9 Day Kruger & KwaZulu Fly-Drive Explorer

Overview

Combine two of South Africa’s safari bucket list destinations with a classic beach holiday on this 9-day self-drive safari. Enjoy understated luxury in the heart of Kruger National Park at a wildlife-rich private concession, offering exceptional night-time safari experiences. Follow thrilling days with relaxation at enchanting Ballito Bay, and conclude with sightings of endangered wildlife such as the cheetah, black rhino, and the Big 5 at Phinda Private Game Reserve. Experience top-class snorkeling, diving, game watching, cultural learning, and beautiful accommodation throughout.

Itinerary

Day 1 - 3: Kruger National Park

Today, you depart from Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport on a scheduled flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Upon arrival, you will collect your vehicle and proceed to the lodge in the renowned Kruger National Park.

Your time at Rhino Post Safari Lodge will be spent exploring the incredible fauna and flora of Kruger National Park. The park is home to 147 mammal species, particularly the Big 5, and over 500 species of migrant and resident birds.

Enjoy early morning and late afternoon open-vehicle game drives, along with night drives within a 170 km area of the park. For the adventurous, consider spending a night on the sleep-out deck in the bushveld.

Accommodation: Rhino Post Safari Lodge

Day 4 & 5: Durban

Today, you bid farewell to Kruger as you travel back to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your scheduled flight to King Shaka International Airport in sunny Durban. Once landed, collect your baggage, proceed to the Car Rental desk to collect your vehicle, and drive just under 30 minutes to beautiful Ballito.

In a coastal forest overlooking the Indian Ocean lies the luxurious Zimbali Lodge, which will be your home for the next two days.

During your stay at Zimbali, engage in numerous activities both at the lodge and around Durban, including tennis, swimming, bird and butterfly watching, forest walks, spa treatments, visits to Gateway shopping mall and Ushaka Marine World, mountain biking, cultural tours, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, golfing, and dolphin tours.

Discuss various tour options available with your consultant during your stay.

Accommodation: Zimbali Lodge

Day 6 - 8: Phinda Private Game Reserve

After a sumptuous breakfast, gather your belongings and travel towards the pristine Phinda Game Reserve to check into your luxurious lodge.

Phinda Private Game Reserve covers 28,555 hectares and is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife species, including the famous Big 5, cheetah, wild dogs, and 415 bird species.

During your stay at Phinda, look forward to dawn and dusk open-vehicle game drives, bush walks, morning boat cruises on the Mzinene River, and rhino tracking on foot. Additionally, visit an authentic Zulu village and enjoy seasonal turtle drives in the evenings.

Accommodation: Phinda Zuka Lodge

Day 9: Departure

Today, you bid farewell to the bushveld as you journey back to King Shaka International Airport. Upon arrival, return the rental vehicle and connect with your onward travel arrangements.