Durban Travel Forum

Hi, we are cruising to South Africa and one of our stops allows us to go to a game reserve for the day. The choices we have are Thula Thula game reserve and Hluhluwe-umfolozi park. Can anyone tell me the difference between these two parks or which one might be better. Thula Thula is more expensive to visit, is this because it is a private park or is it better? Any help would be appreciated.

Thula Thula is a private reserve where the staff will fully guide you for all activities. (including meals)

At Hluhluwe-Umfolozi you drive yourself and view whatever you want, when & where you want. (you can bring picnic basket or visit their restaurant)

I think I now realise what you mean by "cruising" . . . . . arrive by ship for a packaged tour. ie. You are trying to choose between two packaged options . . .

Having looked at Thula Thula's site, I see very few wild animals (plenty tame elephants, or is it the same one?) and mostly what I call "theatre". The site is about the people and the atmosphere at the lodges. It is the romantic Africa as you see it in the movies. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi park has lots of animals, but you will probably be in a big coach and won't see them so easily.

Sorry, I did not explain myself very clearly.
Yes you are right, we are on a cruise and will be stopping in Port for just the day. I know neither are self drive (for us anyway) so I suppose I want to know which park would have the best experience. We will not be at the lodge, as far as I know we will have a guide and drive through the game parks to see animals and go back to the ship. One of the tours takes only 20 people and the other has potentially unlimited people. Which is where I was thinking, like you, that if they squash heaps of people into a jeep or whatever we may not see much at all. I have probably answered my own question purely on volume of people on each tour.
Thankyou Linda

Linda

I suspect that Thula Thula has 2 or 3 modified LandRovers (typical "safari" open canvas top) with a guide(driver) and tracker (sitting on the hood/bonnet) each, with 7 to 10 passengers per vehicle.

At Hluhluwe-Umfolozi you will probably be in luxury 50 seater coaches, restricted to certain roads only (coach-friendly), and a guide with a microphone up front.

Thank you so very much for your time and your answers. I think we will go to Thula Thula reserve, the idea of coaches does not sound too appealing.

Thankyou again

Linda