Big 5 Safari from Durban: Open Vehicle Game Drive

Track the Big 5 at dawn across a private reserve

A full-day Big 5 safari from Durban in an open 4x4 vehicle with a knowledgeable ranger guide, two game drives (morning and afternoon), lunch, and binoculars included. The reserve is normally closed to day visitors, making this the rare chance to search for Africa's iconic predators and wildlife without staying overnight at the lodge.

Step-by-step itinerary

Big 5 Safari in Private Reserve

• Start safari at 05h00
• Meet knowledgeable ranger
• Receive game drive briefing
• Enjoy 3-hour morning game drive
• Have lunch
• Embark on 3-hour afternoon game drive
• Depart for Durban at 16h00

The experience

The day starts at 05h00. The hour when predators are most active and your chances of spotting the Big 5 are highest. You'll meet your ranger at the Premier Private Game Reserve, a property that only permits lodge guests to enter, unless you're booked on this tour. A briefing on game drive etiquette prepares you for what's ahead before the first 3-hour drive begins. Your ranger tracks sightings across the reserve in real time, positioning the vehicle where wildlife is moving so you're in the right place when something appears.

After a lunch break, you head deeper into the reserve for a second 3-hour game drive, this time focusing on different areas and species. The open-sided 4x4 gives you an unobstructed view and the ability to move quietly through the landscape. Binoculars, bottled water and multilingual safari guide books (English, German, French) come with you. By 16h00 you're heading back to Durban, a journey of roughly 3 hours.

What’s included

• Open 4x4 safari vehicle.
• live English-speaking ranger guide.
• two 3-hour game drives.
• binoculars.
• bottled water.
• multilingual safari guide books in English, German and French.
• hotel pickup from Durban.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Wild Routes Africa

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a small group experience with a dedicated ranger who knows where to find the Big 5: the early start and private reserve access are what make a full day of wildlife tracking possible without staying overnight.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the Big 5 safari from Durban start and end?

The safari departs at 05h00 and returns to Durban at approximately 16h00, making it a full day of roughly 11 hours including the drive from the city and back.

How much time do you spend actually on the game drives?

Two separate game drives make up the core of the day (a 3-hour morning drive and a 3-hour afternoon drive) with a lunch break between them.

What is the Premier Private Game Reserve and why is it normally closed to day visitors?

The reserve is a luxury lodge property that restricts access to overnight guests, which is why a day tour here is unusual. The operator has special permission to bring small groups through.

What equipment and guides are included on the safari?

Your ranger is a live guide who speaks English and tracks wildlife throughout the day. Binoculars, bottled water and multilingual safari guide books in English, German and French are provided.

Is lunch included in the Big 5 safari price?

Lunch is served between the two game drives but is not included in the tour price and must be purchased separately.

How far is the Big 5 safari from Durban and how long is the drive?

The reserve is within 3 hours of Durban, making it accessible as a full-day tour from the city without an overnight stay.