Zululand Explorer Safari | South Africa Safaris

Safari Itinerary

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 Game 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.

Kruger Family Friendly Lodges

Best Spas in the Kruger

Romantic Kruger Park Lodges

iSibindi Zulu Lodge

iSibindi Zulu Lodge is situated in a private game reserve in the ruggedly beautiful Zululand, the lodge is a peaceful bushveld retreat that offers a host of activities; from game viewing, Battlefields and Zulu cultural experiences.

Phinda Forest Lodge

The glass walls of Phinda Forest Lodge offer a sweeping view of one of the more unique ecosystems on the planet, 16 air-conditioned glass suites appear to float between the rare Sand Forest floor and the towering torchwood trees.

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Offering visitors an exceptional safari experience in one of South Africa's oldest and more famous Game Reserves, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the destination for all wanting to experience the very best of the Hluhluwe Game Reserve.

Fugitives Drift Guest House

It was here at Fugitives Drift Guest House that David and Nicky Rattray pioneered Heritage Tourism in South Africa and created an award-winning Guesthouse for visitors to savour the saga of South African and British history.

Thula Thula Safari Lodge

Thula Thula Safari Lodge is home to a diverse African wildlife population, including elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, leopard, giraffe, zebra, nyala, hyenas, crocodile, kudu, wildebeest and a variety of other indigenous species.

Fugitives Drift Lodge

Fugitives Drift with some of the finest guides in the industry offers excursions and talks on the world-renowned Natal battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, 8 luxury rooms overlook the Buffalo River and Isandlwana.