11 Day Zululand & Elephant Coast Adventure

Day notes

On arrival at King Shaka Airport, Durban, be welcomed by your guide. We begin out journey right from the airport, travelling the 3 or so hours up to iMfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Reserve, one of the oldest in Africa.

On arrival in the early afternoon, enjoy a short game drive to camp. Arrive at Mpila camp, set on a hilltop overlooking incredible wilderness; verdant valleys, mixed woodland, and meandering rivers. One can sit and relax from the comfort of their accommodation watching wildlife.

Enjoy dinner this evening traditional style, around the fire with a braai (barbecue).

(It is possible to add an extra night to sleep over in Durban before starting your journey, especially if the international flights are long. Please contact us to arrange pre-tour accommodation).

Day notes

We enjoy an early morning safari (optional) searching for wildlife, before returning to camp for a hearty breakfast. We pack up our things and prepare for the wilderness trail, leaving camp at 12h00. (It is possible to give water bottles and luggage to the guides the night before, who will porter your belongings to camp via donkey this morning, so you don't have to carry the weight).

We head out on foot to our camp for the next 2 nights; within the iMfolozi Wilderness area, devoid of any infrastructure and 30 000ha of wild bush. On trail with two experienced guides that lead us in search of wildlife sightings and who cater and prepare everything around the campsite. We camp under the stars, experiencing wilderness as it has been for thousands of years. All camp provisions provided.

During your full day, wake up at leisure and enjoy cooked breakfast. During the day we wander the wilderness searching for wildlife, led by your experienced guides. Return to camp in the afternoon.

Day notes

We next travel further into Zululand, a short distance to another old game reserve, Mkhuze. Well known as a birders paradise, we are based here for 2 nights. Encompassing a range of bush types, and a mighty fresh-water pan (or lake) that brings a variety of birdlife and animals to it, especially in the dry season, we enjoy several game drives searching for wildlife, and enjoy spending time at several picturesque and strategically-placed hides (blinds). We also explore the ancient Fig Tree Forest, an excellent location to see special birds and wonder these century old giants.

Stay in luxury tents, enjoying all meals and relaxing in this quiet wilderness, with comforts like a swimming pool and lovely walk-able routes in camp.

Day notes

From Mkhuze we travel further into the bush for another three nights at one of South Africa's last remaining true wildernesses. Here, at Tembe Elephant Park, we find one of the last remaining populations of great Elephant tuskers and other fascinating wildlife. This community-owned Park is also a fantastic cultural experience too.

Revel in the luxury of 3 meals a day, tented camps, fire-side entertainment, and beautiful sub-tropical wilderness.

We enjoy morning and sunset safaris, relaxing during the heat of the day at camp, with a bar, swimming pool, lounge and comfortable, private tents.

From here we travel over to the coast for a full day, in this remote area of KwaZulu Natal, visiting Kosi Bay. A series of lakes eventually leads out through an estuary into the Indian Ocean. We are able to spend a a full day exploring the beach and many of the fascinating places and activities on offer. From the 700-year old fishing tradition, to snorkeling and exploring the wonderful estuary mouth.

Day notes

Leaving the northern parts of KwaZulu Natal, we head back down south towards Durban. We end this fascinating trip with a leisure stay at St Lucia; a wild seaside town bordering the isiMangaliso Wetland Park. A diversity of wild areas, from estuaries, to lakes, from rivers to coastal forest, this wonderland protects habitat and species like hippos, crocs, vultures, otehr wetland birdlife, fishes, turtles and more!

Spend 2 nights here, enjoying fine dining in town for dinner (at own expense), and decide on a range of activities in the area during the day. Included will be a hippo croc cruise one day, but there are night drives, whale watching, fishing charters, snorkeling, scuba diving and more!

Day notes

On the final day, enjoy a relaxed morning and breakfast.

We pack up and transfer south to Durban today. Depending on your timing, either head straight to the airport, or we stop on the way at a cultural Zulu village, show-casing this proud nation's culture and history in the traditional style; enjoy the deep culture showcased, with local architecture, exuberant dancing, and food.

End your trip at King Shaka International Airport for flights home or own itinerary.