- Overview
- Trip Itinerary
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
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This 14-day African Adventure takes you through the best of South Africa and Eswatini. The journey begins in the coastal town of Ballito, then heads north to St Lucia for a hippo and croc estuary cruise. You’ll explore Tembe Elephant Park with multiple Big Five game drives, then cross into the Kingdom of Eswatini to relax by Lake Jozini with optional activities like tiger fishing and sunset cruises. Next, enjoy two nights at the beautiful Thonga Beach Lodge on the Indian Ocean, followed by safaris at Rhino Ridge in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi, Africa’s oldest game reserve. The final safari stop is at the luxury Thanda Private Game Reserve, where you’ll experience top-notch wildlife encounters before returning to Ballito for a farewell dinner by the sea.
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Itineraries
Day 1
Date : April 7, 2026
Arrival in Ballito
Arrival at King Shaka International Airport, Durban.
Transfer to Ballito.
Check-in: Canelands Beach Club and Spa
Welcome Dinner and tour briefing
Day 2
Date : April 8, 2026
St Lucia
Travel north to the town of St Lucia
Take a scenic estuary boat cruise to spot hippos, crocs, and birdlife
Free time for:
Walking along the boardwalk
Visiting the beach
Shopping at the local market
Check-in: Elephant Lake Hotel
Late afternoon Hippo & Croc boat safari with sundowners
Day 3
Date : April 9, 2026
Tembe Elephant Park
Morning transfer to Tembe Elephant Park
Short game drive en route to lodge
Afternoon Big Five Safari
Check-in: Tembe Elephant Lodge
Inclusions:
Day 4
Date : April 10, 2026
Tembe Elephant Park
Optional morning game drive
Travel to Kujabula Lodge, Eswatini
Optional light activities
Boma dinner experience
Day 6
Date : April 12, 2026
Lake Jozini
Leisurely morning
Optional Tiger Fishing (additional cost)
Sunset boat cruise
Day 7
Date : April 13, 2026
Thonga Beach Lodge
Travel back to South Africa via Kosi Bay
Check-in: Thonga Beach Lodge
Afternoon at leisure with included soft activities
Day 8
Date : April 14, 2026
Thonga Beach Lodge
Day of optional beach and forest activities
(Snorkeling, Hiking, Kayaking, Lake Cruise, Birding)
Day 9
Date : April 15, 2026
Hluhluwe–iMfolozi (Rhino Ridge Lodge)
Travel south to Hluhluwe–iMfolozi, the oldest game reserve in Africa
Stop at DumaZulu Cultural Village for a traditional Zulu homestead tour and cultural demonstrations
Enter the park and check-in at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Lunch and afternoon game drive with sundowners
Day 10
Date : April 16, 2026
Rhino Ridge Lodge
Morning & afternoon safaris
Optional bush walk or spa
Day 11
Date : April 17, 2026
Thanda Safari
Transfer to Thanda Private Game Reserve
Check-in: Villa iZulu (5-star private villa)
High tea and afternoon game drive
Day 12
Date : April 18, 2026
Thanda Safari
Morning & afternoon game drives
Optional Elephant Encounter (with Rambo, additional cost)
Farewell dinner under the stars
Inclusions:
Day 13
Date : April 19, 2026
Return to Ballito
Transfer back to Canelands Beach Club, Ballito
Afternoon at leisure
Final farewell dinner
Day 14
Date : April 20, 2026
Departure
Breakfast and transfer to King Shaka Airport
- Accommodation for 13 nights at premium lodges, hotels, and beach resorts
- All ground transportation including airport transfers, inter-lodge transfers, and safari vehicles
- Meals as listed in the itinerary (most days include breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- All scheduled activities including:
- Estuary boat cruise in St Lucia
- Multiple Big Five game drives in Tembe, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, and Thanda
- Sunset cruise on Lake Jozini
- Guided bush walks (where specified)
- Snorkeling, kayaking, and forest walks at Thonga Beach Lodge
- Park entrance and conservation fees
- All gratuities and tipping for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (unless otherwise specified)
- All beverages at Kujabula Lodge and Thanda Safari (excluding top-shelf liquor)
- Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide throughout
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- 24/7 local support and assistance by North Travel & Talking Wild Adventures
- International airfares (North Travel can assist with flight bookings)
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required - your North Travel consultant can advise and provide information to obtain the correct visa.
- Meals and beverages not listed in the itinerary (notably on free-time days and some lunches/dinners)
- Beverages at some lodges (Canelands, Tembe, Rhino Ridge, Thonga – unless otherwise specified)
- Spa treatments and wellness services (available at some lodges for additional cost)
- Optional experiences, including:
- Tiger fishing at Lake Jozini
- Elephant encounter with Rambo at Thanda
- Top-shelf and premium alcoholic beverages at Thanda Safari
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
- Any required visas for entry into South Africa or Eswatini
By making a booking or enquiry with North Travel, you agree to our General Terms and Conditions. Please visit https://northtravel.co.nz/terms-and-conditions/
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