Lions on the savanna in South Africa

South Africa Bush & Beach Vacation: Durban, KwaZulu Natal & Thanda Private Game Reserve

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

South Africa

Places Visited

Umhlanga Beach, Rorke's Drift & Isandlwana Battlefields, Thanda Private Game Reserve

Suggested Duration

8 Days

This is the ideal bush and beach vacation - paired with awe-inspiring seascapes, face-to-face encounters with popular marine mammals and the ultimate South Africa safari with wildlife’s renowned Big Five. Delight in unforgettable bush dinners enjoying majestic sunsets, and experience unique walks led by expert guides through the bushveld’s untouched spaces. Stay in award-winning hotels, taste ethnically inspired dishes, uncover the...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Come face-to-face with the Big Five and enjoy unique safari experiences in the bush
  • Experience fine dining in a whole new and unforgettable way – in the heart of the bushveld
  • Search the bush on foot for a unique perspective of the savannah’s diverse fauna and flora
  • Assist Thanda Private Game Reserve researchers with wildlife conservation (optional and subject to availability)
  • View wildlife on horseback in Fugitives Drift Game Reserve (optional)
  • Interact with dolphins and seals, swim with sharks or snorkel amidst sea-creatures (optional)
  • Vacation in award-winning hotels, like the 5-star Oyster Box – the entertainment destination of choice for the Prince and Princess of Monaco
  • Relive rich historical battles that have been immortalized in Hollywood films

Detailed Description

Does the thought of warm ocean waters, golden sands and big game make you tingle with excitement? Then read on, as this trip just might just be your dream vacation. Arrive in the Zulu Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal. Inhale exotic spices and salty ocean air in the city of Durban, home to a flourishing Indian community and South Africa’s largest ethnic group – the Zulu. Explore the beautiful beaches of Umhlanga (which means "Place of Reeds") where an iconic lighthouse looks out over the endless Indian Ocean. Swim with sharks, delight in memorable interactions with dolphins and seals, and follow in the footsteps of Monaco’s Prince Albert and Princess Charlene for drinks at Umhlanga’s The Lighthouse Bar.

Travel to the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields Region where historic battles raged; here, blasts of gunfire echoed across the rolling hills, and assegais (spears) glinted in the sun. Hear how the great British army was brought to its knees by local Zulu warriors. Then, discover how courageous souls survived a 12-hour attack and went on to receive Victoria Crosses for their bravery.

Next, you’ll journey into the heart of the bush to meet the Big Five. This vacation provides the ultimate in escapism - packed with adventure for the bold, barrels of excitement for the eager, and the perfect blend of tranquility. To add on to your African safari, see what other travelers experienced in the reviews of South Africa safaris.

Starting Price

$4,155 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.94 stars based on 1033 reviews.

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