The wilderness is easily accessible from Durban, the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal and the busiest port in the nation. With its picturesque coastline and urban sprawl, the city serves as a convenient starting point for trips to some of the numerous game reserves and safari parks in the province. Perhaps you want to enjoy the five-star accommodations in Phinda, see the enormous elephants in Tembe, or take a self-drive trip to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, the nation’s oldest game reserve. Here are a few of our top picks for game reserves and safari parks close to Durban.

1. Imfolozi-Hluhluwe Game Reserve

One of the most well-known game reserves in South Africa, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, is less than three hours’ drive from the bustling city of Durban. It was created as a sanctuary for the last surviving southern white rhino population in the nation in the 1890s. Due to the reserve’s tremendous success, it is currently among the best locations in Africa to witness this endangered Big 5 species. Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and various antelope, notably the elegant nyala, are among the other creatures you may see here.

Two and a half hours away from Durban
Accommodations: Self-catering chalets, family cottages, safari tents, and inexpensive rondavels with shared ablutions are among the options available at Hilltop and Mpila Camps within the reserve. Outside the reserve are a number of private lodges and motels.
Activities include overnight wilderness trails, game walks, and game drives.

2. Private Game Reserve at Phinda

The most famous and esteemed private wildlife reserve close to Durban is Phinda. The six luxury lodges offer subtle elegance and excellent dining, making a stay there an experience in and of itself. Phinda takes great pride in the caliber of its guides, and a safari here is not only thrilling but also incredibly instructive. Anticipate up-close views of numerous animals, both large and little, as well as perhaps some action. The cheetah, the pride of Phinda, is one of the best places to see how this elegant large cat behaves, whether it’s grooming, nursing pups, or sprinting at breakneck speed to hunt.

Three hours away from Durban
Options for lodging: There are six opulent lodges in Phinda, each with its own unique charm and personality. Phinda Homestead, Vlei Lodge, Zuka Lodge, Forest Lodge, Rock Lodge, and Mountain Lodge
Activities include game drives, game walks, bird watching, community involvement, study on rhinos, elephants, or pangolins, and an optional beach trip.

3. Game Reserve uMkhuze

The first UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is made up of a patchwork of protected areas, including uMkhuze Game Reserve. Although there is a road network to explore, it is difficult to see wildlife because of the dense coastal vegetation. Conversely, spending time in the reserve’s photographic hides is incredibly fulfilling.

Sitting in the stilts kuMasinga hide is like sitting in the center of a waterhole. Spending a few hours here doesn’t require patience. You may anticipate a steady flow of animals, such as zebras, warthogs, elephants, rhinos, and wildebeest, coming to drink. If you’re lucky, you could even see a pride of lions or a gang of untamed dogs upsetting the tranquility.

Three and a half hours away from Durban
Accommodations: Self-catering chalets and safari tents are among the several lodging choices available at Mantuma Rest Camp. More opulent lodging is available at the Ghost Mountain Inn, which is roughly thirty minutes away.
Activities include fig forest treks, game drives, game walks, wildlife hide photography, and bird viewing.

4. Game Reserve at Ithala

Of all the game reserves close to Durban, the little-known Ithala is arguably the most picturesque. There is some wildlife nearby, including both black and white rhinos, despite the fact that it is not a Big 5 site (lions are not present). Leopards thrive in the hilly regions with their stony riverbeds and cliff cliffs. The brown hyena and cheetah are additional predators to be aware of. Antelope come in a wide range of species, including uncommon ones like the eland, red hartebeest, and tsessebe, which is Africa’s quickest antelope.

Four and a half hours from Durban
Options for lodging: Ntshondwe Camp has both self-catering and non-self-catering chalets inside the reserve. Private accommodations are not available within or close to the reserve.
Activities include bird watching, game walks, and game drives.

5. Elephant Park in Tembe

Despite being a Big 5 reserve, Tembe Elephant Park is primarily known for its elephants. Tembe was created in 1983 to save South Africa’s sole remaining free-ranging elephant population. There were 150 animals in the remaining herd, many of whom had enormous tusks. Given that Tembe is still recognized for its enormous tuskers, the gene has clearly survived. It is an experience of a lifetime to see one of these giants up close. Numerous Zululand specialties, including the secretive Suni antelope and the mischievous Samango monkey, can be found in the diverse range of environments, including the unique sand forest.

Five hours’ drive from Durban
Options for lodging: The community-run Tembe Tented Camp, which provides all-inclusive packages including meals and game drives, is the only place to stay in the park.
Activities include photography from a high wildlife hide, game walks, game drives, and cultural encounters.

6. Private Game Reserve at Zulu Nyala

Zulu Nyala, which borders the upscale Phinda Game Reserve, is a far more cost-effective choice. Despite the absence of lions in Zulu Nyala, it primarily supports the same wildlife. Twice a day, your guide will take you on thrilling game drives in an open safari vehicle. This is the ideal method to get up close to wildlife, but for a different but no less exciting experience, try a walking safari. Additionally, Zulu Nyala is a fantastic starting point for exploring the region’s other natural and cultural features. Numerous extra day excursions are offered, such as the well-liked St. Lucia estuary boat cruise.

Three and a half hours away from Durban
Options for lodging: The only resort in the reserve that offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and safari tents is Zulu Nyala Game resort.
Activities include Zulu cultural experiences, game walks and drives, and optional day trips to iSimangaliso Wetland Park and other neighboring reserves and sites.

7. Private Game Reserve at Nambiti

Due to its reasonably priced lodges, Nambiti GR is a well-liked getaway from Durban. The magnificent Drakensberg Mountains are just a short distance away, and it is well situated as a halfway stop between Durban and Johannesburg.

Nambiti feels very different from the other KwaZulu Natal reserves with their lush coastal foliage because of its grassland ecosystem, which is typical of its highveld setting. The reserve has a good number of private lodges that provide educational bush walks and game safaris in open safari vehicles. There are almost 40 different animal species in addition to the Big 5. The serval, a medium-sized cat that is uncommon in other South African reserves, is one of the more intriguing residents.

Three hours away from Durban
Accommodations: Nambiti GR has nine separate lodges, including two tented camps and six five-star game lodges. The amenities range from self-catering to luxurious.
Activities: Game walks and drives