Discover the best safari parks and game reserves near Durban with our guide. Explore wildlife sanctuaries, nature reserves, and national parks offering diverse flora and fauna, perfect for memorable safari adventures in South Africa.

If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, consider visiting best safari parks and game reserves near Durban. The regions has one of best national parks or game reserves. These undeveloped landscapes are home to some of the country’s most iconic wildlife—including lions, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. Here are our top picks for where to go in Durban.

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The park was declared a national park in 1923 and included two sections: Hluhluwe and iMfolozi.

The Big Five roam freely throughout the area, with lions being the most common species to be seen here. Other animals include leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, and buffalo – if you can get your hands on an elephant, hide.

uMkhuze Game Reserve

uMkhuze Game Reserve is the oldest game reserve in South Africa, having been founded back in 1891. It’s home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, rhinoceroses, and lions, as well as smaller animals such as antelopes and zebras. Several different accommodation options are available at uMkhuze, including self-catering tents or cottages with en suite bathrooms.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of South Africa’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s located in the KwaZulu-Natal province, which borders Mozambique to its east. The park has diverse ecosystems, including mangroves and estuaries inhabited by crocodiles and other reptiles, such as monitor lizards.

The park covers about 1,200 square kilometers (460 square miles) and is open from 0730h to 1700h from Monday through Friday, 0800h–1800h on Saturday, and 0900h–1630h on Sunday. Admission costs R100 per adult or R25 per child under 18 years old with proof of age (ID).

Hluhluwe Umlalazi Nature Reserve

Hluhluwe Umlalazi Nature Reserve is located in southeast South Africa. The reserve was established in 1895 to protect the endangered white rhino and other wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and lions.

Hluhluwe Umlalazi is home to many other species of animals, including cheetahs, African wild dogs, and various antelope species such as kudu antelope (kudu).

Phinda Private Game Reserve and Zulu Nyala Private Game Reserve

While Phinda Private Game Reserve and Zulu Nyala Private Game Reserve are both located in KwaZulu-Natal, they’re two of the oldest game reserves in South Africa. They were established in 1936 and 1959 respectively and have been managed by different private entities since then.

Phinda Private Game Reserve is located north of Durban, near Umhlanga Rocks on the False Bay coast. It has over 600 square kilometers of land that is home to more than 3 000 animals, including black rhinoceros, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as many more birds like ostriches or eagles, which can be seen flying overhead at any given time during their migration season between October through March each year when they return from Ethiopia where they spend most winters before heading back south again towards winter quarters where temperatures drop below freezing point during these months (although not enough for them all year round).

Tembe Elephant Park

Tembe Elephant Park is a private game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, founded in 1993. The park covers an area of approximately 1,250 hectares and includes different types of wildlife as well as vegetation. The park was awarded the Green Tourism Gold Award in 2017, its first-ever award for being environmentally friendly.

The park is located on the banks of Tembe River, which means it’s perfect if you want to see elephants.

Durban is a great place to explore the South African wilderness. There are many safari parks in the area, and you can go on a safari tour or visit the uMkhuze Game Reserve.

Conclusion

Exploring the best safari parks and game reserves near Durban reveals a treasure trove of biodiversity and natural beauty within easy reach of this vibrant city. Whether venturing to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park for its rich rhino population and Big Five sightings, or to iSimangaliso Wetland Park for its diverse ecosystems and pristine coastline, each destination offers a unique safari experience. With abundant wildlife, scenic landscapes, and opportunities for cultural immersion, these parks near Durban provide an unforgettable journey into the heart of South Africa’s natural heritage