The tour begins with an early departure from Durban as you travel north into Zululand. The scenery shifts from rolling green hills and sugarcane plantations to the rugged landscapes of the bush. Your destination is the legendary Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, one of the oldest proclaimed game reserves in Africa and home to the famous Big Five. On arrival, set off on a three-hour guided safari drive, where you’ll track elephants, watch giraffes browsing treetops, and, with luck, see rhinos or even a pride of lions resting in the shade.

After the morning’s wildlife adventure, stop for lunch at a rest camp or lodge, surrounded by the bush sounds of birds and insects. In the afternoon, continue toward St Lucia, the gateway to iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This remarkable reserve protects a dazzling variety of habitats—wetlands, estuaries, forests, dunes, and savanna—supporting an extraordinary range of species. Spend the evening at your lodge in St Lucia, a small town where hippos are known to wander the streets after dark.

The day starts with a highlight: a boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary. Glide through tranquil waters while pods of hippos grunt beside you, crocodiles bask lazily on the banks, and fish eagles soar overhead. This experience offers a close encounter with some of Africa’s most iconic aquatic wildlife in their natural environment.

After time for lunch, the adventure continues with a game drive in Dukuduku, part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This area, with its mix of coastal forest and open savanna, offers excellent chances of spotting buffalo, antelope, zebra, and monkeys, along with a rich variety of bird species. The park’s diversity makes every drive unique, with something new around every corner. As evening falls, return to your lodge in St Lucia, where the relaxed coastal atmosphere perfectly complements the day’s adventures.

On your final morning, travel deeper into iSimangaliso toward the beautiful Cape Vidal. Along the way, enjoy a morning game drive safari, passing through wetlands, forested dunes, and open plains. Keep watch for rhino grazing in the grasslands, kudu and waterbuck moving through the bush, or even leopard tracks along the sandy roads. See giraffe, rhino, wildebeast and many more. At Cape Vidal, marvel at the untouched beaches where the Indian Ocean meets coastal wilderness. This rare combination of wildlife and coastline makes it one of the most special places in South Africa.

Travel through Kwazulu Natal Province in the afternoon on your way back to Durban