South Africa - 10 -day Drakensberg, Big 5 & Beach Safari - Private accommodated

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South Africa – 10-day Drakensberg, Big 5 & Beach Safari – Private accommodated

10 days / 9 nights
Northern Drakensberg • Hluhluwe • iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Country

South Africa

Duration

10 days

Highlights

Northern Drakensberg

Hluhluwe

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Rated 4.9/5

See reviews

South Africa – 10-day Drakensberg, Big 5 & Beach Safari – Private accommodated

From $5,410
Makakatana
Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge
Makakatana
Makakatana
Three Tree Hill Lodge
Makakatana

Includes

Airport and interlodge transfers
9 nights accommodation on an all-inclusive basis
2 daily, shared safari activities
Park Fees

Excludes

Flights
Premium drinks at Three Tree and Leopard
Premium drinks, spirits, and drinks not mentioned at Makakatana
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

Northern Drakensberg, South Africa

Situated in northeastern South Africa, the Northern Drakensberg rises up to 3000 metres in height creating spectacularly scenic views from every direction. Featuring cascading waterfalls, sandstone caves and countless San rock art paintings, the Northern Drakensberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which also boasts a network of scenic hiking trails. Falling within the Royal Natal National Park, the ‘Amphitheatre’, comprised of over 5 kilometres of sheer cliff, is regarded as one of the most impressive cliff faces on earth with the Tugela Falls, the world's second tallest falls, plunging almost a kilometre from its clifftops. Nature lovers will delight in this unspoilt landscape and enjoy a wide variety of outdoor adventures.
Northern Drakensberg
Northern Drakensberg
Northern Drakensberg
Northern Drakensberg
Northern Drakensberg
Northern Drakensberg
  • Three Tree Hill Lodge

    Day 1 - 4

    At Three Tree Hill, guests are captivated by its unpretentious approach to luxury, offering a refreshing farm-style experience while staying true to its sustainability ethos. Nestled in the foothills of the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this owner-hosted lodge provides an authentic and personalized stay. Guests can immerse themselves in a range of adventure activities in the surrounding area, or unwind with a 3000-book library and an underground wine cellar. Three Tree Hill places a strong emphasis on preserving the local Zulu culture and the historical legacy of the Anglo Boer War for future generations. The lodge’s commitment to sustainability extends to sourcing eco-friendly goods, and empowering and uplifting the local community. With free-range chickens, children, horses, and dogs roaming freely, the atmosphere is relaxed and natural, welcoming all guests to enjoy a truly unique experience.
    Three Tree Hill Lodge
    Three Tree Hill Lodge
    Three Tree Hill Lodge
    Three Tree Hill Lodge
    Three Tree Hill Lodge
    Three Tree Hill Lodge
    +5

Day 1

Day Notes:

You will be picked up in Durban and transferred to Three Tree Hill, situated in the foothills of the Drakensberg and close to the historic Battlefields of South Africa.

Driving distance: 280km +-3 hours

  • Transfer from King Shaka International Airport [DUR] to Three Tree Hill Lodge

  • Check-in to Three Tree Hill Lodge

  • Shared afternoon game drive

Day 2 - 3

Day Notes:

The morning game drive starts at sunrise. You will be woken up before sunrise for tea and coffee before the game drive starts. Then you are off for 3 hours to find as many animals as possible before they all find trees to hide under in the heat of the day.

When the game drive returns to the lodge, you will be served a big cooked breakfast and have time to relax. You can sit by the pool, read a book, take a nap, and just absorb being out in the bush.

You will enjoy an afternoon game drive and then you will return to the lodge for dinner.

Three Tree Hill is situated ideally to go hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains, or visiting the historic battlefields. It is also situated next door to the Spioenkop Game Reserve. You are free to wonder around and explore by yourself, or you can prebook the following guided tours at an additional cost:

  • Guided Anglo Boer War Battlefield Tour
  • Guided Anglo Zulu War Battlefield Tour
  • Guided horse trail ride
  • Guided Spioenkop Game Reserve Hike
  • Drakensberg Guided Hike 

  • Shared morning and afternoon game drive

Hluhluwe, South Africa

Named after the many thorny climbers that were once found along the Hluhluwe River, on whose banks the town rests, Hluhluwe is sandwiched between the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. This fact ensures that visitors will be treated to incredibly scenic surroundings. Those who enjoy fresh, juicy South African pineapples can indulge themselves to the fullest, with most of the country’s pineapples produced in this region. Visitors can also look forward to exploring one of many surrounding reserves to view the world-renowned Big Five; soaking up the incredible natural scenery; and enjoying a variety of activities including scuba diving, horse riding, hiking, canoeing, boat cruises, and mountain biking.
Hluhluwe
Hluhluwe
Hluhluwe
Hluhluwe
Hluhluwe
Hluhluwe
  • Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge

    Day 4 - 7

    Our fully solar, 5 Star, multiple award-winning, Big 5, family-run safari lodge set within the 58 000 acres Manyoni Private Game Reserve offering peace and tranquility with friendly hospitality. Our beautiful lodge has the most spectacular views in Zululand, from the river meandering below to the distant Lebombo Mountains.
    Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge
    Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge
    Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge
    Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge
    Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge
    Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge
    +29

Day 4

Day Notes:

After breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred to Leopard Mountain Lodge, in Manyoni Game Reserve. After checking in, you can head out on your first afternoon game drive to look for animals.

Driving distance: 380km +-5,5 hours

  • Shared morning game drive

  • Check-out from Three Tree Hill Lodge

  • Transfer from Three Tree Hill Lodge to Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge

  • Check-in to Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge

  • Shared afternoon game drive

Day 5 - 6

Day Notes:

Enjoy a morning and afternoon shared game drive. Each game drive lasts 3-4 hours depending on how many animals you see.

  • Shared morning and afternoon game drive

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

Stretching along South Africa’s northern KwaZulu-Natal coast, iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a place where land, lake and ocean converge in spectacular harmony. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it shelters hippos lazing in reed-fringed estuaries, flamingos sweeping across mirror-like lagoons, and leatherback turtles nesting on golden beaches. Travellers can cruise the St Lucia Estuary among crocodiles, snorkel over coral reefs at Cape Vidal, or drive through coastal forests alive with zebra and rhino. The park’s name means “miracle” in Zulu, an apt reflection of its rare beauty and diversity. With every rustle of papyrus and shimmer of turquoise water, iSimangaliso stirs the senses and offers an unforgettable journey through one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural sanctuaries.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
  • Makakatana

    Day 7 - 10

    Set inside the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park on Lake St Lucia (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa), Makakatana is a family-run lodge welcoming guests for over 25 years. From one easy base, days move at the park’s natural pace—calm, guided, and water-threaded—linking estuary, bush, and ocean without the rush. Guided experiences include sunrise and sunset solar-powered eco-boat safaris; a full-day beach trip crossing Lake St Lucia to the Indian Ocean; a full-day boat trip on our private concession; and morning, afternoon and evening game drives on the Western Shores. On Lake St Lucia, eight suites tucked into dune forest keep you close to still water and birdsong; the lodge blends quietly into its setting with thoughtful hosting, clear guiding and generous, unpretentious cuisine. Birders will find a remarkable stronghold, with 500+ species recorded in the greater park. Ideal for couples, small families and photographers seeking presence over pace.
    Makakatana
    Makakatana
    Makakatana
    Makakatana
    Makakatana
    Makakatana
    +25

Day 7

Day Notes:

After your last morning game drive and breakfast at Leopard Mountain, you will be picked up and transferred to Makakatana Bay in isiMangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  You can do an afternoon game drive when you arrive.

Driving distance: 90km +-1,5 hours

  • Shared morning game drive

  • Check-out from Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge

  • Transfer from Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge to Makakatana

  • Check-in to Makakatana

  • Shared afternoon game drive

Day 8 - 9

Day Notes:

Activities included at Makakatana include the following:

  • Morning and afternoon game drives
  • Boat safaris
  • Beach visits
  • Picnic lunches

  • Shared morning and afternoon safari activities

Day 10

  • Shared morning game drive

  • Check-out from Makakatana

  • Transfer from Makakatana to King Shaka International Airport [DUR]

End of Itinerary

Destinations

Northern Drakensberg
South Africa
Day 1-2

Northern Drakensberg

Situated in northeastern South Africa, the Northern Drakensberg rises up to 3000 metres in height creating spectacularly scenic views from every direction.
Hluhluwe
South Africa
Day 4-5

Hluhluwe

Named after the many thorny climbers that were once found along the Hluhluwe River, on whose banks the town rests, Hluhluwe is sandwiched between the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
South Africa
Day 7-8

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Stretching along South Africa’s northern KwaZulu-Natal coast, iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a place where land, lake and ocean converge in spectacular harmony.

Accommodations

Three Tree Hill Lodge
Northern Drakensberg
Day 1-4

Three Tree Hill Lodge

At Three Tree Hill, guests are captivated by its unpretentious approach to luxury, offering a refreshing farm-style experience while staying true to its sustainability ethos.
Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge
Hluhluwe
Day 4-7

Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge

Our fully solar, 5 Star, multiple award-winning, Big 5, family-run safari lodge set within the 58 000 acres Manyoni Private Game Reserve offering peace and tranquility with friendly hospitality.
Makakatana
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Day 7-10

Makakatana

Set inside the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park on Lake St Lucia (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa), Makakatana is a family-run lodge welcoming guests for over 25 years.

THIS ITINERARY IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS A SELF-DRIVE

1 April - 30 December  2025

  • Per person sharing: ZAR 93,770
  • Single traveller: ZAR 135,320
  • Solo traveller: ZAR 143,945
  • Child rates: please enquiry

 

Sarah G – Beach & Safari South Africa

Every detail was flawless. We saw the Big Five in Kruger, and then spent five blissful days on Benguerra Island. Thank you for making our dream trip so easy.

Sarah G
United Kingdom

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

Ellis – General Review

Everything lived up to my expectations. The service was top notch and the tours were amazing (including many leopard sightings!). Highly recommended

Ellis
United States

Manuel D. General

I was impressed by how Indigo Safaris tailored our itinerary to match our interests. The guides were knowledgeable, and the wildlife sightings were phenomenal!

Manuel D.
Spain

Natasha Falcao General

Michele provided an exceptional safari experience, accommodating our needs and schedule perfectly.

I cannot recommend this operator highly enough. From the very beginning, Michele was extremely accommodating to our needs, ensuring that the program was tailored perfectly to our schedule and wishes. This personalized approach made our safari experience truly unforgettable.
The richness of background materials provided enhanced our understanding and enjoyment of the tour. We were well-informed about the places we would visit, transportation, and lodging.
Moreover, Michele was always within reach to clarify any questions or concerns we had. This level of accessibility and responsiveness made us feel supported and confident throughout the tour.

Natasha Falcao
Angola