South Africa
KwaZulu Natal in Luxury
The province of KwaZulu Natal is a microcosm of South Africa, containing a snapshot of many of the country’s greatest attractions. Wildlife, yes, it has it in spades. Beaches? Absolutely. Mountains, wetlands, savannah, African markets, Zululand… it’s got them all. And now the province is much more easily accessible, with a new direct flight from London to Durban. This tour uses a selection of gorgeous boutique hotels so that you can explore during the day and retire in comfort at night.
Highlights
Journey into the Zulu Kingdom
Spot the Big Five on safari
Crocs & hippos in iSimangaliso
Kayaking on Lake Sibaya
Relax at Thonga Beach Lodge
Enjoy the famous Oyster Box Hotel
15 days from £3,250 pp
Plus international flights from £800
A two-week luxury holiday for a family of four usually costs from £13,000 plus flights
KwaZulu Natal in Luxury day-to-day itinerary
Day 1, Durban
When you arrive at the airport you will be transferred to your beautiful beach hotel. Located in an exceptional spot in the upmarket region of Salt Rock, about half an hour away from the international airport, this is the ideal place to start your adventure.
The remainder of the day is free to settle in.
Day 2, Durban & the Dolphin Coast
Today is free to relax on the lovely sandy beaches nearby or you may wish to explore further. The children will no doubt enjoy a visit to uShaka Marine World, home to a huge waterpark with endless pools and waterslides for all ages! Alternatively check out the Moses Mabhida Stadium, a striking landmark and tribute to the Soccer World Cup. From the heights of the SkyCar you can get an incredible panoramic view over the city and beaches beyond. If feeling adventurous you might want to try the ‘Stadium Swing’ – not for the faint-hearted!
Most families visiting South Africa do so on a self-drive basis, but if you would prefer not to self-drive we can arrange for you to have a driver instead.
Day 3, Durban – Mkuze
Leaving the coast behind, continue your journey to Mkuze, in Northern Zululand, where you will spend three nights. Dominated by the majestic Lebombo mountains and the shimmering waters of Lake Jozini, this is an area of stunning natural beauty with wildlife to match.
Your luxury lodge lies within the magnificent 24,000 hectare Manyoni Private Game Reserve, particularly famous for its population of black rhino. This afternoon you can either head out on a game drive or have some time to enjoy the pool and gardens.
Day 4, Manyoni Private Game Reserve
Rhino River Lodge is a family owned Big 5 safari lodge; the landscape here is beautiful and varied, with endless open plains that lead to dense riverine woodland and all set against a backdrop of mountains. Rise early for a morning brew and some freshly baked muffins before taking a dawn game drive. The wildlife is particularly active at this time of day and the game viewing is superb.
The middle of the day is free; there are many different places to relax at the lodge, and an enticing pool for a rejuvenating swim. Later in the afternoon, head out again on safari when again the animals start to be active. The sunsets in this area are frequently dramatic and spectacular so you will enjoy this before heading back for a three course dinner and camp fire.
Day 5, Mkuze and surroundings
Your base is in an ideal location from which to explore – should you want to – the very northern coastal reserves of Zululand and its “Elephant Coast”, including places such as Kosi Bay or Sodwana Bay. There is also the nearby Mkuze Game Reserve – the scenery here is stunning as the reserve is spread across the lower slopes of the Lebombo Mountains. Rolling acacia savannah is home to a multitude of plains game with giraffe and zebra ambling past endless antelope. Look out for sightings of large herds of elephant and families of lion prowling across the landscape.
Alternatively, you may just wish to relax and enjoy the beautiful immediate surroundings, which offer a wealth of activities for all the family. Activities on offer in the area include walking and bush safaris, a boat cruise on Lake Jozini, and kayaking, to name a few!
Read More Day 6, Mkuze – Thonga Beach Days 7-8, Thonga Beach The pristine beach stretches for miles in each direction and is perfect for lazy morning or sunset walks. Take a swim in the ocean, search for shells or play in the sand dunes. There is excellent snorkelling right from the beach and from November to February you may be lucky enough to see turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. If you would like a bit more action, you can take an early morning kayak on Lake Sibaya in search of crocodile or a guided walk through the coastal forest. Day 9, Thonga Beach – St Lucia Days 10-11, Makakatana You have two full days at the lodge. All meals and activities are included so you can choose from boat rides, snorkelling, swimming, fishing, bird watching and hiking trails. A cruise across Lake St. Lucia will be a particular highlight, the waters full of hippo. In the early morning you might see one of these huge beasts lumbering along the lake shore in the dawn light. On another day, dip your toes in the warm Indian Ocean at one of the most pristine coastlines in South Africa. If you are lucky, you might see a breaching whale or a pod of dolphins playing in the sea. Day 12, St Lucia – Durban & the Dolphin Coast This afternoon, if you can tear the kids away from the beach and the pool, head into Durban to breathe in the exotic aromas of the lively Indian markets, wander along the waterfront, or head into town for some last minute shopping. Days 13-14, Durban & the Dolphin Coast The glorious Dolphin Coast extends further northwards, the further you go the more tranquil … it’s not hard to find a fabulous beach and just relax! Your time here is free to explore independently. There are many activities in the area including dolphin viewing, horse riding, kayaking, surfing, deep sea fishing and of course just enjoying the beach. Day 15, Durban
Bidding goodbye to the Zulu Kingdom, your destination today is Thonga Beach, one of South Africa’s last unspoilt wilderness beaches. Staying in traditional thatched rooms looking straight out over the ocean, let the children run wild along the deserted shore.
Two blissful days to relax. No other place in South Africa can compete with the exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity of iSimangaliso, and your lodge is situated deep in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The park is not only home to lakes, swamp forests and wetland ecosystems, but also boasts 700-year-old fishing traditions and ancient vegetated coastal dunes – among the highest in the world.
After breakfast, depart your lodge and continue south to St Lucia. You have three nights in the remote Makakatana Lodge, right on the banks of Lake St Lucia. This small but quaint village is the ideal hub from to explore the nearby nature reserve. The reserve encompasses sweeping beaches, great fertile estuaries, mangrove forests and lakes. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or start exploring – perhaps head out on an afternoon safari activity in the wetland park.
Makakatana Bay Lodge is located in the southern iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. The Nature Reserve covers an area of sweeping beaches, great fertile estuaries, mangrove forests and lakes and is home to a wide selection of wildlife.
Time for a change of scenery today as you leave the secluded beaches and countryside behind and head to the multi-cultural and vibrant city of Durban & its nearby coastal towns. Your destination is the beautiful Oyster Box on the Indian Ocean Shore just north of Durban.
Both an important port and a laid-back surfing mecca, Durban blends unique and arty with a fast-paced commercial side too. The Art-deco, Indian and Colonial architecture bears evidence to the influences which have helped create this fascinating hub. Just to the north, the village of Umhlanga glistens in the sun, with gorgeous beaches, walkways, restaurants and shops.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
South Africa in pictures
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- Unparalleled family travel experience
- Specialist knowledge across six continents
- Hand-picked local partners
- Every holiday is tailor-made for you
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Protection
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