Bush and Beach Family Safari

Hluhluwe Umfolzi Game Reserve

Rekindle your love for nature with this tour of the breathtaking Kwazulu Natal north coast. Experience the best of both worlds as you explore marine and land-based ecosystems with a variety of activity options that will have you begging for more!

This tour combines a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Africa’s oldest game reserve and a pristine village on the Mozambican border. A nature lovers’ paradise, the first stop on this tour is the town of St Lucia, essentially a wetland area situated on the Kwazulu Natal north coast. From November to March you will have the chance to come up close with Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles, when the females come ashore to nest. Join a night-time tour with a local community guide as you witness this rare and awe-inspiring event!

Get to know Africa’s Big 5 in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi game reserve: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Choose from morning and sundowner drives, to full day experiences with a picnic lunch.

Kosi Bay is synonymous with pristine coastline, deserted beaches and picture perfect sunsets. Enjoy all nature has to offer while contemplating the dates for your return visit!

Photo Gallery

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One of the may pristine beaches in St. Lucia.

Up close and personal in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive into Durban and collect your hire car. Your drive to St Lucia will take you about 2,5 hours - meander through the Valley of a Thousand Hills and a host of sugar plantations, the warm Indian ocean keeping to your right for most of the drive. St Lucia was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1999 and comprises 280km of pristine coastline. Lidiko Lodge is set in lush gardens just off the main road, offering spacious bedrooms and a sparkling pool for those hot summers days. St Lucia is an adventurer’s paradise: try your hand at deep sea fishing, search for hippo and crocodile on an estuary cruise or drive into Cape Vidal for deserted beaches and quiet downtime.

Day 2-3: St. Lucia

The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park encompasses an immense mosaic of habitats ranging from marine systems (coral reefs and beaches) and coastal forests (from salt and fresh water marshes to the open estuarine waters of Lake St Lucia itself) to lush coastal plains and the drier woodland areas. Ocean and continent come together in perfect harmony in this immensely beautiful place – apart from the marine life prevalent here, spotting zebra and rhino on a drive through the park is not uncommon. Other activities include horse riding on the beach, visiting the Crocodile breeding centre and of course water sports of all kinds.

Day 4-6: Hluhluwe

Drive inland to the charming town of Hluhluwe, most famous for being the gateway to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. Situated in the heart of Zululand, this is the oldest game reserve in Africa and at 96 000 hectares, is internationally acclaimed for its conservation efforts. Enjoy Big 5 game drives in an open safari vehicle or a picnic at one of the many waterholes for guaranteed wildlife spotting at close range. Umkhumbi Lodge is a brand new addition to the town and is situated a mere 1 hour from St Lucia. The lodge comprises of 12 bedrooms which interlead, making it perfect for families. Each room has a veranda, where you can enjoy a drink while listening to the sounds of the bush. Additional activities on offer include snorkelling and diving at nearby Sodwana Bay, bird watching at Ndumo and tiger fishing at Lake Jozini. Never a dull moment!

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Additional Information

If you are hiring a vehicle, be aware that Kosi Bay is only accessible by 4x4. Transfers can be arranged with your accommodation if you're in a non 4x4 vehicle.

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Page last updated on 04 May 2010