Africa Bush and Beach Journey

On arrival at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, we meet you and drive north along the Dolphin Coast – named for the Indian Ocean dolphins that follow seasonal sardine runs – passing seaside resorts and sugarcane country en route to Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park. This is South Africa’s oldest game reserve, spanning 96,000 hectares. Its varied habitats support the Big Five alongside cheetah, rare wild dog, numerous antelope and more than 300 bird species, with some of the world’s largest concentrations of both black and white rhino.We check in at your lodge inside the park and the rest of the day is at leisure. If time allows, you can take a self-guided walk, visit a viewing hide overlooking a pan or waterhole, or simply relax and settle into the bush setting. Overnight in Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park.

We set off at first light on a game drive in an open safari vehicle with our experienced ranger, who knows where and how to find the Big Five. Expect close wildlife encounters as your ranger explains the bush’s flora and fauna – with a scenic coffee stop along the way. On returning to the lodge, a substantial breakfast is served.At around 4 o’clock we enjoy afternoon tea and home baked treats at the lodge, then embark on a late afternoon safari in an open 4x4 with our ranger. After a traditional sundowner at a scenic spot, the drive continues into dusk. A delicious dinner is served in the lodge’s dining area – or in a secure enclosure under the stars. Overnight in Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park.

After another early morning game drive, we return to the lodge for breakfast before travelling to Maputaland’s coastline. The route takes us through striking scenery to one of South Africa’s last largely untouched shorelines – pristine beaches with abundant marine and land-based wildlife. On arrival, we settle into the lodge and the rest of the day is at leisure. You can swim, snorkel or arrange a scuba dive in the Indian Ocean – these are not included – or choose from the lodge’s experiences: guided snorkelling with equipment provided, guided forest walks, guided kayaking on Lake Sibaya, a cultural visit to the Mabibi community, seasonal turtle-tracking walks from November to February, and a sundowner at Lake Sibaya. Overnight in Maputaland.

We begin with breakfast at the lodge, then you have the day at leisure to relax or plan your own activities. From November to February, you can join the lodge’s guided turtle tracking at low tide to search for tracks left by nesting sea turtles – these creatures navigate thousands of sea miles to return to the same beaches where they hatched. Patience and luck are essential. Tours start in the late afternoon or after sunset, and operators may be on the beaches only two hours before and two hours after low tide – outings can therefore last from two to seven hours. Overnight in Maputaland.

Today is yours to enjoy along the Maputaland coastline – where the warm Indian Ocean meets pristine, untouched beaches and coastal forest. You can stroll the golden sands, swim, or simply relax in the shade and listen to the waves. If you’re feeling active, you can opt for snorkelling on the vibrant coral reefs, kayaking, or birdwatching in the nearby wetlands, rich with unique wildlife. The day is unscheduled, so you set the pace. Overnight in Maputaland.

After breakfast, we travel back to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport for your onward journey – check in for your flight home or continue your travels elsewhere in South Africa.