KwaZulu Natal offers a great mix of first class reserves with incredible wildlife and breathtaking scenery, Combined with the natural beauty of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), this self-drive wildlife itinerary is a real gem.
Following the coast at your own pace, you can explore some of South Africa's finest wildlife reserves, well known for their strong conservation commitment and support to the local community. The diversity of wildlife to be experienced away from the crowd is stunning, and includes various species such as the endangered black rhino, leatherback turtle, African elephant, side-striped jackal, cheetah and wild dog.
Most of your time is spent in South Africa's parks, with a couple of days in neighbouring Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) to experience this less travelled country, its spectacular scenery and unique biodiversity.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart UK
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Day 2:
Arrive Durban & drive to Umdloti coastal village; vehicle safaris
After collecting your vehicle, driveto the charming coastal village of Umdloti, with its lovely beach and windy shore. From the coast, you can regularly spot humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins.
Accommodation: Fairlight Beach House, 1-night
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Days 3-4
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Drive to Thula Thula Reserve; vehicle safaris
Thula Thula, the land of the ‘elephant whisperer’ was made famous by the lovely tales from Lawrence Anthony as he rescued this herd of troublesome elephants that became part of his family. On your bush walks and drives, you will have the chance to see, besides these gentle giants, a great diversity of mammals such as black, and white rhino, Burchell’s zebra, giraffe, leopard, nyala, and buffalo.
Very committed to wildlife conservation, Thula Thula Reserve also supports the local community and you will get a chance - if you wish - to experience an authentic rural Zulu village, including a unique encounter with the Inyanga (medicine man), learning about medicinal plants.
Accommodation: Thula Thula Lodge, 2-nights
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Days 5-6
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Morning wildlife safari, drive to Phinda Private Game Reserve; vehicle safaris
At Phinda, you will experience a sundowner vehicle safari and an early morning bush walk, and learn about all the conservation work of the reserve, notably its black rhino reintroduction programme. There are also good chances to see lion, leopard, black, and white rhino, wild dog, elephant, and hippo.
This evening you stay in a sumptuous ‘glasshouse’ suite with a private deck and swimming pool.
Accommodation: Phinda Forest Lodge, 2-nights
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Days 7-8
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Drive along the coast to Thonga Beach
This morning, after a walking safari you depart Phinda and drive along the coast through the wonderful region of iSimangaliso (Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park. Along the way, you may wish to visit Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park.
This evening you'll stay at Thonga Beach in the very heart of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, in a tree-house chalet blessed with stunning views of the Maputaland Coast. In summer (November to February) the beach is used as a breeding ground for leatherback and loggerhead turtles which come ashore to lay their eggs. Here there are some great opportunities for diving, snorkelling, whale-watching and birdwatching.
Accommodation: Thonga Beach Lodge, 2-nights
Note: To explore the remote Tembe Elephant Park along the border with Mozambique, you may wish to extend your stay at Rocktail Bay.
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Days 9-10
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Drive across Eswatini (Swaziland) to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary; vehicle safaris
This morning, it is a half-day drive to Eswatini, formerly known as the Kingdom of Swaziland until King Mswati III announced its official change of name to Eswatini in April 2018. The country is famous for its unique biodiversity, and your destination today is the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
Your two nights here will give you plenty of time to explore the area. There are some delightful nature walks on marked trails to see protected endangered species, a visit to the Royal Botanical Garden is also a must, and you are welcome to self drive or walk around the reserve.
Accommodation: Reilly’s Rock Lodge, 2-nights
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Days 11-12
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Drive to Southern Kruger National Park; vehicle safaris
This morning you head north, exiting Eswatini and entering Kruger National Park en route to Manyeleti. The drive can take up to five hours depending on the border crossing.
The great highlight of your stay in the privately own Rhino Walking Camp, located within Kruger, is the opportunity for full day or even multi-days walking safaris - a great way to enjoy the unrivalled diversity of wildlife roaming the biggest national park in Africa.
Accommodation: Rhino Plains Camp, 2-nights
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Day 13:
Drive to Johannesburg & depart
Today you head to Johannesburg International Airport, with some final opportunities to see wildlife as you drive through Kruger National Park. The drive will take you approximately six hours. Drop off your hire vehicle before checking in for an overnight flight back to the UK.
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Day 14:
Arrive UK
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