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KwaZulu Natal Safaris
Set along the warm Indian Ocean waters of South Africa’s east coast, KwaZulu Natal is a haven of natural splendour and a world class safari destination. Home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites the area is comprised of the vast mountain ranges of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg through to the lakes and wetlands of the expansive iSimangaliso Wetland Park in St Lucia. The Drakensberg escarpment rises 3000m above sea level and boasts more rivers than any comparable area in the country. The northern coast is world-renowned for remarkable scuba diving while the Big 5 (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo) reside in the plains of Zululand. KwaZulu Natal safaris are renowned for their highly populated game reverse and diverse landscapes and vegetation.
With nearly one hundred protected areas it is no wonder that the Kingdom of the Zulu offers diverse ecosystems spanning savannah lands, wild bushveld, beaches, alpine and marine riches, waterfalls, and riverine gorges. This makes for a great variety of wildlife and bird species as well as water-loving animals including hippo and crocodile. KwaZulu Natal safari destinations holds a proud cultural heritage with private game reserves placing extremely high value on conservation efforts and community upliftment. Rhino conservation has been of specific interest in the region. When you’re not in search of wildlife on a Big 5 game drive, or getting involved in community and conservation initiatives, this is the perfect location to head to the beautiful coast, surf, fish, hike, or soak up the warmth of the African sun. KwaZulu Natal safaris offer an abundance of activities and as well ad warm climates throughout the year.
Malaria:
KwaZulu Natal is a malaria-free area.
Wildlife:
Private game reserves place a high priority on conservation efforts and community upliftment with rhino conservation of specific interest in the region.
Spectacular Big 5 encounters, crocodile sightings, and turtle tours in season. Further, you will see giraffe, zebra, varieties of intriguing antelope, hippo, warthog, and hyena to name but a few.
Game Drives:
- Game drives are taken in open 4×4 safari vehicles and are accompanied by a ranger, who will share a wealth of knowledge about the animals with you.
- The game drives on a KwaZulu Natal safari are 3 to 4 hours long and take place twice a day in the morning and afternoon.
- Morning game drives are complimented by a coffee stop and a sundowner downer stop in the evening a remote location.
Activities & Facilities:
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Open-air African Boma
- Spa & gym
- Viewing terrace
- Bar & lounge
- Gift shop
- Kids Club
Location:
KwaZulu Natal lies on South Africa’s warm east coast.
Getting there:
- The closest commercial airport is Durban (DUR) or Richards Bay (RCB).
- Flight time from Cape Town to Durban: 2 hours
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Durban: 70 minutes
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Richards Bay: 70 minutes
- The reserves are a 2- to 4-hour drive from Durban, 1 to 2 hours from Richards Bay
Highlights:
- KwaZulu Natal is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Mountain Range and iSimangaliso Wetland Park in St Lucia.
- The northern coast is world-renowned for remarkable scuba diving.
- Guests near St Lucia can enjoy water activities in the ocean and lakes including fishing, boat safaris, and kayaking.
- Zulu cultural tours.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bushwalks, all meals, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.
Rates:
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
- Rates are charged per person, per night.
- Single supplement of 50% applicable.
- Rates displayed are valid until 31 December 2024.
Seasons:
- Peak season: 01 Nov – 31 March
- High season:01 Sep – 31 Oct & 1 Apr – 30 Apr
- Low season: 01 Nov – 31 March
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&beyond Phinda Rock Lodge
Post LinkPhinda Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
+12 years
From R 18,500 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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Phinda Mountain Lodge
Post LinkPhinda Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
All ages
From R 14,000 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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PAY 3 STAY 4Thanda Tented Camp
Post LinkThanda Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
+6 years
From R 5,595 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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Leopard Mountain Lodge
Post LinkManyoni Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
+12 years
From R 6,950 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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Nambiti Plains
Post LinkNambiti Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
+8 years
From R 4,650 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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PAY 3 STAY 4Thanda Safari Lodge
Post LinkThanda Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
All ages
From R 9,965 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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&beyond Forest Lodge
Post LinkPhinda Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
All ages
From R 14,000 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Post LinkManyoni Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
+13 years
From R 8,250 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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&beyond Vlei Lodge
Post LinkPhinda Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
+12 years
From R 18,500 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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Nambiti Hills
Post LinkNambiti Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
All ages
From R 4,185 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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&beyond Phinda Homestead
Post LinkPhinda Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
All ages
From R 150,000 per villa per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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Cheetah Ridge
Post LinkNambiti Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
All ages
From R 3,250 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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