• Overview
  • Trip Itinerary
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  • Trip Excludes
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14-Day Escorted and Guided South African Safari | Save up to NZ$1,000pp – Book by 17 August 2025

Experience the best of South Africa and Eswatini (Swaziland) on a fully escorted, all-inclusive small-group safari with North Travel. This exclusive journey blends coastal charm, rich wildlife encounters, and barefoot beach luxury—with just a few optional extras, and even gratuities included for a seamless experience.

From the warm shores of Ballito to Big Five game drives in Tembe and Hluhluwe, each stop is carefully selected for its natural beauty, luxury accommodation, and immersive experiences. Think hippo-filled estuary cruises, sunrise safaris, secluded beach walks, and exceptional hospitality at every turn.

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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
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
All meals included

Day 4

Date : April 10, 2026

Tembe Elephant Park

Early morning game drive
Enjoy the lodge facilities or book a spa treatment (extra cost)
Afternoon game drive

All meals included

Day 5

Date : April 11, 2026

Kingdom of Eswatini

Day 6

Date : April 12, 2026

Sunset boat cruise on Lake Jozini

Leisurely morning enjoying Lodge facilities
Sunset boat cruise
Swazi village visit
Optional Tiger Fishing (additional cost)
All meals included

Day 7

Date : April 13, 2026

Thonga Beach Lodge

Travel back to South Africa & beautiful Kosi Bay
Check-in: Thonga Beach Lodge
Afternoon at leisure; enjoy snorkelling, kayaking or pool time
All meals included

Day 8

Date : April 14, 2026

Thonga Beach Lodge

Day of optional beach and forest activities.
Snorkeling, Forrest Hiking, Kayaking, Lake Cruise, Birding
All meals included

Day 9

Date : April 15, 2026

Hluhluwe–imfolozi (Rhino Ridge Lodge)

Travel south to Hluhluwe–Imfolozi, the oldest game reserve in the world!

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
All meals included

Day 10

Date : April 16, 2026

Rhino Ridge Lodge

Morning & Afternoon game drive
Guided Bush walk
All meals included

Day 11

Date : April 17, 2026

Thanda Safari

Morning game drive at Rhino Ridge
Travel to Thanda Private Game Reserve
High tea followed by afternoon game drive 
Check in: Villa iZulu 5-star luxury villa
All meals included 

Day 12

Date : April 18, 2026

Thanda Safari

Bush breakfast
Morning & afternoon game drives
Optional Elephant Encounter with Rambo (additional cost)
Dinner under the stars
All meals included

Day 13

Date : April 19, 2026

Return to Ballito

Transfer back to Canelands Beach Club, Ballito
Explore Zamimpilo community market
Afternoon at leisure
Final farewell dinner
All meals included

Day 14

Date : April 20, 2026

Departure

Breakfast
Transfer to King Shaka Airport for your journey home. 

  • 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
  •  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/