Half Day Safari Tour from Durban
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Durban, South Africa
- 6 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
This day safari takes you to KwaZulu-Natal, a coastal province known for its beauty and diverse array of wildlife. The tour has two stops: the African Raptor Center, with over 100 birds of prey, and the Tala Private Game Reserve, home to kudu, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, eland, and other big game animals. Cover both sites in just half a day, a difficult feat to do on your own.
- Day trip to KwaZulu-Natal province from Durban
- See a wide variety of big game throughout the day
- Learn more about the ecosystem from your tour guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Durban is included
What's Included
- Collection and drop off from Durban in an Air-conditioned vehicle
- Qualified Tour Guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.8:00 am
Itinerary
1
African Raptor Centre
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
2
Tala Private Game Reserve
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- You are looking for safari half-day tour.
- You want short travel time.
- You want to experience a lion and other wildlife up close.
- Polish and German languages can be requested (on request)
- If you are using a wheelchair, please contact the local partner for type of disability and size of wheelchair
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 99 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.5
based on 135 reviews
Wendy_H, Apr 2026
First know that as it states in the itinerary, the tour through the reserve is in "an enclosed vehicle," i.e. the tour van itself and NOT in Tala's big open trucks. What may have been a great trip was spoiled by a majority of guests, a few in particular, who refused to do the tour since not in the open truck as they expected and supposedly as their reservations indicated. We had a group 20 (all from the same cruise) who booked through different tour companies, some through Zulu Safaris directly. While the guide Zamani remained calm and courteous, several demanded a full refund and an immediate turn to the ship. He tried his best to resolve the matter to no avail. A Tala employee also explained that all their trucks were reserved all day by cruise tours. We wanted to continue the tour in the van but the majority overruled. Since we all came in one large van, we all had to return to the ship an hour away. We were very disappointed, as we later saw great photos from fellow passengers who did the tour, some in open trucks, others in an enclosed vehicle. But all really enjoyed the tour and saw lots of animals. After contacting Viator and explaining a situation beyond our control, they gave a partial refund. While the guide was kind and informative, one helpful thing Zulu Safari's could ensure is that either their guide hold a sign with the name of the tour company or put a sign in the window of the van, as the van was all white with no sign or logo at all. One couple waited 20 min, another 45 min (very annoyed) trying to locate the guide and van which was parked on the curb just outside the terminal gate, but down a ways past other tour vans. Even though I sent a What's App message to the guide the day before asking for the specific location to meet, his short reply was "we meet tomorrow harbour." Thankfully our friends on the same tour arrived ahead of us and after asking around found the guide and texted us.
Tejanand_G, Jun 2025
We had a great experience visiting animal parks with zulu Safari. We had initially booked for two parks but unfortunately the lion and the elephant parks were closed due to bad weather. But the tour operator Sotiris Spetsiotis rearranged for a second day tour for us without any extra cost. The guides where very friendly and informative. They threw light on zulu lifestyle. Overall the experience was great. We highly recommend this tour. Please note that the lions and elephants were confined to a relatively small area so it was not a real life open forest Safari.
Pete_J, Jun 2025
Hotel pick up was super easy, all journeys were short so not too much travelling. Fortune was a great host.
Vanessa_L, May 2025
Everything went very smoothly and Thami was a great guide. We got to see many animals up close. The giraffes were magnificent. We enjoyed the tour and were very happy we went with the tour company
Response from Host, May 2025
Thanks for the wonderful review and we are so glad that the tour was worth it for you
Jerry_M, May 2025
Great tour guide--saw more animals than I could have imagined. Almost all the big 5 but most of what we say was quite photogenic.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thanks for the wonderful review and we are so glad that the tour was worth it for you
Monica_H, Apr 2025
This tour was incredible! The lion park, followed by a visit to an elephant sanctuary, topped up by the best safari ever at the private reserve - a most perfect day! Many, many kudos to Frederick, who was the perfect tour guide. :)
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thanks for the review and we are glad that the tour meet your expectations
Charles_D, Apr 2025
This was a fantastic experience, we saw giraffes, zebras, lions, vervet monkeys, wildebeests, white rhinos,elephants, and so much more. Many who took tours arranged by Cunard did not see many of these. Jirmani (spelling) was great.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thanks for choosing us to take care of you in Durban and hope to host you again next time you visit South Africa
Alkarim_S, Mar 2025
This was a wonderful tour! Our tour guide Freddy was thoughtful and really wanted to make sure we had a wonderful experience. At the Nala lion sanctuary we got up close and personal with lions, and even closer with an elephant. At the Tala reserve we got to see all kinds of animals, including giraffes, rhinos, and a variety of antelope. We were in town for only one day, so this was a perfect way to view many different animals. Highly recommend this company, and our tour guide Freddy was exceptional.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you so much for the wonderful review and hope to host you again, when you visit Durban again
David_G, Mar 2025
Good selection of wildlife. If it’s your first safari you will not be disappointed. Not so for seasoned folks. A few comments on todays tour. Van air cond was not working well. Very little airflow. Appears that driver had settings correct. Overcrowded van making good photography impossible. Driver and guide did a good job.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thanks for the review, so sorry about air-conditioning settings which lacked airflow but we highly appreciate you recommending itinerary as being a good selection
Jennifer_S, Mar 2025
Tala was great the grazing animals did there thing. Natal park the Lions are lovely to see but enclosure not very big, and Emma the elephant is very well trained and you feed her apples.
So not a true safari if that's what you want, but good anyway
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thanks you so much for your review and comment and hope to host you again, next time you are in Durban
Natasha_W, Mar 2025
The whole tour was seamless. Our tour guides were on time, friendly and so welcoming. We felt like we knew them.
They were both so knowledgeable about the animals and Durban landscape. It was truly a magical experience, made even more amazing by our professional guides.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thanks for the wonderful review and hope to host you next time you are in Durban
DONNA_S, Feb 2025
We drove thru the Addo Reserve in a mini van - unfortunately, we were stuck in the back seat- still good for viewing but not so great for taking photos. We drove around for almost an hour before seeing any elephants (so don't get discouraged)- we did see zebra and wart hogs in the meantime. But then we went to the watering holes and there were so many elephants it was hard to count!! Amazing!! A great experience!
Had a great lunch at the lodge then went off to a private farm for the giraffe walk. The farm only had 4 giraffes and we were able to see 3 but they were very elusive and we only caught sight of their heads above the trees. We also saw ostrich at the farm. It was a good day.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
We are happy that you truly enjoyed your experience with us and hope to take care of you
next time you visit Durban
Nancy_M, Feb 2025
Our guide, Freddy picked us up at the cruise port. There were 4 of us in the group. Freddy knew just where to find the animals, so we were able to see 4 out of the big 5 in such a short time. What an exciting adventure.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
We are happy that you truly enjoyed your experience with us and hope to take care of you
next time you visit Durban
ArunGoud_A, Nov 2024
I booked this safari during my Durban trip and I'm glad that I found this. 1st Zulu Safaris reached out to me after booking to confirm my pick up point and I was able to schedule pick up from the hotel I was staying at. My guide Thami kept me posted and punctually picked me up at the designated time of 8am. The drive was roughly an hour each way. Natal Lion Park had elephants and lions. Tala game reserve was the highlight since it had a lot of animals that one typically associates with safaris. Thami shared useful information and animal facts along the way that enriched my experience. The 6 hour duration was just perfect. I was back at my hotel at around 2pm. I highly recommend this tour if you are budget and time conscious and want to check off safari on your South Africa trip bucket list.
Evan_E, Jul 2024
This was a wonderful half-day trip. The river and guide, Fortune, picked me up at my hotel, which was super convenient. He was very nice and knowledgeable. During the tour we saw lions, giraffes, wildebeest, warthogs, hippos, ostriches, rhinos, impala, many other animals, and I was even able to feed apple slices to a lovely elephant. Fortune then drove me back to my hotel and dropped me off. It was an unforgettable experience that I would absolutely recommend.
Elliot_O, Jun 2024
Awesome experience, great service. Fortune is a superb guide. Got to see lots thanks to Fortune’s professionalism and flexibility.
John_A, Jun 2024
Bafana was amazing. We had the best time and we saw all the things we were hoping to. 100% would recommend! We felt included and safe the whole time. Absolutely worth it.
Patricia_D, May 2024
Wonderful afternoon with Freddie! Our safari with 1st Zulu Safari at Tala Game Reserve and Lions Park was a fantastic experience. Pick-up and drop-off at our hotel made the tour easy and the perfect day excursion in Durban.
Antonio_C, May 2024
Great tour!! Had had amazing experience go with your great tour guide Frederick
Would recommend it this experience to anyone
DAVID_T, May 2024
The excursion was very good that you did get to see a lot in a half day. We saw about four or five lions, ( taking a nap.) Some of the other safaris didn’t go there, even our cruise ship. Seeing the two elephants one African one Indian up close and fed them apples was fun. The private reserve was pretty big lots of rough roads but made it more fun. I noticed open air ones with more people in them by another group that looked like their ride was more rough and no air. Something to consider if you have allergies or it’s hot. Our van had a/c. Fortune was our driver he was very patient and accommodating. My husband is disabled and was able to participate which makes it special for us.
Daniel_N, May 2024
Great trip. Picked up by fortune from hotel, he was good fun and full of information. We struggled to find giraffes and fortune continued tirelessly and we eventually found them.
Saw rhino's and their baby, zebras, wilderbeasts, elephants lions.
Great experience and everything was so close and personal. Highly recommend. Thank you fortune.
Gary_O, Apr 2024
Loved seeing the variety of wildlife. Guides were really great and provided lots of helpful information.
Mario_V, Apr 2024
Aaron was an excellent tour guide and we had a very enjoyable day seeing all the amazing animals. Highly recommend if you only have one day in port.
Timothy_C, Apr 2024
5 star plus plus. Freddie our guide went beyond to make sure we had a great safari. His experience in being a guide was evident. We saw animals that people on our ship didn’t see…. Lions, elephants, giraffes. He stopped at a store and bought apples and carrots to feed elephant and take pics. The other vans had a look of sadness watching us. Rhinos, ostriches, different breeds of antilopes, African eagle , wart hogs, zebras all seen. Skip the big bus ship tours .
Greg_R, Apr 2024
Our driver/guide Freddy was amazing. We stopped at 2 animal preserves. The first Natal Lion preserve we were able to see lions and then drove to see some elephants and in fact feed one up close and personal. From there we went to Tala preserve and saw rhinos, giraffes, ostriches, wildebeest, zebras and other animals. Freddy knew exactly where to find a few of the more hidden animals.
Tour vehicles arrived on time and we were returned right on time. Also, Freddy showed us various spots of interest along the way.
Great tour, I would highly recommend.
Jason_D, Apr 2024
Aaron did everything he could to make our trip spectacular. Bought carrots and apples to feed the elephants, drove his car through ravines and large creeks just so we could get close to the animals
Harold_s, Apr 2024
Had a great time with our guide Thomi and were able to find the big three at Natal as well as a new experience with elephants
Lynn_C, Mar 2024
Bafana was the best guide. Very knowledgeable and good fun. He was very helpful with our wheelchair and we had the best time. Definitely recommend
David_R, Mar 2024
With only a limited time in Durban, I chose the half-day Zulu Safari tour with Bafana and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
Starting out in one of the tour operator’s very cool looking SUVs I was surprised that I was the only participant on the journey.
We stopped for apples along the way to feed the elephants and made the short drive to see lions and elephants, which were an amazing sight. Feeding apples to one pretty enthusiastic (and dominant) elephant was definitely a highlight of the day - with Bafana’s pictures and videos as a great keepsake.
Then on to the game reserve where we saw many different animals and took some amazing pictures of zebras, giraffes, antelopes and more. Bafana ensured we saw every animal possible and got as close as possible to ensure great pictures without disturbing the animals.
Bafana was just a great guide - knowledgeable, very focused on my satisfaction with the tour and just good to be around and talk to.
I highly recommend this tour and suggest you request Bafana as your guide. You will be glad you did.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thanks you so much for the wonderful review and a pat on the back for Bafana for doing a great job on making your experience worthwhile and hope to host you again next time you are in Durban
Debra_V, Mar 2024
This tour was amazing. We had a great guide. Saw many animals. The only issue I had was getting a response from Tour company early on. But they were great as it got closer to tour date.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thanks for choosing us to host you and we promise that we will look in to our administration, so we won't encounter any issues again
From $191.25
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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