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 Oribi Gorge
• 2x Mooi River
• 2x Bergville
• 2x Ulundi
• 2x Hluhluwe
• 2x iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• 1x Umhlanga

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 13x overnight stay in the Superior Plus category ****/*****
• 13x breakfast, 6x lunch, 10x dinner
• Rental car class R (Toyota Corolla Cross SUV Automatic or similar)
• four game drives in the Babanango Private Game Reserve
• four game drives in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
• four guided activities in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Access to the airport lounge on the day of departure
• 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. 190 KM):

ORIBI GORGE

Upon arrival at Durban Airport or the agreed-upon pickup point, you will receive your rental car. Oribi Gorge is a breathtaking, 400-meter-deep gorge carved out by the Umzimkulwana River. It is located inland, about a 30-minute drive from Port Shepstone on the South Coast. The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, a state-managed reserve, offers a variety of hiking trails within the gorge. At Lake Eland Game Reserve, you can spot zebras and antelopes. For the adventurous, there are several suspension bridges and ziplines across the gorge. The region is considered one of the best-kept secrets of southern KwaZulu-Natal.

The Gorge Lodge & Spa is a luxurious accommodation situated directly on the cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the gorge. All eight rooms feature a shower/toilet with a separate bathtub, air conditioning, a minibar, tea and coffee-making facilities, a TV, and a balcony overlooking the gorge. The approximately 50-square-meter suites are located in the lodge’s main building. The approximately 80-square-meter detached villas also feature a lounge area and an outdoor shower. The property offers a restaurant, a bar, a pool, a spa area (for a fee), and free Wi-Fi.

THE GORGE LODGE & SPA (SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 3 TO DAY 5 (APPROX. 320 KM):

MOOI RIVER

From the small town of Mooi River in the Natal Midlands, you can reach the central Drakensberg Mountains. Monks Cowl is the name of a peak in the Giants Castle Game Reserve that gave this beautiful hiking area its name. The region between Champagne Castle and the Cathkin Mountains is among South Africa’s most impressive mountain landscapes, with peaks reaching over 3,000 meters in height. In addition to an impressive variety of birdlife, the area is home to mammals such as antelopes and zebras. You’ll have the opportunity to discover cave paintings created by the San people, South Africa’s indigenous inhabitants.

Set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, the upscale Qambathi Mountain Lodge offers an exclusive retreat for up to 16 guests. Each of the five rooms features a bathroom, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, a safe, and free Wi-Fi. The Barnes Room and the Farmhouse Room open directly onto the pool deck. The Classroom Suite, Greenhouse Suite, and Stable Suite each have a private terrace. The Stable Suite also features a fireplace. The lodge features a bar, a restaurant, a pool deck, and a spa area (for a fee). Guided activities such as hikes, mountain biking, or horseback riding can be booked on-site for an additional fee.

QAMBATHI MOUNTAIN LODGE (STABLE SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 5 TO DAY 7 (APPROX. 180 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. There are numerous hiking trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty. The surrounding area also has a lot to offer with the Giants Castle Game Reserve, the Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve and the Battlefields Route.

Stay in a chalet in the upscale Montusi Mountain Lodge with a view of the famous amphitheater. The well-kept and spacious outdoor area invites you to relax and unwind. Adventurous guests can reach all the highlights of the northern Drakensberg from here on day trips. The 14 detached chalets offer a bathroom/WC, a lounge area with a separate bedroom, a fan, underfloor heating, a fireplace, a TV, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker and a veranda with mountain views. The Family Suites have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC. The Mountain View Chalets also have a large skylight with mountain views from the bedroom. The lodge has a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor veranda with a view, a pool and a large garden. Several hiking trails to a small waterfall, to a cave with historical rock paintings or to the summit of Mountusi Peak start right outside the door. Horse riding can be organized at the hotel's own riding stable for a fee.

MONTUSI MOUNTAIN LODGE (MOUNTAIN SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 5: BERGVILLE

SCENIC SUNDOWNER 4X4 TRIP

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 75 € PER PERSON

You set off on a sundowner drive in an off-road vehicle to the private Montusi Estate with a fantastic view of the amphitheater in the light of the setting sun. Dusk is probably the most magical time in the mountains. With a bit of luck, you can also marvel at the typical wildlife of the Drakensberg on the way, as zebras, eland antelopes and other wild animals are not rare guests. On the way, you make a sundowner stop at a beautiful viewpoint.

This excursion starts in the afternoon and lasts approximately two hours. A sundowner drink and light snacks are included. The tour is conducted in English and may be shared with other participants.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 6: BERGVILLE

TUGELA GORGE DAY HIKE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 65 € 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.

You will make your own way to Royal Natal National Park; the guide from Montusi Mountain Lodge will accompany you in your vehicle. A transfer can be arranged for an additional fee. Conservation fees are included in the price, as is a light picnic lunch. This hike is conducted in English, and additional participants may join. It is considered moderate and lasts about five to six hours. The total distance is approximately 14 kilometers with an elevation gain of about 300 meters. A reasonable level of fitness and clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain, including proper footwear, are required.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 7 TO DAY 9 (APPROX. 330 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 upscale Zulu Rock Lodge is perched atop a cliff with stunning views of the reserve below. The seven detached chalet suites feature a bathroom, air conditioning, a minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, a fireplace, and an outdoor deck with seating. The Deluxe Suites are located close to the Main Lodge, while the Luxury Suites offer more privacy. The spacious Romance Suite also features a private plunge pool on the outdoor deck. The Family Villa, protected by a game fence, consists of two bedrooms (each with its own bathroom), a lounge area with a kitchenette, and a private plunge pool on the outdoor deck. The lodge offers a viewing deck, a bar, a restaurant, a sundeck with a pool, 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 ZULU ROCK LODGE (LUXURY SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 9 TO DAY 11 (APPROX. 190 KM):

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 (LUXURY BUSH VILLA)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 11 TO DAY 13 (APPROX. 100 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 (DELUXE CHALET)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 13 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 260 KM):

UMHLANGA

Continue to the metropolitan area of the lively metropolis of Durban. Visit the colorful markets or simply relax on one of the many excellent city beaches on the warm Indian Ocean, which invites you to swim here all year round. It is also worth visiting uShaka Marine World, a large aquarium and amusement park with stores and restaurants. The Moses Mabhida Stadium, inaugurated in 2010 for the World Cup, has become a tourist attraction.

The luxurious Teremok Lodge is located in the quiet suburb of Umhlanga, just a few meters from the sea with a great view of the subtropical nature. The beach with the famous lighthouse, stores and restaurants are all within walking distance. The eight suites are individually furnished and all have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a coffee/tea maker, a TV, a minibar, a safe and a balcony or veranda. The accommodation has a pool with sun loungers, a subtropical garden, a lounge, a bar and a spa area (for a fee).

TEREMOK MARINE (SUITE)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 14 (APPROX. 20 KM): DURBAN

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LOUNGE

As an SA Travel customer, you are something very special and enjoy the comfort that otherwise only Business or First Class travelers can enjoy. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle at the airport on the day of departure and keep your vacation relaxation going for as long as possible.

You will have access to the airport lounge at your international departure airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban. The lounge offers free drinks, snacks, newspapers, TV, WiFi and washing and shower facilities (facilities may vary depending on the lounge). You can use the lounge at the earliest four hours before your departure. Please note that lounge capacity is limited, especially at smaller airports, and access cannot always be guaranteed or there may be waiting times at the entrance.

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

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.

CAR RENTAL CONDITIONS FROM EUROPCAR

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 191 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.