In the province of KwaZulu-Natal, eastern part of South Africa, there are several spectacular safari options. The area with its subtropical climate, warmer Indian Ocean and paradise beach destinations is perfectly possible to combine with an unforgettable wildlife experince. Along the coast is St Lucia with the World Heritage Site of Simangaliso Wetland Park, a wetland area that specializes in boat trips among hippos and crocodiles. Inland, you find the spectacular Drakensberg, with world-class hiking.

In the safari areas in KwaZulu-Natal, the private Game Reserves, Phinda and Thanda, the Hluhluwe and iMfolozi National Parks, the chanses to spot the Big 5 are good, but is of course dependent on the season and skilled guides and trackers. Some of the lodges in the area offer walking safari / bush walks with specially trained guides and during the walk you focus on “the small 5” and plants and nature. The Hluhluwe & iMfolozi Game Reserve specializes in white-rhino walking safaris.

Upplev Sydafrika recommend a safari in a private park / reserve, with accommodation at a private lodge and where the price is usually all inclusive, which includes all food (3 meals a day) and 2 guided game drives per day. In the private reserves, except for Hluhluwe & iMfolozi Game Reserve, you are allowed to drive in more inaccessible terrain off road together with skilled guides and trackers, which makes it easier to spot the animals in its natural environment and get very close to the animals.

Upplev Sydafrika have visited the lodges listed below and want, through our personal experience and on-site knowledge, to guide you to the ultimate safari experience.

“iSimangaliso must be the only place on the globe where the oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world’s biggest terrestrial mammal (the elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (the coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (the whale).” Nelson Mandela

LODGES WE HAVE VISITED – READ MORE

&Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge

&Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge

&Beyond Phinda Forrest Lodge

&Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge

&Beyond Phinda Zuka Lodge

&Beyond Homestead

Karkloof Safari Spa

Makakatana Bay Lodge

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Thanda Safari Lodge

Thanda Tented Camp

Thanda Villa Izulu

Extra ordinary Safari Lodges of different characters

&Beyond Rock Lodge and Vlei Lodge

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is located in iSimangaliso / Greater St Lucia Wetland Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal, near the shores of the Indian Ocean. With its approximately 28,600 hectares, the reserve is known for its abundant wildlife, its more than 436 different bird species and apart from the Big 5, it is quite common to spot cheetahs and black rhinos. Phinda Private Game Reserve consists of six unique and magnificent 5-star lodges; Rock Lodge, Vlei Lodge, Mountain Lodge, Forest Lodge, Homested and Zuka Lodge. Rock Lodge, whose suites are built in stone, offers dramatic views of Zululand and Vlei Lodge with its special colorful tasteful furnishings. Both lodges are charmingly intimate and private and only accommodate 12 guests each.

Accommodation: Both Rock Lodge and Vlei Lodge consist of only 6 suites, each with special charm, and tasteful furnishings as well as its own private pool and a well-stocked bar with local drinks. Children of all ages are welcome at Vlei lodge, children over the age of 12 are welcome at Rock Lodge.

Price indication: R20,720 per person sharing/night all inclusive.

&Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge and Homestead

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is located in iSimangaliso / Greater St Lucia Wetland Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal, near the Indian Ocean coast. With its approximately 28,600 hectares, the reserve is known for its abundant wildlife, its more than 436 different bird species and in addition to the Big 5, it is quite common to spot cheetahs and black rhinos. Phinda Private Game Reserve consists of six unique and magnificent 5-star lodges; Rock Lodge, Vlei Lodge, Mountain Lodge, Forest Lodge, Homested and Zuka Lodge. Phinda Mountain lodge is the ultimate family safari destination and accommodates 50 people, located on a hill with stunning views. The lodge offers all the facilities you could wish for as well as a dedicated WILDchild program filled with fun, interactive activities for children. There is also a wellness center, a shop and a children’s lounge.

Elegant, exclusive private villa, Phinda Homestead welcomes 8 guests and is perfect for families and friends. A safari experience beyond the ordinary with your own private safari jeep, guide and chef.

Accommodation: The family lodge Mountain Lodge consists of 23 rooms in total, 3 family cottages and one family suite. The rooms are tastefully decorated and have their own private pool (except the family suite). Children of all ages welcome. Phinda Homestead villa consists of 4 suites, each with its own special charm and tasteful décor. The lodge can accommodate 8 people but can accommodate 4 more children at an additional cost.

Price indication: Mountain Lodge cost from R15,680 per person sharing/night all inclusive. Homestead from R180,000 per night all inclusive (based on 8 persons).

Makakatana Bay Lodge

Makakatana Bay Lodge is located in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, on the shores of Lake St. Lucia. iSimangaliso Wetland Park with its 332,000 hectares has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, South Africa’s first! Characteristic of this unique area are the unspoilt beaches and vast wetlands. Besides safaris, Makakatana Bay Lodge offers unforgettable river cruises among hippos and crocodiles. Makakatana Bay is the only privately owned lodge in the reserve.

Accommodation: Makakatana Bay consists of a total of 8 rooms, which are built on stilts with nice and cozy furnishings of which 2 family rooms, 5 standard rooms and 1 honemoon suite, some with their own veranda. Children of all ages are welcome.

Price indication: from R8602 per person sharing/night fully inclusive, during high season. Other prices may apply during low and peak season.

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is located approximately 3.5 hours drive from Durban Airport, in the oldest nature reserve / park in Africa; Hluhluwe & iMfolozi Game Reserve. The reserve is approximately 96,000 hectares and is known for its white rhinos and currently there are about 2000 white rhinos in the park. In addition to game drives, they specialize in white rhino-walking safaris. The park is the only state owned park in KwaZulu-Natal where you can find the Big 5.

Accommodation: Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge consists of 18 suites / rooms, all with adorable views of the iMfolozi Reserve. There are four room categories; 2 honeymoon suites with private plunge pools, 8 Luxury Bush Villas, 2 Safari Rooms and 2 Family Rooms. All rooms / villas are located with a view. Children of all ages welcome.

Price indication: from R4690 per person sharing/night all inclusive, during high season. Other prices may apply during low and peak season.

Thanda Safari Lodge and Villa iZulu

Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve is owned by the Swede and entrepreneur Dan Olofsson. The award-winning reserve is located about 3 hours from Durban, towards the Indian Ocean coast. The reserve covers approximately 14,000 hectares and consists of three different lodges. The flagship property, luxuriously tastefully decorated Thanda Safari Lodge, which shared areas are sumptuously African, including an inviting lounge, expansive deck and library overlooking a waterhole, private business area, cigar bar, impressive wine cellar and the Thanda Safari Spa.

Villa iZulu is a luxurious Afro-chic homestead features 5 beautiful suites and includes a heated swimming pool, wine cellar, library, games room and a spacious viewing deck overlooking a water hole. It’s the ultimate safari hideaway for guests needing total privacy or for families, friends and meetings. Villa iZulu has its own helicopter pad and separate accommodation for childminders and VIP security officers. The homestead was designed and created for Thanda Safari’s owners, Christin and Dan Olofsson. It is completely fenced off and safe for kids to run around.

Accommodation: Thanda Safari Lodge consist of 9 luxury bush suites. Each of the suites is a tribute to African abundance, with a spacious lounge, majestic master bedroom, double-sided fireplace and an indulgent bathroom, with a beautiful bath, and an indoor and outdoor shower. The elegant, unique Villa Izulu consist of 5 suites. Children of all ages are welcome.

Price indication: Thanda Safari Lodge cost from R11 160 per person sharing/night all inclusive, during peak season. Villa Izulu cost R117,600 per night (max 10 people in peak season). Other prices may apply during low season.