Hluhluwe & iSimangaliso Safari

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Northern KwaZulu-Natal is one of the most important spots for game viewing in South Africa. The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and the adjoining private game reserves are home to the Big Five and all other African wildlife. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park around the small town of St. Lucia is a unique and animal-rich refuge between salt and fresh water on the endless beaches of the Indian Ocean. Nowhere else in the world are there more rhinos than in this region.

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 Hluhluwe
• 2x iSimangaliso Wetland Park

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 4x overnight stay in the Superior category ****
• 4x breakfast, 4x lunch, 4x dinner
• private transfers according to program
• four game drives in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
• four guided activities in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• 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 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 1 TO DAY 3:

HLUHLUWE

Your next destination is the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, which is divided into the northern Hluhluwe section and the southern Imfolozi section. The two rivers of the same name gave the park its name. The park is home to the Big Five, i.e. elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalo, as well as many other African wild animals. The rhino population in particular is larger here than anywhere else in the world. With over 20000 hectares of rolling hills and open savannah, the park is one of the most beautiful state game reserves in South Africa.

The luxurious Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the only private lodge in the Hluhluwe section of the park and offers breathtaking views over the African bush. The lodge has an outdoor pool, sun deck, fire pit, bar, restaurant and spa area (for a fee). The 16 modern rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a fan, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a safe, a private outdoor deck and free Wi-Fi. The Family Rooms have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC. The Luxury Bush Villas have an additional lounge area with fireplace and a larger outdoor deck. The Honeymoon Bush Villas also offer a private plunge pool on the outside deck.

You take part in two guided game drives per night 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. You pay the entrance fees (conservation fees) on site.

RHINO RIDGE SAFARI LODGE (SAFARI ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 1 TO DAY 3:

HLUHLUWE

OPTIONAL UPGRADE STARTING AT €675 PER PERSON

Your destination is the private Manyoni Game Reserve near Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal, which covers around 24,000 hectares. The reserve is home to the Big Five and many other African wild animals. In contrast to the state-run Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park, only overnight guests have access to the private reserves. These are 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 exclusive Leopard Mountain Lodge is perched on a hilltop and offers breathtaking views of the African bush, the Msunduze River in the valley, and the mighty Lebombo Mountains in the background. The nine detached luxury chalet suites feature an open-plan bathroom with a shower and separate toilet, air conditioning, a minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, and a veranda with an outdoor shower, seating, a hammock, a private plunge pool, and stunning views. The lodge offers a viewing deck, a bar, a restaurant, a boma (traditional dining area around a campfire), a spa area (available for a fee), 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.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

LEOPARD MOUNTAIN LODGE (LUXURY SUITE)

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

DAY 1 TO DAY 3:

HLUHLUWE

OPTIONAL UPGRADE STARTING AT €1,660 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 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).

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

PHINDA MOUNTAIN LODGE (SUITE)

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

DAY 3: HLUHLUWE

One-way transfer to Isimangaloso

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:

ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a unique nature park consisting of wetlands and coastal areas, the likes of which cannot be found anywhere else in Africa. The park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Covering an area of over 13,000 square kilometers, including 850 square kilometers of marine protected areas and a coastline of 220 kilometers, it offers breathtaking insights into various ecosystems and animal worlds. From the clear waters of the Indian Ocean and the largely untouched sandy beaches, there is a transition to forested dune areas and a mosaic of wetlands, grasslands, forests, lakes and savannah. Of the 6,500 animal and plant species most recently recorded, some are found only here or only in South Africa.

This unique lodge is located away from the usual tourist crowds on the KwaNibela Peninsula on Lake St. Lucia and is accessible only by boat transfer from the mainland—ideal for anyone seeking peace and seclusion in nature. The detached chalets face Lake St. Lucia and feature a bathroom/toilet, air conditioning, a minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, a safe, a lounge area, a veranda, and free Wi-Fi. The Deluxe Chalets offer more privacy and also include an outdoor shower and outdoor bathtub. The lodge features a restaurant, a bar, a viewing deck with a fire pit, two pools, and a spa area (for a fee).

Per night, you can participate in two guided activities offered by the lodge (game drives in open off-road vehicles, boat trips on Lake St. Lucia, bush walks), which are conducted in English and with other guests. Boat transfers depart at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. from False Bay Park, where self-drive guests can park their rental cars securely. Boat transfers are included in the price; entrance fees and any parking fees for False Bay Park are to be paid on site.

MALKOHA LAKE, ST. LUCIA (DOUBLE CHALET)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 3 TO DAY 5:

ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK

OPTIONAL UPGRADE FROM €1,015 PER PERSON

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a unique nature park consisting of wetlands and coastal areas, the likes of which cannot be found anywhere else in Africa. The park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Covering an area of over 13,000 square kilometers, including 850 square kilometers of marine protected areas and a coastline of 220 kilometers, it offers breathtaking insights into various ecosystems and animal worlds. From the clear waters of the Indian Ocean and the largely untouched sandy beaches, there is a transition to forested dune areas and a mosaic of wetlands, grasslands, forests, lakes and savannah. Of the 6,500 animal and plant species most recently recorded, some are found only here or only in South Africa.

The luxurious Makakatana Bay Lodge is located about 30 minutes by car from the small town of St. Lucia in the middle of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park on the shores of Lake St. Lucia. The mixture of seclusion in nature as well as game viewing opportunities on land and water make this safari lodge a very special experience. The seven detached chalets offer maximum privacy and have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, safe, tea/coffee maker, minibar and an outdoor deck with outdoor shower and outdoor bathtub. The Family Suites have two separate bedrooms that share a bathroom/WC. The lodge offers an outdoor deck with pool, a lounge, a bar, a boma (traditional campfire dining area) and free Wi-Fi.

You will take part in two guided activities per overnight stay (game drives in an open off-road vehicle, boat trips on Lake St. Lucia, beach safaris), which are conducted in English with other people.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

MAKAKATANA BAY LODGE (LUXURY SUITE)

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

DAY 3 TO DAY 5:

KOSI BAY

OPTIONAL UPGRADE STARTING AT €1,060 PER PERSON

Kosi Bay is situated in the far north of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a magical place of lakes, rivers, pristine beaches, bushveld and coastal forests. This 11,000ha and little-visited nature reserve on the border with Mozambique is a subtropical paradise that is home to over 250 bird species. A four-wheel drive vehicle or transfer is required to visit Kosi Bay.

Thonga Beach Lodge is not a typical beach resort, such as those found in Mozambique or Mauritius. Lovers of solitude and endless nature will get their money's worth here. The lodge is nestled between the endless white sandy beach and the untouched forests in the hinterland. A short boardwalk leads directly to the Indian Ocean, which is warm all year round. The elegantly rustic lodge has twelve rooms with bath/WC, air conditioning, minibar, safe, tea/coffee maker, safe and veranda. The Forest Rooms overlook the pristine forest. The Ocean View Rooms have a sea view. The Deluxe Ocean View Rooms also have a plunge pool on the veranda. The family units have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC. The lodge offers a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a spa (for a fee), a pool, a terrace, a sun deck on the beach and free Wi-Fi in the communal area.

The accommodation price includes selected activities such as guided snorkeling tours, hikes, sunset cruises, cultural visits, seasonal turtle excursions from November to February, and return transfers between Sodwana Bay and the lodge. The activities and transfers are in English and take place with other people. Please note the transfer times listed in your tour book. Conservation fees are payable on site.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

THONGA BEACH LODGE TWO NIGHTS PACKAGE (DELUXE OCEAN VIEW ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 5: ST. LUCIA

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.