This experience-rich safari combines South Africa’s varied wildlife reserves with pristine beaches in remote, less-visited areas of the country.
Start by first exploring Thornybush Private Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park, where local trackers and guides seek out herds of elephants, prides of lions, and elusive leopards.
Explore Phinda Game Reserve, known for its excellent guides, abundant wildlife, seven distinct ecosystems and dense wildlife concentrations including rhino, cheetah, buffalo, elephant, and lions.
Next, get your feet wet and snorkel in the clear tropical waters of the Indian Ocean in the remote northeastern reaches of the Elephant Coast. Miles of undisturbed coastline spread out in front of your beach bungalow and beckon you to explore tide pools and the coastal forests.
This safari is perfect for honeymooners, couples, groups, and families alike and is easily customized to the dates and length that work best for you.
Arrive at Hoedspruit Airport this morning and depart with your guide and tracker to the private Thornybush Game Reserve part of the greater Kruger National Park. Dinner is a lantern-lit affair, served under the stars and overlooking the waterhole frequented by buffalo and elephants.
Spend two full days in search of leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino as well the elusive wild dog, and a wide variety of antelope and plains game. Game drives are in open vehicles, allowing unobstructed views of wildlife, and walking safaris allow you to leave the vehicle behind to track animals and learn about the smaller inhabitants of this ecosystem. Afternoon game drives often stretch into evenings, where spotlights offer chances to catch a glimpse of nocturnal species such as genets and porcupines.
Depart this morning bound for the coast of South Africa. Located in the Southeastern Kwazulu Natal province, Phinda Private Game Reserve is 22,000 hectares of wilderness, made up of seven distinct habitats from woodlands to grassland to the unique dry sand forest. The reserve is just ten miles from the Indian Ocean and is host to animals such as rhino, elephant, lion, and cheetah. Enjoy game drives in open vehicles as well as walking safaris, birding, and canoeing. Phinda boasts some of the top naturalist guides in the country who will lead the way by vehicle and on foot in this stunning reserve. Ask about conservation projects that you can be a part of including pangolin, rhino, and sea turtles.
Head north today to the Isimangaliso Wetlands – a huge coastal UNESCO World Heritage area also known as the Elephant Coast. This region is teeming with wildlife that thrives in a stunning array of ecosystems. Coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes, and expansive sandy beaches offer a wide variety of activities including South Africa’s best snorkeling in the crystal clear, warm Indian Ocean. Dolphins, whale sharks, and manta rays are all regularly encountered. At low tide, explore the tide pools and stroll the endless beaches. Guided forest walks, cultural tours, kayaking are all possible – or just relax at the on-site spa. From Nov – Feb it is possible to go on a turtle drive to look for loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles who nest here. If you are lucky, you just might see the hatchlings making their way into the surf! In the evening, enjoy a leisurely drive along the shores of Lake Sibaya looking for hippos and crocodiles. Surrounded by the magical sounds of dusk, toast the sunset over the lake before returning to the lodge for al fresco dining under the stars.
Fully content after your South African adventure, bid farewell to the coast and depart to Richard’s Bay in time to connect with your international departing flight.
