South Africa - 10-day KwaZulu Natal Bush, Coast & Beach Combo - Private Self-drive

South Africa – 10-day KwaZulu Natal Bush, Coast & Beach Combo – Private Self-drive

From $2,475

Includes

Car Hire Economy category manual transmission Hyundai i20 or Toyota Yaris or similar - Price is subject to change until rental car is booked and confirmed

9 nights accommodation on a full board basis

2 daily, shared safari activities

Park Fees

Excludes

Flights

Drinks

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.

+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.

+17

Day 1

Day Notes:

Pick up your rental car and then drive to Rhino Ridge. After checking in, settle down and then head out on your first afternoon game drive.

Driving distance: +-231km or 3 hours

Self Drive 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:

You will be woken up before sunrise for tea and coffee before the game drive starts. Then you are off for 3 hours on a morning game drive 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 then enjoy an afternoon game drive and return to the lodge for dinner.

Shared morning and afternoon game drive

Kosi Bay, South Africa

Situated just north of Durban along South Africa's scenic coast, Kosi Bay lies only two kilometres from the Mozambique border. It encompasses a pristine system of four lakes that form part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and eventually drain via a sandy estuary into the Indian Ocean. Beachgoers can enjoy a calm, quiet beach and a river mouth with exceptionally clear water, home to an abundance of fish species. Other faunas in the area include duikers, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, bull sharks, loggerheads, and leatherback sea turtles – which lay their eggs on the beach – and diverse birdlife. An interesting fact about Kosi Bay is that it is home to the Kosi Palm, which has the largest leaf of any plant in the floral kingdom.

Kosi Forest Lodge

Day 4 - 7

Kosi Forest Lodge is an intimate lodge situated under a canopy of magnificent trees within a tranquil sand forest alongside the Kosi Lakes System, an unspoilt wilderness area that is part of the iSimangaliso World Heritage Park. This 20 bed lodge offers comfortable accommodation in wooden, canvas & thatch cabins, great home cooking and caters for a host of estuarine, beach and wilderness activities. Glamping at its best.

+38

Day 4

Day Notes:

After your last morning game drive and breakfast, head north to Kosi Forest Lodge, near the Mozambique border.

Driving distance: +-212km or 3,5hours

Shared morning game drive
Check-out from Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Self Drive from Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge to Kosi Forest Lodge
Check-in to Kosi Forest Lodge
Shared afternoon activities

Day 5 - 6

Day Notes:

Activities included at Kosi Forest Lodge are the following:

Guided canoeing
Raphia Forest Walk

Shared morning and afternoon safari activities

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.

Thonga Beach Lodge

Day 7 - 10

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.

+26

Day 7

Day Notes:

After breakfast, you can begin the journey to Thonga Beach Lodge. To get there, you will drive to Librodi Lodge in Sodwana Bay. You will leave your car there and then be transferred by 4x4 the rest of the way to Thonga Beach Lodge. It is very important that you arrive in time for the transfer, which departs at 12:00.

It is a 1,5 hour drive to Librodi Lodge followed by an hour transfer to Thonga Beach Lodge.

Shared morning game drive
Check-out from Kosi Forest Lodge
Self Drive from Kosi Forest Lodge to Thonga Beach Lodge
Check-in to Thonga Beach Lodge

Day 8 - 9

Day Notes:

Activities included at Thonga Lodge are the following:

Guided snorkeling and use of snorkeling equipment
Guided forest walks
Guided kayaking on Lake Sibaya
Cultural tour to Mabibi community
Turtle tracking walks (Nov - Feb)
Sundowner experience at Lake Sibaya

Scuba diving is available at an additional cost.

Shared morning and afternoon activities

Day 10

Check-out from Thonga Beach Lodge
Self Drive from Thonga Beach Lodge to King Shaka International Airport [DUR]

End of Itinerary

Destinations

South Africa

Day 1-2

Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park

The Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park is the jewel in the crown of the KwaZulu Natal game reserves.

South Africa

Day 4-5

Kosi Bay

Situated just north of Durban along South Africa's scenic coast, Kosi Bay lies only two kilometres from the Mozambique border.

South Africa

Day 7-8

Maputaland Marine Protected Area

Accommodations

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.

Kosi Bay

Day 4-7

Kosi Forest Lodge

Kosi Forest Lodge is an intimate lodge situated under a canopy of magnificent trees within a tranquil sand forest alongside the Kosi Lakes System, an unspoilt wilderness area that is part of the iSimangaliso World Heritage Park.

Maputaland Marine Protected Area

Day 7-10

Thonga Beach Lodge

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

WE CAN ALSO ARRANGE TRANSFERS INSTEAD OF SELF-DRIVING IF PREFERRED

April 2025

Per person sharing: ZAR 52,335
Single/Solo traveller: ZAR 69,980

May - June 2025 - INCLUDES A 3RD NIGHT FREE AT KOSI FOREST LODGE SPECIAL - STAY A 4TH NIGHT FREE AT RHINO/THONGA LODGE

Per person sharing: ZAR 42,875
Single/Solo traveller: ZAR 57,680

September 2025 - INCLUDES A 3RD NIGHT FREE AT KOSI FOREST LODGE SPECIAL - STAY A 4TH NIGHT FREE AT RHINO/THONGA LODGE

Per person sharing: ZAR 52,350
Single/Solo traveller: ZAR 69,820

July - August 2025 & October 2025 - April 2026

Per person sharing: ZAR 57,370
Single/Solo traveller: ZAR 76,610

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

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 & Mozambique – 18-day Greater Kruger Safari and Southern Mozambique Diving Adventure

We would definitely recommend Indigo. Ines was so helpful and responded quickly whenever we had a question. The digital itinerary was great and easy to help us keep track of our trip!

John and Kathryn Nicolini

We a great experience with Indigo. All out accommodations were top notch and the transfers were excellent!

JJ South Africa

Excellent recommendations for an unforgettable trip

Indigo recommended several options for our trip, and we finally decided on Umkumbe Bush Lodge for our 3 night safari - it was an incredible unforgettable experience, the lodge itself was wonderful with great amenities, excellent food/drinks, and great tour guides. We saw all of the big 5 along with countless other wildlife, and I would highly recommend the whole experience.

United States

Cynthia Lourenco Tach General

I had a great experience with Indigo Safaris. The team was very professional and responsive in answering all my concerns and ensuring I had a great experience. My trip was implemented by a local partner very professional. It was one of my best trip experiences.

Cynthia Lourenco Tach

South Africa