Forest, Beach & Bush: the Natural Beauty of Kwa-Zulu Natal
Overview
- Holiday Package
- Dates Flexible
- Starts & Ends in Durban
Welcome to your
Forest, Beach & Bush Holiday: the Natural Beauty of Kwa-Zulu Natal (7 nights)
This unforgettable holiday combines the serene beauty of KwaZulu-Natal’s forests and beaches with the excitement of a Big Five safari.
Begin your journey in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend your first 2 nights at Kosi Forest Lodge, a secluded haven nestled among lakes and forests. Next, immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Thonga Beach Lodge, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and tranquil freshwater lakes.
Complete your KwaZulu-Natal adventure with a safari at the stunning 30,000- hectare Phinda Private Game Reserve. This is a wildlife paradise, home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) as well as 436 bird species, offering exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.
This is a unique, off-the-beaten-track holiday perfect for nature lovers.
Earthstompers holiday packages are 100% customizable, so please chat to your tour consultant if you would like to request changes to the itinerary or accommodation!
Holiday includes:
- Transfer from King Shaka Airport (Durban) to Kosi Forest Lodge
- 2 night stay at Kosi Forest Lodge, including meals, guided canoe trip, and
guided Raphia Forest walk - 4 x4 transfer from Kosi Forest Lodge to Thonga Beach Lodge
- 3 night stay at Thonga Beach Lodge, including meals, guided snorkelling and use of snorkelling equipment, guided forest walks, kayaking, sundowners at Lake Sibaya, cultural tours and turtle tracking walks in season (Nov-Feb)
- Transfer from Thonga Beach Lodge to Phinda Mountain Lodge
- 2 night stay at Phinda Mountain Lodge, including meals, safari activities, and nature walks accompanied by experienced trackers (subject to availability)
- Transfer from Phinda Mountain Lodge to King Shaka Airport (Durban)
Holiday excludes:
- Flights
- Meals and drinks other than those listed as included
- Optional activities other than those listed as included
Holiday itinerary:
iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Kosi Forest Lodge
Welcome to KwaZulu-Natal! Upon your arrival at King Shaka International Airport, a driver will be arranged to meet you and transfer you to Kosi Forest Lodge, where you’ll spend the next 2 nights.
Enjoy a stay at Kosi Forest Lodge, located in the renowned iSimangaliso Wetland Park. You can choose to be active and partake in the lodge’s activities, or simply unwind by the pool with stunning views of the surrounding lakes. From the pool deck, you may be fortunate enough to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Highly recommended is a boat trip to see the ancient Thonga fish traps, where locals have been sustainably fishing for hundreds of years.
Day 1-3 highlights
Included meals:
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Included activities:
Transfer: King Shaka Airport (Durban) to Kosi Forest Lodge (+/- 5 hours)
Guided canoe trip
Guided Raphia forest hike
Optional activities:
Boat trip on Kosi Lakes
4×4 excursion to Kosi Bay Mouth
Overnight:
iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Thonga Beach Lodge
Today we travel to South Africa’s most secluded wilderness beach lodge. We will arrange a 4×4 transfer to take you to from Kosi Forest Lodge, to Thonga Beach Lodge, where you’ll enjoy a 3-night stay. Guests can choose to be active and explore this coastal paradise with the lodge’s included activities: guided snorkelling, guided forest walks, kayaking, sundowners at Lake Sibaya, cultural tours, and seasonal turtle tracking walks (available from November to February).
Alternatively, you can simply relax and soak in the stunning coastal scenery from the deck overlooking the Indian Ocean, or take long, leisurely walks along the remote beaches with warm water.
Day 3-6 highlights
Included meals:
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Included activities:
4×4 transfer: Kosi Forest Lodge to Thonga Beach Lodge (+/- 2 hours)
Guided snorkelling (and use of snorkelling equipment)
Guided forest walks
Kayaking and sundowners at Lake Sibaya
Cultural tours
Turtle tracking walks in season (Nov-Feb)
Optional activities:
Spa treatments and massages
Ocean safari boat trip
Scuba diving
Overnight:
Safari at Phinda Private Game Reserve
Next we are off on a 2-night safari at the luxurious Phinda Mountain Lodge, nestled within the renowned Phinda Private Game Reserve. Embark on morning and afternoon game drives through this stunning region of KwaZulu-Natal, where you’ll have the chance to encounter Africa’s iconic wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and more.
This area is celebrated for its exceptional game viewing, offering a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
After your morning game drive and breakfast, we will transfer you to King Shaka International Airport in Durban, where services will conclude.
Day 6-8 highlights
Included meals:
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner & house drinks
Included activities:
Transfer: Thonga Beach Lodge to Phinda Mountain Lodge (+/- 1.5 hours)
Morning & afternoon game activities daily
Transfer: Phinda Mountain Lodge to King Shaka Airport
Durban (+/- 3 hours)
Optional activities:
Spa treatments and massages
Overnight:
Holiday Map
Pricing
| 1 Jul – 19 Dec 2024 | 9 Jan – 30 Apr 2025 | 1 May – 30 Jun 2025 | 1 Jul – 19 Dec 2025 | |
| Price per person (sharing) | R 70 350 pp | R 74 700 pp | R 69 200 pp | R 74 700 pp |
Rates are indicative; the final price varies by specific travel dates and room category availability. Please enquire for a fixed quote—our private tour consultants will be happy to advise on options to match your available dates.
This package can be booked in a different order.
Rates exclude peak season from 20 December – 3 January annually.
Single rates available upon request.
