Zulu Coast To Captivating Kruger

Welcome to Durban, a city of many faceted cultures, exquisite beaches and seaside weather. We meet you off your flight into King Shaka International Airport and you are transferred to your hotel, set on the bustling Umhlanga Rocks promenade ‘the Golden Mile’. We’ve organized an afternoon orientation city tour of Durban leaving at 14h00. Visit the revitalised ‘Golden Mile’ and then enjoy a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the City and surrounds on our Moses Mabhida football Stadium Sky Car… our world will be your oyster! As the sun sets, return to Umhlanga Rocks where a selection of fine dining options abound.

Accommodation: The Oyster Box or similar

Distance travelled today: 120 kms

After breakfast head north to the tiny village of St Lucia in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site and one of South Africa’s wilderness treasures. A cruise on the St Lucia Estuary affords us wonderful photographic opportunities as we may encounter large pods of hippos, the occasional Nile crocodile and prolific birdlife. After lunch (own account) arrive at our luxury lodge located in the first private concession within Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve that is Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. In the late afternoon, indulge in a delicious high tea and enjoy an evening game drive within the heart of Big 5 territory. After winding down with Sundowners, we marvel at the spectacular sunsets and continue on our search for elusive nocturnal creatures.

Accommodation: Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge or similar

Distance travelled today: 475 kms

An early start with a cup of fresh coffee or tea, rusks & muffins after which we set out set out on early morning safari on the private concession. As the lodge has unlimited access to the greater Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (home of white rhino conservation) we enjoy the delightful scenery and excellent safari opportunity. After a sumptuous late breakfast we set our sights north and cross the border into tiny Kingdom of Swaziland, a former British Protection Territory, now ruled by King MsWati III. Arrive in the afternoon at our luxury lodge set in a beautiful, secure estate with stunning views of the Royal Mdzimba Mountains

Accommodation: The Royal Villas or similar

Distance Travelled today: 320kms

After breakfast we visit an authentic chief’s village to gain an insight into the fascinating traditional Swazi culture and the residents invite us to participate in their cultural practices. Cross the border back into South Africa for an early afternoon arrival at our boutique hotel in the lush Sabie River valley. A decadent table d'hôte dinner complements and completes the day.

Accommodation: Lone Creek River Lodge - River Suites or similar

Distance Travelled Today: 330kms

Today we traverse the glorious Panorama route taking in the spectacular God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and 3 Rondawels at Blyde River Canyon. Our safari adventure continues at Kapama Private Game Reserve described as an African Eden. The reserve is a slice of wilderness paradise far from the madding crowd; a place of renewal and reconnection with the natural world. After checking into your indulgent suite, you depart on your first open vehicle safari accompanied by a skilled ranger and tracker. You can expect to encounter a diverse range of animal and bird species on game drives. Since Kapama Private Game Reserve is a Big Five reserve, seeing lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo is possible over a two-day safari in the reserve.

Accommodation: Kapama River Lodge or similar

Distance Travelled Today: 280kms

Your day starts with an early wake-up call and you head out at first light on your morning safari. While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are also captivating, and birding enthusiasts will be delighted at the approximately 350 species of birds recorded on the reserve. You return to the lodge for a few hours of relaxation. You may indulge in a decadent African spa treatment or you could choose to meet and interact with Kapama’s 16 habituated elephants (own account). At around 15h00, everyone gathers for high tea, before heading out for the afternoon game drive through the reserve. As darkness falls, the nocturnal animals of the bush come out. A variety of completely different species can be seen on the night drive back to the lodge.

Accommodation: Kapama River Lodge or similar

Distance Travelled Today: 90kms

Perhaps this morning instead of joining your morning open vehicle safari you choose to end your safari experience with hot air balloon flight or an elephant back safari (own account). After a final delectable brunch you are transferred to nearby Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport for your flight to Johannesburg.