South Africa - 7-day Classic KwaZulu Natal Bush & Beach - Private accommodated

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South Africa – 7-day Classic KwaZulu Natal Natal Bush & Beach – Private accommodated

7 days / 6 nights
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park • Maputaland Marine Protected Area

Country

South Africa

Duration

7 days

Highlights

Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park

Maputaland Marine Protected Area

Rated 4.9/5

See reviews

South Africa – 7-day Classic KwaZulu Natal Natal Bush & Beach – Private accommodated

From $2,225
Thonga Beach Lodge
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park
Thonga Beach Lodge
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park

Includes

All road transfers
6 nights on full board basis
2 daily shared game drives in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park and Mpembeni Community Walk/Drive
Walking safari from Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Non-motorised activities from Thonga Beach Lodge
Park fees

Excludes

Flights
Drinks
Activities not mentioned as included
Laundry
Gratuities - we recommend ZAR 180 per person/day per guide and for lodge staff
Entry visa
Travel insurance
Increase in government tax and park fees

Itinerary

Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, South Africa

The Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park is the jewel in the crown of the KwaZulu Natal game reserves. Proclaimed in 1895, it is also the oldest game reserve in Africa. Initially two separate reserves, they were joined to create a single 94,000 hectare reserve which is home to one-fifth of the world's black and white rhino population. It was here that the internationally acclaimed Operation Rhino started in the 1960s, successfully capturing and relocating white rhino to havens within South Africa and abroad. The Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park was the first reserve to introduce walking safaris and its Wilderness Trails are internationally renowned. Visitors can also look forward to spotting the world-renowned Big Five, wild dogs, cheetahs, giraffe, numerous antelope speices, as well as a wide variety of bird species.
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park
+38
  • Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

    Day 1 - 4

    Established to protect the previously endangered white rhino, , Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve is a triumph of conservation efforts. Celebrate this legacy in exclusive luxury at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge - the only private lodge in the reserve - offering exceptional safari experiences in the heart of Big 5 territory. 18 well appointed, air-conditioned rooms nestle on a ridge, each with their own private deck giving expansive and uninterrupted views of the reserve. The lodge, built in 2015, is designed in a contemporary style with overtones of organic forms utilising natural finishes and materials.
    Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
    Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
    Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
    Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
    Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
    Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
    +17

Day 1

Day Notes:

After arrival at Durban airport you will be met and start your journey to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, where you will stay at Rhino Ridge Safari lodge for 3 nights. In the afternoon you can join your first shared safari drive, if time allows.

Transfer time: ~3 hours

  • Transfer from King Shaka International Airport [DUR] to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

  • Check-in to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

  • Shared afternoon game drive

Day 2 - 3

Day Notes:

Wake up before dawn for the morning game drive, starting at sunrise. Savour a hot coffee and an early-morning snack before boarding the safari vehicle and departing the lodge in search of animals. Spend 3 hours traversing the bush and looking out for wildlife before they retreat to the shelter of a tree in the heat of the day.

After returning to the lodge for a delectable hot breakfast, you’ll have time to relax and unwind, surrounded by serene African wilderness. Lounge at the pool, delve into a captivating book, have a blissful nap, or simply soak up the sights, sounds and scents of nature.

Afternoon tea is served before your next game drive, departing around 3:30 - 4:30 pm, depending on the time of year. Dinner is served before you settle in for the night to the symphony of the wild.

  • Shared morning and afternoon game drive

  • Game Walks

  • Mpembeni Community Walk/Drive

Maputaland Marine Protected Area, South Africa

Set on South Africa’s northeastern coast, the UNESCO-listed Maputaland Marine Protected Area falls within the awe-inspiring iSimangaliso Wetland Park and comprises three protected areas: Lake Sibaya Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, and Rocktail Bay. Extending all the way from the northern Mozambican border to Sodwana Bay in the south, it encompasses forests, wetlands, lakes, marshes, and coral reefs near glorious, deserted golden-sand beaches. Local wildlife includes large numbers of leatherback turtles, numerous bird species, and many species of freshwater fish - also look out for Nile crocodiles and hippos at Lake Sibaya. A superb dive site (arguably one of the best in the world) can be found at Sodwana Bay, with its magnificent 50 kilometre-long reef complex.
Maputaland Marine Protected Area
Maputaland Marine Protected Area
Maputaland Marine Protected Area
Maputaland Marine Protected Area
Maputaland Marine Protected Area
Maputaland Marine Protected Area
  • Thonga Beach Lodge

    Day 4 - 7

    Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the Maputuland Coast, KwaZulu-Natal. This 24 bed luxury lodge is the ideal place to discover one of Africa’s last unspoilt wilderness beaches. It is a magical place of coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer South Africa’s best snorkelling and excellent off-shore SCUBA diving and excellent birding opportunities. Guided birding, scorpion & spider walks & Turtle Tracking are offered in season. The 12 thatched bush suites offer either Ocean or Forest Views with Deluxe Ocean Views room sporting private plunge pools. The suites are positioned to afford maximum privacy & minimal environmental impact. Excellent cuisine is enjoyed al fresco on the dining deck or beach deck overlooking the sea. This is an ideal choice for honeymooners, families, SCUBA divers or anyone who wants to simply relax. A civilized distance from civilization.
    Thonga Beach Lodge
    Thonga Beach Lodge
    Thonga Beach Lodge
    Thonga Beach Lodge
    Thonga Beach Lodge
    Thonga Beach Lodge
    +26

Day 4

Day Notes:

Transfer time: ~4 hours

  • Shared morning game drive

  • Check-out from Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

  • Transfer from Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge to Librodi Lodge

  • Transfer from Librodi Lodge to Thonga Beach Lodge

  • Check-in to Thonga Beach Lodge

Day 5 - 6

Day Notes:

Activities from Thonga Beach Lodge include:

  • Guided snorkeling and use of snorkeling equipment
  • Guided walks
  • Kayaking
  • Sundowners at Lake Sibaya including  a sundowner drink
  • Cultural tours to Mabibi Community
  • Scuba diving - at additional cost
  • 4x4 Turtle tracking between November and the end of February - at additional cost

Spa treatments are also on offer.

  • Days at leisure

Day 7

  • Check-out from Thonga Beach Lodge

  • Transfer from Thonga Beach Lodge to Librodi Lodge

  • Transfer from Librodi Lodge to King Shaka International Airport [DUR]

End of Itinerary

Destinations

Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park
South Africa
Day 1-2

Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park

The Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park is the jewel in the crown of the KwaZulu Natal game reserves.
Maputaland Marine Protected Area
South Africa
Day 4-5

Maputaland Marine Protected Area

Set on South Africa’s northeastern coast, the UNESCO-listed Maputaland Marine Protected Area falls within the awe-inspiring iSimangaliso Wetland Park and comprises three protected areas: Lake Sibaya Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, and Rocktail Bay.

Accommodations

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park
Day 1-4

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Established to protect the previously endangered white rhino, , Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve is a triumph of conservation efforts.
Thonga Beach Lodge
Maputaland Marine Protected Area
Day 4-7

Thonga Beach Lodge

Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the Maputuland Coast, KwaZulu-Natal.

INCLUDES A LONG STAY DISCOUNT

July 2025 - April 2026

  • Per person sharing: ZAR 46,270
  • Single traveller: ZAR 57,200
  • Solo traveller: ZAR 64,710
  • Per child* sharing, 4 - 12 years: ZAR 18,905**
  • Per child* sharing, 13 - 18 years: ZAR 29,655**
  • Supplement for Bush Villa at Rhino Ridge per person sharing: ZAR 4,965
  • Supplement for Ocean View Room at Thonga Beach Lodge per person sharing: ZAR 3,470

* For families with more than 1 child there will be a small transfer supplement, because a bigger car has to be booked

** Families with kids under 6 have to book a private vehicle at Rhino Ridge

South Africa – KwaZulu-Natal Bush and Beach

There are only positive things to say about our trip to Rhino lodge and St Lucia: the accommodation was top quality, great food, a very well organised trip and the staff were very helpful.
We saw rhinos, some lions, wild dogs, plenty of different antelope. Plus giraffes, which we got to walk amongst in the veld.
Overall, it was a very special experience for my companions and myself.

Mark Harmer
Only Positives

South Africa – KwaZulu-Natal Safari

There are only positive things to say about our trip to Rhino lodge and St Lucia: the accommodation was top quality, great food, a very well organised trip and the staff were very helpful.
We saw rhinos, some lions, wild dogs, plenty of different antelope. Plus giraffes, which we got to walk amongst in the veld.
Overall, it was a very special experience for my companions and myself.

Mark Harmer
Amazing trip

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Some days passed since we got back to Argentina. We just wanted to thank you for your support and assistance in our trip to Tanzania, which was an incredible experience for us as a family, one of the most beautiful trips we made by far! Send our regards to Christopher as well please. Hope we can plan a trip again soon!

Hernan Hoiak
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3 weeks in Tanzania including safari and time on the coast on Pemba and Zanzibar. Ines really worked well with us suggesting a great trip outline.

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Every lodge we stayed at was exceptional, offering perfect accommodations, delicious food, and warm, welcoming staff. We truly appreciated Kerry's reliable guidance, sound advice, and excellent recommendations throughout the trip.
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