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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.
Location:
KwaZulu Natal lies on South Africa’s warm east coast.
Getting there:
By Road
The reserves are a 2- to 4-hour drive from Durban, 1 to 2 hours from Richards Bay, or a 5- to 7-hour drive from Johannesburg with most routes along the N2 highway.
Flying
Fly from all major centres in South Africa to Durban’s international airport. Flights on selected airlines are available to Richards Bay. Private charters from any location in South Africa can be arranged to selected reserves airstrips.
Flight Duration
- Cape Town to Durban: 2 hours
- Johannesburg to Durban: 70 minutes
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.
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.
Reason to go:
- Incredible year-round climate for beach and bush combination tours.
- Unique eco experiences and conservation initiatives.
- Ideal for families, honeymooners, and adventurists as well as conservation activists and keen photographers.
- Incredible natural scenery and diverse landscapes.
Special Offers:
We have some fantastic specials offers including PAY STAY deals, Honeymoon offers and discounted rates available for both international travellers and SA residents. View all specials on our specials page here: special offers
Packages:
Packages
Our selection of world class safari packages have been designed by our on-trend team of travel experts and include flights, transfers, accommodation, free travel insurance and full board safari experiences. View all packages here: safari packages
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&beyond Phinda Rock Lodge
Phinda Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
+12 years
From $ 1,110 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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Phinda Mountain Lodge
Phinda Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
All ages
From $ 840 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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PAY 3 STAY 4
Thanda Tented Camp
Thanda Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
+6 years
From $ 336 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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Leopard Mountain Lodge
Manyoni Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
+12 years
From $ 417 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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Nambiti Plains
Nambiti Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
+8 years
From $ 279 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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PAY 3 STAY 4
Thanda Safari Lodge
Thanda Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
All ages
From $ 598 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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&beyond Forest Lodge
Phinda Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
All ages
From $ 840 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Manyoni Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
+13 years
From $ 495 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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&beyond Vlei Lodge
Phinda Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
+12 years
From $ 1,110 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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Nambiti Hills
Nambiti Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
All ages
From $ 251 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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&beyond Phinda Homestead
Phinda Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
All ages
From $ 9,000 per villa per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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Cheetah Ridge
Nambiti Game Reserve | KwaZulu Natal
All ages
From $ 195 per person per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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Visiting such a diverse country necessitates some expertise to determine which area, lodge and transport will suit you best. Whether you are a family, couple or traveling solo, we’ll guide you to the perfect place for an incredible safari experience
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