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Luxury Train Travel

Rovos Rail or the Blue Train. Be instantly transported to a world of myth, legend and timeless luxury

The Safari Experience

We arrange the ultimate safari experience in South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia

 

 

 

The Gourmet Treat

South Africa is celebrated for its high-quality food. Treat yourself to a wide range of award-winning cuisine

Hiking Trips

We work with the most established local hiking guides to maximize your experience and safety

Golf Travel

Enjoy the country’s fabulous links, seaside, park and championship golf courses

 

Unique Wine Tours

Meet highly regarded award-winning winemakers and be captivated by their expertise and professionalism

 

Anniversary Trips

Whatever the occasion, for yourself or your company, we can design and curate a memorable celebration

 

The Ultimate Treat

Private jet or helicopter? Spoil yourself and include an award-winning chef and butler to boot

Yoga Travel

Extraordinary yoga experiences that combine spectacular settings with nurturing and healing cuisine

 

Experience Paradise

Enjoy our meticulously selected paradise-like gems in South Africa, Madagascar and Mozambique

 

Properties To Rent

We can offer a wide variety of quality accommodation. Enjoy your own villa, house or apartment

 

Family Travel

We take every family member into consideration to ensure an all-around fabulous family experience

 

Child-free Travel

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, we’ll guide you to the top child-free accommodation and restaurants

 

Wedding Experience

Ensure a memorable day by allowing us to curate an unforgettable experience to celebrate your union

 

Exploring Tours

Our bespoke itineraries deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences

 

Conference Travel

Substitute jetlag for state-of-the-art conference venues combined with great wine tasting and superb safari

 

Tailor-made Trips

Our enthusiasm and professionalism are the hallmark of our tailor-made service offering

 

You As a Cicerone

All our trips are individually tailored. Unfamiliar guests aren’t part of what we offer. Your journey is about you

 

Special Offers

RIGHT NOW: Receive a 10 % discount when booking shark cage diving for five or more people

 

Safari Theme

South Africa

Outstanding diversity combined with superb comfort makes South Africa a magnificent destination

 

Zambia

A nation with some of the best, most pristine and animal-dense national parks. A superb safari destination

 

Zimbabwe

Diversity and magnificently varied nature make this classic safari destination one of the absolute best

 

Botswana

A safari destination bar none! Be amazed by the abundance and outstanding quality of every safari

Namibia

Unique flora and exceptional fauna – one of the most beautiful countries in the world

Special offer

RIGHT NOW: Stay six nights at the amazing Jamala Madikwe and you receive the seventh night free

 

 

Destinations

Big 5 Safari

Keen to experience the Big 5? Our intimate knowledge of the many national parks makes it possible

 

 

Family Safari

Our knowledge of safari and safety is unique. Allow us to arrange your once-in-a-lifetime family safari

 

Walking Safari

We work with the most skilled safari guides to maximize your experience and safety

 

Shark Cage Diving

We work exclusively with  top local specialists in safe, eco-diving to maximize your experience and safety

 

Whale Watching

We work exclusively with the best local specialists to maximize your experience and safety

 

Enjoy the peacefulness of endless deserted beaches with nearby access to top-class safari experiences

 

South Africa

Enjoy miles of deserted sun-drenched beaches and 30-degree seas

 

 

Mozambique

Paradise imagined. Enjoy the magnificent surroundings populated by the very likeable Lemurs

Madagascar

Start planning your trip ...

 

Read about the complex and fascinating history of the Republic of South Africa

 

About South Africa

 

Please find information about Covid-19 in South Africa as well as basic yet essential information to consider before your departure

 

Travel guidance

 

Southern Africa in general, and South Africa, offer an impressive variety of world-class, once-in-a-lifetime activities and experiences

 

Activities

 

Be inspired by our gallery of beautiful, colourful South Africa and Southern Africa

 

Gallery

About us, what we can assist with and what people think of us ...

Keen to know more about us? Please find information about us and why we consider ourselves experts in South Africa and Southern Africa

About The Company

After 20 years on location, our service is not only to tailor the best holiday for you but to look after you every step of the way until you have returned home safely

Our Services

What our guests are saying: about us, our efforts, our partners, South Africa and southern Africa as destinations

Testimonials

We are most certainly on social media. Please follow us here

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SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA
Impressive KwaZulu-Natal
Impressive KwaZulu-Natal

Experience a high-quality safari in the unique KwaZulu-Natal, eastern South Africa. There are also easily accessible astounding beaches in the vicinity

HIGHLIGHTS

Be captivated by the mighty Big 5, i.e. rhino, leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo at Phinda Game Reserve

Enjoy spectacular and picturesque views in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi National Park

Join a white-rhino walking safari in beautiful Hluhluwe–iMfolozi National Park

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: R18,500 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 R14,000 per person sharing/night all inclusive. Homestead from R150,000 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 R7820 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 R4060 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 R9705 per person sharing/night all inclusive, during peak season. Villa Izulu cost R95,760 per night (max 10 people in peak season). Other prices may apply during low season.

You can travel to South Africa all year round, but we recommend going September to May

Healthcare is good in South Africa. Even so we suggest obtaining a sound travel insurance before departure

As a EU and UK citizen, you will receive a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival in South Africa

To ponder before travelling:

The so-called “peak season” in December / January is very popular indeed and requires booking of accommodation, safaris, activities and restaurants well in advance.