Zululand Big Five & Culture
Two nights in Zululand with morning game drives in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and an afternoon in a living Zulu village.
The Package
Big Five country, and the kingdom it belongs to
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa and the place the white rhino was saved from extinction. It is malaria-free, three and a half hours from Durban, and holds all of the Big Five. We pair it with a genuine cultural afternoon rather than a staged one — because Zululand is a kingdom with a living history, not just a game reserve with a gate.
Your Itinerary
- DAY
1
North to Zululand
MorningCollection in Durban and the drive north on the N2 — about three and a half hours.
AfternoonCheck in, then an afternoon game drive to get your eye in.
EveningDinner at the lodge, and a briefing for tomorrow’s early start.
- DAY
2
Game drive and the kingdom
Early morningFull morning game drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi — out at first light, when the animals are moving.
AfternoonA cultural village visit: homestead life, dance, beadwork and a meal.
EveningOptional night drive, or the fire.
- DAY
3
One last look
Early morningA final short drive or a slow breakfast, your choice.
MiddayDepart for Durban, with a stop at Emakhosini if time allows.
What’s included
- 2 nights’ Zululand lodge accommodation
- Breakfast daily and dinner where included
- Return transfer from Durban
- Two guided game drives in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi with park fees
- A cultural village visit
- A downloadable itinerary
Not included
- Lunches
- Night drive
- Curios and beadwork
- Travel insurance
Getting there — your choice
Let us drive. Return transfer from Durban or King Shaka, and all transfers to the reserve gate and the cultural village. Game drives themselves are in the operator’s open safari vehicles, which is the only way to see the park properly.
Self-drive. Prefer your own car? We drop the transport element and adjust the package accordingly — you still get the accommodation, the activities and the full itinerary, plus directions and our local phone support for the whole trip.
Stay & Play
Your base
A lodge or safari-style chalet in the Hluhluwe area, close to the reserve gate so morning drives start early without a two-hour pre-dawn transfer. Breakfast and dinner included at most properties. Family units available.
Activities — all within easy reach
- Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park game drives — Open-vehicle guided drives, morning and afternoon. All of the Big Five, and the best rhino viewing in the country. (15 min from the gate)
- Shakaland or DumaZulu cultural village — Zulu homestead life, dancing, beadwork and traditional beer — done properly, by the community. (40 min drive)
- Emakhosini — Valley of the Kings — The burial grounds of the Zulu kings and the Spirit of eMakhosini monument. (1 hr drive)
- Hluhluwe village and craft markets — Roadside beadwork and basketry, and a good place to stop for lunch. (On the doorstep)
- Night drive — An optional guided after-dark drive for the animals you never see in daylight. (From your lodge)
Get your price for this package
Tell us your dates and how many of you are travelling — we’ll come back with a firm, all-in quote. No booking fee, no obligation.