyond to make the day extra special. Heritage tours provided champagne and cake and made for the most amazing proposal and luckily, she said yes!!
I couldn’t recommend heritage tours more and will look to book again with them in the future, maybe even for the honeymoon.
As my now fiancée said, this was the best experience of her life!!
This time, myself and my partner booked the 2 night safari which included hippo boat tour, sunset safari, big 5 full day safari and cape Vidal tour with a stay at umlilo lodge.
What my partner didn’t know, is that I was planning a proposal on the big 5 safari at Hluhluwe. Nele has been amazing during this whole process before the safari happened and we had the most amazing guide Kyle, who went above and beyond to make the day extra special. Heritage tours provided champagne and cake and made for the most amazing proposal and luckily, she said yes!!
I couldn’t recommend heritage tours more and will look to book again with them in the future, maybe even for the honeymoon.
As my now fiancée said, this was the best experience of her life!!
Written 6 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cyriel M
5 contributions
Mar 2022
Our guide Senzo Mthembu is a great driver, right on time he picked us up in the early morning. He had the best eyes; he spotted so many animals for us and we even saw a drinking giraffe (quite extraordinary, as they drink just once a week). Senzo brought some blankets for in the jeep (cold mornings, hot days), and he prepared an outstanding lunch with meat from the 'braai': he even grilled vegan sausages for us, cause we are vegetarians. Thank you for your kindness, humbleness and the memory you gave us, that we will always cherish!
Written 28 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Cyrie thank you for such kind words.
Written 5 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rob Kermack
Durban, South Africa51 contributions
Feb 2022
First time using Heritage Tours and what a great experience! We were collected from our St Lucia accommodation at 4.55am by our guide for the day Bheki, who proceeded to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi game park, approximately an hour drive away. We were the only 2 on the vehicle, yet he went out of his way to make us have a wonderful experience. After some early game viewing, we stopped for a tasty and fulfilling breakfast, very well put together. Thereafter, the rest of the morning was spent travelling all over the park where we got to view numerous game and bird species. In all cases Bheki was very knowledgeable and patient with our viewings.
Lunch was a braai, with again a well thought out salad selection and more than sufficient. After further game viewing, we were transported back to our St Lucia accommodation. All in all a very organized day and again hats off to our guide Bheki.
Lunch was a braai, with again a well thought out salad selection and more than sufficient. After further game viewing, we were transported back to our St Lucia accommodation. All in all a very organized day and again hats off to our guide Bheki.
Written 21 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sherazaad W
9 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
My Fiancé and I safari’s was absolutely incredible not only did we get to see both a black and white rhino , we saw numerous elephants magnificently up close and safely. We also experienced an EXHILARATING cheetah chase right before our eyes !!!!
We also saw giraffes , zebra , different species of buck and bird . My fiancé is vegan and I do not eat pork , Heritage tours catered deliciously for both of us .
One of the best parts of the Safari was our passionate and super knowledgeable tour guide, Jono . He went out of his way to ensure that we saw animals up close and was friendly , a real Wildlife/Nature Fundi and people’s person.
All in all , I would highly recommend Heritage safaris for a once in a lifetime experience of seeing the great five and everything the Hluhluwe–Imfolozi national game reserve has to offer in St Lucia , KwaZulu-Natal SA
We also saw giraffes , zebra , different species of buck and bird . My fiancé is vegan and I do not eat pork , Heritage tours catered deliciously for both of us .
One of the best parts of the Safari was our passionate and super knowledgeable tour guide, Jono . He went out of his way to ensure that we saw animals up close and was friendly , a real Wildlife/Nature Fundi and people’s person.
All in all , I would highly recommend Heritage safaris for a once in a lifetime experience of seeing the great five and everything the Hluhluwe–Imfolozi national game reserve has to offer in St Lucia , KwaZulu-Natal SA
Written 22 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam B
13 contributions
I did the two night safari with Heritage Tours and am extremely pleased with the results, from booking with Bev to check-in with Thea and the various tours and guides that brought us to the right spots at the right times.
Hats off to Jabu in particular, our full-day guide through Hluhluwe. Upon hearing the unmistakable roar of lions a short distance over the hill (amazing in and of itself!), Jabu took us a short distance back down the road we had come in the hope we not avert them should they roam our way. It worked! Heading back after a good breakfast, Jabu skillfully spotted a lion laying in the bush at almost the exact location we had previously heard the roaring—a full grown male with regal mane chilling like a boss in the morning sun. It was a true marvel, the highlight of my tour. I am grateful to God for both the lion and a skilled guide like Jabu to seek him out. Well done, sir!
The rest of that day and the next was gravy. Numerous sightings of Elephants, Buffalos, Rhinos, giraffes, warthogs, zebras, antelope, wildebeests, monkeys, hippos and others. Cape Vidal is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and Jabu’s knowledge of the shoreline ecosystem kept me fascinated with everything we came across. The groups of crabs crawling along the wet sand were particularly entertaining.
I highly recommend Heritage House and their tours! The lodge is inviting, the rooms spacious, the breakfast is tops, and Thea’s date balls (similar to rice Krispie treats but better) addictive. I also helped myself to generous portions of the complimentary sherry sitting in a large decanter in the lounge. 😁
Hats off to Jabu in particular, our full-day guide through Hluhluwe. Upon hearing the unmistakable roar of lions a short distance over the hill (amazing in and of itself!), Jabu took us a short distance back down the road we had come in the hope we not avert them should they roam our way. It worked! Heading back after a good breakfast, Jabu skillfully spotted a lion laying in the bush at almost the exact location we had previously heard the roaring—a full grown male with regal mane chilling like a boss in the morning sun. It was a true marvel, the highlight of my tour. I am grateful to God for both the lion and a skilled guide like Jabu to seek him out. Well done, sir!
The rest of that day and the next was gravy. Numerous sightings of Elephants, Buffalos, Rhinos, giraffes, warthogs, zebras, antelope, wildebeests, monkeys, hippos and others. Cape Vidal is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and Jabu’s knowledge of the shoreline ecosystem kept me fascinated with everything we came across. The groups of crabs crawling along the wet sand were particularly entertaining.
I highly recommend Heritage House and their tours! The lodge is inviting, the rooms spacious, the breakfast is tops, and Thea’s date balls (similar to rice Krispie treats but better) addictive. I also helped myself to generous portions of the complimentary sherry sitting in a large decanter in the lounge. 😁
Written 21 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jean-Philippe B
2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Exceptional safari with a very professional guide Thycie, who knows her job very well and introduced us to the fauna and flora on the route with passion and emotion. We were lucky to see elephants, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, impalas, warthogs and thieving monkeys, breakfast and barbecue were very well organized and very good, you have to watch out for the little ones very thieving and very fast monkeys… 🙈 the vehicles are very good for easily seeing the animals and relatively comfortable. We also visited the hippos with this organization and it was also very good with a very professional guide too, I recommend these 2 excursions with this organization, the cost is correct and it is very good.
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zee family
1 contribution
Feb 2022
My family and I of 5 where taken on a private tour hosted and driven by Lindokuhle Mtetwa. He was an excellent host with such passion for his job that his excitement was contagious and having been on a day tour none of us felt drained or tired. Lindokuhle made the tour very enjoyable and exciting and was very knowledgeable about the animals and nature. Even in the manner in which he was parting with his knowledge made one very attentive and engaged. PS: the entire family unanimously agree he's also excellent with braaiing.
Written 23 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gocmen K
1 contribution
Nov 2022 • Family
We had a half day Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Safari tour on 26th November.
Our guide was lovely Phindy.
She picked us up from the place where we stayed in St. Lucia at 5am. We had some difficulties with the security regarding our car parking and she jumped into the conversation and helped us to solve the issue.
The tour was fantastic. We were lucky to see 4bigs including lions. Of course, with Phindy’s great experience and guide, we found lions and started to wait them to move. Then we saw them to move and fight with buffaloes for their breakfast. It was like a David Attenborough’s documentary. ☺️
Phindy explained the animals and their habitat where we saw them. It was fantastic.
Phindy prepared an amazing breakfast to us. Everything was great and lovely.
We strongly recommend Heritage Tours&Safarisk.
Our guide was lovely Phindy.
She picked us up from the place where we stayed in St. Lucia at 5am. We had some difficulties with the security regarding our car parking and she jumped into the conversation and helped us to solve the issue.
The tour was fantastic. We were lucky to see 4bigs including lions. Of course, with Phindy’s great experience and guide, we found lions and started to wait them to move. Then we saw them to move and fight with buffaloes for their breakfast. It was like a David Attenborough’s documentary. ☺️
Phindy explained the animals and their habitat where we saw them. It was fantastic.
Phindy prepared an amazing breakfast to us. Everything was great and lovely.
We strongly recommend Heritage Tours&Safarisk.
Written 20 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are staying at Mandini, we plan to visit the park tomorrow (27/05/2023). Is there any pick up at Mandini?
Written 26 May 2023
Sorry, I don’t know the answer to that.
Written 27 May 2023
Quelle tenue faut-il prévoir
Un petit sac à dos est-il autorisé
Written 7 November 2022
Showing results 1-3 of 3