Babanango & Phinda Safari

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Discover two of the most extraordinary private game reserves that northern KwaZulu-Natal has to offer. Babanango is located in the temperate Highveld, with peaks reaching over 1,400 meters. In addition to classic wildlife viewing—including the Big Five—there are over 450 cultural and historical sites dating back to South Africa’s indigenous peoples to explore. Phinda is situated in the subtropical Lowveld, in an evergreen haven near the Indian Ocean. The wildlife viewing opportunities here are among the best in the entire country.

This module is in English and can be started daily. Individual changes such as the number of overnight stays, alternative accommodation or additional activities are possible. The tour can be started from/to Cape Town or Johannesburg for an additional charge. This tour can also be combined with other of our modules by adding domestic flights or land transfers. We will be happy to provide you with a personalized offer.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 2x Ulundi
• 2x Hluhluwe

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 4x overnight stay in the Deluxe category *****
• 4x breakfast, 4x lunch, 4x dinner
• private transfers according to program
• four game drives in the Babanango Game Reserve
• four game drives in the Phinda Game Reserve
• Travel documents according to the booked tour itinerary
• Local offices with 24-hour hotline (German/English)
• Travel insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Meals not mentioned
• not mentioned or optional activities
• Flight performance
• Entrance fees and conservation fees not mentioned
• other personal expenses, tips
• personal travel insurance
• Continuous tour guide

DAY 1: DURBAN

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO ULUNDI

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 1 TO DAY 3:

ULUNDI

Your destination is the approximately 20,000ha Babanango Private Game Reserve near Ulundi in the Highveld of the northern KwaZulu-Natal. The mountainous reserve with peaks of up to 1400m is malaria-free and is home to the Big Five as well as many other African wild animals. Over 450 cultural and historical sites dating back to the South African aborigines have been identified to date. In addition to classic game viewing, visitors also learn a lot about the history, nature and geology of the region. Babanango is a community project in which the surrounding local communities are involved.

The exclusive Madwaleni River Lodge is located in a secluded valley within the reserve, directly on the White Imfolozi River. The twelve opulent, freestanding tented suites feature a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, a lounge area, and an outdoor deck with seating, a private plunge pool, and stunning views. The Family Tent consists of two connected tented suites. The Romance Tent is set back from the other tents and also offers an outdoor shower and outdoor bathtub. The lodge offers a viewing deck, a bar, a restaurant, a gym, a library, an infinity pool, a boma (traditional dining area around a campfire), and free Wi-Fi.

For each overnight stay you take part in two guided game drives in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast.

BABANANGO GAME RESERVE MADWALENI RIVER LODGE (LUXURY TENT)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 3: ULUNDI

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO HLUHLUWE

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 3 TO DAY 5:

HLUHLUWE

Your destination is the Munywana Safari Conservancy near Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal, which covers around 30,000 hectares. The game reserve, which borders the iSimangaliso Weiland Park, emerged from the three private reserves of Phinda, Zuka and Bumbeni, with Phinda still holding the largest share. It is home to the Big Five as well as many other African wild animals. In contrast to the state-run Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, only overnight guests have access to the private reserve. This is therefore much better suited to a short stay for unique game viewing. The small lodges also offer a very personal atmosphere. Specially trained rangers ensure a first-class nature experience.

The luxurious Phinda Mountain Lodge is situated on top of a mountain ridge with fantastic views of the valley below. The 23 cottages and suites have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a safe and a veranda with seating, an outdoor shower and a private plunge pool. The cottages are about 65sqm in size, the suites about 115sqm. The family units are more spacious and have two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC. The lodge offers a pool, a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a boma (traditional campfire dining area), a fitness room, a spa area for a fee and free WiFi.

You take part in two guided game drives in an open off-road vehicle per overnight stay (English-speaking, participation with other people), which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. It is also possible to take part in guided game walks (subject to availability).

PHINDA MOUNTAIN LODGE (SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 3 TO DAY 5:

HLUHLUWE

OPTIONAL UPGRADE STARTING AT €635 PER PERSON

Your destination is the Munywana Safari Conservancy near Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal, which covers around 30,000 hectares. The game reserve, which borders the iSimangaliso Weiland Park, emerged from the three private reserves of Phinda, Zuka and Bumbeni, with Phinda still holding the largest share. It is home to the Big Five as well as many other African wild animals. In contrast to the state-run Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, only overnight guests have access to the private reserve. This is therefore much better suited to a short stay for unique game viewing. The small lodges also offer a very personal atmosphere. Specially trained rangers ensure a first-class nature experience.

The luxurious and intimate Phinda Rock Lodge is situated on a hill with a dramatic view of the Lebombo Mountains valley. The six detached opulent suites have a bath/WC, air-conditioning, minibar, tea/coffee maker, safe and a veranda with seating, outdoor shower and plunge pool. The lodge offers a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a viewing deck, a fitness room, spa treatments for a fee and free Wi-Fi.

You take part in two guided game drives in an open off-road vehicle per overnight stay (English-speaking, participation with other people), which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. It is also possible to take part in guided game walks (subject to availability).

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

PHINDA ROCK LODGE (SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 5: HLUHLUWE

ONE-WAY TRANSFER TO THE DURBAN AREA

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking and are based on the number of participants stated. Errors excepted. Alternative availability, seasonal overlaps or exchange rate fluctuations may lead to price changes. Please request your personal tour offer with your desired travel dates. This tour offer does not include flights.

The child rate applies to one child under the age of 12 staying in their parents' room. One child under the age of two stays free of charge. For children aged 12 and over, the adult rate generally applies. Not all accommodation allows children of all ages.

We recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance and travel health insurance to cover the costs of assistance, including repatriation in the event of accident, illness or death. We can provide a corresponding offer on request.

A passport is required to enter the country. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Minors under the age of 18 may need to carry additional documents. We will inform you of the exact requirements before you book. Travelers who have stayed in an area at risk of yellow fever must provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

The regions around the Kruger Park, the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and eastern Eswatini are malaria endangered areas.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please ask for suitable offers.

The organizer of this trip is South Africa Travel GmbH & Co. KG, Buddestraße 9, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany, Tel +49 521 33676880.

APPROXIMATE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Long-haul flights to Southern Africa in Economy Class cost from EUR 900, while prices can be well over EUR 1000 in the high season. Flights in Premium Economy Class are available from 1500 EUR, in Business Class flights cost from 2500 EUR (per person for outward and return flights). All prices are average values depending on the airline and season. The actual prices at a given time depend on the number of bookings and may vary. Early booking is recommended, especially in the high season.

A light lunch costs about 5 EUR (small salad, soup) to 8 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger) per person; dinner costs about 10 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to over 12 EUR (steak, fish) up to 22 EUR (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer, or soft drinks cost about 1.70 EUR per cup or glass. Prices may vary up or down depending on the region or type of restaurant.

Entrance fees to national parks cost between EUR 5 and EUR 25 per person per day, depending on the size and popularity of the park. Entrance fees to museums or other attractions cost between EUR 3 and EUR 20 per person. Children under the age of 12 usually pay half price.