WILDLIFE

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If you're in Durban or based in the north of Durban, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is your closest Big 5 experience and it does not disappoint. Home to lions, rhinos, leopards, buffalo and elephants, the Park also surprises visitors with sightings of African wild dogs, hyenas and cheetahs. 

Just 3 hours from Durban, you can explore at your own pace with a self-drive or immerse yourself fully with a guided safari. Whether you're after a quick day visit, a rejuvenating weekend escape, or a few unhurried days lost in the wild, this Park delivers.

The best time to spot leopards on safari is early morning or late evening, when they are most active. In Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, guests tend to get the best leopard sightings before 7am and after 5pm. If you're staying at Mpila Camp or Hilltop, you can book a guided night safari to really increase your chances.

Manyoni Private Game Reserve is another hotspot that has been seeing a boom in leopard sightings lately. In particular, Luleka Safaris is perfect if you're not staying overnight in the Reserve as they offer Day Safaris so you can still experience the magic.

Start with a leisurely drive around town and keep your eyes peeled for some of the local wildlife, like the hippos that leave the water to graze in town at night and are a surprisingly common sight. If you want to take it a step further, book a guided night drive into iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This must be done through a tour operator with a legal night drive concession, and we highly recommend Heritage Tours & Safaris, a team with 24 years of experience exploring this incredible area.

Their guides go above and beyond to get you the best sightings, and there's even a coffee and muffin stop right in the heart of the bush, where you can sit back, sip, and soak in the sounds of the African night. Your chances of spotting leopards, hyenas, servals, hippos, and more are far greater after dark, making this one of the most memorable experiences the area has to offer.