Which reserves to visit around Durban?

hi, after a 13-day trek between Drakensberg, Lesotho, and the Wild Coast that’ll end in Durban, I’d love to extend the fun for a few more days (4 or 5) by heading to a reserve. Ideally, it’d offer not just the usual daytime 4x4 safaris but also "morning walks." I’ve already explored the coast up to St Lucia and done Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, iSimangaliso… so I’d prefer to head south or west instead. It’d also need to include pickup and drop-off at Durban airport—I don’t feel like renting a car that’ll just sit unused for days.

I’ve done some research and narrowed it down, and Springbok Lodge (Nambiti Game Reserve) caught my eye. => Anyone familiar with it—what do you think? => Any other suggestions? I’d like to avoid Phezulu—it feels more like an amusement park—and Shongweni Nature Reserve seems more focused on family-friendly activities.

Thanks! Sophie

Just to clarify, this will be in mid-October 2026.

Hi Sophie, Maybe your two-week trek itinerary is already set in stone? If not, since you’re hiking the Wild Coast and assuming you can end there, you’re actually closer to Addo Elephant NP than Nambiti is to Durban. Addo is way more than just its oldest and most famous section. You could hike there and even go horseback riding in the recently opened Zuurberg Section, north of the historic park. With a bit of luck, you might spot whales in the park’s marine section (Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area). And if your return flight is from Durban, you can catch a flight or bus from Port Elizabeth.

Hi Voyajou, yes, our guide-drivers pick us up in Durban on Day 1 and bring us back there on the last day of the trek.

To get home, I have a flight to JNB, then to Mauritius and Réunion where I live. So I won’t be adding any extra transport.

Thanks anyway! Sophie