South Africa - 9-day KwaZulu Natal Safari Drakensberg, Nambiti & Babanango- Private accommodated

South Africa – 9-day KwaZulu Natal Safari Drakensberg, Nambiti & Babanango- Private accommodated

From $1,925

Includes

Airport transfers and interlodge transfers

8 nights accommodation

8 breakfasts, 8 dinners and 6 lunches

2 daily shared safari activities at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

3-4 hour boat cruise on Jozini Dam from Ghost Mountain Inn & R400 spa voucher per person

Use of snorkelling equipment, guided walks, kayaking and sundowners at Thonga Beach Lodge

Park fees

Excludes

Flights

Drinks and meals not specified

Visas

Travel insurance

Tips and gratuities

Activities not specified

Items of a personal nature

Itinerary

KwaZulu Natal Midlands, South Africa

Located in the heart of the South African Province of KwaZulu Natal, the Midlands form the temperate zone between the subtropical coast and the Drakensberg Mountains. A favourite destination of the early colonial settlers, their mark still remains in the names and the area’s agricultural legacy. A popular tourist route,’The Midlands Meander’ traverses this spectacularly scenic region. Visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options, sample incredible cuisine, explore the famed battlefields and historic landmarks, enjoy a variety of thrilling adventure activities and visit numerous arts and crafts shops which sell locally-made goods. Highlights include the impressive Howick Falls, the Zulu Mpophomeni Township Experience, and the majestic Drakensberg Mountains.

Antbear Eco Lodge

Day 1 - 4

Antbear Eco Lodge offers affordable accommodation in the Drakensberg Mountains. The property's cottages are smartly appointed and individually designed. Each of the accommodation units are different and decorated with uniquely eccentric and artistic wooden furniture. All guest rooms are comfortable and equipped with fireplaces, hairdryers, tea and coffee trays, and mini-fridges. The lodge is artistic in style and offers two lounges, a wine cellar, a small bar and a dining room.

Day 1

Day Notes:

Upon landing at Durban Airport, you will be transferred to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, which will be your home as you explore the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park for the next 3 days. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is the oldest game reserve in South Africa and is famous for its dense population of rhino. Enjoy an afternoon game drive (time permitting)

Transfer from King Shaka International Airport [DUR] to Antbear Eco Lodge
Check-in to Antbear Eco Lodge
Transfer to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge and afternoon safari activity

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.

The afternoon game drive will start around 16:00, after high tea. It will last for +-3 hours, with a stop somewhere for sundowners. You will return to the lodge in the dark, with a spotlight to look for nocturnal animal.

Morning and afternoon shared safari drives.

Nambiti Game Reserve, South Africa

Located between the cities of Johannesburg and Durban in northeastern South Africa, the Nambiti Private Game Reserve is the ultimate escape, offering the Big 5 in a malaria-free region in the heart of KwaZulu Natal. The world-famous elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino and over 40 other animal species roam these reclaimed farms in the heart of the Battlefields area. The reserve boasts a biodiverse landscape featuring riverine scrub, vast savannah, grasslands and thornveld. Visitors can look forward to excellent wildlife viewing, bird watching, swimming, game drives and stargazing in the beautiful African night sky.

The Springbok Lodge Nambiti

Day 4 - 7

Our Lodge is situated in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve in KZN, a private conservancy offering 22 000 acres of malaria-free bushveld. The Reserve is home to the Big 5, incl Cheetah, Hippo and over 30 species of plains game. Nature lovers will enjoy the area's biodiversity, Thornveld and majestic Acacia trees complementing grasslands which mirror the plains of Central Africa. The perennial rivers, beautiful waterfall and cascades on the Sundays River makes for a unique sanctuary, attracting several rare bird species and an enviable array of raptors and vultures.

+2

Day 4

Day Notes:

Today, you will be transferred to Ghost Mountain, in the heart of Zululand. Ghost Mountain is the ideal spot from which to explore the coastal reserves of Zululand and the Elephant Coast, as well as learn more about Zulu culture.

Check-out from Antbear Eco Lodge
Transfer from Antbear Eco Lodge to The Springbok Lodge Nambiti
Check-in to The Springbok Lodge Nambiti
Transfer to Ghost Mountain Inn

Day 5

3-4 hour afternoon boat cruise on Lake Jozini.

Day 6

Babanango Game Reserve, South Africa

Set on the White Umfolozi River in KwaZulu Natal in South Africa, Babanango Game Reserve is a malaria-free game reserve home to an array of African wildlife. The reserve stretches for 22 hectares over the beautiful Babanango Valley in Zululand and featuring pristine coastline, grasslands, rolling hills, lush forests, rivers, and mangrove swamps. It is home to three lodges: the Valley Lodge, the Zulu Rock Lodge and the Matatane Camp, all of which offer incredible accommodation options for visitors. This bush lover’s paradise allows visitors the opportunity to spot a variety of free-roaming game species including buffalo, giraffe, hyena and zebra, rhino and over 283 bird species. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities such as birding, game drives, hiking and mountain biking.

Babanango Valley Lodge

Day 7 - 9

Nestled in south of Babanango Game Reserve, Valley Lodge offers a serene escape in nature. Its nine adjoining luxury rooms provide splendid views of indigenous gardens designed by horticulturalist Chris Dalzell. With a maximum capacity of 18 guests, the farm style lodge ensures a cozy experience. Unlike others, it is fenced off for safety, privacy, and exclusivity. Guests can enjoy panoramic views from infinity and splash pools or relax by the fireplace. The library offers books on local history and bird species. In the evening, the outdoor boma with a firepit creates a cozy atmosphere. The lodge’s culinary experience includes canape-style lunches, handcrafted cocktails, and traditional South African-style potjiekos and braais.

+36

Day 7

Day Notes:

Today, you will be transferred to Thonga Beach Lodge, situated on the shores of the isiMangaliso Wetland Park. isiMangliso means 'Place of Miracles' in Zulu and as you relax on the wild beach and explore the wetlands, you will see why. Thonga Beach Lodge has an array of fun activities to keep you entertained and allow you to explore the park.

Check-out from The Springbok Lodge Nambiti
Transfer from The Springbok Lodge Nambiti to Babanango Valley Lodge
Check-in to Babanango Valley Lodge
Transfer to Thonga Beach Lodge

Day 8

Days to relax and excplaore the iSimangaliso area.

Day 9

Check-out from Babanango Valley Lodge
Transfer from Babanango Valley Lodge to King Shaka International Airport [DUR]
Transfer to Durban Airport

End of Itinerary

Destinations

South Africa

Day 1-2

KwaZulu Natal Midlands

Located in the heart of the South African Province of KwaZulu Natal, the Midlands form the temperate zone between the subtropical coast and the Drakensberg Mountains.

South Africa

Day 4-6

Nambiti Game Reserve

South Africa

Day 7-8

Babanango Game Reserve

Set on the White Umfolozi River in KwaZulu Natal in South Africa, Babanango Game Reserve is a malaria-free game reserve home to an array of African wildlife.

Accommodations

KwaZulu Natal Midlands

Day 1-4

Antbear Eco Lodge

Antbear Eco Lodge offers affordable accommodation in the Drakensberg Mountains.

Nambiti Game Reserve

Day 4-7

The Springbok Lodge Nambiti

Our Lodge is situated in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve in KZN, a private conservancy offering 22 000 acres of malaria-free bushveld.

Babanango Game Reserve

Day 7-9

Babanango Valley Lodge

Nestled in south of Babanango Game Reserve, Valley Lodge offers a serene escape in nature.

1 July - 8 August 2024; 12 August - 19 September; 25 September - 31 October - 3 NIGHT STAY SPECIAL AT SPRINGBOK LODGE

Per person sharing: ZAR 33,725
Single traveller: ZAR 38,550
Solo traveller: ZAR 47,380
Per child 4-11 years, sharing with two adults: ZAR 21,600
Supplement for Zulu Rock Lodge at Babanango: ZAR 1,000
Supplement for Mountain Suite/Cave at Antbear: ZAR 2,250

9 - 11 August 2024 & 20 - 24 September

Per person sharing: ZAR 32,075
Single traveller: ZAR 36,000
Solo traveller: ZAR 44,830
Per child 4-11 years, sharing with two adults: ZAR 20,720
Supplement for Zulu Rock Lodge at Babanango: ZAR 1,000
Supplement for Mountain Suite/Cave at Antbear: ZAR 2,250

1 November - 10 December 2024 - 3 NIGHT STAY SPECIAL AT SPRINGBOK LODGE

Per person sharing: ZAR 32,525
Single traveller: ZAR 36,675
Solo traveller: ZAR 45,505
Per child 4-11 years, sharing with two adults: ZAR 20,945
Supplement for Zulu Rock Lodge at Babanango: ZAR 1,000
Supplement for Mountain Suite/Cave at Antbear: ZAR 2,400

11 - 12 December 2024 - 3 NIGHT STAY SPECIAL AT SPRINGBOK LODGE

Per person sharing: ZAR 33,275
Single traveller: ZAR 37,425
Solo traveller: ZAR 46,255
Per child 4-11 years, sharing with two adults: ZAR 21,295
Supplement for Zulu Rock Lodge at Babanango: ZAR 1,000
Supplement for Mountain Suite/Cave at Antbear: ZAR 2,400

13 December 2024 - 12 January 2025

Per person sharing: ZAR 35,075
Single traveller: ZAR 40,425
Solo traveller: ZAR 49,255
Per child 4-11 years, sharing with two adults: ZAR 22,245
Supplement for Zulu Rock Lodge at Babanango: ZAR 1,000
Supplement for Mountain Suite/Cave at Antbear: ZAR 2,400

13 January - 20 March 2025 - 3 NIGHT STAY SPECIAL AT SPRINGBOK LODGE

Per person sharing: ZAR 33,325
Single traveller: ZAR 36,375
Solo traveller: ZAR 45,205
Per child 4-11 years, sharing with two adults: ZAR 21,295
Supplement for Zulu Rock Lodge at Babanango: ZAR 1,400
Supplement for Mountain Suite/Cave at Antbear: ZAR 2,400

3 April - 13 June; 18 June - 8 August; 12 August - 19 September; 25 September - 31 October 2025 - 3 NIGHT STAY SPECIAL AT SPRINGBOK LODGE

Per person sharing: ZAR 34,050
Single traveller: ZAR 37,200
Solo traveller: ZAR 46,030
Per child 4-11 years, sharing with two adults: ZAR 21,735
Supplement for Zulu Rock Lodge at Babanango: ZAR 1,400
Supplement for Mountain Suite/Cave at Antbear: ZAR 2,400

21 March - 2 April; 14 - 17 June; 9 - 11 August; 20 - 24 September 2025

Per person sharing: ZAR 35,865
Single traveller: ZAR 40,005
Solo traveller: ZAR 48,830
Per child 4-11 years, sharing with two adults: ZAR 22,700
Supplement for Zulu Rock Lodge at Babanango: ZAR 1,400
Supplement for Mountain Suite/Cave at Antbear: ZAR 2,400

1 November - 10 December 2025 - 3 NIGHT STAY SPECIAL AT SPRINGBOK LODGE

Per person sharing: ZAR 34,680
Single traveller: ZAR 38,145
Solo traveller: ZAR 46,975
Per child 4-11 years, sharing with two adults: ZAR 22,050
Supplement for Zulu Rock Lodge at Babanango: ZAR 1,400
Supplement for Mountain Suite/Cave at Antbear: ZAR 2,640

11 - 12 December 2025 - 3 NIGHT STAY SPECIAL AT SPRINGBOK LODGE

Per person sharing: ZAR 35,505
Single traveller: ZAR 38,970
Solo traveller: ZAR 47,800
Per child 4-11 years, sharing with two adults: ZAR 22,435
Supplement for Zulu Rock Lodge at Babanango: ZAR 1,400
Supplement for Mountain Suite/Cave at Antbear: ZAR 2,640

13 December 2025 - 12 January 2026

Per person sharing: ZAR 37,485
Single traveller: ZAR 42,270
Solo traveller: ZAR 51,095
Per child 4-11 years, sharing with two adults: ZAR 23,480
Supplement for Zulu Rock Lodge at Babanango: ZAR 1,400
Supplement for Mountain Suite/Cave at Antbear: ZAR 2,640

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

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

Guests standing with Elephant on a sandy patch, sun shining from the left of them. — Nicolaas van den Berg

Canada

Peter L. General

From the moment we booked to the final day of our trip, everything was taken care of. The lodges were superb, and the safaris were out of this world. Highly recommended!

Peter L.

United Kingdom

South Africa – 9-day KwaZulu Natal Safari Drakensberg, Nambiti & Babanango- Private accommodated