Lesotho, South Africa · Wildlife Safari

7-Day KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife Tour with Drakensberg and Whale Watching

7 Days Round trip from Johannesburg Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the Drakensberg Midlands Meander with its unique arts and crafts, fun activities, and historical sights
02 Visit the highest "Pub" in Africa at Sani Pass
03 Cruise through iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Lake St. Lucia to spot hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife
04 Watch a 40-ton whale from as close as 100 m in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean
05 Go on game drives in Hluhluwe and Umfolozi Game Reserve, home to the black rhino and the Big 5

Take a short trip from Johannesburg to the famous Drakensberg mountains for an escape into nature. Explore the Drakensberg Midlands Meander, visit the highest "Pub" in Africa at Sani Pass, and cruise through iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Lake St. Lucia to spot hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. Enjoy whale watching in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, then continue with game drives in Hluhluwe and Umfolozi Game Reserve to look for the black rhino and other native wildlife.

After an early breakfast, enjoy the best deep-sea experience possible and view a 40-ton whale from as close as 100 m from the boat in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Johannesburg, Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Johannesburg to uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Mountains

Depart from Johannesburg and travel to the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Mountains, a World Heritage Site.
Explore the Drakensberg Midlands Meander. The Midlands Meander offers not only a variety of unique arts and crafts, stunning getaway locations, and fun activities, but also breathtaking views and historical sights that will leave you in awe.
Spend the night at Moorcroft Manor Country Hotel in the Southern Drakensberg.

Day 02

Sani Pass Cultural Visit

After breakfast, travel to the cultural village in Sani Pass to visit the highest "Pub" in Africa.
Return to Moorcroft Manor Country Hotel in the late afternoon for your overnight stay.

Day 03

St. Lucia Estuary and iSimangaliso Cruise

After breakfast, travel to the St. Lucia Estuary, a World Heritage Site that is home to diverse wildlife and migratory bird species.
Take a boat cruise through iSimangaliso Wetland Park in the afternoon.
Stay overnight in St. Lucia at Umlilo Lodge.

Day 04

Indian Ocean Whale Watching and Lake St. Lucia

After an early breakfast, enjoy the best deep-sea experience possible and view a 40-ton whale from as close as 100 m from the boat in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Take an Advantage Cruiser ferry to explore Lake St. Lucia for hippos, crocodiles, fishes, eagles, herons, mangroves, kingfishers, mudskippers, and more.

Day 05

Hluhluwe Game Reserve Safari

After breakfast, travel to Hluhluwe Game Reserve, home to the black rhino and the rest of the Big 5.
Enjoy a late afternoon game drive in an open game-viewing vehicle.
Overnight stay at Hilltop Rest Camp.

Day 06

Umfolozi Game Reserve and Night Drive

After an early morning breakfast, depart for Umfolozi Game Reserve.
Return to the lodge for dinner.
Afterward, go for a night game drive in an open game-viewing vehicle.

Day 07

Departure for Johannesburg

Have a relaxing breakfast at Hilltop Rest Camp.
Depart for Johannesburg.

Where this trip takes you

uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Mountains, Drakensberg Midlands Meander, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Hluhluwe Game Reserve

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Johannesburg 4 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees.
Accommodation and meals.
Transportation as mentioned in the tour description.
A professional South African guide.
Personal attention and service excellence.

What's Not Included

International flights from home and return.
Drinks, tips, and porterage.
All lunches.
Visa fees (if applicable).
Travel insurance.
Other personal items.

Know before you go

The tour is offered in USD per person per day for ease of reference. However, it should be paid in ZAR.
A minimum of 4 people is required.
50% is payable on the tour booking date, and the final payment is due 30 days prior to the start of the tour.
The full deposit will be returned if the tour is cancelled 30 days prior to departure.
Payments are currently by bank transfer, and guests are required to pay the transfer fees.
Zulu-named "Barrier of Spears" or English-named "Dragon Mountains," these mountains live up to their names, inspiring awe and wonder in all who experience this pristine beauty; and just when you think it cannot get any better, you will be exposed to total indulgence in a myriad of wildlife experiences. A very special slice of Africa, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and much more awaits you!

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