Safari itinerary · Kruger National Park

9 Day Kruger & KwaZulu Fly-Drive Explorer

Kruger to KwaZulu Natal: A Big 5 Safari & Beach Self-drive tour

Enquire now

From R 89 010 per person

Special offer available on selected dates.

9 Day Kruger & KwaZulu Fly-Drive Explorer Enquire now

9 daysDuration

2 lodgesYour stay

R 89 010From, per person

IncludedFlights & transfers

The journey

About this itinerary.

Kruger to KwaZulu Natal: A Big 5 Safari & Beach Self-drive tour

Where you'll travel: Kruger National Park Kwazulu Natal Phinda

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

Days 01–03

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 04

& 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

Days 06–08

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 09

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.

The complete package

Everything included.

Stay

Rhino Post Safari Lodge

3 Nights in Kruger National Park
all meals and 2 game activities per day

Zimbali Lodge

2 Nights in Kwazulu - Natal
Breakfast daily

Phinda Zuka Lodge

3 Nights in Phinda Game Reserve
all meals and 2 game activities per day

Experiences

Phinda Zuka Lodge

Interpretive Nature Walks and Big Game Viewing Walk
Extra activities available at an additional

Flights

Johannesburg to Nelspruit to Durban

Car rental arranged for pick up in the Kruger & KwaZulu Natal

The same as booking direct

Rates and dates.

Per person sharing for the complete package. Final pricing depends on dates, room category and party size.

Valid until 15 Dec 2026

Show prices in

Peak / migration

1 Jul 2026 – 14 Nov 2026

R 98 840

per person

International flights excluded

Shoulder

15 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026

Special offer

R 89 010

per person · normally R 98 840

International flights excluded

The rate is for the complete package, per person sharing. A single supplement may apply for solo travellers. We offer a price match guarantee, just ask your specialist.

Your specialist for this itinerary

Darren Robertson

Safari Specialist - Southern Africa

Knows 9 Day Kruger & KwaZulu Fly-Drive Explorer backwards. Your direct contact from first enquiry to the day you come home.

With Karolina and Monica across the team.

Imagery

A closer look.

"Sara was absolutely amazing to work with. She created five different itinerary options for us to choose from based on the criteria and budget I provided for our family trip to Kruger National Park. What I appreciated most was how willing she was to connect over WhatsApp to really understand what we were looking for. After our call, she worked incredibly fast and sent all the options the very next day. Every itinerary included exactly what we asked for and stayed within our budget. Her service, attention to detail, and genuine care made the entire process stress-free. I honestly didn’t even know where to start planning this trip, so her help was enormous. Thanks to Sara, not only did we find the perfect safari package, but we also booked our flights as well. Thank you, Sara, for the excellent service and support — we truly appreciate everything you did for us!"

May 2026 · with Sara Van Coillie · Verified on Trustpilot ↗

Speak to a safari specialist

Let's plan your journey.

From your first enquiry to the day you come home, one named safari specialist looks after every detail. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours.

Planning something beyond the ordinary?

Private & bespoke travel