Tailored from £2,250 per person excl. flights
9 days KwaZulu Natal, Elephant Coast
9 days KwaZulu Natal, Elephant Coast
A classic combination with a twist. South Africa's answer to a safari and beach holiday starts with a flight into Richard's Bay before a short drive to the continents oldest national reserve, Hluhluwe. This is 'big 5' territory and you will be spoilt with brilliant wildlife sightings as well as world class accommodation. Following 4 nights on safari you will be transferred to one of our favourite beach spots. The Maputoland coastline or 'Elephant Coast' is a hidden gem and offers great lodges with unique activities. From turtle watching to horse riding on the beach this is a beach destination like no other.
Upon landing in Johannesburg you will transfer to the domestic terminal before flying to Richard's Bay. You will then be met be a Wayfairer representative and take a short drive to your safari lodge arriving in time to relax before an afternoon game drive. Your lodge is full board and this will be your first chance to taste brilliant South African food and wine. Expect luxurious suites, a lovely pool, incredible service and breathtaking views.
A typical day on safari in Hluhluwe includes an early morning game drive with a picnic breakfast. An early morning safari is a great chance to view the big cats in action and provides the best light for photographers. You will return to the lodge for some relaxation and lunch before heading off on another game drive in the afternoon and the option of a night drive is there if you wish.
With the 'big 5', many other beautiful animal species and 340 species of bird this reserve is a great first time safari destination or brilliant for birders looking for new species. With many different habitats and terrains in the area you will be able to explore different areas each game drive with your guide.
Spend time enjoying the lovely lodge surroundings, pool, great food and wine as well as soaking in the last of the African bush on your final day.
This morning, after a final breakfast and view over the beautiful bushlands, you will be transferred to your next destination - The Elephant Coastline. This less explored region of the country is a wildlife, beach, watersports and conservationists paradise. You arrive in time for a late lunch and to get settled into your beach villa before a lovely dinner with your feet in the sand.
Activities include turtle tracking, fishing, boat trips, scuba diving, snorkelling, horse riding, cultural tours, forest walks, bird watching and of course relaxing in beautiful surroundings.
The region has a serious drive to protect the local communities as well as the wildlife that calls the oceans and swamps home. The Mabibi Community are ever present at the lodge and play a large role in your stay - a day trip to a local village is a very worthwhile experience.
Finally, the food that you will be served on this stretch of coastline is mindblowing. A combination of traditional Mabibi flavours with Portuguese, British and Dutch colonial influences makes for a culinary masterpiece. Seafood is of course ever present in menus.
This morning you will transfer back to Richard's Bay and fly to Johannesburg in time for your international flight.
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The two destinations in this itinerary are pioneering conservation movements across the continent. Hluhluwe Game Reserve, as mentioned, is the oldest reserve in Africa but has fought tirelessly to stay innovative with wildlife conservation schemes and avoiding human-wildlife conflict. The coastline and iSangaliso wetlands that surround them are combining local and global knowledge to protect marine and wetland species.
With an abundant array of properties in the region we have focussed on selecting those that are most in line with our principles. The properties hire local staff and have the very best guides whilst being dedicated to sustainability and responsible tourism.