For the more independent and adventurous traveler, with no compromise on luxury accommodation, this self-drive vacation is an exploration of Cape Town as well as South Africa's KwaZulu Natal province, including a Big 5 safari and a remote Indian Ocean beach stay. South Africa's mother city Cape Town is on full display in all its glory from the perfectly located One & Only Hotel. The views are exceptional, the rooms magnificent and the famous city sights, including Table Mountain, are all in proximity. When you have had your fill of wine, penguins, mountains, and culture fly to KwaZulu Natal's coastal city of Durban.
First stop, the Oyster Box Hotel, one of South Africa's most cherished and iconic hotels with remarkable coastal views, understated luxury and gracious hospitality. From here you will get on the road and journey north to the Big 5 private Phinda Reserve for your stay at Phinda Mountain Lodge. Partake in day and night Big 5 game drives and spend your downtime relaxing by the pool or enjoying meals under the endless African sky. For the final leg of your trip, you will travel further north, near the border with Mozambique to the area known as the Elephant Coast, one of the most remote in the country. It is a wild coastline of lush scenery and natural wonders. You will stay at Thonga Beach Lodge where you will enjoy a wide range of activities from snorkeling and scuba diving, to forest walks, fishing, birding, cultural visits and turtle tracking (in season). This is an extra special place of exquisite natural beauty. It will revive your senses and be the perfect end to a diverse and fun-filled holiday.
Starts - Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Cape Town International
4 nights - One & Only Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
2 nights - The Oyster Box Hotel, Durban, South Africa
4 nights - Phinda Mountain Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
4 nights - Thonga Beach Lodge, Elephant Coast, South Africa
Ends - Transfer to Durban King Shaka for your international flight home
At a glance
South Africa
14 Nights
City
Beach
Safari
Tailormade itineraries
Every Mahlatini trip is custom created to your exact travel wishes – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.
Guide Price
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High Season from {: 9000|toCurrency :} per person
Includes flights from JFK
Highlights
At-your-own pace self-drive adventure
Fine dining, luxury rooms and personalized service
Big 5 game viewing in the Phinda Reserve
Cocktails and coastal sunsets at the Oyster Box Lighthouse Bar
Barefoot luxury on one of the worlds most beautiful and remote beaches
Itinerary Details
Day-by-day
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Tailormake this itinerary to your exact wishes
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Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including international flights and all transfers.
Includes
Accommodation as specified
Meals as specified
All scheduled safari activities offered by the camps or lodges
Car hire, group B car (Toyota Yaris or similar) including full cover, unlimited km and taxes
National Parks and conservation entry fees
Drinks (excluding premium brands) at Phinda Mountain Lodge
Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
Conservation donation to Save the Rhino
Community projects contribution with Uthando
Excludes
Gratuities
Personal travel insurance
Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
Visas and visa fees where relevant
Petrol
Beverages with the exception of all inclusive hotels
Indulge your passions
ACTIVITIES
This sample trip offers countless adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most and we will curate your perfect itinerary.
Big 5 Safari
Birdwatching
Boat Trip
Guided Walking Safari
Night Drive
Ocean Safari
Whale Watching
Helicopter Flights
Scenic Flights
Shark Diving
Conservation Experience
Cultural Experience
Canoeing/Kayaking
Cycling
Fishing
Golf
Hiking
Snorkelling/Scuba Diving
Kids Club
Kids Bushcraft
Fly Camping
Photographic Safari
City Sights
Natural Wonders
Wellness/Spa
Wine Tour
Enriching encounters
ICONIC WILDLIFE
Whether you want to tick off the Big Five or encounter specific safari species and sea creatures on your safari and coastal stay, our expert guides reveal the typical wildlife sightings to expect on this sample trip.
Zebra
Wildebeest
White Rhino
Spotted Hyena
Rock Hyrax
Orca
Lion
Leopard
Leatherback Turtle
Kudu
Humpback Whale
Hippo
Hawksbill Turtle
Great White Shark
Elephant
Crocodile
Cheetah
Cape Fur Seal
Buffalo
Bottlenose Dolphin
Black Rhino
Baboon
African Fish Eagle
Giraffe
African Penguin
Southern Right Whale
Sample Itineraries
TRIPS TO INSPIRE
From majestic wildlife to out of this world natural wonders, cultural melting pots and enchanting beaches, every bespoke Mahlatini journey is thrilling. Unsure where to visit? Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favourites.
Bespoke itineraries
Flights and transfers included
Best rates guaranteed
Ready to explore more?
Our travel experts are ready to start creating your tailormade trip.
+1 347-708-1755
South Africa
14 Nights
City
Beach
Safari
Includes flights from JFK
Big 5 Safari
Birdwatching
Boat Trip
Guided Walking Safari
Night Drive
Ocean Safari
Whale Watching
Helicopter Flights
Scenic Flights
Shark Diving
Conservation Experience
Cultural Experience
Canoeing/Kayaking
Cycling
Fishing
Golf
Hiking
Snorkelling/Scuba Diving
Kids Club
Kids Bushcraft
Fly Camping
Photographic Safari
City Sights
Natural Wonders
Wellness/Spa
Wine Tour
