What is Big 5 Overnight Safari
Enjoy the two most popular excursions over 2 days with a stay over in St. Lucia. This 2 in 1 tour is a combination of Africa’s oldest game reserve and South Africa’s first World Heritage Site.
In Hluhluwe Game Reserve animals roam a vast area consisting of 960 km² of hilly topography consisting of 300km² on the Hluhluwe side and 660km² on the Imfolozi side of which 360km² is wilderness area. We don’t only get to see various animals and birds but we also experience the different terrain and vast open savannahs.
Isimangaliso Wetland Park was proclaimed a world heritage site in 1999. It is home to the largest pod of hippos in South Africa. Approximately 800 hippos can be found in Lake St. Lucia. A beautiful sunset boat trip up the estuary would be the perfect way to see what Lake St. Lucia has to offer. As you float along we will see pods of hippos, crocodiles up to 3 metres long basking in the sun and you can hear the call of a fish eagle. Isimangaliso Wetland Park is a birders paradise.
With staying the night in St. Lucia, we could get a chance to see a hippo walking the streets at night.
Day 1
General Times:
05:00 Depart Richards Bay
06:00 Arrive at Nyalazi Gate
08h00 Breakfast
12:00 Lunch
14:00 Depart to St. Lucia
15:30 Check-in at Guesthouse
16:00 At Leisure
18:00 Dinner for own account
Tour Details:
Pick up in Richards Bay at 05:00, you will be transferred to the Nyalazi gate at Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve. We arrive at the gate at 05:55. At 08:00 we have breakfast at one of the tranquil picnic spots. We then set out to explore the southern area of the park which is well known for its vast open plains where large herds of zebra and antelope roam. Due to this ever-present food source there is always the odd predator to spot and is one of our best lion tracking areas. Sontuli picnic spot awaits us to set up for lunch. After lunch we make our way back to St. Lucia. 15:30 Check-in at the 4* guesthouse. Some well-deserved leisure time to freshen up before dinner at 18:00.
Day 2
General Times:
07:30 Breakfast
09:00 Check-out
11:00 Tour in St. Lucia Town
11:30 Boat Cruise (departure times vary in winter and summer)
14:30 Depart back to Richards Bay
Tour Details:
We enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at 07:30. Check out from the guesthouse at 09:00. Tour around St. Lucia town, dip your feet in the Indian Ocean and visit the various craft markets. At 11:30 we make our way to the Sunset Jetty for our Lake St. Lucia boat cruise. As we float up the estuary we will see pods of hippos in the water, crocodiles up to 3 metres long basking in the sun and you can hear the call of a fish eagle. At 14h30 we depart to Richards Bay
Overnight Hluhluwe Safari and Hippo Cruise Includes:
Included in Overnight Hluhluwe Safari and Hippo Cruise:
- Transport
- Conservation Levy
- Breakfast is fresh fruit in season, yogurt, cheese, croissants, muffins and typical African rusks
- Refreshments – coffee, teas, juices and cold water
- Lunch
- Hippo/Croc Boat Cruise
- An experienced guide to give you the best safari experience
What To Take Along?
Inquire about the Big 5 Overnight Safari
What others think about us?
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Teshni was amazing from pre-booking to post-booking!! I couldn't have asked for a better guide!! At this point, I consider Teshni more like a friend than a guide, as I chatted with her more than anyone. She was always looking out for our best interests and raised some potential challenges (e.g. cruise ship issues) so we knew to expect them. Likewise, she was also hesitant to take payment (as she doesn't offer refunds) to make sure that our ship did dock and we weren't out any extra money. When choosing to book with Teshni, I decided to go with her company because she seemed to try to make the most of the day and wanted to ensure I was happy rather than just create a day that she wanted to guide for (like some other guides). We were a bit late (90 minutes) for this experience because we were disembarking from a cruise ship. While I was not looking forward to choosing between the game reserve and the St. Lucia croc/hippo boat sunset boat tour, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise! When we booked, Teshni said we would have a light snack included and I though the cute picnic bags we received with biltong, nuts, and fruit was the light snack. But, she also had so much pasta, local candy bars, and samosas! It was a large meal! I felt so lucky that Teshni drove us through the park, as we managed to see the most amazing animals in their natural habitats!! It was just awe-inspiring. She always angled her car to make sure everyone in the group was able to take good pictures and we stayed in the park until the very last moment (happening upon giraffes at the last minute!). It was a very magical experience!! thank you Teshni!! My silly husband accidentally left his Prada sunglasses in the car and Teshni reached out and managed to mail them to us in Cape Town!! I would highly recommend Teshni (my friend) :) to be your guide. 
Kirsten L Cowan
January 9, 2023 We had a super amazing safari experience. Teshni is a fantastic tour/nature guide with an abundance of information to share. The safari vehicle of choice was perfect, it offered very comfortable seats and a well air-conditioned interior. Best safari that we've been on to date. 
Leaves N Buds
November 13, 2022 Initially i was not keen on going to South Africa. Because of the safety issues and its reputation of being violent. Teshni told us before hand to come with an open mind and heart to receice everything South Africa had to offer. So i did. And did it have to offer something! Thanks to Teshni's guidance and good mood every day again, we were able to experience the best South Africa had to offer. Nice people, magnificent nature, beautiful adventures.... Teshni made sure we as 'customer' were queens. That we had the time of our life. That our heart wishes became true. That nobody would mess with us. That we made everything in time as the universe wanted it to be. ? We did not only got to know South Africa but also made a friend for life. ❤ 
An De Ceulaer
March 31, 2022 - How to travel with your handicapped mum when her wish is to make a great journey abroad?
There are so many things to take into account. During previous travels, I’ve met Teshni from Under African Skies and I asked her if she could help. We started planning this journey, which needed to be doable for my mum, but also gave her the amazingness of South-Africa. After several Zoom talks, with the COVID regulations in mind she came up with an amazing 11 day journey! Highlight after highlight, not only for my mum but also for my sisters and I. She forsaw a pillow for mum to sleep in the car, a support for during kayak, she arranged a limited horse walk so she could do part of our tour, she knew the nicest guides who helped enjoy all activities, she forsaw vegan/vegetarian lunches,… Twinkels in the eyes of my mum, my sisters and I with each activity!
We can easily say: You made a dream come true! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Kris De Ceulaer
March 25, 2022 Excellent and friendly service ?
Tesh,thank you for arranging a most amazing and adventurous weekend for Linda and I at Kosi Bay.Linda finally got to see some turtle hatchlings make their way to the ocean.... she has been waiting 10 years to do this. From the accommodation to the turtle tour to the kayaking and snorkeling, the weekend was just simply funtastic ?
Looking forward to the next adventure with #underafricanskies. 
Jay Naicker
February 16, 2022 Tesh, from the moment we stepped into your "office" to the minute we stepped out was nothing but fun, laughter, awe and adventurous! Your passion for beloved South Africa is such an inspiration and wanting to show the world of what beauty surrounds us is heartfelt. You are an amazing person to share this beauty with us and made our trip meet over our expectations ? I couldn't recommend anyone else but Under African Skies. You are simply the best! 
Melanie Lotter
December 1, 2021 - There aren't enough words to describe our weekend away with you.
Thank you for a spectacular, unforgettable experience.
You are simply the best.
Candice Govender
November 30, 2021 Teshni is a gem! Not only is she ready for the adventure, she is full of fun, smiles and humour. She shares her wealth of knowledge and is very professional. we had an amazing trip to Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Park with UAS! 
Loressa Kritzinger
November 9, 2021 Absolutely awesome and friendly service?Thank you Tesh? 
Leonie Moodley
September 27, 2021
