Begin your Safari
Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will be transferred to the domestic terminal for your connecting flight to Richard's Bay. You will then be met be a Wayfairer representative and driven to you luxury safari lodge in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park.
After a refreshing drink and a brief introduction to the lodge, you will be shown to your luxurious accommodation (a bush villa, family suite or safari room). You will then be invited down to the lounge to enjoy afternoon tea, before departing for your first game drive in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park.
Whilst on your game drive you’ll stop for sun downers to watch the spectacular sunset, and then you’ll continue on your safari keeping an eye out for nocturnal animals. Returning to the lodge you’ll have time to freshen up, before enjoying a delicious dinner on the deck as you recount the day’s events, accompanied by the night sounds of the bush.
- Main Destination:
- Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
On Safari
Today you’ll enjoy morning and evening game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, both on private gravel concession roads and Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park roads. Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park is the oldest game reserve in Southern Africa and its home to the ‘Big Five’, plus other game including the elusive cheetah, wild dog and nyala. The park is also a prime birding destination and is home to 340 bird species.
In between the game drives you can join a guided walk in ‘Big Five’ territory or Conservation Areas with the legendary Nunu Jobe, a highly experienced ranger who also goes by the name of “The Rhino Whisperer” or you can explore the spectacular gorge area below the lodge with its incredible bird life and flora.
The lodge can also arrange cultural visits to the local Mpembeni Community where you’ll have a chance to learn a little about the Zulu people and how they live.
- Main Destination:
- Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
On Safari
Today you’ll enjoy two more game drives in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park with skilled rangers. As the lodge is situated within the park you won’t waste precious time driving to the park before your game viewing begins. Game drives start from directly outside the lodge and your driver can use the extensive network of roads throughout the park.
- Main Destination:
- Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Final Day on Safari
Enjoy your final day of safari with morning and afternoon game drives. In between the game drives the lodge can arrange a visit to Emdoneni Cat Centre where you’ll have an opportunity to learn more about South Africa's wild cats.
The centre runs daily educational tours with feeding during the afternoon and an informative talk by an experienced guide.
- Main Destination:
- Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Hluluwe to Elephant Coast
After breakfast you’ll leave Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park and you’ll be transferred to your next accommodation which is located on the unspoilt beach of Mabibi on the Maputuland Coast (also known as ‘The Elephant Coastline’), part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
With tranquil bays and reefs for swimming and snorkelling, lush coastal forests, stunning freshwater lakes, golden sand dunes and an endless pristine beach, this is a truly idyllic location.
You’ll stay at a secluded eco-lodge which perfectly captures the essence of a ‘Robinson Crusoe’ hideaway. From the deck of your thatched-roof hut you can relax and take in the views of the stunning beach below.
Due to the remote location of the lodge guests stay on an all-inclusive basis and you’ll enjoy delicious buffet breakfast and lunch, afternoon tea, and a sumptuous three course evening meal.
- Main Destination:
- Elephant Coast Route (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Thonga Beach Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Exploring the Elephant Coast
For the next few days you can enjoy local excursions or adventure activities, or you can simply relax and soak up the tranquillity of this pristine, sandy beach. You may wish to join an early morning guided kayaking trip at Lake Sibaya (Southern Africa’s fresh water lake) where you’re likely to spot hippos and crocodiles, or if early morning kayaking doesn’t take your fancy you can enjoy sundowners on the shores of the Lake Sibaya later in the day.
If you’re visiting during the summer months (October to March) you’ll have an opportunity to join a turtle-hatching safari and witness hundreds of baby leatherback and loggerhead turtles scramble from the sandy beaches to the water’s edge.
We also recommend that you visit a Tsonga homestead, school and clinic where you can meet local people and learn about their culture and heritage.
- Main Destination:
- Elephant Coast Route (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Thonga Beach Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
International Inbound Flight
After breakfast your Kwazulu Natal Safari and Beach will come to a perfect end.
You will be transferred by our representative to the small airport at Richard's Bay for your domestic flight to Johannesburg. From there you will board your connecting international flight back home.
- Main Destination:
- Johannesburg (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks: