Zululand, Maputaland & Swaziland

This region of KwaZulu Natal has so much variety to offer visitors, and this trip shows you much of the best of the area, from the beaches to the wetlands and the wildlife reserves to the Zulu culture. It is easy to self-drive here, yet in the game reserves you still benefit from the local guides. Highly recommended from about April to October.

Trip information

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Included

Assistance at Durban airport, 13 days car hire, Santa Lucia boat cruise, 1 game activity daily at Hluhluwe, daily game drives at Tembe, accommodation and meals as specified.

Not included

Flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips, fuel & other car related costs.

Is it for you?

This is an easy trip, suitable for all.

Best time

This trip can be taken at any time of year. From October to March, KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Swaziland are hot and rainy. From April to September it is warm and dry.

Getting there

There are direct flights from UK to Johannesburg cost from about £500 plus taxes depending on the season.

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
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- Dec
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Cloudy
- Rain
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Rain

Min Temp

- 15
- 15
- 10
- 10
- 5
- 0
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Max Temp

- 35
- 33
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- 25
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St Lucia wetlands.
Zulu & Swaziland culture.
Great wildlife viewing.

Itinerary

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Duration: 13 days

Day 1: On arrival in Durban you will be met and assisted with collecting your hire car. Travel to St Lucia Wetland Park (about 2½ hours) and check in to the Avalone Guest House in St Lucia village for a 2 night stay. There are lots of activities here, such as game drives in the park, baot rides on the lake and other guided tours. (B)
Day 2: Another full day to explore St Lucia Wetland Park, South Africa's first World Heritage Site. This is also an excellent area for bird watching. Turtle tours and what watching (seasonal) are other possible activities. A Santa Lucia boat cruise is included in today's activities, too.(B)
Day 3: Depart St Lucia and drive towards Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve. You have a 2 night stay at Hilltop Camp. (B, D).
Day 4: Full day at Hluhluwe where available activities include self drive safaris, walking trails and night drives. This park is known for its rhinos, both black and white, and is a good place to see the 'Big 5'. You may also see cheetah and wild dog here. (B, D)
Day 5: Leave Hilltop Camp and head from the coast via Hluhluwe. Follow a dirt road signed 'Coastal Forest Reserve' and park at the Coastal Cashew Factory. You will be collected and transferred to Thonga Beach Lodge in one of their own vehicles. There are two transfers a day, at 12:00 and 15:00. You will stay here for 3 nights. (FB)
Days 6-7: Two days in which to explore this area. Your trip includes all standard lodge activities such as wilderness walks, swimming with dolphins, snorkelling, fishing, bird watching and turtle tracking. Alternatively, relax on the balcony of your own bush suite enjoying views of the sea or forest. (FB)
Days 8-10: After breakfast, travel north to Tembe Elephant Park on the Mozambique border. You are based here for 3 nights. Enjoy daily game drives, plus optional cultural tours to the nearby village, and we also recommend taking one day to visit Ndumo Game Reserve. (FB)
Day 11: Set off for Swaziland and the gorgeous Mkhaya Game Reserve. You will stay at Mkhaya Stone Cottages for 2 nights. (B,D)
Day 12: Full day at Mkhaya including game drives and guided walks. Animals you may see here are elephant, hippo, giraffe and zebra, however this reserve is best known for its black rhino. (FB)
Day 13: After breakfast, drive to Johannesburg (about 4 hours direct), perhaps taking in some of Swaziland'’s excellent craft markets on the way. (B)

Pricing guidelines for South Africa

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). South Africa combines well with Botswana, Mauritius and Mozambique.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week in the Western Cape (eg Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Cedarberg etc) using good guest houses & hotels, and with a hire car.Between £500 and £1000+
1 week safari based at private lodges or tented camps (for example in Kruger, Madikwe, Hluhluwe ...)Between £1000 and £3000+
2 week safari and beach holidayBetween £1800 and £3000+
2 week Kruger and Cape holidayBetween £1800 and £3000+

South Africa