Relaxing South Africa
INDEPENDENT TOUR
A unique safari & beach combination. Spend four days seeking out the Big Five whilst staying in an authentic South Africa game lodge. Daily game drives with expert guides will offer many close-up wildlife encounters. Combine this with a relaxing few days at one of our favourite hotels, the Oyster Box Hotel, the beachfront location overlooks the Indian Ocean, the perfect place to spend the final few days of your holiday.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Experience an authentic South African Game Reserve
- Stay in the incredible Oyster Box Hotel
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2-4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
Day 1 : Durban
On arrival into Durban, a private transfer will take you to your lodge. Driving from Durban along the north coast you pass through fields of sugar cane, one of the provinces main agricultural crops. Venturing further into Zululand you will see traditional Zulu homesteads with their beehive shaped huts and traditional cattle enclosures called a kraal. Heading north past Richards Bay, South Africa’s coal export terminal you pass the UNESCO listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park coastline before heading towards Thanda Private Game Reserve. The reserve offers an authentically South African wildlife experience, matched with sincere commitment to the Zulu culture and passionate conservation of the environment. Step out onto your wooden deck, take a dip in your heated plunge pool or admire the African sunset from the circular daybed atop your thatched outdoor sala. Thanda Safari Lodge is known for the beautiful bush suites, shaped like a traditional Zulu homestead, with panoramic views of the surrounding game reserve.
Day 2-4 : Thanda Safari Lodge
An early morning start for your game viewing safari, all your senses awaken during up-close encounters with the Big Five in their home terrain. The lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo: these icons of the African wilderness inspire a lifelong connection with Thanda Safari and this beautiful continent. As a private game reserve Thanda Safari offers an exclusive, up-close experience of these magnificent animals and all the bush inhabitants.
Day 5 : Durban
A private transfer today takes you back to Durban, for a relaxing 3-night stay. Your hotel is the stunning Oyster Box, standing majestically on Umhlanga’s beachfront overlooking the Indian Ocean and the iconic lighthouse, The Oyster Box is the ultimate in colonial charm and style. A member of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, The Oyster Box is one of South Africa’s best-loved hotels, offering the charm and nostalgia of a bygone era, but with all the modern comfort and amenities. Facilities include a magnificent Spa, two swimming pools, luscious gardens and a 24-seater movie theatre. The guides and trackers are experts of the African bush. They will share their tracking skills, knowledge and culture with you. You return to the lodge for breakfast followed by time to relax before you head out on your afternoon game viewing safari. Tracking animals as the sun sets and observing their nocturnal habits before heading back to the lodge for dinner under the stars.
Day 6 : Durban
Optional day trips (additional cost) to enhance your stay include a city tour of Durban, exploring the British settler history and the origins of the largest Indian community outside of India. The uShaka Marine World on Durban’s Golden Mile is more than the largest aquarium in the Southern hemisphere with the Wet ‘n Wild water park making it a full day out with a variety of restaurants to choose from.
Day 7 : Durban
For history aficionado, a full day trip to the Anglo Zulu battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift is a must (not included). For an experience with a difference, visit a local craft gin distillery to taste gin distilled from sugar cane. A spa session followed by afternoon tea at the Oyster Box makes the end of the holiday a memorable experience.
Day 8 : Durban
A private transfer will take you to Durban Airport in time for you to check in for your onward journey. A private transfer will take you to Durban Airport in time for you to check in for your onward journey.
