The amazing province of KwaZulu Natal on South Africa's East Coast 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 it's 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 Big 5 game, all within an afternoon's drive of each other!
Arguably an off-the-beaten track family holiday, you will travel all along the coast right up to the border of Mozambique and stay in very remote nature lodges. 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 of course, the Big 5 safari, staying at the luxurious Phinda Mountain Lodge. Children of Mahlatini consultants have stayed in these lodges and given them their seal of approval. If you are looking to 'go off grid' for a while, this is the family holiday for you.
The prices in our itineraries are intended to guide you towards a potential budget for your holiday.
The cost of your tailored holiday will be dependent on what accommodation and airline class you select, the season you travel in, the airline used, any discounts applied or additional private extras you require.
Our journey specialists understand that you will be searching for a quality holiday at the best price and as we are always looking to establish loyalty to Mahlatini, we will be happy to compare any cheaper options you may have obtained. Do be aware, however, of any hidden extras and that you are indeed comparing like for like whilst also receiving the same quality service and financial protection.
Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Durban King Shaka
Upon arrival at Durban King Shaka Airport you will make your way to the car hire desk to collect your hire car. From here you will drive yourself to the upmarket, coastal town of Umhlanga Rocks, north of Durban, and famed for its swimming beaches.
Today you will take the drive to the St Lucia Estuary, home to more than 800 hippos and an estimated 1200 Nile crocodiles, not to mention an abundance of birdlife.
Today you will take the drive to Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, the most pristine lake system on the South African Coast, a tropical paradise of crystal-clear blue water and marshland, raffia, wild date and palm, mangrove swamp and sycamore fig forest.
Today you will drive to the Maputuland Coast, a magical place of coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer South Africa's best snorkelling and excellent off-shore scuba diving.
Today you will drive to Phinda Private Game Reserve, a private Big 5 game reserve in northern KwaZulu Natal.
Today you will take the drive to Durban Airport where you will drop off your hire car and connect with your onward flight home.
Arrive at JFK