Durban (Hluhluwe Imfolozi) Safari & Wild Cat Project Day Tour

Description

There is an early start to this exciting Full Day Safari to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve and Emdoneni Wild Cat Project. Just 2h30 up the beautiful North Coast of Kwazulu Natal past quaint coastal villages and rolling hills of sugar cane and you are through the gates and on safari in Big 5 country [lion,elephant,rhino,buffalo,leopard].

As you drive through the gates of South Africa's oldest nature reserve you will feel the wonder and excitement of the African Bush. The reserve is home to a diverse range of wild life including the famed Big Five, black and white rhino and 400 species of birds, some rare and valued by any self respecting 'twitchers'.  Your experienced guide knows the park and the favoured habitat of the animals and will take you on an informed search of the diverse wildlife and Big 5 explaining the different feeding habits and facts of the animals that you discover.

The vegetation changes constantly with the seasons and you move from lush coastal bush to flourishing savannah, with expectation around every bend as you seek out the hidden wonders of this wilderness. Established in 1895 this is the oldest park in South Africa and encompasses over 98 000 hectares of beautiful African landscape. This tour is in a closed vehicle with air-conditioning for your comfort. The temperatures range from 18oC to high 30oC. The Park contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is characterised by hilly topography. The list of animals at the park is long and varied.  Hluhluwe Game Reserve makes up the northern top half of the reserve which is renowned for its diverse variety of bird and animal life. South of Hluhluwe is the Imfolozi Game Reserve which makes up half of the park. These two reserves were joined together to create the largest reserve in KwaZulu Natal.  The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Reserve is noted for its White Rhino conservation. Their Centenary Capture Centre is celebrated for its exceptional research in animal capture, rehabilitation and release as well their approach to sustainable ecotourism in South Africa.

You stop for lunch at Hilltop Camp (own expense) giving you time to refuel and relax. The restaurant is situated at the top of the hill and gives visitors the chance to enjoy the scenery of the camp and surrounding areas. There is a good chance of spotting animals moving through the bush as you enjoy your meal.

After lunch you continue with your safari before leaving the park en route to Emdoneni Wild Cat Sanctuary. This is a very valuable ecological project and you get to enjoy a one hour, guided tour and learn more about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species. At Emdoneni you will have the opportunity to see Cheetahs, Serval Cats, African Wildcats and Caracal (Lynx) up close and hear about the amazing work the project does to rehabilitate wild cats. These animals are often so well camouflaged that they are seldom seen in the wild.

The aim of the Emdoneni Cat Project is to care for the various wild cat species which have been orphaned or injured in the wild and need care and rehabilitation. Emdoneni’s guided tour offers visitors a unique and exciting opportunity to literally get up close and personal with Africa's most magnificent and feared predators. This once in a lifetime opportunity is very popular and can be enjoyed whilst you gain insight into the basics of wild life existence.

After the Emdoneni tour we start the two hours journey back to Durban for drop off.

Highlights

• A day safari in Hluhluwe Imfolozi.
• Experience and learn about the wildlife that roams the reserve.
• Lunch [own account] over looking the park
• Experience a wild cat up close and learn about the important work the project is doing (Cheetahs, Serval Cats, African Wildcats and Caracal (Lynx)). 

Itinerary

Important information

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION: Pickup & drop off service with in a 5km radius of 1st Zulu Safaris office at Gooderson Tropicana Hotel, 85 OR Tambo Parade, Durban
DEPARTURE TIME: 06:30 AM
RETURN TIME:  08:30 PM
WEAR: Comfortable clothing and shoes, hat, sunscreen, jacket.
LOCATION: Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, Emdoneni Cat Project, KwaZulu-Natal
AGE: All ages welcome
DATES: All year round
TRAVELLER TYPE:  Single or Per Person Sharing.

Operated by: Zulu Safaris