Hluhluwe Safari & Emdoneni Wild Cat Project Day Tour from Durban
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
On this full day tour we visit Emdoneni Wild Cat Project, which offers a very popular guided tour about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species. At Emdoneni you will have the opportunity to see Cheetahs, Serval Cats, African Wildcats and Caracal (Lynx) up close and hear about the amazing work the project does to rehabilitate wild cats.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
DEPARTURE & RETURN LOCATION: Pickup & drop off service within a 5km radius of Durban.
DEPARTURE TIME: 06:00 AM
RETURN TIME: 08:30 PM
WEAR: Comfortable clothing and shoes, hat, sunscreen, jacket.
LOCATION: Emdoneni Cat Project, KwaZulu-Natal
AGE: All ages welcome
DATES: All year round
TRAVELLER TYPE: Single or Per Person Sharing
You are ok travelling a 2 to 3 hours distance to Wildcat Project.
You want to experience and learn about the wildlife
You want to experience a wild cat up close and learn about the important work the project is doing. (Cheetahs, Serval Cats, African Wildcats and Caracal (Lynx))
German and Polish languages can be requested (on request)
Wheelchair user: Any traveler using wheelchair have to inform (weight & size)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Collection and drop off from Durban in an Air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance Fees
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Qualified Tour Guide
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve set in the heart of Zululand where Africa’s Big 5 (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhinoceros) roam the flourishing savannah. Established in 1895 this is the oldest park in South Africa and encompasses over 98 000 hectares of beautiful African landscape. This tour is in a closed vehicle. The Park contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is characterised by hilly topography. The list of animals at the park is long and varied. Hluhluwe Game Reserve makes up the northern top half of the reserve which is renowned for its diverse variety of bird and animal life. South of Hluhluwe is the Imfolozi Game Reserve which makes up half of the park. These two reserves were joined together to create the largest reserve in KwaZulu Natal. The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Reserve is noted for its White Rhino conservation.
Zululand Cat Conservation Project
Emdoneni Cat Project offers a guided tour about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species. The aim of the Emdoneni Cat Project is to care for the various wild cat species which have been orphaned or injured in the wild and need care and rehabilitation. Emdoneni’s guided tour offers visitors a unique and exciting opportunity to literally get up close and personal with their magnificent cat species. There are five species of wild cats at Emdoneni; African Wildcat, Caracal, Cheetah and Serval. This once in a lifetime opportunity can be enjoyed whilst being educated on a tour. This activity is very popular!
Options
Hluhluwe Safari & Emdoneni Wild Cat Project Day Tour from Durban
Pickup included
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
10 out of 10, definitely recommend!!
P7590HNbonniew,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This full day tour was breathtaking. From getting within a meter of a cheetah, no fence, and seeing zebras elephants wildebeests, giraffes, rhinos and so much more. This was a bucket list adventure!! Our guide Bule was always accommodating, fun and informative.
Safari and Cats
karengM5457LR,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Bule was very friendly and knowledgeable about the wildlife, the sites, and the local culture. The Cat rehab center was amazing and I was surprised to find out how close we got to a couple of the cats!! Then we toured the game reserve and Bule pointed out the various animals we saw and told us about them. We saw warthogs, a giraffe, rhinos, Kudu and other deer and antelope, an elephant, baboons and monkeys, Cape buffalo and countless others. I would definitely recommend!!
Cats on cats on cats!
pinar265,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bule did a great job guiding us. Emdoneni Wild Cat Project was such a heartwarming experience to see people carrying for these kitties that need a little extra love and returning them to the wild whenever feasible. Hluhluwe was breathtaking. We ate lunch meters away from baboons, and while the lions proved elusive, we saw the other big four plus more! RECOMMEND!
Great Experience!
Exploration236290,
Aug 6, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had such a blast! Vusi was our tour guide and was very informative! He was punctual at his arrival and was both patient and accommodating to our needs! The wildcat encounter was very informative and such a unique experience. We were able to interact with 4 wild cats including the cheetah! Then we were off to Hluhluwe were were spotted some animals up close! We were not able to see the lion or leopard but Vusi tried his hardest to find them! I would definitely tour with Zulu Safaris in the future!
Tour of a lifetime with Nduduzo Nene!
Jim R,
Jun 28, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide for our Safari a was Nduduzo Nene or “Chuck Norris.” He was incredible- extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. On Tuesday, 21 May 2019 our family went on the 1st Zulu Safaris Tour 7B, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari & Emdoneni Wild Cat Project Day Tour. In short, the trip was amazing. We had a long drive to reach the park from Umhlanga were we were promptly picked up from our resort. On the drive, Nduduzo Nene told us background of Shaka Zulu, and how he became a leader of his people. He is a wonderful story teller, and it was a great way to learn about KwaZulu-Natal. We were passing through on our way to Hluhluwe. As for the safari- - On entering the park we immediately saw wildlife and quickly spotted rhinos. All 5 of us had our heads on a swivel as we scanned for animals. Over the course of the tour we saw rhinos, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, 2 bachelor elephants, an African eagle, buffalo, and numerous antelope. - Our lunch at the park was filling and the view was superb. - The Emdoneni Wild Cat project was outstanding. On entering the facility, we were soon greeted by “Willow”, a very friendly African Wild Cat. The project staff soon had us in the facility seeing the cats they were working with. We were even able to take a photo with 2 cheetah brothers in their enclosure. Our boys (22, 17) really, really, enjoyed our time with the cats. We wholeheartedly recommend this tour. It provided an incredible insight into South Africa, KZN, and it’s wildlife and culture.
Amazing Excursion
Alex12435,
Apr 15, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Myself and my partner had a fantastic day at the Cat Project & Imfolozi. The cat project was amazing. We got to get up close a personal with 4 different types of African big cats. You can even stroke a few of them. Then we headed to Imfolozi to find the big 5. Our tour guide was brilliant, and was relentless in searching for animals. We saw 3 of the big, plus loads more on a 3 hour drive. I would 100% recommend this tour if you’ve got a spare day in Durban.
Stunning Safari
Mathias C,
Mar 29, 2019
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a very exiting tour. My guide, Vusi Gumede, was very knowledgable and was able to provide information about the different animals but also about the culture. The cat project is also very interesting. I can highly recommended!
Excellent 2 day Adventure - Zulu Safaris Rock!!!
TimOBrien in Maine,
Sep 18, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was my first trip to South Africa and wanted to fit a quick Safari and a few excursions into my brief time there. I only had 10 days notice on my business trip so I had to prepare professionally and needed them to suggest and organize my final two days of activities quickly. The planning and suggestions came from a very professional and prompt email exchange. I ended up with Hluhluwe Imfolozi Safari and Emdoneni Wild Cat Project Day Tour, Bayete Elephant Interaction and St Lucia Estuary Boat Ride for Hippo's. The planning was excellent and I stayed at the Hilltop Hotel to do a 5am Open Safari in the park. The Safari and Cats were excellent but the best was the Elephant interaction! Nene was my guide and his excellent personality and professional manor was only surpassed by his knowledge. Thanks again for helping me make these memories that will last me a lifetime. If I do return I will not hesitate to do another series of trips with Zulu Safari and will recommend them to anyone who would like an awesome tour of anything near Durban. Thanks all that helped and hope to work with you all again soon!
Excellent Day Safari and Service!
Addison F,
Jun 3, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Extremely pleased with the initial booking process and timely email responses. It's a perfect day safari because they pick you up and drop you off at your desired location. Sabelo showed up on time and was very welcoming and polite. Throughout the day, Sabelo was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He answered all our questions and knew the reserve very well. We were able to see 4/5 of the Big Five!
From ZAR 4,500.00
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Operated by 1st Zulu Safaris