7 Day Hluhluwe & Isimangaliso (St Lucia) Safari
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    7 Day Hluhluwe & Isimangaliso (St Lucia) Safari

    7 days· 6 nights· Based on 2 travellers
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    Duration7 days · 6 nights
    Based on2 travellers
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    This 7-day safari combines two of KwaZulu-Natal’s best wildlife areas: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park. In Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, there will be a focus on game drives and the chance to see rhino and other Big Five wildlife. You will then head to iSimangaliso, where the landscape changes to coastal wetlands, lakes and beaches. Here, you can enjoy game viewing as well as a boat trip on the estuary, with opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birdlife. The safari includes stays at two comfortable lodges, giving you a good mix of wildlife, scenery and time on the KwaZulu-Natal coast.

    Itinerary Outline

    DayLocationAccommodationBasis
    Day 1
    		Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant CoastRhino Ridge Safari LodgeFB
    Day 2
    		Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant CoastRhino Ridge Safari LodgeFB
    Day 3
    		Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant CoastRhino Ridge Safari LodgeFB
    Day 4
    		Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant CoastMakakatana Bay LodgeFI
    Day 5
    		Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant CoastMakakatana Bay LodgeFI
    Day 6
    		Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant CoastMakakatana Bay LodgeFI
    Day 7
    		Day of Departure——
    1
    2

    Day by Day

    Day 1 – Day 3· Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast, South AfricaFB
    Upon arrival at King Shaka International Airport (arrival flight not included in quotation), you will collect your rental car and drive approximately three hours north into the heart of Zululand. You will arrive at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge to spend 3 nights on a full board basis. This is the only private lodge within the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, world-renowned for its white rhino conservation. After settling into your room overlooking the hills, you will head out on your first afternoon game drive in search of the Big Five.
    South Africa

    Welcome to

    South Africa

    For a varied, diverse, exciting and fulfilling holiday, one would be hard pressed to find a country in Africa, or the world, which offers more. South Africa has it all, including wildlife, mountains, deserts, beaches, forests, numerous cultures, first world cities, untouched landscapes, casinos, amusement parks, exciting activities, excellent roads and infrastructure, off road 4 x 4 routes, fantastic food, good wine, great sports stadiums, incredible people and a triumphant history.

    About

    Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast

    Where the emerald pulse of the coastal forest meets the thunder of the Indian Ocean, the Elephant Coast unfolds as a sanctuary of raw, untamed elegance. This is a realm of dualities, where ancient dunes overlook sapphire lagoons and the legendary giants of the bush roam beneath a canopy of fever trees. Here, the sunrise illuminates a landscape of shifting sands and secret waterways, offering a wilderness experience that transcends the traditional safari, blending the quiet majesty of the savanna with the rhythmic pull of the deep blue sea. Days dissolve into a seamless flow of discovery, from tracking black rhino through thickets of golden grass to witnessing the primordial nesting rituals of leatherback turtles on starlit shores. Expect an intimate encounter with nature’s most profound wonders, where the air smells of salt and wild sage. Whether navigating the tranquil currents of the estuary or reclining amidst the shadows of the palms, you will find a profound sense of isolation, luxury, and timeless connection to the earth’s last remaining frontiers.

    Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast

    Your stay

    Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

    3 nights· Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast

    What sets Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge apart is a breathtaking combination of its expansive natural views and visionary architecture which strategically makes the most of its prime position overlooking a watering hole below the lodge and undulating hills typical of Zululand. Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is situated on land belonging to the local Mpembeni Community which has been incorporated into the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. This is a unique joint venture between the community, the park and a private company creating much needed employment and generating revenue for conservation via park fees and levies. The lodge features slick, contemporary design with natural finishes and boasts a deck that extends the entire length of the main lodge building, taking full advantage of the spectacular views. Whether you are looking for a quick weekend in the bush to recharge your batteries, a romantic honeymoon destination or an ideal spot for a family holiday Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge caters for everyone. We are ideally situated for guests travelling from Durban, Johannesburg or Swaziland. Consider combining your trip with our sister lodge Thonga Beach Lodge for a superb bush and beach experience or team up with some friends and add on a few days at one of the superb golf resorts on the North Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

    Day 4 – Day 6· Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast, South AfricaFI
    After a final morning activity and breakfast at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, you will depart the park and drive east towards the coast of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.. You will arrive at Makakatana Bay Lodge to spend 3 nights on a fully inclusive basis. This family-run lodge is the only privately owned lodge within the park, situated on the banks of Lake St Lucia. This afternoon, you can enjoy a game drive or simply soak in the atmosphere of this unique UNESCO World Heritage site.

    Your stay

    Makakatana Bay Lodge

    3 nights· Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast

    Makakatana Bay Lodge is set on the banks of Lake St Lucia within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, one of the few natural wonders left on earth. Where else in the world can you explore the magic and wonder of unspoiled beaches, vast wetlands, and roaming wildlife in a pristine game reserve and combine this with an unforgettable boat cruise on Africa's largest marine estuary? Our goal is to show off this unique wilderness gem, the perfect addition to a typical safari holiday. Join us for a bush and beach experience like no other, be it for a romantic weekend getaway or a memorable family holiday, Makakatana Bay Lodge is your ultimate game reserve and beach safari in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), South Africa, just a 2h30 drive from Durban's King Shaka International Airport.

    Day 7· Day of Departure
    Following a morning activity and breakfast, you will depart the wetlands and begin your journey back to the coast.  You will drive back to Durban in time to check in for your (departure flight on own arrangements). Please ensure you are at the airport 2 hours before departure for your check-in procedures.

    Make this journey yours

    Every safari we craft is tailored to you. Use this as a starting point and we'll shape it around your dates, group and preferences.