Roam among the exquisite wildlife of Africa at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. The reserve, established in 1895, is the oldest in South Africa and provides a rare opportunity to see the Big Five of Africa: lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros, on a single safari. Afterwards, experience Zulu culture unaffected by modernization at DumaZulu Cultural Village.
Start the journey by heading north from Durban to KwaZulu-Natal. After almost three-hours’ drive, you’ll arrive at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. On this closed vehicle tour, your experienced guide will show you around a section of the 98,000 hectares of the park in search of diverse wildlife and Africa’s Big Five. The reserve's hilly topography is home to immensely diverse flora and fauna.
The Hluhluwe Game Reserve in the north and the Imfolozi Game Reserve in the south were joined to create the largest reserve in KwaZulu Natal. The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Reserve is noted for its white rhino conservation. Their Centenary Capture Centre is celebrated for its exceptional research in animal capture, rehabilitation and release as well their approach to sustainable ecotourism in South Africa.
You’ll stop for lunch at Hilltop Camp (at your own expense) giving you time to refuel and relax. The restaurant is situated on top of a hill and gives visitors the chance to enjoy the surrounding scenery. After lunch complete your safari and head to DumaZulu Cultural Village.
DumaZulu Cultural Village is located near the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve in the heart of Zululand. Translated to “Thundering Zulu,” DumaZulu is South Africa’s largest Zulu cultural village with over 50 Zulu locals who living and working in the area.
The village depicts Zulu culture before modernization and is considered a living museum. The village is laid out in the tradition Zulu design of beehive huts arranged in a circle around a cattle kraal. You’ll be welcomed to the village by a local DumaZulu tour guide who’ll explain and share interesting traditions and customs of the Zulu people.
You can observe the traditional basket-weaving, spear- and shield-making techniques from the locals as well as watch traditional bone-throwing and Zulu dancing and singing performances.
National parks
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Book this guided trip and spend an amazing 5 days in and around Mkambati Natural Reserve. Explore one of the most pristine places on the South African coastline and uncover its mystique. Discover some of the secrets of the Wild Coast while Hiking along the beach past the Mzamba Fossils. Learn more about the rural Pondo communities.
Start your South African adventure from Wild Coast Sun, a popular resort in Port Edward, where you will meet both your guide and group members. Hike along a 14km coastal stretch to reach the Nyameni River. See Strandlooper and Mkambati falls. Enjoy a cultural tour to a traditional Xhosa village and get the chance to learn more about this community. Take a boat trip to the stunning Mtentu Estuary and visit Mkambati's best kept secret, Swallow Tail Falls.
See innumerable waterfalls, take refreshing dips in natural pools, and relax on the beach during this hike. Enjoy our full-board service except on the first and the last day of the hike. You will be driven back to Wild Coast Sun after the trip is over.
Trekking and HikingBeach
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Lodge, Eco Lodge, Resort
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Durban, Port Edward, Mkambati Na
Durban, Port Edward, Mkambati Nature Reserve, Xhosa Village, Wild Coast Sun
When one thinks of African wildlife, the image of the expansive savanna plains come to mind. On this guided day tour, experience the massive biodiversity of the continent through a different vantage point: St. Lucia coastline. Afterwards, experience Zulu culture unaffected by modernization at DumaZulu Cultural Village.
The tour departs from Durban along the coast to northern KwaZulu-Natal. The first stop is the small town of St Lucia inside the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. There you will board a river boat for a two-hour guided tour of the estuary. A local guide will inform you of the park's history and inform you about its incredible wildlife whilst cruising along the estuary on a boat safari.
The iSimangaliso Wetlands Park was declared South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site in 1999. Previously known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, the UNESCO site dates back over 120 years. Established in 1895 the reserve is considered South Africa's third largest park with its unique ecosystem spanning over 280 km of near pristine coastline and 328,000 hectares of expansive land. The protected area is home to one of the largest population of hippopotami in South Africa and an estimated 1,000 crocodiles.
iSimagaliso has a wealth of plant, bird and animal life, including lions, zebras, African elephants, leopards, giraffes, white rhinos and fish eagles. Then head to DumaZulu Cultural Village.
DumaZulu Cultural Village is located near the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve in the heart of Zululand. Translated to “Thundering Zulu,” DumaZulu is South Africa’s largest Zulu cultural village with over 50 Zulu locals who living and working in the area.
The village depicts Zulu culture before modernization and is considered a living museum. The village is laid out in the tradition Zulu design of beehive huts arranged in a circle around a cattle kraal. You’ll be welcomed to the village by a local DumaZulu tour guide who’ll explain and share interesting traditions and customs of the Zulu people.
You can observe the traditional basket-weaving, spear- and shield-making techniques from the locals as well as watch traditional bone-throwing and Zulu dancing and singing performances.
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
First solo trip for me, but the tour group staff (and guests for that matter) were excellent - the travelling times whilst long, were well worth it - our tour guide Tshepo and driver Cosmas made the trip effortless with good organisation, clear communication and always timely starts/finishes - the information provided at each location, picture opportunities given, fun activities, good food and basically everything else, made this my favourite trip to date - will defo be doing another Africa tour with the tour operator
National parks
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Sleeper Bus, Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Johannesburg, Durban, Kruger Nat
Johannesburg, Durban, Kruger National Park, Hlane Royal National Park, Mozambique Beach Camp, St Lucia Estuary, Zululand
Your tour will be instantly confirmed when you book.
Embark on an action-packed adventure through some of the most stunning scenery in southern Africa. In 22 days, head from Johannesburg to Cape Town on the spectacular coastal route, with plenty of epic stops along the way. Track down elusive wildlife on game drives in Kruger National Park, relax on golden beaches, meeting local Xhosa communities in Cintsa and mix it up with two fun-filled nights in Cape Town. From the savanna of Kruger and the lush wetlands of the St Lucia Estuary to the dramatic ocean vistas and fertile vineyards along the Wild Coast, see the best of southern Africa's blessed natural beauty, joined by a local leader with all the best advice and a group of likeminded adventurers keen to explore.
Road tripWildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Lodge, Sleeper Bus, Hut
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Drakens
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Drakensberg, Lesotho Highlands, Cintsa, Addo Elephant National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, Kruger National Park, Swellendam, Hermanus, Hlane Royal National Park, Mozambique Beach Camp, St Lucia Estuary, Zululand, Durban