Magical KwaZulu-Natal

ABOUT THIS TRIP

The magical province of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the most exciting regions in the country – always a little off the beaten tourist track. In a relatively small area, it offers everything that makes for a successful South African vacation: mighty mountain ranges in the southern and northern Drakensberg Mountains, endless and secluded beaches with year-round swimming on the Elephant Coast and Dolphin Coast, the metropolis of Durban as a fascinating melting pot of cultures, and, of course, the Big Five and many other wild animals deep in the African bush. Nowhere else in the world are as many rhinos living as in KwaZulu-Natal.

We are happy to change this tour itinerary or the rental car category according to your individual wishes. Please contact us for your personal offer. We recommend starting this tour in the South African winter months from April to October. Note: A four-wheel drive vehicle is not absolutely necessary for this trip, but a vehicle with a higher wheelbase is definitely helpful.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 2x Shelly Beach
• 2x Himeville
• 2x Bergville
• 2x Ulundi
• 2x Hluhluwe
• 2x iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• 2x St. Lucia

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 14x overnight stay in the Comfort ***/**** category
• 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 10 dinners
• Rental car class M (Toyota Urban Cruiser SUV Automatic or similar)
• four game drives in the private Big Five Babanango Game Reserve
• four game drives in the private Big Five Munywana Game Reserve
• four guided activities in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Comprehensive 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
• Additional costs for rental car (conditions see below)

DAY 1 TO DAY 3 (APPROX. 160 KM):

SHELLY BEACH

Upon arrival at Durban Airport or the agreed-upon location, you will receive your rental car. Shelly Beach is located on the Hibiscus Coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and is famous for its hospitality and safety, as well as the abundance of beautiful shells washed up on the shore. The town is a subtropical paradise; the warm waters, teeming with exquisite tropical fish and coral reefs, complement the pristine beaches. Shelly Beach offers excellent amenities, including the Shelly Center shopping mall, movie theaters, and restaurants. The famous Oribi Gorge, a breathtaking canyon along the Umzimkulwana River, is about a 30-minute drive away.

The comfortable Tropical Beach Boutique Guesthouse is quietly located in a small side street with direct access to the beach, which invites you to relax, stroll and sunbathe. Restaurants, cafés and shops are less than a five-minute drive away. The eight rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker and a safe. The guest house offers a subtropical garden with pool, fire pit and barbecue facilities. Free WLAN is available.

TROPICAL BEACH BOUTIQUE GUESTHOUSE (DELUXE ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 3 TO DAY 5 (APPROX. 260 KM):

HIMEVILLE

Himeville is the center of the southern Drakensberg. Several nature reserves such as the Coleford Nature Reserve and the Garden Castle State Forest are less than half an hour's drive away. The town is also the ideal starting point for day trips on the Sani Pass to Lesotho, the only southern link road between the two countries. The pass is only accessible with a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle, so there are several providers of guided day tours on site.

The Sani Valley Nature Lodges are detached chalets situated on a lake within a private nature reserve, offering breathtaking views of the southern Drakensberg Mountains. In the reserve, you can spot zebras and various species of antelope, as well as an impressive array of birdlife. The eleven lodges offer nature lovers plenty of peace and privacy, along with stunning views of the lake and mountains. All chalets feature a bathroom/toilet, a TV, a kitchenette, a fan, a lounge with a fireplace, a safe, and a veranda with barbecue facilities. The Sunset Lodges are suitable for two people. The Lakeside Lodges additionally feature a bunk bed for children and a private jacuzzi on the veranda. The Early Mist Lodges offer an additional bedroom for children and a private jacuzzi on the veranda. The clubhouse offers various activities (some for a fee), such as guided hikes, boat rentals, and spa treatments. Breakfast is also served here. Dinner is delivered to your chalet. Aside from breakfast and dinner, there is no restaurant or bar service.

SANI VALLEY NATURE LODGES (SUNSET LODGE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 4: UNDERBERG

SANI PASS DAY TOUR

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 110 € PER PERSON

Your day trip to Sani Pass begins at 9:30 a.m. in Underberg. The drive up to just under 3,000 meters above sea level takes about two and a half hours. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the valley during various photo stops. By noon, you’ll reach the barren highlands of Lesotho, where a delicious lunch awaits you (lunch included; drinks are paid for on site). The tour continues to a local village, where you’ll learn more about the inhabitants of this independent kingdom and can sample homemade beer and freshly baked bread. Afterward, the return journey over the pass begins. You’ll arrive back at your starting point in Unterberg around 4:30 p.m.

The tour lasts about seven hours, is conducted in English, and is led by a guide. The meeting point is at 9:00 a.m. at the Trout Walk Center in Underberg. Overnight guests staying in Himeville will be picked up at their accommodations along the way. You must bring your passport to cross the border; please be sure to check the entry requirements for Lesotho that apply to you. Please bring warm clothing.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 5 TO DAY 7 (APPROX. 320 KM):

BERGVILLE

You drive to the northern Drakensberg near the small village of Bergville. This is the ideal starting point to explore the beautiful Royal Natal National Park with the famous mountain formation of the Amphitheater and the unique Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall in the world. There are numerous hiking trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty. But the surrounding area also has a lot to offer with the Giants Castle Game Reserve, the Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve and the Battlefields Route.

The comfortable Ledges Retreat guest farm is located in the middle of the mountains and close to the Royal Natal National Park. Here you can slow down and enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains. The four cozy guest rooms have a bathroom/WC, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a fan, heating and a TV. The two family cottages have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC, as well as a lounge area with kitchenette and fireplace. The accommodation offers a dining room, a lounge area, a pool and a trampoline. Various hiking trails start directly at the spacious outdoor area.

LEDGES RETREAT (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 6: BERGVILLE

TUGELA GORGE DAY HIKE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 140 € PER PERSON

The Tugela Gorge Hike is definitely the most popular hike in the northern Drakensberg. From the parking lot of Thendele Camp in the Royal Natal National Park, you and your guide walk through the gorge of the Tugela River with its crystal-clear rock pools to the foot of the Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall in the world. Along the way, you will have great views of the mountains, including the famous amphitheater.

The journey to the Royal Natal National Park is on your own. Conservation fees are included in the price, food and drinks are not included. This hike is English-speaking and privately guided. It is considered moderate and takes around five to six hours. The total distance is around 14 kilometers with an elevation gain of around 300 meters. An appropriate level of fitness and clothing suitable for the weather and the route, including footwear, are required.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 6: BERGVILLE

SUNDOWNER RIDE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 90 € PER PERSON

You set off on a sundowner ride with a fantastic view of the amphitheater in the light of the setting sun. Dusk is probably the most magical time in the mountains.

This ride takes about two hours and starts in the late afternoon. The level of difficulty is easy to moderate. A sundowner drink and light snacks are included. The tour language is English and the tour can be done with additional people. Starting point is the Montusi Mountain Lodge (own arrival).

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 7 TO DAY 9 (APPROX. 280 KM):

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 comfortable Valley Lodge, an elaborately restored former farmhouse with a large garden, is located in the very south of the reserve. The entire lodge is enclosed by a game fence. The nine rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a tea/coffee maker and a semi-private outdoor seating area. The Deluxe Rooms are closer to the Main Lodge than the Luxury Rooms. The slightly larger Family Rooms are also a little further away and have a sofa bed for two children under the age of twelve. The spacious Romance Suite is set apart and has a private outdoor area with a daybed and fire pit. The lodge offers a viewing deck, a bar, a restaurant, a fitness room, a library, a sun deck with pool, a boma (traditional campfire dining area) 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 VALLEY LODGE (LUXURY ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 9 TO DAY 11 (APPROX. 280 KM):

HLUHLUWE

Your destination is the approximately 30,000ha Munywana Safari Conservancy near Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The game reserve, which borders the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, was created from the three private reserves of Phinda, Zuka and Bumbeni. It 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 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 upscale Makhasa Private Game Lodge consists of only six freestanding suites and thus offers an intimate and unique bush experience. All suites have a shower/WC with separate bathtub, air conditioning, minibar, tea/coffee maker, safe, private veranda with seating and free Wi-Fi. The lodge offers a bar, a restaurant, a pool with sun loungers, a viewing deck overlooking a waterhole and a boma (traditional campfire dining area).

You will 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. Conservation fees for the reserve are not included in the price and will be paid by you on site.

MAKHASA PRIVATE GAME LODGE (LUXURY SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 11 TO DAY 13 (APPROX. 20 KM):

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 13 TO DAY 15 (APPROX. 90 KM):

ST. LUCIA

Your destination is the small town of St. Lucia in northern KwaZulu-Natal. This is the ideal starting point for excursions in the surrounding area. Take a boat trip to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover hippos, crocodiles and unique birdlife. The Eastern Shore Section with Cape Vidal is a unique nature retreat with a real bush & beach feeling between the ocean and the evergreen hinterland, which is even home to three of the Big Five. The beautiful beach of St. Lucia with subtropical water temperatures invites you to swim all year round. An excursion to the famous Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the oldest and perhaps most beautiful game reserve in South Africa with its Big Five, is also an absolute highlight.

Your destination is the modern Hilltop Guest House on the edge of St. Lucia in the green forest belt that separates the village from the beach. The town center with stores, restaurants and cafés is around a 15-minute walk away. The beach is a 25-minute walk or a five-minute drive away. The eight rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a tea/coffee maker, a safe and a veranda or balcony. The Double Rooms are suitable for two people, the Family Rooms consist of two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC for a maximum of four people. The guest house offers a subtropical garden, a pool, a lounge and free WLAN.

Please return your rental car to Durban Airport or the agreed location at least two hours before departure.

HILLTOP GUEST HOUSE (DOUBLE ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 14: ST. LUCIA

WHALE WATCHING BOAT TRIP

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 145 € PER PERSON

From June to November, you have the best chance of spotting right whales and humpback whales in St. Lucia. You can get within 50 meters of these gigantic marine mammals by boat. An experience that no one should miss. If you are lucky, you may also spot dolphins, penguins and seals during the trip.

The boat trip on the sea takes about two hours, an additional hour is required for arrival and departure. If it is not possible to start in St. Lucia, the whale watching tour can start in Richards Bay, including the journey and boat trip, the tour takes around 5 hours (English-speaking, with additional people). Please note that this boat trip departs from the beach, which can be quite bumpy in rough seas.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 14: ST. LUCIA

TWO HOURS BUSH & BEACH RIDE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 140 € PER PERSON

The endless and secluded beach of St. Lucia is ideal for a horseback ride. With a bit of luck, you may spot dolphins or, from June to November, whales in the ocean. The other half of the ride takes you through the savannah where, with a bit of luck, you may spot zebras, wildebeest or warthogs.

This ride lasts around two hours if you arrive on your own. The tour is in English and is conducted with other people. Children under the age of six and people weighing over 85 kg cannot take part.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

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.

Left-hand traffic prevails on the roads of southern Africa.

EUROPCAR/TEMPEST RENTAL CAR TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The following services are included in the price: unlimited free mileage, accident/theft insurance without excess (incl. damage to tires, roof, glass, underbody, oil pan, clutch), liability insurance up to 10 million euros, towing costs in the event of an accident, an additional driver, contract fee, local taxes and fees.

The following services are not included in the price and must be paid for locally: Gasoline, toll, deposit.

The following services are not included in the price and must be paid for locally if required: additional equipment e.g. navigation device, additional driver, young driver surcharge, traffic fines.

You will need a valid credit card issued to the main driver, an international driver's license and a passport to rent the vehicle. Each driver must be at least 21 years old and have held a driver's license for one year. The deposit is paid by credit card and will not be charged if the vehicle is returned with a full tank of fuel.

The local car rental company reserves the right to provide models of equal or higher value. The rental car mentioned is only an example of the confirmed vehicle class. The costs to be paid locally in ZAR are determined by the local car rental company and are subject to change without notice.

This is an excerpt from the car rental conditions of the local car rental company, which you will receive when booking, or in advance if you wish. You will conclude a contract in English for the use of the rental car on site.

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.

One liter of fuel (gasoline or diesel) costs about 1 EUR. You should budget about 175 EUR for fuel on this trip. Some roads have tolls. You should budget about 24 EUR for tolls on this trip.

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.