Elephant Coast & Magical Zululand, South Africa

  June 6-14, 2024  

Rhinos, lions,whales and hippos, on my ! Come connect with nature on our new AFS bush and beach vacation into two different worlds- a wildlife safari in Africa’s oldest game reserve combined with a marine safari at a World Heritage Site on the Indian Ocean ! This is our ultimate luxury getaway at our best safari price ever. There’s so much included from Durban to St. Lucia, KZN ,iSimangaliso Wetlands, Hluhluwe to Maputaland. It’s the perfect safari for our animal lovers with wonderful village visits for our culture lovers.

Home of the Hippo - Tour Saint Lucia, Africa’s largest estuarine system with 800 hippos and 1200+ crocs. Then to UNESCO site iSimangaliso, a stunning region of eight ecosystems, 526 bird species to colossal sand dunes.

Home of the Rhino - we enter the heart of Zululand into Africa’s oldest reserve established in 1895. These world renowned parks are home to the Big 5 ( lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo ) and 86 mammal species. You’ll love our sophisticated Rhino Ridge Resort that lies secluded where earth meets sky. It’s the first luxury property here with a thriving population of elephants and named the ‘ home of the rhino ‘. Rhino Ridge is fiercely committed to conservation. See their support of the anti-poaching units on horses conducting patrols. Their efforts have helped bring back the white rhino population from the brink of extinction under “ Operation Rhino “. It’s all inclusive with game drives by expert rangers at sunrise and sunset in search of magnificent animals in the bush. Enjoy the spa, gourmet meals and campfire nights under a silver moon.

Home to Whales and Turtles - Follow the Elephant Coast to another UNESCO site of pristine wilderness to Maputaland Marine Reserve to search for marine life in the warm Indian Ocean. Our past group loved Thonga Beach Lodge, a bucket list oasis on a coastline of blue waters wrapped in a forest ! It’s ‘ barefoot luxury ‘ at this deluxe boutique resort of brand &Beyond. Walk the secluded beaches or try unique experiences like sea kayaks, diving or turtle tracking. This is the land of giant leatherbacks that return right here each year to lay their eggs. Enjoy an open sea safari in waters teeming with manta rays and spinner dolphins. And it’s whale season !… look for the humpbacks and southern right whales. Do a forest walk, a sunset cruise and visit the Tsonga people. Award winning cuisines are served alfresco under the milkwood trees. At night, we chill on being bags around the fire pit under the starry skies of the Southern Cross.

Join our small group to top lodges on our new AFS “ Africa made easy” tour of adventure. No visa, no shots, just come. Relax. Listen. Watch. By land and by sea, it’s the Greatest Show on Earth!

Note- This itinerary is placed here for your convenience. It can deviate in some ways. Please see www.afstravelers.com for the latest.

June 6-7 

Note: The itinerary on our website may have newer information. This is only for reference.  

Jun 6 - Fly USA round-trip to Durban. Air details coming in trip tips. Consider going in a day early to rest or explore.

Jun 7 - Welcome to South Africa!  One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures.  Above all the culture, incredible wildlife, stunning scenery and friendly people make South Africa a must-see destination.  Land starts June 7 at Durban airport before 11 AM.   Upon arrival in Durban, you will be collected for a 2 ½ hrs transfer to the town of St Lucia.

St Lucia - Encircled by the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, St Lucia is South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. St Lucia lies on the magnificent St Lucia Estuary which is one of the largest in Africa stretching over 85 kilometres. It features abundant wildlife, pristine natural beauty, and offers a wide range of wonderful activities. This haven of tranquillity offers excellent mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and deep-sea fishing. 

Did you know that St Lucia is home to one of the largest free-roaming Hippo populations in South Africa. It is estimated that there are more or a less 800 Hippos wandering freely in the area? Added to that 1200 Nile Crocodiles and an abundance of bird species.

This afternoon spend the afternoon enjoying a 2 hour boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary in search of hippo and crocs. As you cruise gently along you will hear the calls of the fisheagle and the melodic grunting of hippos. Watch the hippo pod interaction from up close as you see rival males squaring off vehemently to protect their territory. Have cameras in hand as we wait for the large yawn showing off their huge sabre teeth as well as the large crocs sunbathing on the banks.

Set above the Great St Lucia Lake, Lidiko Lodge is a 4-star lodge, centrally situated in the village of St Lucia, surrounded by the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (iSimangaliso Wetland Park), an UNESCO natural World Heritage Site.  Lidiko Lodge offers 18 well appointed air conditioned en-suite garden rooms decorated in a contemporary style. All rooms offer a private patio and lead onto the pool area or bird-filled gardens.  Lidiko is the ideal destination from which to explore the Wetlands with its five major eco systems, pristine beaches and Big 5 game parks, while enjoying village life.

Overnight Ladiko Lodge Bed and breakfast    https://ladikorooms.com/

June 8-11  - This morning we depart St Lucia for the oldest game park in South Africa and home of the rhino.  Enroute we will stop to enjoy a cultural experience with a visit to the Khulu Zulu Village. Learn about the friendly Khulu people and get some great photos with them.

Check into our fabulous lodge followed by a briefing from the staff and lunch.   This afternoon depart on your first afternoon game drive in search of the ‘Big 5’ – elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo.

Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park is the jewel in the crown of the KwaZulu Natal game reserves. Proclaimed in 1895, it is also the oldest game reserve in Africa. Initially, two separate reserves, they were joined to create a single 94 000 hectare reserve which is home to one-fifth of the world's black and white rhino population. It was here that the internationally acclaimed Operation Rhino started in the 1960s, successfully capturing and relocating white rhino to havens within South Africa and abroad. The Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park was the first reserve to introduce walking safaris and its Wilderness Trails are internationally renowned. Visitors can also look forward to visiting a traditional Zulu village, enjoying a horse riding safari, and spotting the world-renowned Big Five as well as a wide variety of bird species.

Overnight: Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge - Established to protect the previously endangered white rhino, , Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve is a triumph of conservation efforts. Celebrate this legacy in exclusive luxury at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge - the only private lodge in the reserve - offering exceptional safari experiences in the heart of Big 5 territory. 18 well appointed, air-conditioned rooms nestle on a ridge, each with their own private deck giving expansive and uninterrupted views of the reserve. Please read how this lodge supports wildlife and communities at www.isibindifoundation.org.

Activities include – Game Drives. Twice daily game drives at sunrise and sunset are conducted to explore the magnificent hills and valleys of the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park.   Nothing is predictable in the bush; therefore, each safari offers a potentially new and unique experience. Our rangers will share their wealth of bush experience, which involves the identification of animals, trees, grasses, insects and birds. The medicinal uses of plants and local folk lore is also discussed as well as looking for the ever fascinating Big 5! Drives are in open high game viewers with professional guides with a wealth of knowledge on the ecosystems and all creatures here great and small. Sundowners include one glass of wine, cocktail or beer with snacks.

Fully Inclusive -  Rhino Ridge rates include park fees, accommodation, meals, game drives and Mpembeni Community Walk.  Walking Safari available at additional cost.  See their website for all activities at www.rhinoridge.co.za/experience/bushtrails

Jun 11-15  Marine Life and Beach Time... Thonga Beach Lodge, Maputaland Marine Protected Area 

Today we depart Rhino Ridge for the beautiful Thonga Beach Lodge. Transfer time approximately 4 hours.
Maputaland Marine Protected Area
Set on South Africa’s northeastern coast, the UNESCO-listed Maputaland Marine Protected Area or Elephant Coast falls within the awe-inspiring iSimangaliso Wetland Park and comprises three protected areas: Lake Sibaya Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, and Rocktail Bay. Extending all the way from the northern Mozambican border to Sodwana Bay in the south, it encompasses forests, wetlands, lakes, marshes, and coral reefs near glorious, deserted golden-sand beaches. Local wildlife includes large numbers of leatherback turtles, numerous bird species, and many species of freshwater fish.

Overnight: Thonga Beach Lodge  (3 nights)       https://www.thongabeachlodge.co.zaThonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the Maputuland Coast, KwaZulu-Natal. This boutique luxury lodge by the prestigious &Beyond brand, is the ideal place to discover one of Africa’s last unspoiled wilderness beaches. It is a magical place of coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer South Africa’s best snorkeling and excellent off-shore SCUBA diving and birding opportunities. Delicious cuisine is enjoyed al fresco on the dining deck or beach deck overlooking the sea. It's an ideal choice for divers or anyone who wants to relax..."A civilized distance from civilization."  Our past AFS group didn't want to leave this glorious place.

Activities include - Sundowners at Lake Sibaya - A leisurely drive along the lake shore looking for Hippo's, Birds and Crocodiles, then surrounded by the magical sounds of dusk settle with a drink to watch the sunset over the lake.

Cultural Tours - Daily tours are on offer to visit the local rural Community of Mabibi.  This includes a visit to the clinic and the school, as well as a homestead visit.  Bring some goodies for the kids.  Optional is to include a visit to the local Sangoma (witch doctor), which may incur a $10 cost.

Forest Walk - Daily guided walks through the indigenous dune forest, where our local guides share their knowledge of the flora and fauna.

Thonga Beach Dining -Enjoy alfresco dining at the deck under the huge milkwood trees.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling - Daily guided snorkeling is done a 5-minute walk away from the Lodge at low tide in our beautiful rock pools.  Guided snorkeling is included in the rate. Also, sea kayaking is included.

SCUBA diving at Mabibi is phenomenal.  Our professional lodge diving team can accommodate enthusiasts, from the beginner to the veteran.  For those who don't dive, we have an Open Ocean Experience.  The warm Indian Ocean supports a myriad of fish and marine life.
Scuba Diving and ocean experience are at an extra cost.

Ocean Experience -  Open Ocean Experience.  An exciting boat launch through the surf in front of the lodge takes you beyond the breakers to a world of dolphins, whales and many other creatures.  The warm Indian Ocean supports a myriad of fish and marine life.  Guests can sometimes swim with dolphins or whale sharks or snorkel with Manta rays and giant turtles.
Ocean Experience is an extra charge. Details to come and headcount later. Don't miss this fabulous whale watching experience

Spa - Relax with a soothing treatment in the Sea Spa

Thonga rates include accommodation, meals, guided snorkeling and use of snorkeling equipment, guided forest walks, kayaking, sundowners at Lake Sibaya, and cultural tours to Mabibi Community.

Jun 15 -  Depart for airport     B

After breakfast, we depart resort around 11 AM. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Durban. Transfer time around 3.5 hours. Please ensure that your flights home are not before 6:30 PM! Some may choose to extend this trip, adding a night to explore Durban or fly to Cape Town.