MULTI DAY SAFARI ADVENTURE
Journey Into Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal
Northern KwaZulu-Natal is one of South Africa’s most rewarding wildlife regions, known for its exceptional biodiversity and varied ecosystems. From the Big Five landscapes of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi to the wetlands, lakes, forests, and coastline of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this area supports an extraordinary range of animals, birdlife, and plant species. Combined with ethical elephant interactions at Bayete, northern KZN offers immersive, conservation-focused wildlife experiences within a compact region — making it one of the best places in the country to experience wildlife in its natural setting.
We will pick you up from your hotel, where you will meet your guide and depart for a memorable adventure into the wild beauty of KwaZulu-Natal. During the tour you will:
- Visit an authentic Zulu craft market, where vibrant colours, intricate beadwork, and handmade treasures offer a true taste of local culture.
- Visit a cat rehabilitation centre, where you’ll gain rare insight into wild cat conservation and witness these magnificent animals up close.
- Embark on a sunset Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, drifting through one of Africa’s most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites alive with wildlife.
- Spend a full day in Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, tracking the legendary Big 5 across rolling hills, savannah, and ancient wilderness.
- Venture out on a night drive in the Eastern or Western Shores, where the bush transforms and elusive nocturnal creatures emerge.
- Experience a remarkable elephant encounter, creating an unforgettable connection with one of Africa’s most iconic animals.
- Explore the vibrant town of St Lucia, where coastal charm, warm hospitality, and a laid-back atmosphere complete your safari escape.
The above tour can be done in 2 nights, 3 days. But we recommend adding a 3rd night to have a more relaxed pace and for more safari and estuary experiences.
Optional Extension: Add 2 nights to Kosi Bay to explore the Thonga fish traps, pristine lakes, and seasonal turtle nesting & hatching.
All-Inclusive Experience: Tours include accommodation, professional guides, local guides, curated experiences, meals, and beverages. From the moment you step into the vehicle, all you need to do is relax and enjoy the journey.
Where Do We Go?
ISimangaliso Wetland Park / Lake St. Lucia (2-hour boat cruise)
The miracle and wonder of ISimangaliso Wetland Park made it South Africa’s first world heritage site. While on a 2-hour cruise on the estuary system, there will be close encounter(s) with hippo, and possibly crocodile. The park’s birdlife is incredibly abundant and includes the African fish eagle. Lake St. Lucia is surrounded by reserves on either side – giraffe and elephant sightings on the banks are not uncommon.
The Bayete Zulu Elephant Interaction
The Bayete Zulu Elephant Interaction offers a rare and ethical opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with a group of elephants that have found a safe haven on the Zululand and Elephant Coast of Northern KwaZulu-Natal. The elephants roam freely within a Big 5 game reserve. They visit the interaction project habitually with their rangers who “form part of their herd.” Under the expert guidance of these remarkable rangers, the most humbling intimate experience of standing underneath the trunk of the largest land animal becomes a reality.
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is the premier game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. It is Africa’s oldest conservation area, and is highly acclaimed for its remarkable save the rhino conservation project. This 96 000 hectare reserve is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) as well as cheetah, wild dog, hyena, and a wide variety of antelope, birds, reptiles, and plants. The game drive runs through what was once the royal hunting grounds of the Zulu King Shaka.
Mkhuze Game Reserve
Mkhuze Game Reserve is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s best kept secrets, offering spectacular birdwatching and game viewing. It is home to more than 420 Southern African bird species, making it one of the best birding sites in South Africa. With world class hides situated in areas abundantly populated with game and birds, Mkhuze promises close-up wildlife views. This 40 000 hectare reserve is also home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) as well as cheetah, wild dog, and hyena.
St. Lucia Town
St. Lucia is a small holiday town in the middle of 3 wildlife reserves. With only one main road, wildlife sightings in the town of St. Lucia are common-place.
Zamimpilo Community Market
Zamimpilo Community Market is sustainable tourism at its best. It’s an impressive market of more than 100 stalls, and it’s run with creative efficiency to provide a seamless experience where you can access hand-made African arts and crafts. It’s an ideal souvenir stop and an opportunity to support local communities. You can taste seasonal fruit and vegetable, and hear first-hand stories of how the art is created.
St. Lucia Community Market
St. Lucia Community Market is a beautiful thatched market in the holiday town of St. Lucia. There is a wide selection of African curios as well as locally produced fresh fruit and nuts available. It’s an opportunity to support sustainable tourism, and to enjoy the magic of the local community.
Eastern & Western Shores Game Reserves (Night Drive in an open vehicle)
The Eastern and Western Shores of Lake St. Lucia are a remarkable display of nature’s contrasting beauty. Feel the sea breeze, smell the coast, and experience immensely diverse forest wildlife behind the sand dunes. This “island” is utterly and beautifully surrounded by wildlife reserves, the ocean, and the estuary. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers biodiversity, scenery, and boardwalks that are world-renowned. Rehabilitated wildlands and timber plantations form part of the identity of a diverse story of nature’s survival. Sharing the reserve with immensely diverse species of land animals, birdlife, and marine life are the tsessebe antelope in the wildlands of the west, and KwaZulu-Natal’s highest concentration of leopard in the forest lined east, known as the Cape Vidal. The night drive offers a memorable atmosphere with the chance to spot the nocturnal leopard as well as owls and hyena.
Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre
Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre is a rare and ethical opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the African wild cat, serval, caracal, and cheetah. The rehab centre makes remarkable contributions to the conservation of these revered cat species. Emdoneni provides a safe haven to cat species injured or orphaned in the wild. The project prides itself on a history of successful release.
Is this the tour for me?
- Yes, I have At Least 4 Full Days Available to tour (If you have less than 4 full days that’s okay – check out our other options or talk to us!)
- Yes, I want to visit multiple Big 5 Game Reserves
- Yes, I really like Wildlife, Nature and Conservation
- Yes, I want to visit a Wildlife Sanctuary
- Yes, I want Up-close-and-personal Experiences with Wildlife
- Yes, I want Rare Photo Opportunities of Myself with Wildlife
- Yes, I want to Experience a Night Drive in the Wild in an open vehicle
- Yes, I will enjoy a Boat Cruise (aboard a comfortable ferry) to view wetland wildlife
- Yes, I’m interested in Star Gazing
- Yes, I’m a Bird Enthusiast
- Yes, I’m interested in Photography
- Yes, I want to support attractions with Local Community Participation
- Yes, I’d like to see or purchase Handmade African Souvenirs and support Sustainable Tourism
What's included in the tour package?
- Pick up and drop off within the Durban metro area
- Entrance fees
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation x3 nights
- Private Luxury Tent / Private Luxury Lodge in Holiday Town of St. Lucia
- Private Luxury Tent / Private Luxury Chalet in Game Reserve
- Private Luxury Tent / Private Luxury Chalet in Game Reserve
- Breakfast x4 days
- Morning coffee/tea & muffin
- Continental breakfast
- Continental breakfast
- Morning coffee/tea & muffin
- Lunch x4 days
- Restaurant in holiday town of St. Lucia
- Restaurant in Game Reserve
- Picnic in Game Reserve
- Brunch in Game Reserve
- Dinner x3 nights
- Traditional Braai (Barbeque) / Restaurant in Holiday town of St. Lucia
- Traditional Durban bunny chow in Game Reserve (Durban Indian dish – curry in a bread bowl)
- Traditional South African Potjie in the Game Reserve (a stew slow cooked in a cast iron pot on a fire)
- Limited Alcoholic Drinks
- Bottled water
- Local snacks
- Use of binoculars
- Fully attending experienced tour guide
How long will we need?
- 4 Days
What did others say?
What You Need To Know?
When Can We Leave?
We look forward to our pre-planning chat, so we can build in your preferences and requirements into your itinerary.
