A ‘world in one province’, KwaZulu-Natal is a dream region in South Africa for holidaymakers. This grand self-drive nature tour incorporates four secluded luxury hideaways well off the beaten track and featuring spectacular forests, unblemished coastal areas, Big Five wildlife territory and Zululand wilderness.
DAYS 01 – 03
Self-drive to Kosi Forest Lodge, making an early start because it’s about a 6h00 drive from Durban. A lodge representative will meet you at the town of Manguzi and transfer you in a 4×4 vehicle to the wonderful lodge set in the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve. This is a beautiful world of gleaming lakes, tropical forests and faraway beaches. Thatched rooms are tucked away in a sand forest and have romantic, reed-enclosed bathrooms open to starry night skies, the baths set in white forest sand. Enjoy fantastic guided nature activities: walks through wild palm forests, canoe and motorboat trips on the lakes and picnic-excursions to a remote and pristine beach. Dine close to nature, outdoors on the deck or in the boma, thereafter making your way to your room along lanternlit pathways. Kindly note that the lodge is not on mains electricity, using minimal battery power instead, adding to the romantic, close-to-nature atmosphere.
Spend two nights at Kosi Forest Lodge
DAYS 03 – 05
After the morning activity in the Kosi Bay area you will be taken back to Manguzi. Self-drive from there to the Coastal Forest Reserve and Coastal Cashew Factory where you leave your vehicle. A lodge representative will transfer you to Thonga Beach Lodge, situated at remote Mabibi Bay in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. (Travelling time between the two lodges is 2h15 by road.) The lodge is casually luxurious, the thatched rooms large and exquisite with views of either the ocean or forests.There are wonderful activities: swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving in warm waters (get tuition from the resident dive instructor), ocean adventures by boat to see whales and dolphins, coastal forest walks, kayaking on a lake, enjoying sandy white beaches, fishing, spider walks, and phenomenal turtle tours between November and February. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are taken out on the deck under trees.
Spend two nights at Thonga Beach Lodge
DAYS 05 – 07
After breakfast you will be transferred back to Coastal Cashews to collect your vehicle and proceed towards Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park for your safari at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge. (Travelling time between the two lodges is approximately 3h30.) Rhino Ridge is the only private lodge within the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, offering luxury accommodation and a Big Five experience in spectacular wilderness surroundings. Enjoy high tea overlooking the reserve before setting off on a guided 4×4 safari. Sundowners take place at a special place in the wilderness, after which the drive continues until just after dark so that nocturnal animals may be seen. Safari drives happen early each morning – or one can opt for a guided walk instead (at an additional fee) – and again in the late afternoon / evening. Each safari is unique, revealing an entirely different kaleidoscope of wonders. Substantial brunches are served after the morning drives, high teas before the afternoon drives, and dinners on return. The lodge has a spa, swimming pool and viewing decks for relaxation.
Spend two nights at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
DAYS 07 – 09
Make an early departure for the drive to Fugitives Drift Lodge (driving time about 4h30). This award-winning destination is well known for its battlefield tours to Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. Here, you will have a world-class experience of heritage tourism featuring battlefield tours, horse riding, mountain biking and game walks. The Lodge is situated on the site of the Fugitives’ Drift, in a 5 000-acre Natural Heritage Site and nature reserve.
Spend two nights at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge
Check out after breakfast and travel back to Durban (travelling time 4h15), or extend your trip to include a few days in the Drakensberg Mountains.
Mail us or call +27 21 797-7122. We will gladly tailor-make your tour of South Africa.
