Tala Game Reserve and Natal Park Safari from Durban

Two reserves, two wildlife moments: rhinos and giraffes at Tala, then elephants at Natal Park

A six-hour safari tour from Durban combines a game drive through Tala Game Reserve with a visit to Natal Park, where you see rhinos, giraffes, antelope and elephants. A live English-speaking guide leads both reserves, and pickup covers anywhere in Durban within a 50 km radius. The tour suits families, couples, solo travelers and groups of any fitness level.

Step-by-step itinerary

Safari at Tala and Natal Park

• Depart from Durban at 8am
• Game drive at Tala Game Reserve
• Visit Natal Park to see elephants

The experience

The tour departs Durban at 8am and heads straight into Tala Game Reserve for a game drive across rolling hills and open plains. The reserve's smaller size means a more intimate experience than larger parks: you move through varied landscapes at a pace that lets the guide point out rhinos, giraffes, and antelope species as they appear. The terrain is diverse enough that each stretch feels different, and the guide provides context on the local flora and fauna as you go. If Tala is unavailable on your date, the operator runs the same game drive at nearby Gwahumbe Game Reserve instead, which offers comparable wildlife viewing.

From Tala, the route heads to Natal Park, where the focus shifts to elephants. You get close-up views of these animals in a setting built around them, and the contrast between the two reserves (from the rolling landscape of Tala to the elephant-focused experience at Natal) gives the day two distinct moments rather than one long drive. The whole outing runs six hours from start to finish, including the drive between reserves and back to your Durban location.

What’s included

• Tour guide in English.
• game drive through Tala Game Reserve.
• visit to Natal Park with elephant viewing.
• pickup and drop-off across Durban within 50 km radius.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfants must sit on laps

Operated by African Cape Safaris

Is this one for you?The 8am start and six-hour duration mean an early morning and a full morning out, so book this if you're comfortable with an early departure and don't mind spending most of the day in a vehicle moving between two reserves.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What animals will I actually see on this safari?

Tala Game Reserve holds rhinos, giraffes, and various antelope species across its plains and hills. Natal Park centers on elephants, and you'll get close-up views of them there. The tour also covers some of Africa's Big 5: elephants and rhinos are confirmed, and the guide will point out other species as the drive unfolds.

How does Tala Game Reserve compare to larger safari parks?

Tala's smaller size creates a more personalized experience than sprawling reserves. You move through rolling hills and open plains at a pace that lets the guide share details about the wildlife and landscape without the feeling of a rushed circuit. The tranquil setting is the trade-off for fewer animals overall, but the intimacy is what draws people to it.

What happens if Tala Game Reserve is closed on my tour date?

The operator switches the game drive to Gwahumbe Game Reserve, which is nearby and offers similar landscapes and wildlife viewing. You'll still get the same type of experience (a game drive through varied terrain with rhinos, giraffes and antelope) just at a different location.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel in Durban?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for anywhere in Durban within a 50 km radius. The tour departs at 8am from your location and returns you there after the six-hour outing.