Duration
9-Day
Accra, South Africa
This curated journey blends a Big Five safari in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park with a serene escape to the pristine Mabibi Beach. Begin in an exclusive luxury lodge within the park for an unhurried, expert-led wildlife experience. After, retreat to a sophisticated eco-lodge on the Elephant Coast, where you can stroll along secluded beaches, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, or simply unwind by the sea. It is a perfectly balanced getaway, offering the best of South Africa's wild interior and coastal beauty.
Plan snapshot
Duration
9-Day
Route
Richards Bay to Richards Bay
Via Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (KZN Parks), Elephant Coast, Johannesburg (City)
Country & park
South Africa
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Activities
game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide) & beach time
Accommodation
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge - Luxury lodge inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (KZN Parks)
Meals
Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2-4: All Meals Included; All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This luxury tour uses lodges.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request changes to this tour.
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Day 1-4
Luxury lodge inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (KZN Parks)
Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2-4: All Meals Included
Day 5-8
Luxury+ lodge inside iSimangaliso Wetland Park (KZN Parks) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, connect to Richard’s Bay for a private transfer to your luxury lodge in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (optional upgrade to a flight available at an extra cost). Your full-board stay includes two daily game drives, park fees, and the foundation levy. Following a refined afternoon tea, set out on your first safari to witness the transition from day to night. After sunset sundowners and a gourmet dinner on the deck, you’ll enjoy a sophisticated introduction to this historic African wilderness. Luxury lodge located inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (KZN Parks) Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Day 2
Enjoy morning and evening game drives in the historic Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, home to the Big Five and over 340 bird species. Between safaris, join a guided walk with the legendary Nunu Jobe, known as The Rhino Whisperer, for a deeper connection to the landscape. You may also explore the local gorge’s vibrant flora or visit the Mpembeni Community to learn about traditional Zulu life. This day offers a refined blend of world-class wildlife, conservation, and rich cultural heritage. Luxury lodge located inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (KZN Parks) All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Day 3
Today, you’ll enjoy two more game drives in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park with skilled rangers. As the lodge is situated within the park, you won’t waste precious time driving to the park before your game viewing begins. Game drives start from directly outside the lodge and your driver can use the extensive network of roads throughout the park. Luxury lodge located inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (KZN Parks) All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Day 4
Enjoy your final day of safari with morning and afternoon game drives. In between the game drives, the lodge can arrange a visit to Emdoneni Cat Centre, where you’ll learn more about South Africa's wild cats. The centre runs daily educational tours with feeding during the afternoon and an informative talk by an experienced guide. Luxury lodge located inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (KZN Parks) All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Day 5
Travel to the Maputaland Coast (optional upgrade to a flight available at an extra cost) to stay at a secluded eco-lodge on the pristine Mabibi Beach. Part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this idyllic retreat offers thatched-roof suites overlooking golden dunes and turquoise waters. Spend your days snorkeling tranquil reefs or exploring lush coastal forests. With all-inclusive dining featuring gourmet local flavors, this hidden gem provides a sophisticated and serene sanctuary on South Africa’s beautiful Elephant Coast. Luxury+ lodge located inside iSimangaliso Wetland Park (KZN Parks) All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Day 6
Enjoy an unhurried escape with all meals and snorkeling equipment provided. Your stay includes guided snorkeling, forest walks, and kayaking or sundowners on Lake Sibaya, alongside a cultural tour of the Mabibi Community. From November to February, join a seasonal turtle tracking excursion. For a seamless experience, park fees and foundation levies are also included. Whether exploring the lush forest or the vibrant reef, this coastal sanctuary offers a perfect blend of adventure and refined relaxation. Luxury+ lodge located inside iSimangaliso Wetland Park (KZN Parks) All meals included All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Day 9
After breakfast, your KwaZulu-Natal Safari and Beach will come to a perfect end. Our representative will arrive at 10.30am to transfer you via road (optional upgrade to a flight available at an extra cost) to the small airport at Richard's Bay for your domestic flight to Johannesburg (prices include a bixed budget for flights, if flights cost more your quote will reflect this). From there, you will board your connecting international flight back home. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (No tip expected)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Offered by
Wayfairer Travel designs luxury experiences in Africa, which aim to maximise the benefits to communities and conservation. Our dedicated Africa Specialists provide a tailor-made service to create personalized travel experiences for discerning travellers. All our trips are custom made and are designed around you. This means that you can travel on dates that are convenient for you, you can explore sights that interest you at your own pace and you can choose accommodation to suit your style and budget.
Offices In
United Kingdom, United States
Size
20-50 employees (Founded in 2012)
Member Of
ATTA, ATOL & ABTOT
Tour Types
Custom luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
Botswana, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (DRC), Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Réunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5We had a wonderful trip to Tanzania combining the national parks of Nyerere and Ruaha and the beach on Zanzibar. Communication with Jess and Thea at Wayfarer was great and everything worked smoothly for us with flights and transfers all on time- even in the remote area of Ruaha. Having done safaris in more popular areas we wanted the less frequented areas of Tanzania and weren’t disappointed. Mdonye old river camp in Ruaha is a distance from anywhere but you really do feel you have the park to yourselves- maybe spotting another vehicle from the camp is the only other vehicle you are likely to see- and great wildlife spotting- particularly lion and leopard. Lake Manze in Nyerere a different area of habitat but again few other vehicles. Both camps are rustic but quite comfortable and both catered superbly for my wife’s gluten and dairy intolerance . Breezes on Zanzibar was very good with superb staff service. Just great to chill out there after the safari week. Wayfairer catered well for the type of trip we were looking to do
Peter and Judith · United Kingdom
My husband and I plus one of our adult daughters spent three weeks in southern Africa - Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. Wayfairer listened to us and planned an extraordinary adventure. Every hotel, meal, transfer, flight, activity, was on time and exceeded expectations: Devils pool in Zambia was an absolute highlight - breakfast trip and the best coffee we had in three weeks, Bike tour of Victoria Falls gave us the lay of the land and the rainforest walk clearly demonstrated why you should not do the Devils Pool (as you view it from the Zimbabwe side - but do it anyway - the double rainbow as you look over the 110 metre drop is totally worth it!) . The Zambezi river cruise is also a delight as we paused mid river to allow a herd of around 40 elephants to swim across. The young bulls at the back wrestling with each other the entire way showed unexpected athleticism from these huge animals. Botswana was simply sublime. The government has supported and fostered a community tourist industry which 'adopts' you on entry. Chobe Game Lodge was our first stay - here you get the most exquisite animal encounters. An early game drive starts each day where we saw big cats - three prides of lions, an elusive leopard (remember to look in the trees!), giraffes, water buffalo, many antelopes and an array of beautiful birds. The all female guides are knowledgeable and determined to find whatever you want to see. This Lodge has the added advantage of location on the Chobe River so, you cruise after lunch - Crocodiles, Eagles, Hippopotamus, Baboons and hundreds of elephants! Then, the late afternoon game drive brings out the 'thirsty multitudes' as they prepare for the cooler evening and their search for dinner or their preparation to hide from becoming dinner! Three nights at Chobe then off to Camp Okavango in the delta - the flight in is a hoot - thermals off the desert create turbulence so it is a little rocky at times but the planes are well maintained and the pilots friendly and competent. We spent three nights at Camp Okavango amongst much song from the delightful staff. Nature walks each morning and river boats in the afternoon provided an entirely different animal experience - as we felt part of the landscape now. We walked through the animals environment and this ground level trek became our favourite adventure: warthogs and their litters feeding, antelopes, jackals, hyenas, elephants and of course hippo's. The guides were locals so they had thorough knowledge of this incredible, biodiverse environment. The delta is so full of life and a must do for any trip to Africa. We completed our trip in Cape Town staying at Seapoint and renting a car to travel around. In contrast to Johannesburg, Cape Town felt safe and welcoming. Driving is easy and the roads are readily navigable: highlights here were the climb up Lions Head (took us around 50 minutes to climb up - view is Wow!), Table Mountain cable, Cape of Good Hope and of course the Wine. Thank you Wayfairer - we are already deciding our next destination with you.
Kerry McEwan · Australia
We went to South Africa & Mauritius for 2 weeks.. It was a complicated tour which includes city tour, safari and beach holiday. Wayfairer organized everything greatly. We never faced with any delays or issues throughout the stay. They were always in touch to make sure we are doing well. Many thanks to everyone, special thanks to Eleanor & Ruth!
Ers · Switzerland
We've never used a tour operator for a holiday before but felt a bit intimidated about booking our first safari as we felt there was a mountain of inside knowledge we didn't have. Wayfairer gave us some absolutely essential advice about our options and this is the main reason we chose them above all the other operators. Then, once we had committed, not only did they understand exactly what we wanted and how to make it happen, but also provided unbelievable value for money while doing it. We had the experience of a lifetime and every detail was perfectly calibrated to the holiday we had asked for. I don't think you can get a better experience, with staff who are so knowledgeable and look after you so well, anywhere else. I would recommend Wayfairer to anyone and would definitely use them again in a heartbeat.
Danielle Cohen · United Kingdom
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children of all ages.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request changes to this tour.
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge - Luxury lodge inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (KZN Parks). Meals: Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2-4: All Meals Included
This tour starts and ends in Richards Bay
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Wayfairer Travel, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Wayfairer Travel.
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