Inspirational self drive family holiday to South Africa
For the more adventurous family, this is an off-the-beaten-track road trip along South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal coast. No compromises on luxury though, with 5-star accommodation throughout. KwaZulu Natal has all the elements that make for a perfect family holiday - excellent weather, stunning scenery and beaches, a huge variety of activities and of course the famous wildlife.
The charm of this part of the country is its compactness and accessibility; as a family, you can experience the incredible protected marine habitats of the African Indian Ocean, learn about Zulu culture, and see the Big 5 game, all within an afternoon's drive of each other. This is the holiday where you will be far from technology and focused entirely on each other and the fun-filled nature activities such as boat trips to see hippos and crocodiles, canoe trips, forest walks, scuba diving, snorkelling, turtle tracking, fishing and cultural tours. Not forgetting the Big 5 safari, staying at the luxurious Phinda Mountain Lodge.
Starts - Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Durban King Shaka
3 nights - The Oyster Box Hotel, Durban, South Africa
3 nights - Makakatana Bay Lodge, Elephant Coast, South Africa
4 nights - Thonga Beach Lodge, Elephant Coast, South Africa
3 nights - Phinda Mountain Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Ends - Transfer to Durban King Shaka for your international flight home
At a glance
South Africa
13 Nights
Beach
Safari
Tailormade itineraries
Every Mahlatini trip is tailored 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 {: 10000|toCurrency :} per person
Includes flights from JFK
Price per person based on a family of 4
Itinerary Details
Day-by-day
Make it yours
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 C car (Toyota Corolla or similar) including full cover, unlimited km and taxes
National Parks and conservation entry fees
GPS with your car hire
Beverages (excluding premium brands) at Phinda Mountain Lodge
For a family with 2 children aged between 4 and 12 years
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 Phinda Mountain Lodge
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
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat Trip
Guided Walking Safari
Night Drive
Ocean Safari
Whale Watching
Helicopter Flights
Scenic Flights
Conservation Experience
Cultural Experience
Canoeing/Kayaking
Cycling
Fishing
Golf
Hiking
Horse Riding
Snorkelling/Scuba Diving
Kids Club
Kids Bushcraft
Fly Camping
Photographic Safari
City Sights
Natural Wonders
Wellness/Spa
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
Lion
Leopard
Leatherback Turtle
Kudu
Hippo
Hawksbill Turtle
Elephant
Crocodile
Cheetah
Buffalo
Bottlenose Dolphin
Black Rhino
African Fish Eagle
Giraffe
Sample itineraries
TRIPS TO INSPIRE
From exhilarating wildlife encounters to out-of-this-world natural wonders, echoes of ancient empires, and rose-gold beaches, every bespoke journey is designed to immerse you in the extraordinary. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime safari, a milestone celebration, a soul-stirring retreat, or simply looking to travel well and with purpose, these itineraries offer a starting point for what’s possible. As a top tour operator in the world, as recognised by both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveller, we will guide you on how to shape the ultimate expedition.
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South Africa
13 Nights
Beach
Safari
Includes flights from JFK
Big 5 Safari
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat Trip
Guided Walking Safari
Night Drive
Ocean Safari
Whale Watching
Helicopter Flights
Scenic Flights
Conservation Experience
Cultural Experience
Canoeing/Kayaking
Cycling
Fishing
Golf
Hiking
Horse Riding
Snorkelling/Scuba Diving
Kids Club
Kids Bushcraft
Fly Camping
Photographic Safari
City Sights
Natural Wonders
Wellness/Spa
