Richards Bay Private Safari: Hluhluwe Game Reserve Tour

Summary

Small Group Safari from Richards Bay: Big 5 Game Drive Experience

If you want a real shot at seeing Africa’s Big 5 in one day—and not just through a bus window—this Richards Bay safari is worth it. You’ll travel with a local guide who knows where to look, enjoy a relaxed lunch in the bush, and get back to port with your camera full of wild moments.

What’s the experience like?

The air was still a bit cool when we left the port, but you could already smell the bush as we drove north into Zululand. Our guide, Sipho, chatted about the area’s history and pointed out sugarcane fields rolling past the window. It’s about a two-hour drive to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, but honestly, time slipped by as we swapped stories and watched the landscape change. We even spotted a couple of vervet monkeys darting across the road before we reached the reserve gates.

Once inside Hluhluwe, things got real quiet—except for birds calling somewhere overhead. We chose an open vehicle for our game drive (you can pick closed if you want), and right away Sipho slowed down to show us fresh rhino tracks in the sand. The sun was warming up fast, so animals started moving—herds of impala flicking their tails, a lone buffalo standing half-hidden in tall grass. Around midday, we stopped at a shaded picnic spot for sandwiches and coffee; you could hear distant grunts from hippos down by the river. After lunch, we headed out again and lucked out with an elephant sighting just off the main track—close enough to see dust on its ears.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hluhluwe Safari and Game Drives

• Game drives in Hluhluwe & Imfolozi Reserve

Top questions

How long does the safari last?

The tour usually takes most of the day—timing depends on your ship’s schedule but expect to be out from early morning until late afternoon.

Is this suitable for kids or older travelers?

The safari is fine for most ages but not recommended if you have spinal injuries or heart problems. The roads can be bumpy.

Will I definitely see all of the Big 5?

No guarantees—it’s real wildlife! But this reserve gives you a good chance to spot lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, camera or phone (with extra battery), and maybe a light jacket for early mornings—it can be chilly at first.

What’s included

Your tour includes round-trip transport from Richards Bay port in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, a light picnic-style lunch inside the park, and guiding by an experienced local who knows the area well. All timings are set around your ship’s arrival and departure so you won’t miss your boat.