3-4 Day Tours: Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Game Reserves & Dumazulu Zulu Cultural Experience
Tour Overview
Experience the magic of KwaZulu-Natal’s wildlife, culture, and history on a 2–3 day guided safari through the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Game Reserve, home of the Big Five and Africa’s oldest proclaimed park. Combine this unforgettable wildlife adventure with a visit to the Dumazulu Cultural Village, where you’ll step into the vibrant world of traditional Zulu life.
These tours are conducted regularly (typically midweek to avoid the weekend crowds) and can be customised to suit your schedule. Accommodation options include:
- Hilltop Camp (Hluhluwe Section)
- Mpila Camp (iMfolozi Section)
- Isinkwe Camp and Lodge just outside the reserve (for campers)
Day 1 – Journey into Zululand
Depart from Pietermaritzburg or Durban (or any KZN town by arrangement) at 8:00 AM.
The scenic 320 km drive north takes you across the Tugela River (uThukela), a historic site where King Cetshwayo’s Zulu forces were once given an ultimatum by the British in 1877, leading to the famous Battle of Isandlwana.
As you travel through rural Zululand, you’ll witness traditional homesteads, sugarcane fields, and rolling hills with the Indian Ocean shimmering to the east. A stop at Zamimpilo Craft and Fruit Market offers a chance to browse handmade carvings, curios, and local produce — and we’ll return here later for souvenirs.
Arrive at Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park around 1:30 PM and embark on your first afternoon game drive until about 5:30 PM, before checking into your accommodation.
🦁 Fun Fact: Hluhluwe–iMfolozi is the second-oldest game reserve in the world, established in 1896, just after Yellowstone in the USA!
Enjoy dinner at the Hilltop Restaurant (featuring Zulu-inspired dishes) or a traditional braai under the stars. Note: travel inside the reserve after dark is not permitted, except on scheduled night drives.
Day 2 – Full-Day Safari Adventure
Early Start: a quick coffee and we head out as the gates returning around 9:00am for Breakfast. After breakfast, depart at 10:30 AM for a full-day safari across both the Hluhluwe and iMfolozi sections, together spanning nearly 100,000 hectares of pristine wilderness.
Expect to see an incredible diversity of wildlife, including:
- Giraffe, Elephant, Rhino (Black & White), Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Zebra, Wildebeest, Kudu, Nyala, and Impala
- Plus Hyena, Warthog, Baboon, and Vervet Monkey
- And over 300 species of birds
Return to camp around 4:00 PM, with the option to join a guided night drive (recommended) to experience nocturnal wildlife in action.
Day 3 – Zulu Culture & Departure
After a short early-morning game drive, depart for the Dumazulu Cultural Village, where you’ll be welcomed with the cheerful greeting “Sanibonani!” from the local chief.
Explore authentic Zulu traditions, including hut building, beadwork, grass weaving, marriage customs, and Zulu beer making (and tasting!), followed by a lively Zulu dance performance in full traditional regalia.
Enjoy lunch at Dumazulu before stopping once more at Zamimpilo Market for last-minute curio shopping. Arrival at your drop-off location in KwaZulu-Natal is typically around 5:00 PM.
Optional Extra Day – St Lucia Wetlands (Recommended)
If you choose the 3-day option, enjoy a full day at Lake St Lucia, part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Take a 2–3 hour boat cruise to view hippos, crocodiles, pelicans, flamingos, and other spectacular birdlife.
- Then, enjoy a game drive through the Eastern Shores and Cape Vidal, visiting Bhangazi Lake — a favourite haunt of hippos and crocs. A swimming the Indian ocean is a must!!
Return to your accommodation by late afternoon for a relaxed evening.
Pricing
Tour pricing depends on:
- Duration (3 or 4 days)
- Type of accommodation (chalets, lodges, or camping)
- Group size and transport preferences
Contact us for a personalised quote and itinerary.