7-Day South Africa Safari – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, iSimangaliso Wetland Park & Elephant Coast

Fly from Johannesburg to Richard’s Bay and transfer into the ancient wilderness of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park — Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve and one of South Africa’s premier Big Five destinations. An optional air shuttle is available for a faster, more scenic arrival at an additional cost. Upon arrival at the award-winning Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, enjoy a warm welcome and settle into your beautifully appointed luxury suite overlooking the untouched KwaZulu-Natal bushveld.

As the African sun begins to set, embark on your first guided game drive through Hluhluwe-iMfolozi’s diverse ecosystems — home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the world’s largest population of white and black rhino. Watch the bush come alive as nocturnal wildlife stirs and the landscape transforms in the golden evening light. Return to the lodge for a gourmet dinner on the deck, the perfect unhurried introduction to one of South Africa’s most treasured wilderness areas.

Overnight: Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge – Luxury lodge, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Meals: Dinner included | Breakfast & lunch not included | Drinking water included | Other drinks not included Highlights: Flight to Richard’s Bay, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park arrival, evening Big Five game drive, rhino tracking, luxury lodge experience

Spend two immersive days exploring the breathtaking wilderness of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park — Southern Africa’s oldest game reserve and one of the continent’s most celebrated Big Five destinations. Rise early for exhilarating sunrise game drives and head out again as the afternoon light softens, tracking lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino through diverse bushveld, riverine forest, and open grassland habitats. Keep watch for the rare and endangered African wild dog, one of the park’s most sought-after sightings, and look skyward for any of the park’s 340-plus recorded bird species — making Hluhluwe-iMfolozi a true paradise for wildlife photographers and birdwatching enthusiasts alike.

Between game drives, join the legendary Rhino Whisperer, Nunu Jobe, for an intimate guided bush walk through the heart of one of Africa’s most iconic sanctuaries — an extraordinary, up-close encounter with the sights, sounds, and textures of the African wilderness. For a deeper cultural experience, visit the neighbouring Mpembeni community for an authentic and moving introduction to Zulu heritage, traditions, and way of life.

Overnight: Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge – Luxury lodge, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Meals: All meals included | Drinking water included | Other drinks not included Highlights: Big Five game drives, rare African wild dog sightings, 340-plus bird species, guided bush walk with Nunu Jobe the Rhino Whisperer, Mpembeni Zulu cultural village visit

After a leisurely breakfast at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, bid farewell to the bushveld and transfer to the breathtaking Elephant Coast — one of South Africa’s most pristine and biodiverse coastal wilderness areas nestled within the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park. An optional air shuttle from Richard’s Bay to Manzengwenya is available for a faster, more scenic arrival at an additional cost. Check into the exquisite Thonga Beach Lodge, a luxury retreat perched above the untouched Indian Ocean shoreline, where golden dunes, ancient coral reefs, and lush coastal forest create an idyllic backdrop for the final chapter of your KwaZulu-Natal safari.

Spend three magnificent days immersed in the natural wonders of the Elephant Coast. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical marine life, paddle a guided kayak across the tranquil waters of Lake Sibaya — South Africa’s largest natural freshwater lake — keeping watch for hippos, crocodiles, and an extraordinary array of waterbirds. During nesting season, witness the magical spectacle of endangered loggerhead and leatherback turtles hatching on the moonlit shore, one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences on the African continent.

Overnight: Thonga Beach Lodge – Luxury lodge, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Elephant Coast Meals: All meals included | Drinking water included | Other drinks not included Highlights: iSimangaliso Wetland Park exploration, coral reef snorkeling, Lake Sibaya kayaking, hippo and crocodile encounters, seasonal turtle hatching, Elephant Coast coastal wilderness

Savour one final breakfast at Thonga Beach Lodge as you reflect on an extraordinary week exploring the very best of KwaZulu-Natal — from the ancient bushveld and Big Five game drives of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park to the pristine coral reefs and turtle beaches of the Elephant Coast. Transfer to Richard’s Bay Airport for your flight back to Johannesburg, with an optional air shuttle directly from Thonga Beach Lodge available for a smoother, more convenient departure at an additional cost.

Arrive in Johannesburg with a lifetime of memories — rare rhino encounters, wild dog sightings, hippo-filled lakes, glowing sunsets over the Indian Ocean, and the warm hospitality of KwaZulu-Natal’s most celebrated luxury safari lodges. Connect seamlessly with your international or domestic onward flight from OR Tambo International Airport, bringing your South African safari expedition to a sophisticated and memorable close.

Please note: Allow a minimum of 1.5 hours connecting time for domestic flights and at least 3 hours for international departures from OR Tambo International Airport.

Overnight: No accommodation — end of tour Meals: All meals at own expense | Drinks not included Highlights: Farewell breakfast at Thonga Beach Lodge, scenic transfer to Richard’s Bay, flight to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport, onward connections