Zululand Explorer Safari
Safari Information
- Departure; Daily
- Duration; 7 Days / 6 Nights
- Lodging; Safari & Beach Lodges
- Group Size; Minimum 2
- Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
Immerse Yourself in the Ultimate 7-Day Safari and Beach Escape Across Zululand’s Hidden Gems
Discover the unparalleled beauty of Zululand with this meticulously crafted 7-day safari experience, blending thrilling wildlife encounters with serene beachside escapes. Starting from Durban, this unforgettable journey begins with a stop at the Veyane Zulu Cultural Village, where you’ll gain intimate insights into the vibrant contemporary traditions of the Zulu people. From there, venture to the enchanting Thula Thula Game Reserve, home to spectacular landscapes and diverse wildlife. Over the first two days, relish in exciting game drives, guided bush walks, and the tranquil allure of traditional bush dining. Optional tours, such as a St. Lucia estuary cruise or a visit to the Hluhluwe’s Centenary Centre, enhance this captivating introduction to the region.
Midway through the adventure, explore the unmatched biodiversity of the Phinda Private Game Reserve. Nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Greater Saint Lucia Wetland Park, Phinda offers an abundance of habitats teeming with fascinating wildlife. Here, you’ll have the chance to encounter majestic lions, elusive rhinos, and even marine giants like whale sharks. From canoeing along the Mzinene River to scuba safaris and interpretative bush walks, every moment at Phinda Forest Lodge is designed to create lasting memories of South Africa’s natural wonders.
Conclude this extraordinary expedition with two nights at the secluded Thonga Beach Lodge, set along one of the most stunning coastlines in all of South Africa. Hidden within coastal forests and bordered by golden beaches, this retreat offers a chance to truly unwind. Enjoy activities like bird watching, forest trails, and ocean adventures, from snorkeling to deep-sea fishing. As the waves roll onto untouched shores, your Zululand safari ends on a high note, leaving you refreshed, enriched, and eager for your next African adventure.
Days 1-2: Thula Thula Game Reserve
- Departing Durban in your chosen vehicle, head North in the direction of the famed Zululand.
- En-route take the opportunity to stop off at the Veyane Zulu Cultural Village where the opportunity to learn more about the contemporary way of life of the local Zulu people.
- Within 2 hours drive from Durban, one arrives at Thula Thula Game Reserve bordering the South section of the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve.
- A late afternoon game drive awaits.
- On day two you have the choice of game drives, bush walks and bush dining as well as a few of the options below.
- Numerous day and half day tours available (optional);
- Veyane Zulu Cultural Village
- St Lucia Estuary
- Hluhluwe's Centenary Centre
- Traditional Zulu dancing
- St Lucia boat cruise
- Accommodation: Thula Thula Safari Lodge
Days 3-4: Phinda Private Game Reserve
- After your breakfast, depart for the Phinda Private Game Reserve in the Zululand Region Of KwaZulu Natal.
- Estimated travelling time from Thula Thula to Phinda: ± 3 hours (travelling at a leisurely pace).
- Check into Phinda Forest Lodge and should time allow, depart on a late afternoon game drive.
- Face-to-face with lions and rhino, up close to a whale shark or battling sailfish, that's the Phinda experience, one of the most exciting safari destinations in Africa.
- Located between the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and the lush waterways of the World Heritage Greater Saint Lucia Wetland Park, Phinda's 17 500 hectares span seven unique habitats.
- Numerous day and half day tours available (optional);
- Mzinene River canoeing
- Twice daily game drives
- Interpretive bush walks
- Mzinene River boat cruise
- Deep Sea Fishing (optional)
- Flight of the Fish Eagle(optional)
- Scuba safaris(optional)
- Zulu Cultural Tour (optional)
- Accommodation: Phinda Forest Lodge
Days 5-6: Zululand Coast/ Mabibi
- After your morning breakfast, depart for the Phinda Game Reserve in the direction of Zululand's famed coastline.
- Estimated travelling time from Phinda to Mabibi: ± 2 hours (travelling at a leisurely pace).
- The secluded Thonga Beach Lodge is situated within the coastal forest just behind the forested dunes that occur along Maputaland's coastline.
- The warm Indian Ocean lies just beyond the dunes and on one of the most incredible beaches in all of South Africa.
- With nearly 40 kilometres of unspoilt, pristine coastline, where the waves meet endless stretches of beach, it is possible to walk for hours without meeting another soul or seeing a building.
- Thonga Beach offers comfortable accommodation that is ideal for people who want to truly relax and unwind on one of the best coastlines anywhere in the world.
- Numerous day and half day tours available (optional);
- The beach
- Forest trails
- Bird watching - coastal forest and grasslands
- Surf/rock fishing (no tackle provided)
- Swimming (at own risk as there are no lifeguards)
- Scuba diving (optional)
- Excursions to Black Rock (optional)
- Sangoma visits (optional)
- Zulu dancing (optional)
- Horse riding (optional)
- Accommodation: Thonga Beach Lodge
Day 7: Safari Ends
- After your activities and breakfast, depart for Durban ± 5 to 6 hours (travelling at a leisurely pace).
Add-ons
- Add a few nights in the Natal Battlefields and / or Drakensberg.
This Safari is Tailor-made Rates On request
- Zululand Explorer Safari Rates
- Per person sharing
- Rates are in South African Rands
- *Rates may vary according to season
- Accommodation based on budget
- Vehicle-based on budget
- Meals as stated
- Activities as stated
- Local and International Flights
- Visas
- Insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
- Activities not included in above itinerary
- Fuel costs
- Car Hire Insurance
Book Your South Africa Safari Now
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