A day with cheetahs & the Big 5
Combine a fascinating wild cat experience with an African Big Five safari on this full-day wildlife tour from Durban. Visit Emdoneni Lodge to learn about cheetahs and other indigenous wild cats before continuing to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park for an afternoon game drive.
Your day begins with collection from your Durban hotel or guesthouse and a scenic journey into KwaZulu-Natal’s wildlife country. At Emdoneni Lodge, a guided visit introduces you to cheetahs, caracals, servals and African wildcats. Learn about the animals, their behaviour and the conservation work associated with the lodge. Opportunities to view the cats at close range are managed by Emdoneni’s guides; touching the cats is not permitted.
The experience continues at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, where your guide will search for lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo, alongside giraffes, zebras, hippos and other wildlife. Every game drive is different, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Your day
Early morning
Pick-up from your Durban hotel or guesthouse, then a scenic drive north to Hluhluwe.
Emdoneni Lodge
A guided tour of the cat enclosures with Emdoneni’s guides. See cheetahs, caracals, servals and African wildcats, and learn how Emdoneni breeds and rehabilitates cats for release into the wild.
Afternoon
A game drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, looking for the Big 5 as well as giraffes, zebras, hippos, wildebeest and some of the 400 bird species on record.
Evening
The drive back to Durban, arriving in the early evening.
Prefer an open vehicle? A three hour open vehicle drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park can be added on request starting at R450 per person.
What is included
Included
- Qualified safari guide
- Game drives in our vehicle
- All transportation
- Mineral water and a snack pack
- All gate entrance fees
- Cheetah interaction at Emdoneni
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Lunches and additional drinks
- Personal and medical insurance
Good to know
- 12 hours, with pick-up and drop-off at Durban hotels and guesthouses.
- Pickup from locations outside of Durban can be accommodated.
- Minimum 2 guests. Ask about group discounts.
- English guiding, with Italian and German on request.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, binoculars and a camera. Early mornings can be cool, so pack a light jacket.
Questions
Can I touch the cheetahs?
Emdoneni’s guides decide how close you can get on the day, depending on the cats mood. Touching the cats is not permitted.
Is lunch included?
No. Mineral water and a snack pack are included. Lunch and additional drinks are paid for separately.