South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Beach & Safari

$5,390 - $5,845

per person sharing
Let us customise this sample itinerary to make your dream safari
When you contact Go2Africa you'll receive a free consultation with one of our Africa Safari Experts who will help you create your own perfect trip

Overview

Enjoy the best of both worlds – a safari and beach holiday – on this 9-day adventure in South Africa’s Phinda Private Game Reserve and on the wild KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Dive into the heart of the wilderness at Phinda, where each day brings thrilling game drives, immersive nature walks, and enchanting sundowner experiences amidst the unique Kwa-Zulu Natal bushveld. You’ll have the chance to spot the Big Five, along with a plethora of bird species that call this pristine reserve home.

Afterward, surrender to the luxurious beach life at Thonga Beach Lodge, nestled along the wild KwaZulu-Natal shoreline. Discover a unique African paradise, where lush vegetation meets expansive beaches, and sightings of majestic marine life such as whales, dolphins, and turtles are a common occurrence. Indulge in the ultimate relaxation as you sink your toes into the warm sand, savor fresh seafood, and bask in the serenity of this coastal haven.

Highlights & Activities

What's on offer whilst on this itinerary?
  • A fantastic combination with easy travelling
  • Experience the amazing Phinda reserve with its abundance of animals
  • Enjoy phenomenal bird watching
  • Stay in luxurious beach suites
  • Walk along uncrowded sandy beaches
Feefo logo

Summary

Tour Duration: 9 days
Start: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
End: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Destinations visited

kzn-coast21
KwaZulu-Natal
A large group of lions walk towards the camera on a sand track with a game vehicle following behind | Go2Africa
South Africa

Accommodations visited

south-africa-phinda-forest-lodge-room-suite-exterior-view1banner-4

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Phinda Forest Lodge
4 Nights
Thonga Beach Lodge banner

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Thonga Beach Lodge
4 Nights

Itinerary

Day to day
  • Phinda Forest Lodge glass-fronted suite.
  • Cheetahs spotted on a game drive | Phinda Forest Lodge
  • phinda-forest-lodge-room-suite-interior_21
  • Gather around the fire pit | Phinda Forest Lodge
  • Experience the lodge's renowned bush banquets.
  • Children enjoy the immersive WILDchild children's safari programme | Phinda Forest Lodge
  • An optional addition to your safari - take part in various conservation programmes on the reserve.
  • Indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment or massage at the lodge spa.
  • At an additional cost, book one of the reserve's specialised photographic vehicles.
  • The lodge lounge and viewing deck.
  • Spot Africa's big cats.
  • Refresh with a dip in the pool and relax on the cushioned loungers.
  • The lodge has a well stocked bar and wine cellar and friendly staff ready to ensure you have the perfect sundowner and wine pairing.
  • An optional activity to add: Head to the beach for a picnic and some water activities such as snorkelling.
"excellent"
DM
David Mounsey
traveler

Read more reviews
Itinerary information

Arrive in Durban and collect your rental car before leaving for Phinda Forest Lodge in northern KwaZulu Natal for the next four nights.

Enjoy exciting game drives, guided nature walks and boat cruises during your stay at Phinda Forest Lodge. The Phinda Game Reserve is famously rich in wildlife and includes the Big 5 plus plenty of other big game species such as cheetah and hippo; it’s also home to a staggering 415 bird species and the bird watching is simply phenomenal.

Deep-sea fishing and rhino tracking are also on offer, after which you may want to simply relax in your chalet or cool off in the swimming pool.

Phinda Forest Lodge information

  • Set in Phinda Private Game Reserve

  • Excellent game viewing and birding accompanied by fantastic guides

  • Zen-like minimalist African decor

  • Luxurious glass suites tucked away in the rare indigenous sand forest

  • Perfect romantic retreat with private candle-lit dinners

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

Read more
"excellent"
DM
David Mounsey

Read more reviews
  • day5_8_turtle1
  • Set on the untouched and rugged Maputaland coast.
  • Aerial view of Thonga Beach Lodge.
  • Thonga Beach Lodge swimming pool.
  • The lodge fire pit.
  • Forest room.
  • Deluxe family room.
  • Deluxe family room deck.
  • Ocean view room.
  • Thonga bar lounge.
  • Deluxe Ocean View swimming pool deck.
  • Deluxe family room interior.
  • Sundowners by Lake Sibaya.
  • Rock pools and beach.
  • Marine Centre.
  • Beach deck.
"excellent"
CM
Crofton McDermott
traveler

Read more reviews
Itinerary information

Check out of Phinda Forest Lodge today before driving off to your next beautiful accommodation – Thonga Beach Lodge. This lovely camp is situated on the sub-tropical KwaZulu-Natal coastline and is sheltered by a dense coastal forest.

Spend your time here enjoying the sandy beach and warm Indian Ocean. Take some time to enjoy a forest walk and do some bird watching, snorkelling, swimming or simply relax at the pool and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Thonga Beach Lodge information

  • Remote, eco-friendly lodge in a World Heritage Site

  • Set on the stunning coastline of the Maputaland

  • One of the best dive sites in South Africa

  • Track turtles from November to February

  • Unique seaweed treatments at the Sea Spa

  • Romantic & luxurious forest suites

Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Read more
"excellent"
CM
Crofton McDermott

Read more reviews
Itinerary information

After a delicious breakfast and perhaps a final swim, leave Thonga and head back to King Shaka International Airport in Durban before dropping off your rental car and continuing with your onward travel plans.

Read more

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences
Select your preferred currency to view rates by season
Date Price
2025-10-01 - 2025-12-31 $5,845

Scroll For More

Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently.

Please treat all pricing as a guide only:
  • All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.
  • Single supplements may apply.
  • Request a quote or speak to one of our African Safari Experts for the best, most current rates available.
Our Best Price Promise

If you’re able to find a better quote for your itinerary let us know and we’ll match it.

Expert Opinion

We know because we go
Meg van Niekerk

Meg van Niekerk

Africa Safari Expert

This KwaZulu-Natal escape lets you immerse yourself in two unforgettable worlds. Begin with Phinda Forest Lodge, where close-up wildlife encounters await in the heart of the bush. Then unwind at Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can snorkel vibrant reefs, explore coastal forests, or simply relax on secluded sands. This journey promises adventure, serenity, and unforgettable moments in South Africa's most stunning landscapes.

View Profile

What’s Included?

  • 8 nights accommodation
  • Meals:
  • Phinda Forest Lodge : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
  • Thonga Beach Lodge : Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • All necessary permits, conservancy and park fees
  • All activities specified, including morning and evening game drives each full day on safari
  • 9 days car rental
  • Car rental
  • 24/7 assistance and support during your trip
  • Complete financial protection with our Money-Back Guarantee

What’s Excluded?

  • Your international flights to and from Africa + any related taxes
  • Any travel visas you require (though we help you with this)
  • Tips
  • Personal items (eg. travel insurance, souvenirs)
Feefo logo Feefo logo

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

See All Reviews