Isimangaliso Boat Cruise & Game Drive Day Tour from Durban

Umhlabuyalingana Municipality, Durban



Spend a great day in Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, start with a 2 hour Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise followed by a game drive. This is one of the greatest places in South Africa, a World Heritage site.

Hippo and Crocodile Boat Cruise with Game Drive in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park

This full-day tour departs from Durban and suits wildlife lovers seeking a boat cruise and game drive in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.

Description

Depart Durban at 6am for a day trip to iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, starting with a two-hour boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary. Observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, and numerous bird species up close as you explore the wetland waters.

After the cruise, enjoy a game drive in the park where you can spot elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and more. A lunch break is included before returning to Durban around 3pm.

About iSimangaliso Wetlands Park

iSimangaliso means miracle and wonder, reflecting this unique World Heritage Site on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. The park spans 220km of coastline with diverse habitats including mountains, grasslands, wetlands, mangroves, beaches, and coral reefs. It connects eight ecosystems and ten distinct destinations from Maphelane to Kosi Bay near the Mozambique border.

St Lucia Estuary Boat Cruise

The two-hour hippo and crocodile boat cruise offers close encounters with these large residents of the estuary, as well as sightings of eagles, vultures, African broadbills, and other birds. The cruise provides a relaxed way to experience South Africa's St Lucia Estuary aquatic environment.

Includes

  • Game drive in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park
  • Hippo and crocodile boat cruise on St Lucia Estuary
  • Wildlife sightings including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, rhinos, zebras
  • Hotel, port, and airport pick up and drop off

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Book early to secure your spot. Bring sun protection, binoculars, and comfortable clothing. The best time to visit is during early morning for cooler temperatures and active wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can see hippos, crocodiles, various bird species on the boat cruise, and then wildlife such as antelope and possibly elephants during the game drive in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.
The full-day tour lasts about nine hours, including a 2-hour boat cruise, a game drive, lunch, and travel time to and from Durban.
The boat cruise takes place on the St Lucia Estuary within iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.
Yes, the tour includes a lunch break as part of the full-day itinerary.
The tour departs early in the morning around 6am, but check the website for the current departure time.
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for children, but check any age restrictions or requirements on the booking site.
It’s recommended to bring sun protection, insect repellent, comfortable clothing, and a camera for wildlife viewing.
The tour includes transportation from Durban directly to iSimangaliso Wetlands Park and back.
Yes, the St Lucia Estuary is home to both hippos and crocodiles, which are commonly seen during the boat cruise.
Yes, the game drive is led by a professional guide familiar with the park and its wildlife.

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