Phezulu Safari Park, KwaZulu-Natal - Image 1
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PheZulu Safari Park

4.4
·2k reviews·Outer West Durban, South Africa

Experience thrilling game drives, encounter fascinating reptiles, and immerse yourself in Zulu culture at PheZulu Safari Park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoons

Animals are active, great light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Phezulu Safari Park, KwaZulu-Natal - Image 1

PheZulu Safari Park

Best Time

Afternoons

Animals are active, great light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience thrilling game drives, encounter fascinating reptiles, and immerse yourself in Zulu culture at PheZulu Safari Park.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"Awesome for a first time game drive, views were great and the guide was very friendly and helpful."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thrilling Game Drive

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 .

Reddit
Reptile Park Encounters

Reptile Park Encounters

Reptile Park

Hold a python, marvel at crocodiles, and learn about fascinating reptiles. The snake show and croc feeding are highlights .

Reddit
Zulu Cultural Dance

Zulu Cultural Dance

Cultural Village

Experience a vibrant Zulu dance performance that offers a short, engaging insight into rich cultural traditions .

Reddit
Stunning Thousand Hills View

Stunning Thousand Hills View

Restaurant Terrace

Enjoy excellent food with a breathtaking panoramic view of the iconic Valley of a Thousand Hills .

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Game Drive in Advance

Popular game drives, especially sunset tours, can fill up quickly. Booking ahead ensures your spot and avoids disappointment. Consider the R400 sunset drive for a magical experience.Instagram

Embrace the Bumpy Ride!

The game drives are known for being bumpy, which kids absolutely love! It's part of the authentic safari adventure. Wear comfortable clothing and be ready for an exciting journey through the park.Reddit

Best Times

When
Afternoons
Why
Animals are active, great light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunset
Why
Magical golden hour, unique experience
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Don’t run, he might be old but he’s still faster than you… #lion #malelion #gamedrive #safari #tristanandlouise #bayetezulu #fyp #foryou #viral #tiktoksouthafrica
@rolling_into_the_bush
2.3M likes • 15.1M views

📸 Bring a Good Camera

You'll want to capture the close-up animal encounters and stunning views. A good zoom is helpful! Reddit

🐍 Hold a Python!

Don't miss the chance to hold a python; it's a unique and surprisingly cold experience! Reddit

One thing ngama South Africans ahlala phesheya mfanam ayayinyisa i Engrish 🙌🏿🥵🇿🇦🇺🇸 #zulutiktok #mzansitiktok #satiktok🇿🇦 #bhincanation #durban
@unclelang75
20.3K likes • 209.9K views
‼️ Last Week to Book Our Lodge Specials at Phezulu Safari Park! 🛖✨ Escape to the Valley of a Thousand Hills with our limited-time offers - ending 30 September! 🌿 🏡 Standard Rooms from R550 🌟 Main Suite from R1400 📩 Book now: stay@phezulusafaripark.co.za
phezulu_safari_park
0 likes • 998 views

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing some walking around the park and the game drive can be bumpy, so comfort is key. Reddit

💰 Sunset Drive Value

The R400 sunset game drive is a special experience, worth the extra cost for the atmosphere. Instagram

PheZulu Safari Park through my eyes.
tshegofatso.maruping
21 likes • 378 views

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! Reddit

🐍 Hold a Python!

Don't miss the chance to hold a python; it's a unique and surprisingly cold experience! Reddit

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing some walking around the park and the game drive can be bumpy, so comfort is key. Reddit

💰 Sunset Drive Value

The R400 sunset game drive is a special experience, worth the extra cost for the atmosphere. Instagram

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

The bumpy game drives are a huge hit with children, making it a fantastic family outing. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

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

Friendly and knowledgeable guides
Stunning Thousand Hills views
Exciting reptile park

What People Dislike

Bumpy game drive (though often seen as fun)

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, often including local South African cuisine. Reviews consistently praise the food as delicious and reasonably priced. Reddit

Absolutely! The restaurant boasts a stunning panoramic view of the 'Thousand Hills,' making dining a memorable experience. Reddit

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. Reddit

Information about picnic facilities is not widely available. It's generally best to utilize the park's restaurant for dining to support their services. Reddit

📸 📸 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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally permitted during the Zulu dance performance. It's a visually dynamic event, perfect for capturing vibrant cultural moments. Instagram

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. Instagram

PheZulu is excellent for wildlife photography, landscape photography (especially from the restaurant), and cultural photography during the Zulu dance performances. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

PheZulu Safari Park is an excellent choice for families. The bumpy game drives are a massive hit with children, providing endless entertainment and excitement.Reddit The knowledgeable guides are great at engaging younger visitors, answering their many questions and making the safari experience educational and fun.Reddit

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. Reddit

💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, PheZulu Safari Park offers a blend of adventure and relaxation. The sunset game drive provides a romantic backdrop with stunning views as the day ends.Instagram Imagine enjoying the golden hour with the sounds of nature and the possibility of spotting wildlife together.

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.Reddit Consider booking a lodge special for an overnight stay to extend the romantic getaway and fully immerse yourselves in the tranquil surroundings. Instagram

💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers

While some activities have specific costs, PheZulu Safari Park can be enjoyed on a moderate budget. The general park entry and reptile park exploration offer significant value. The standard game drive is priced at R275 per person, which is a reasonable cost for a guided safari experience.Instagram

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thrill of the Game Drive

The game drives at PheZulu Safari Park are a central attraction, offering an up-close encounter with African wildlife. Visitors often describe the ride as bumpy, which adds to the adventure, especially for children.Reddit You'll have the chance to see animals like zebras, giraffes, impalas, and wildebeest in their naturalistic habitat. The guides are a key part of the experience, known for their extensive knowledge and friendly demeanor, answering every question with enthusiasm.Reddit

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.Instagram It's advisable to book this popular drive in advance to secure your spot.Instagram

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.Reddit The experience is designed to be immersive and educational, providing a fantastic introduction to safari life for first-time visitors.Reddit

Cultural Immersion: The Zulu Experience

PheZulu Safari Park offers more than just wildlife; it provides a glimpse into the rich Zulu culture. A significant highlight is the Zulu dance performance, which is described as vibrant and rhythmic.Instagram This performance offers a short but impactful insight into the traditions and heritage of the Zulu people, leaving visitors in a good mood.Reddit

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.Instagram

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

The reptile park at PheZulu Safari Park is a must-visit, featuring a fascinating array of creatures. Visitors can get up close with crocodiles, curious turtles, and slithering snakes.Instagram A particularly memorable experience is the opportunity to hold a very large python, which is often described as surprisingly cold.Reddit The park also hosts engaging snake shows and crocodile feeding demonstrations, led by knowledgeable guides who go all out to make the experience exciting and informative.Reddit

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.Instagram 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.