9 Day Kruger & KwaZulu Fly-Drive Explorer

Enquire Now

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

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.

Read more ›

Location and getting there

Rates & Pricing

  • 3 nights at Rhino Post Safari Lodge with all meals and 2 game activities per day
  • 2 nights at Zimbali Lodge with breakfast
  • 3 nights at Phinda Zuka Lodge with all meals and 2 game activities per day
  • Flights: Johannesburg -> Nelspruit -> Durban
  • Car rental arranged for pick up in the Kruger & KwaZulu Natal
  • Big-5 Game Viewing on safari
  • Phinda Zuka Lodge: Interpretive Nature Walks and Big Game Viewing Walk
  • Phinda Zuka Lodge: Maputaland Beach Adventure (additional cost)
  • Phinda Zuka Lodge: Indian Ocean Scuba Safari (additional cost)
  • Phinda Zuka Lodge: Turtle Nesting Adventure (additional cost)
  • Phinda Zuka Lodge: Ocean safari (additional cost)
R
$ 600 USD
R
$ NaN USD
$ 600 USD
Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.
We book at the same price as going direct, see more

SEAMLESS SAFARI PROMISE

Since 2006, we’ve arranged unforgettable safaris for over 58,000 travelers, handling every detail with precision. Learn more about our Seamless Safari Promise

Start planning your stay

Time is luxury. We streamline your choices for the perfect safari.
You can also call on 1-888-SAFARIS
(Toll-free in the U.S. & Canada)

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Thank You

To help us assist you better, could you quickly let us know what you’ve found most challenging about planning a safari?

We look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for you!

Thank You for Sharing Your Feedback

Thank you for taking the time to complete our survey. We truly value your feedback, as it helps us better understand your needs and provide the best possible service.

A consultant will be in touch shortly. For the fastest response, please feel free to contact us via WhatsApp.

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Meet our resident expert

Get in touch with Keith, who can book all aspects of your trip including flights, lodging and tranfsers. For fastest response get in touch on WhatsApp.
Chat on WhatsApp
Keith Kudzai Chideme

What our guests say about Keith

December 24, 2024
Very efficient and professional!
Very efficient and professional!
Leanne Aust
,
AU
December 20, 2024
Keith did a great job of quickly…
Keith did a great job of quickly responding to our request for a quote and responded quickly with any questions we had and booked our journey very quickly and professionally. I cannot wait for our excursion
John Malkin
,
PT
November 7, 2024
Keith Chideme is fantastic!
If you’re looking for someone to help you plan the trip of a lifetime, look no further than Keith Chideme. Keith has been nothing short of extraordinary in helping me create a month-long dream trip to South Africa for myself and 11 family members. His patience, kindness, and thoughtfulness throughout the entire process have been remarkable. Keith went above and beyond, engaging in countless conversations to make sure every detail of our six-destination itinerary was just right. He worked tirelessly to balance my budget with my desire for an unforgettable experience, finding deals and creative solutions that I would never have managed on my own. His dedication and expertise gave me complete confidence that this trip will be everything I’ve dreamed of and more. One of my favorite aspects of working with Keith was the personal touch he brought to every interaction. Whether through voice messages, phone calls, or texts, he was always patient, thorough, and thoughtful in explaining every aspect of the itinerary. I never once felt rushed or overlooked—he truly cared about making this trip perfect for us. I can’t imagine planning this trip without Keith. Knowing he has my back has been such a comfort, and I feel completely at ease knowing we are in such capable hands. My entire family is incredibly excited about this incredible adventure, and I know I’ll be contacting Keith for all my future travel plans. He is an absolute gem and a true professional. Thank you, Keith, for everything!
Melissa Solomon
,
US

Customer Testimonials

VIP service
Your own personal travel assistant
18 years in business
Attention to every detail
Relationships with 500+ operators through Africa
Consultants available 24/7
58,000+ customers and counting
Read more