The Zulu Kingdom opens its heart on this evocative two week itinerary. Landscapes provide the drama as you self drive into dramatic mountains, pristine Indian Ocean beaches, immense natural water worlds, and untamed safari wildernesses. Then its residents lay on the charm, from thousands of white rhinos to traditionally dressed warriors, long-tusked elephants to hippos wading beside your canoe.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Natal Midlands - Drive Into the Lush Natal Midlands
After arriving in Johannesburg International Airport, you'll catch a connecting flight to Durban where your rental car awaits. A long ascent takes you away from the coast and into the fertile Natal Midlands, an area that almost resembles Italian Tuscany at first glance. Rich green hills are punctuated by vineyards and old farmhouses, while an unmistakably fresh smell filters through the car window. But you're in Africa. Zulu locals wave hello on winding country roads, dressed in inconceivably colorful clothes. Stunning rivers and lakes roll past as you keep driving uphill, glimpses of the dramatic scenery that will accompany your fourteen day trip. And then you ascend to the elegant boutique hotel, a living ode to old-world charm with sweeping views over the lush Natal Midlands.
What's Included:
Day 2 - 3
Ukhahlamaba Drakensberg Mountains - Rock Art and Dramatic Views
Day 4
The Evocative Battlefields of the Zulu Kingdom
Day 5 - 6
Safari Adventure in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park
Day 7 - 8
iSimangaliso Wetland Park - The Remote Beauty of Kosi Bay
Day 9 - 10
Tembe Elephant Park - Africa's Giants
Day 11 - 12
St Lucia - Exploring the Wetlands
Day 13
Ballito - Soaking up the Sun on the Dolphin Coast
Day 14
Ballito - Return to Durban
Trip Highlights
- Come face to face with Africa's largest elephants, most of them frolicking in waterholes just meters from your face, tusks almost as long as their trunks. Tembe Elephant Park also offers the Big Five and a delightful supporting cast
- Savor the dramatic scenery of the uKhahlamb Drakensberg Mountains, the peaks rising almost vertically and towering over a serene land of hiking trails and fascinating San rock art
- Drive through the world's greatest white rhino habitat, almost 10% of the planet's population living in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park. They're not alone, and the full Big Five will keep you company on a spectacular two day South Africa safari experience
- Lose yourself in the immense water world of iSimangaliso, a pristine habitat of lakes, hidden beaches, sandy forest, and hippo covered estuaries
- Get guided through the evocative Zulu battlefields, listening to remarkable tales and sensing the secrets that fill ancient forts and eerie graveyards
- Relax on the deserted beaches of St Lucia and Ballito on the Dolphin Coast, or wander into the nature reserves that surround this idyllic strip of Indian Ocean coastline
Starting Price
$9,100 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
4.95 stars based on 1146 reviews.
The trip was the best we have ever had. Africa is a very special place. Zicasso's travel expert did a fantastic job of organizing the itinerary. The only disappointment was that we were not scheduled to see the mass migration across the river.
Reviewed By Andrew K.
Zicasso’s travel agent put together an amazing trip for our family. This travel agent was incredibly responsive.
Reviewed By David W.
We had an amazing trip, planned by Zicasso's travel partner. This is the first time I've ever used a travel agent and I'll admit, I was nervous. She took all of our feedback into consideration while planning. I highly recommend!
Reviewed By Kris C.
This was a well-planned trip that was personally rewarding and fulfilling.
This trip provided a great balance of the diverse locations from both countries (Namibia and South Africa).
I chose Zicasso as, at this stage of life, when taking well-deserved vacations, I just want to pay, pack, show up and have everything (accommodations, transportation, domestic and international flights, tours, attention to safety, and additional recommendations) accounted for. And that is exactly what the Zicasso's travel expert provided via her tour agency.
I was able to share my must-haves/nice-to-haves and she customized a vacation package that tended to every detail. It was a wonderful balance of rustic and luxury. It was also our July “birthdaycation” for my aunt and me, and we were surprised at multiple locations with surprise birthday acknowledgements. Birthdays are very special to me, so this was a major “icing” on the cake for me on this vacation.
Although there was a minor “hiccup” on the day of arrival, the travel specialist's “on-the-ground” (local) staff pivoted and quickly and professionally found another option for us for our airport pickup. This shows the mark of a company interested in ensuring the complete satisfaction of their clients.
For the destinations the travel expert specializes in, they will be my first point of contact when looking to make my next vacation destination.
Well done!
Reviewed By Andrea +.
The trip was carefully planned and we received optimal assistance throughout the trip and constant availability and monitoring during the journey. Our Zicasso travel agent was very professional and always available to respond to our requests and needs. The choice of hotels was excellent and reflected the expectations. The activities offered in the different locations were very well structured and the guides were of high quality, particularly those in Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta.
Reviewed By Roberto B.
Our family had a blast in South Africa, thanks to Zicasso's travel designer. She was meticulous in the planning and gave some good suggestions that worked well for our group. From fast-track tickets up to Table Mountain to food recommendations, she curated an itinerary that made the trip a breeze.
The guide in Cape Town was a wellspring of knowledge. We learned so much about the country from her, from history to economics and culture.
The safari portion of the trip was most memorable. The resort in Hoedspruit was just what the family needed.
We will definitely look up this travel company for future trips.
Reviewed By Lauren L.