The tour departs from Durban, heading north along the coast to northern KwaZulu-Natal. The first stop is the town of St Lucia and the estuary inside the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. There you will board a riverboat for a 2-hour guided tour of the estuary. The local guide will inform you of the reserve's history and its incredible wildlife.
After lunch, you will continue with your safari before leaving the park on route to Emdoneni Wild Cat Sanctuary. During the guided tour to the cat project, visitors can get up close and personal with some of South Africa's endangered cat species; caracal, serval, cheetah and the African wildcat. This once in a lifetime opportunity can be enjoyed whilst being educated on a tour. This activity is very popular!
After the tour we start the two hours journey back to Durban for drop off.
Previously known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, iSimangaliso Wetlands Park was declared South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site (UNESCO) and is considered South Africa's third largest park with 280km of near pristine coastline and 328 000 hectares of magnificent scenery. The protected area is home to one of the largest population of hippopotami in SA, an estimated 1000 crocodiles as well as a wealth of plant, bird and animal life. The park was proclaimed a world heritage site because of the rich biodiversity, unique ecosystems and natural beauty occurring in a relatively small area. Animals occurring in the park include lion, African elephant, leopard, black and southern white rhino, buffalo and in the ocean, whales, dolphins, and marine turtles including the leatherback and loggerhead turtle.
Emdoneni Cat Project offers a guided tour of South Africa's endangered wild cat species. The aim of the Emdoneni Cat Project is to care for cheetahs, serval cats, African wildcats and caracal (lynx), which have been orphaned or injured in the wild and need care and rehabilitation.
Enjoy a uniquely Zulu experience with a visit to a traditional Zulu oracle, diviner and herbalist.
An inyanga or a sangoma is a traditional medicine practitioner or shaman of the Zulu people in South Africa. They can communicate with your ancestors, work with plant-based medicines and use the power of prayer for healing.
While most practice all three forms, you will find others that work solely with one or any combination of these methods. Their training varies depending on family lineage and land location. However, what they all have in common is a calling to serve their families, their communities and the Earth.
The inyanga/sangoma stay in the picturesque area of Molweni. There you will have the opportunity to consult with a local inyanga/sangoma in a traditional Zulu experience. The consultation lasts about 45 minutes with the use of traditional methods like bone-throwing to connect with ancestors and convey the information he receives.
Spiritual or religious tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Pick up at the quayside in the Port Elizabeth harbour and depart for the Addo Elephant National Park, approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the harbour to the entrance. After check in and a comfort break we immediately start the days game viewing experience.
The park is home to more than 600 free roaming Elephants and a wide variety of wildlife such as Zebra, Warthog, Ostrich, the elegant Kudu and many more including the traditional BIG 5, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard, Rhino and of course the Elephants.
Making our way through the park from south to north we stop for a light lunch at the parks restaurant before once again heading south, game viewing along the way in this world class facility before returning to the Port Elizabeth harbour and drop off at the quayside.
Experience and learn more about the wildlife of South Africa on this day trip to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve and the Emdoneni Cat Project.
The tour departs from Durban heading north up the coast to northern KwaZulu-Natal. You will arrive at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi gate 2.5 hours after departing from Durban. Your experienced guide will take you on safari and show you around the park in search of the diverse wildlife and the Big 5.
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is set in the heart of Zululand where Africa’s Big 5 (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros) roam the flourishing savannah. Established in 1895 this is the oldest park in South Africa and encompasses over 98 000 hectares of the beautiful African landscape. This tour is in a closed vehicle. The Park contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is characterized by hilly topography. The list of animals in the park is long and varied.
Your guide will stop for lunch at Hilltop Camp (lunch at your own expense) giving you time to refuel and relax. The restaurant is situated at the top of the hill and gives visitors the chance to enjoy the scenery of the camp and surrounding areas. After lunch, you will continue with your safari before leaving the park for Emdoneni Wild Cat Sanctuary.
At Emdoneni Cat Project, you will have a guided tour about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species. The aim of the project is to care for the various wild cat species which have been orphaned or injured in the wild and need care and rehabilitation. Emdoneni’s guided tour offers visitors a unique and exciting opportunity to literally get up close and personal with their magnificent cat species. There are four species of wild cats at Emdoneni; African wildcat, caracal, cheetah and serval. This once in a lifetime opportunity can be enjoyed whilst being educated on a tour. This activity is very popular!
After the tour, we start the two-hour journey back to Durban and will drop you off.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Join us on this half-day trip and embark on a scenic, guided tour of Durban and eThekwini municipality and learn about the diverse culture and history of this place during a visit to its various landmarks. We will pick you up from your hotel or accommodation in or around Durban (in case your accommodation falls within ten kilometres radius from Durban city centre) and take you to the Victoria Street Market, where you will get the chance to shop for African accessories, clothing and souvenirs.
Next to the Victoria Street Market is the Zulu Medicine Market where your guide will take you on an informative tour of Inyanga (Doctors) Lane. The marketplace is a unique place where Zulu culture has survived in the modern urban environment.
Moses Mabhida Stadium is next on the itienrary. This landmark has become a defining feature of the Durban skyline. It has a high-rise platform on top of its arch which is accessible by an elevator called the Sky Car for an additional fee (not included in the tour price). Your tour guide will show you around the exterior of the stadium and explain its history, use and significance. You will be given time to go to the sky platform if you want to.
Next, visit uShaka Marine World’s Village Walk, located along the famous Golden Mile Beachfront on Durban’s OR Tambo Parade. uShaka is home to Durban’s most unique shopping experience, a shopper’s paradise in an open-air environment that offers guests a world of entertainment, fun, shopping and dining.
The tour includes a stop at Durban's beautiful botanical garden, the oldest such garden in Africa, established in 1849. Your guide will show you some of the interesting and beautiful features of the gardens and give you extra time to explore the area on your own.
Head for the KwaMuhle Museum now. This museum was once the headquarters of Durban’s Native Administration Department and the centre of Durban’s harsh system of labour control. It has now been transformed into an apartheid museum that seeks to reflect Durban’s urban growth and the history of its residents. It also houses a very interesting HIV/Aids exhibition that educates the public on the situation of the disease in South Africa.
The other landmarks you will see during this tour are city hall, Durban Harbour and the Shiva statue at the Umgeni Hindu Temple. We will drive you back to your accommodation after the tour is over.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
This tour takes you into the Northern part of KwaZulu Natal where you will visit the famous battle sites of Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift and Fugitives Drift.
Anglo Zulu Wars took place at these sites on 22 January 1979. There you will see the graves of some of those who fought in the war. You will also see two of the most famous battles between the Zulu Impi's and British armies.
During the tour you will have the opportunity to see some of the most spectacular scenery in KwaZulu Natal.
The tour includes transport, tour guide, all entry fees and it excludes food and drinks.
We will pick you up at 6:30am from Durban, and drop you off after we complete the tour.
This extraordinary eleven-day journey through Southern Africa offers a captivating blend of wildlife encounters, ancient history, and dramatic landscapes. Designed for an intimate experience, this small-group tour, with a maximum of 12 participants, ensures a personalised adventure from start to finish. Beginning at the majestic Victoria Falls, the itinerary quickly delves into the heart of Zimbabwe's premier wildlife reserves. Days are filled with thrilling game drives in Hwange National Park, home to vast elephant herds and diverse species, complemented by an insightful visit to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre, highlighting vital conservation efforts. The tour then shifts to the mystical Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique granite formations, ancient San rock art, and the chance to track rhinos on foot, offering a truly unique perspective on the wild.
The historical thread continues with a visit to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, an ancient capital showcasing remarkable dry-stone architecture and a rich past. As the journey progresses south, the landscape transforms, leading to the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area. Here, travellers explore the Kaoxa Rock Art Shelter, witnessing millennia-old human expression, before embarking on a guided tracking experience in Mapesu Private Game Reserve, learning to read the subtle signs of the wild. The small group size enhances these experiences, allowing for more in-depth interaction with guides and a greater sense of immersion.
The final leg of the trip plunges into the renowned South African wilderness, with multiple safari experiences in and around Kruger National Park, including full-day drives and sunset excursions aimed at spotting the iconic Big Five. The intimate nature of a small group means more flexibility and better viewing opportunities on these drives. Interspersed with the wildlife adventures is a breathtaking drive along the Panorama Route, revealing stunning vistas, deep canyons, and cascading waterfalls. The tour concludes in Johannesburg, ensuring guests leave with a profound collection of memories, from close encounters with Africa's magnificent wildlife to a deep appreciation for the region's rich history and diverse natural beauty, all shared within the camaraderie of a small group
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Eco Lodge, Resort
Age Range
8-85 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kalahari, Hwange N
Johannesburg, Kalahari, Hwange National Park, Ghanzi, Maun, Okavango Delta, Moremi, Nata, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Cape Town
This full-day tour is sure to leave you breathless. Head to the fishing town of Gansbaai and learn all about Great White Sharks from some of the foremost experts on shark cage diving in this region. Take in your surroundings, marvel at the sharks, and opt to get face-to-face with these incredible animals during your tour.
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
Join us on this tour to the breath-taking Lake Eland, situated at KwaZulu Natal's Oribi Gorge. It is as famous for its scenery as it is for its wilderness. If you’re in KwaZulu-Natal and you are only craving for adventure and beautiful scenery, this is the place to be.
Our first stop is the Leopard's Rock which is set on a rocky incline with sweeping views over the majestic Mzimkhulu River Gorge. Afterward, visit the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve which is a wonderfully scenic area that offers excellent hiking opportunities and serves as every photographer's paradise. High sandstone cliffs dominate this 24 km long gorge that was carved out by the Umzimkulwana River. Leopards, baboons, antelope and birds, including five species of kingfisher and seven species of eagles, inhabit the reserve.
Take on the Wild Swing which is one of the most popular big swings in South Africa and the highest in the world. Take a heart-stopping leap from the top of a waterfall and swinging more than 100 meters to the gorge below.
Take a walk on the suspension bridge which is a spectacular opportunity to be suspended between heaven and Earth, as you hover 100m above the Gorge floor, enjoying views of Lehr’s Waterfall, Baboon’s Castle and Wild Swing.
The presence of professional instructors make sure the highest safety standards are adhered to. The tour includes all safety equipment including full-body harnesses. The activities are nor included in the tour and are done at your own expenses. T
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Are you interested in local African culture? This one-day popular tour is a culture tour dedicated to the culture and customs of the Zulu people. With pick up and drop off in Durban, this tour couldn’t be easier!
The tour’s first stop is the King Shaka Memorial. Here, you can enjoy a short presentation about King Shaka Zulu.
The next stop is Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village, the main attraction. Here, you will find the king’s royal homestead, which was built for the movie Shaka Zulu in the 1980’s. It is a life-sized replica of Shaka’s home, which now serves as a living museum for tourists and schools. The two-hour guided tour gives visitors an insight into Zulu Culture before colonisation and modernization. This includes an opportunity to taste authentic Zulu beer and culminates with a show of spectacular Zulu dancing.
We then travel to Dlinza Forest for a scenic, easy walk along the raised boardwalks that make their way through the beautiful reserve. The reserve is home to small duiker, monkeys and a wide variety of bird life. Keep your eyes peeled and you might spot something!
Local culture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Explore the history of KwaZulu-Natal, the distant and the recent, on this guided tour. Learn about the struggles during and the triumphs over the apartheid as well as get a glimpse of Zulu culture before the dawn of the 20th century. End the day with a thrilling visit to a reptile park.
The tour departs from Durban for the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. Your guide will give you a short tour of the city, including Mahatma Gandhi’s statue by Pietermaritzburg City Hall.
Next stop will be the small town of Howick to visit its waterfall. KwaNogqaza or Howick Falls is approximately 95 metres in height and lies on the Umgeni River. The local Zulu people named it the “Home of the Tall” referring to its height. Next to the fall lies a quaint old section of Howick that houses a number of historical museums and antique stores.
Next, head to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and Apartheid Museum. The Capture Site boasts a large sculpture of Nelson Mandela made up of multiple steel columns. Tourists at the Capture Site are required to stand 35 meters away the steel columns to clearly see the large bust of Nelson Mandela in focus. Facing west the impressive sculpture is a unique monument for the local Howick community. The Apartheid Museum is dedicated to Nelson Mandela’s life and his struggle against the Apartheid government.
Next is the "Valley of 1,000 Hills" to experience traditional Zulu culture at PheZulu Cultural Village and visit the Reptile Park. Visitors are taken into a traditional Zulu sibaya or homestead to experience traditional Zulu life before modernization. Inside a traditional Zulu homestead there are thatched huts placed in a circular position, with the cattle placed in the centre as a form of protection. At PheZulu homesteads the thatched huts are surrounding the auditorium which faces the beautiful valley.
The local PheZulu guide will take you on a guided tour of the PheZulu sibaya and explain the Zulu cultural practices to gain insight into Zulu traditions during the 1800’s. The local Zulu dancing show serves both educational and entertainment purpose as local performers sing and dance to beautiful traditional Zulu songs with complete Zulu attire.
PheZulu also has the Reptile Park. The local guides are very knowledgeable and eager to take you around the park and share interesting facts about the animals in the park. PheZulu Reptile Park has diverse reptilian wildlife on site, including crocodiles, alligators, snakes, tortoises and iguanas. The guides will let you touch or hold some of the animals, including a small crocodile and the giant Burmese python, just long enough to take a photo.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The tour starts at 06:30 am when we pick you up from Durban to take you to Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal.
Here you will have the opportunity to see the Mahatma Ghandi statue. After passing Pietermaritzburg you can choose between two places that we visit.
The first option is visiting Giant's Castle Nature Reserve which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in which you will embark on a 40 minute walk to the main caves which has exhibits of San Rock Art.
The second option includes the Bushman Pock paintings found in Kamberg, situated on the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains. This optional tour is more strenuous than the Giant's Castle as you will embark on a 90 minute walk to the site and a 90 minute walk back.
The tour ends with a drive through the Midlands Meander where you will be able to enjoy and purchase a variety of products grown or manufactured by local farmers, a stop at the Mandela Capture Site Monument and finally ending at the Howick Falls before returning back to Durban.
Carla FerreiraTravel Expert in Mauritius & South Africa
Stephanie LouwTravel Expert in Namibia & South Africa
