PheZulu Safari Park
Experience thrilling game drives, encounter fascinating reptiles, and immerse yourself in Zulu culture at PheZulu Safari Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are active, great light for photos
PheZulu Safari Park
Best Time
Animals are active, great light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience thrilling game drives, encounter fascinating reptiles, and immerse yourself in Zulu culture at PheZulu Safari Park.
"Awesome for a first time game drive, views were great and the guide was very friendly and helpful."
📸 Bring a Good Camera
You'll want to capture the close-up animal encounters and stunning views. A good zoom is helpful!
🐍 Hold a Python!
Don't miss the chance to hold a python; it's a unique and surprisingly cold experience!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Thrilling Game Drive
Throughout the park
Get up close and personal with zebras, giraffes, impalas, and more on an exhilarating, bumpy ride. Guides are knowledgeable and friendly .
Reptile Park Encounters
Reptile Park
Hold a python, marvel at crocodiles, and learn about fascinating reptiles. The snake show and croc feeding are highlights .
Zulu Cultural Dance
Cultural Village
Experience a vibrant Zulu dance performance that offers a short, engaging insight into rich cultural traditions .
Stunning Thousand Hills View
Restaurant Terrace
Enjoy excellent food with a breathtaking panoramic view of the iconic Valley of a Thousand Hills .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Game Drive in Advance
Embrace the Bumpy Ride!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Bring a Good Camera
You'll want to capture the close-up animal encounters and stunning views. A good zoom is helpful!
🐍 Hold a Python!
Don't miss the chance to hold a python; it's a unique and surprisingly cold experience!
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the park and the game drive can be bumpy, so comfort is key.
💰 Sunset Drive Value
The R400 sunset game drive is a special experience, worth the extra cost for the atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Bring a Good Camera
You'll want to capture the close-up animal encounters and stunning views. A good zoom is helpful!
🐍 Hold a Python!
Don't miss the chance to hold a python; it's a unique and surprisingly cold experience!
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the park and the game drive can be bumpy, so comfort is key.
💰 Sunset Drive Value
The R400 sunset game drive is a special experience, worth the extra cost for the atmosphere.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
The bumpy game drives are a huge hit with children, making it a fantastic family outing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise PheZulu Safari Park for its friendly staff, stunning views of the Valley of a Thousand Hills, and enjoyable game drives. The knowledgeable guides, exciting reptile encounters, and vibrant Zulu dance performances are frequently highlighted as memorable aspects of the visit. While the bumpy nature of the game drives is noted, it's generally seen as a fun element, especially for children.
"We arrived and had plenty of time to look around the shop, crocodiles, restaurant, crocodiles, held a VERY big python (didn't realise just hold cold it would feel!), MORE crocodiles, and then the big drive through the park.
It was BUMPY!! Which is quite a lot of fun for the kids! You get VERY close to the animals (gnu, kudu, giraffe, impala, warthog, zebra).
The driver stopped and answered ALL the questions from our daughter. She impressed me with the number! But more impressive was the driver's answers!
And, as in all of my reviews, would I go again? Yes. This time with a camera that was capable of self levelling and MUCH better zoom! Though, actually, not much zoom was needed!
EDIT: Forgot to mention, the restaurant had a FANTASTIC view of "The Thousand Hills" (I didn't count them) and the food was excellent! Everywhere was clean and tidy. All the people working there were helpful and pleasant."
Richard Quadling
"Place is kept neat and tidy,staff are friendly and helpful,food was excellent, views are fantastic and game drive guide Matt was excellent and gave us excellent information.
Kids enjoyed their day.
Will not hesitate to recommend this place."
Cm Cm
"Such a wonderful place. Friendly stuff, stunning view, enjoyable game drive. Definitely worth going there! Don’t miss the Zulu Dance, you gain a short but interesting insight into its culture, putting you in a good mood."
Luisa Ziepser
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
PheZulu Safari Park is located in Hillcrest, a scenic drive from Durban. You can reach it by car, which is the most convenient option. The drive typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Consider using a ride-sharing service or a pre-booked taxi if you don't have your own vehicle.
Public transport options to Hillcrest are limited and may involve multiple transfers, making it less convenient. Driving or arranging private transport is highly recommended for ease of access.
The most common route involves taking the N3 highway towards Pietermaritzburg and then exiting for Hillcrest. Follow local signage for PheZulu Safari Park. The drive itself offers beautiful views of the surrounding KwaZulu-Natal landscape.
Yes, PheZulu Safari Park provides ample parking for visitors. You can usually park close to the entrance, making it easy to access the park's facilities.
Absolutely! PheZulu Safari Park is a popular day trip destination from Durban. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the reptile park, enjoying a game drive, and dining with a view.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the park includes access to the reptile park and cultural village. Game drives are typically an additional cost. A standard game drive is around R275 per person, while the sunset game drive is R400 per adult.
It is highly recommended to book your game drives in advance, especially for the popular sunset tours, as they can sell out. You can book via email at stay@phezulusafaripark.co.za.
While specific hours can vary, the park is generally open daily. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date opening and closing times, especially for specific activities like the snake show or Zulu dance.
PheZulu Safari Park occasionally offers lodge specials, with standard rooms starting from R550 and the main suite from R1400. These offers are often limited-time promotions.
The game drive ticket typically includes a guided tour of the park in an open vehicle, where you can see various animals. The guides are knowledgeable and answer questions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of animals including zebras, giraffes, impalas, wildebeest (gnu), warthogs, and various antelope species on the game drives. The reptile park houses crocodiles, turtles, and snakes.
Yes, the bumpy nature of the game drive is often a highlight for children! The guides are also very good at engaging with younger visitors and answering their questions.
The 'Fear Factor' experience, as mentioned in some descriptions, likely refers to the thrilling opportunity to dine within the crocodile enclosure, offering a unique and daring dining adventure.
A visit can range from 2-4 hours, depending on how much time you spend at the reptile park, enjoying the game drive, watching the Zulu dance, and dining.
Yes, the reptile park often has guides who provide informative talks and demonstrations, including snake shows and crocodile feeding, making the experience educational and engaging.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, PheZulu Safari Park has a restaurant that offers excellent food with a fantastic view of the Valley of a Thousand Hills. It's a great spot to relax after your activities.
The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, often including local South African cuisine. Reviews consistently praise the food as delicious and reasonably priced.
Absolutely! The restaurant boasts a stunning panoramic view of the 'Thousand Hills,' making dining a memorable experience.
While specific menus aren't detailed, most restaurants in South Africa offer some vegetarian options. It's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurant upon arrival or when booking.
Information about picnic facilities is not widely available. It's generally best to utilize the park's restaurant for dining to support their services.
📸 📸 Photography
The game drives offer incredible opportunities to photograph animals up close. The restaurant terrace provides stunning landscape shots of the Valley of a Thousand Hills. The reptile park also offers unique close-up photo opportunities.
While animals can be active, the game drives often get you quite close, reducing the need for extreme zoom. However, a camera with good zoom capabilities can be beneficial for capturing details.
Yes, photography is generally permitted during the Zulu dance performance. It's a visually dynamic event, perfect for capturing vibrant cultural moments.
There are usually no specific restrictions on personal photography, but always be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid using flash photography directly at animals if it seems to disturb them.
PheZulu is excellent for wildlife photography, landscape photography (especially from the restaurant), and cultural photography during the Zulu dance performances.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the game drives, the reptile park offers a chance for kids to see crocodiles, snakes, and turtles up close. Holding a python is a unique thrill, and the snake shows are captivating. The Zulu dance performance is also a lively and engaging cultural experience that children often enjoy. The restaurant with its stunning views provides a pleasant spot for a family meal, and the overall clean and tidy environment makes for a stress-free outing.
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
The park's restaurant, with its fantastic view of the Thousand Hills, is perfect for a romantic dinner or lunch. Enjoying delicious food while taking in the breathtaking scenery creates a memorable dining experience. Consider booking a lodge special for an overnight stay to extend the romantic getaway and fully immerse yourselves in the tranquil surroundings.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Opting for the standard game drive instead of the sunset drive can save money while still providing an excellent wildlife viewing opportunity. Packing your own snacks or enjoying a reasonably priced meal at the restaurant can also help manage costs. Look out for any seasonal specials or packages that might offer better value for money.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Game Drive
For a truly special experience, the sunset game drive is highly recommended. This offers a magical atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape and animals. While it comes at a higher price point (around R400 per adult), many visitors find it to be an unforgettable highlight of their trip. It's advisable to book this popular drive in advance to secure your spot.
When preparing for your game drive, wear comfortable clothing and shoes. While you can get quite close to the animals, a camera with a decent zoom can be beneficial for capturing detailed shots, though not always necessary due to the proximity. The experience is designed to be immersive and educational, providing a fantastic introduction to safari life for first-time visitors.
Cultural Immersion: The Zulu Experience
The cultural aspect extends to the park's setting in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, a region deeply connected to Zulu heritage. The park aims to blend the excitement of a safari with authentic cultural experiences, making it a well-rounded destination. Visitors often appreciate this combination, as it adds depth to their understanding of South Africa's diverse heritage.
While the dance is a highlight, the overall atmosphere of the park, nestled in a culturally significant region, contributes to an immersive experience. It's an opportunity to witness traditional performances and appreciate the living culture of the Zulu people, making the visit both entertaining and educational.
Reptile Encounters and Unique Dining
For the truly adventurous, PheZulu Safari Park offers a unique dining experience known as the "Fear Factor." This daring activity allows guests to dine within the crocodile enclosure, providing an adrenaline-pumping mealtime unlike any other. It’s an experience that combines culinary enjoyment with a thrilling proximity to these ancient reptiles.
These encounters with reptiles, from the educational talks to the daring dining option, add an element of excitement and novelty to the PheZulu Safari Park visit, appealing to those seeking a bit more thrill alongside their wildlife and cultural experiences.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit