Summary

For twenty days, this fantastic tour takes you on a journey through the most picturesque and diverse areas of the region, where you will experience, literally, the very best of the Elephant Coast, both on land and underwater. Perfectly blends amazing activities with relaxing moments, this tour is guaranteed to leave you with memories for a lifetime!
TOUR TYPE
Self-drive or guided
PRICE
From ZAR 24850 per person
FOCUS
Safari and beach
NUMBER OF DESTINATIONS
7
MALARIA RISK
Low risk (medication not required)
Key HIghLIGhTs
  1. Visit the famous kuMasinga hide in Mkhuze Game Reserve
  2. Go on a boat tour on the lakes of Kosi Bay and enjoy the view of the traditional fish traps
  3. Snorkel in the Kosi Bay Lagoon surrounded by hundreds of tropical fish
  4. Spot the biggest elephants in the world at Tembe Elephant Park
  5. See crocodiles, hippos and birds during a boat tour at St. Lucia Estuary
  6. Enjoy an amazing day trip to the Eastern Shores of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a combination of game drives, snorkelling and a great lunch
  7. Have a genuine experience of contemporary Zulu life during a fun and authentic cultural excursion
  8. Visit rehabilitation centres where you can touch an elephant and take a picture with cheetahs
  9. Finish off with 3 amazing days on safari looking for the big-5 in the famous Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park or Manyoni Private Game Reserve
  10. With 4 free days, this is our most relaxed tour. You might want to go whale watching (June-November) or go on a turtle tour (November-March) on one of these days
Itinerary
Here at Tailor Made Safaris, we will happily adjust the itinerary below should you wish to see any changes. Of course it is possible to add some days or take some out, and don't forget to take a look at our add-ons! ​Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this tour.
LIGHTBOX EXAMPLE

Want to know the differences between the Standard and Luxury tour? Click here

We offer two versions of this tour; A ‘standard’ and a ‘more luxurious’ version. The standard version you can book as a self-drive tour, or as a fully guided tour. The luxury version is only available as a self-drive tour. The luxury tour is of course more expensive. To help you decide which to choose we have included both options below in the text, and have explained the essential differences in a summary at the bottom of this document. So what's the difference: Most days are basically the same. However, in version A (the default), you will stay in in standard park accommodation on some locations. This accommodation is comfortable, but also not really ‘special’. However, if you prefer the comforts of a higher quality accommodation version B (the more luxurious version) would be the one for you to choose. You will also have more guided game drives in open safari vehicles included in version B. With the standard version (A) you will do some self-drive game drives in your rental car, or in one of Tailor Made Safari’s vehicles. In short: The standard A tour is available as a self-drive or guided tour, version B only as a self-drive tour. Version A has several nights staying in parks accommodation, and some of the game drives during the trip you self-drive on your own in your hire car. Should you opt for a fully guided version A the game drives will be conducted in one of Tailor Made Safaris vehicles with one of our guides.The more luxurious version B stays at more luxury accommodation, and has most excursions and guided game drives included. Also, there are more meals included in version B. Close
  • Version A (Standard)
  • Version B (Luxury)
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Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg
Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will be met by a representative of your guesthouse and driven there. Here you can spend the evening relaxing after your flight
Day 2: Johannesburg - Mkhuze Game Reserve
After breakfast, your guesthouse representative will drive you back to the airport where you will board a plane and fly to Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). After a short flight you will travel to Mkhuze Game Reserve, in the far reaches of northern KZN. Once at Mkhuze, you can spend some time at one of the animal viewing hides. This fantastic hide is placed over the middle of a water hole where the animals come to drink. On this occasion, the animals will come to you to be photographed and, with a little luck; you will see rhinos or even elephants drinking! On your game drives you’ll be on the lookout for elephant, cheetah, African wild dog and all of the other, smaller species the park has to offer. ​
Day 3: Mantuma Camp, Mkhuze Game Reserve
A mecca for bird lovers, with over 400 species on record, Mkhuze has an astonishing diversity of natural habitats, from the slopes of the Lebombo Mountains along its western boundary, to broad stretches of acacia savannah, swamps and a variety of woodlands and riverine forest.  An observation tower in the reserve gives an aerial view of the park and surrounding areas. An early morning game drive will take you to different parts of the reserve from yesterday, to give you an idea of the amazing diversity Mkhuze has to offer. After spending a few hours relaxing in your chalet, in the swimming pool or browsing the gift shop, you can then go on an afternoon game drive and visit one of the hides. ​
Day 4: Mantuma Camp - Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
Following a walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger through the Fig Forest you will leave Mkhuze Game Reserve and head further north to Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, where you will stay at the superbly located Kosi Bay Lodge. Kosi Bay is the northern most extent of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and a beautiful lagoon where you can visit traditional fish traps. These fish traps have been used for centuries and the fish kraals are spread over two of the four lakes in the azure water. The best way to get a good idea of the 700 year old fishing methods of the local people is on a boat trip during which a guide will inform you of all sorts of interesting facts. This afternoon will indeed be spent on a boat cruise, where you’ll see hippo, lots of birds and beautiful scenery. During summer (November-March) you may be able to go on a turtle walk along the beach and, with some luck, see either the loggerhead or leatherback turtles laying eggs in the sand, or see the hatchlings making their way towards the ocean. ​
Day 5: Snorkelling in Kosi Bay estuary
Kosi Bay has a healthy estuarine system, consisting of four natural lakes connected by channels. Kosi Bay Mouth, where the first lake connects to the ocean, is one of the best places to snorkel in South Africa, with over 200 species of tropical fish having been identified here; anything from devil fire fish to different species of moray eels and Picasso triggerfish. Join a snorkelling excursion to Kosi Bay Mouth and overlook the estuarine system and the traditional fish traps from the elevation of a dune, or you can enjoy a short walk to get a closer look at the mangrove trees and associated fauna. ​
Day 6: Kosi Bay - Tembe Elephant Park
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at Kosi Bay Lodge, you will travel the short distance to Tembe Elephant Park. Tembe is an amazing place; an elephant sanctuary and a Big 5 game reserve including the beautiful African wild dog. Accessible only with 4x4 vehicles and, with no more than ten vehicles per day allowed entry into the reserve, you will experience a complete wilderness feeling. In addition, Tembe is the only place in South Africa where the indigenous elephants of Maputaland are found. These Maputaland Great Tuskers are quite a bit bigger than the ‘ordinary’ African Elephant found elsewhere in the country. This afternoon you will experience a game drive in an open game viewer, during which you will be on the lookout for these magnificent beasts. ​
Day 7: Tembe Elephant Park
Fully taken care of by the lodge personnel, you will want for nothing at Tembe. Today you will enjoy a game drive in the morning as well as one in the afternoon. Look out for, amongst others, lion, African wild dog and, of course, elephants. ​
Day 8: Tembe - St Lucia
Following an early morning game drive in Tembe you will head south to St Lucia. Bordering the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site, this little coastal town is unique in many ways. After all, you won’t find hippos grazing the grass verges in many other towns in South Africa! The St Lucia Estuary, which separates the town from the ‘mainland’, is home to hippos, crocodiles and a huge variety of water birds.  Upon arrival at your B&B, the rest of the day is yours to either familiarise yourself with the town or just relax at the B&B. ​
Day 9: Estuary walk & boat tour
This morning, after your delicious breakfast at the B&B, you can enjoy a walk around St Lucia Estuary, where you will get a good overview of the estuary system. Later in the day you will get to enjoy the estuary from the water during a boat tour. The boat tour will give you up close encounters with hippos, possibly crocodiles, and you’ll also get to see the wonderful variety of water birds resident on St Lucia Estuary. St Lucia has a good array of restaurants so meals in town will always be delicious with many choices. ​
Day 10: Relaxation
After much activity during your tour thus far, today is a day of relaxation. St Lucia is small enough to walk around, so you could take a walk to the souvenir shops, a longer walk to the beaches, book a massage or simply take it easy at your B&B. 
Day 11: Wetland game drive
Today you will be collected and taken on a game drive through the Eastern Shores Game Reserve en route to the beach at Cape Vidal for some snorkelling and lunch. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is known as the ‘premier bush and beach destination’ and has completely different ecosystems than Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and Tembe Elephant Park. After the drive through the wetland park, where you should see rhino, kudu and other, smaller species, you can enjoy a few hours on the beach, swimming or snorkelling at low tide. Lunch is served at the beach and the day will draw to a close with a game drive through the wetland park as you return to St Lucia. ​
Day 12: Relaxation
Today there is nothing on the program and is for you to organize as you wish. From early June to late November, there is the possibility to book a whale watching tour. The whales pass our shores at this time of year moving north to Mozambique where they calve and breed in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, before returning to the colder waters of Antarctica. You also have a good chance of seeing bottlenose dolphins during this trip. Other options for today include either a bush or beach horse ride. ​
Day 13: Zulu cultural tour
Your tour guide for this activity will meet you at your B&B in St Lucia you will travel to his home village for a genuine experience of contemporary Zulu life. Here he will take you around the village, giving you lots of interesting information on the Zulu culture and way of life. The tour includes lunch, served at his mother’s house. You will also visit a Sangoma (traditional healer), a crèche, a high school class or attend part of a mass service at a church. Your guide will then return with you back to St Lucia.
Day 14: Relaxation
After boat trips and game drives you may feel like having some time to relax. It's your last day by the coast, so you maybe you'll want to head down to beach. Do what you wish today because tomorrow will bring something entirely different.
Day 15: St Lucia - Umkhumbi Lodge, Hluhluwe
You can relax this morning or browse the local shops for some souvenirs, or maybe you have booked another activity. Early afternoon you drive to Umkhumbi Lodge. This lodge is situated about 10 minutes outside the town of Hluhluwe. The lodge has been built in the pristine African sandforest, spectacular sunsets can be enjoyed from the wooden deck at the treetop bar. Once you have arrived you can choose to relax at the swimming pool, or take a walk, there are several walking trails on the property.
Day 16: Close encounters with elephant and big cats
Today is a day of never to be forgotten close encounters! Your day trip includes a close encounter with wild, but habituated, elephants at a neighbouring Big 5 Game Reserve. These elephants were rescued as calves, after their families were culled, and have subsequently been hand-reared and are thus wild but accustomed to people. To see these animals up close is the perfect opportunity to learn more about this majestic species. 

Following a delicious lunch enroute and possibly a quick stop at a souvenir shop along the way, you find yourself at a cat sanctuary. Here you will have the opportunity to engage with cheetah and other, smaller, cats. This sactuary focuses on the rehabilitation of cats and the tour of their premises is an excellent educational experience
Day 17: Umkhumbi Lodge – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Close to the lodge, this Big 5 game reserve is internationally renowned for its rhino conservation efforts and large rhino population. With its stunning savannah landscapes and rolling hills, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi provides not only excellent game viewing but also wonderful photographic opportunities. This afternoon you will enjoy a game drive through this wonderful terrain, keeping an eye out for members of the Big 5. Tonight you’ll stay in comfortable chalets in an unfenced camp inside the park.
Day 18: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
An early morning game drive will see you exploring a different part of the reserve from yesterday, still on the lookout for members of the Big 5 which you may not yet have seen, as well as the many species of antelope. After lunch and a few hours relaxing in your chalet, you can go on an afternoon game drive which will give you the opportunity of seeing species that you may not have seen yet.
Day 19: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Today you can explore the northern section of the park (Hluhluwe). You will notice that this area is very different from the southern section of the park (iMfolozi). Enjoy the beautiful landscapes, look out for the Big 5 and the many other animals that live in this park.
Day 20: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park - Richards Bay - Johannesburg
Make the most of this morning’s game drive, as it’s your last chance to experience the African bush on this holiday. This morning’s game drive will see you leaving the park through the eastern gate and heading to Richards Bay Airport. From here you will fly to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, from where you will head home.
Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg
Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will be met by a representative of your guesthouse and driven there. Here you can spend the evening relaxing after your flight.
Day 2: Johannesburg - Ghost Mountain Inn
After breakfast, your guesthouse representative will drive you back to the airport where you will board a plane and fly to Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). After a short flight you will pick up your hire car at Richards Bay Airport and drive to the 4 star hotel Ghost Mountain Inn, located near the Mkhuze Game Reserve (± 160 km, 2:15 h). Mkhuze is a mecca for birdwatchers with over 400 species and has a phenomenal diversity of natural habitats. From the eastern slopes of the Lebombo mountains to the vast plains of acacia savannah, swamps and a variety of forests. This afternoon you will go on a game drive in an open safari vehicle with a guide, in search of the beautiful wildlife in the Mkhuze Game Reserve. Once back at the hotel you will be served a delicious dinner!
Day 3: Boat Cruise on Lake Jozini & Game Drives in Mkhuze Game Reserve
This morning you will take a boat cruise on Lake Jozini. Here you will enjoy the beautiful surroundings and as the lake is adjacent to the Pongola Nature Reserve, you will often see animals from the boat. With a little luck you might even see a herd of elephants come to drink!  You also have great chance to see hippos and crocodiles, as well as many birds. Back at the hotel there is a massage waiting for you and this afternoon you will go on another guided game drive in the Mkhuze Game Reserve. ​
Day 4: Ghost Mountain Inn - Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
This morning is your last guided game drive into the Mkhuze Game Reserve, looking for animals you have yet to see. After the drive you will pack up and drive yourselves to Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, where you will stay at the superbly located Kosi Bay Lodge. Kosi Bay is the northern most extent of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and a beautiful lagoon where you can visit traditional fish traps. These fish traps have been used for centuries and the fish kraals are spread over two of the four lakes in the azure water. The best way to get a good idea of the 700 year old fishing methods of the local people is on a boat trip during which a guide will inform you of all sorts of interesting facts. This afternoon will be spent on a boat cruise, where you’ll see hippo, lots of birds and beautiful scenery. During summer (November-March) you may be able to go on a turtle walk along the beach (OA ± €20 pp) and, with some luck, see either the loggerhead or leatherback turtles laying eggs in the sand, or see the hatchlings making their way towards the ocean. ​
Day 5: Snorkelling in Kosi Bay estuary
Kosi Bay has a healthy estuarine system, consisting of four natural lakes connected by channels. Kosi Bay Mouth, where the first lake connects to the ocean, is one of the best places to snorkel in South Africa, with over 200 species of tropical fish having been identified here; anything from devil fire fish to different species of moray eels and Picasso triggerfish. Join a snorkelling excursion to Kosi Bay Mouth and overlook the estuarine system and the traditional fish traps from the elevation of a dune, or you can enjoy a short walk to get a closer look at the mangrove trees and associated fauna. ​
Day 6: Kosi Bay - Tembe Elephant Park
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at Kosi Bay Lodge, you will travel the short distance to Tembe Elephant Park. Tembe is an amazing place; an elephant sanctuary and a Big 5 game reserve including the beautiful African wild dog. Accessible only with 4x4 vehicles and, with no more than ten vehicles per day allowed entry into the reserve, you will experience a complete wilderness feeling. In addition, Tembe is the only place in South Africa where the indigenous elephants of Maputaland are found. These Maputaland Great Tuskers are quite a bit bigger than the ‘ordinary’ African Elephant found elsewhere in the country. This afternoon you will experience a game drive in an open game viewer, during which you will be on the lookout for these magnificent beasts. ​
Day 7: Tembe Elephant Park
Fully taken care of by the lodge personnel, you will want for nothing at Tembe. Today you will enjoy a game drive in the morning as well as one in the afternoon. Look out for, amongst others, lion, African wild dog and, of course, elephants. ​
Day 8: Tembe - St Lucia
Following an early morning game drive in Tembe you will head south to St Lucia. Bordering the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site, this little coastal town is unique in many ways. After all, you won’t find hippos grazing the grass verges in many other towns in South Africa! The St Lucia Estuary, which separates the town from the ‘mainland’, is home to hippos, crocodiles and a huge variety of water birds.  Upon arrival at your B&B, the rest of the day is yours to either familiarise yourself with the town or just relax at the B&B. ​
Day 9: Estuary walk & boat tour
This morning, after your delicious breakfast at the B&B, you can enjoy a walk around St Lucia Estuary, where you will get a good overview of the estuary system. Later in the day you will get to enjoy the estuary from the water during a boat tour. The boat tour will give you up close encounters with hippos, possibly crocodiles, and you’ll also get to see the wonderful variety of water birds resident on St Lucia Estuary. St Lucia has a good array of restaurants so meals in town will always be delicious with many choices. ​
Day 10: Relaxation
After much activity during your tour thus far, today is a day of relaxation. St Lucia is small enough to walk around, so you could take a walk to the souvenir shops, a longer walk to the beaches, book a massage or simply take it easy at your B&B. 
​
​You can also choose to join a game drive to the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, as you will not visit this park during your trip. The park is located a 45minute drive from St Lucia. The game drive is a day excursion, between 5am and 15.00 and includes breakfast & lunch.
Day 11: Wetland game drive
Today you will be collected and taken on a game drive through the Eastern Shores Game Reserve en route to the beach at Cape Vidal for some snorkelling and lunch. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is known as the ‘premier bush and beach destination’ and has completely different ecosystems than Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and Tembe Elephant Park. After the drive through the wetland park, where you should see rhino, kudu and other, smaller species, you can enjoy a few hours on the beach, swimming or snorkelling at low tide. Lunch is served at the beach and the day will draw to a close with a game drive through the wetland park as you return to St Lucia. ​
Day 12: Relaxation
Today there is nothing on the program and is for you to organize as you wish. From early June to late November, there is the possibility to book a whale watching tour. The whales pass our shores at this time of year moving north to Mozambique where they calve and breed in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, before returning to the colder waters of Antarctica. You also have a good chance of seeing bottlenose dolphins during this trip. Other options for today include either a bush or beach horse ride. ​
Day 13: Zulu cultural tour
Your tour guide for this activity will meet you at your B&B in St Lucia you will travel to his home village for a genuine experience of contemporary Zulu life. Here he will take you around the village, giving you lots of interesting information on the Zulu culture and way of life. The tour includes lunch, served at his mother’s house. You will also visit a Sangoma (traditional healer), a crèche, a high school class or attend part of a mass service at a church. Your guide will then return with you back to St Lucia.
Day 14: Relaxation
After boat trips and game drives you may feel like having some time to relax. It's your last day by the coast, so you maybe you'll want to head down to the beach. Do what you wish today because tomorrow will bring something entirely different.
Day 15: St Lucia- Umkhumbi Lodge, Hluhluwe
You can relax this morning or browse the local shops for some souvenirs, or maybe you have booked another activity. Early afternoon you drive to Umkhumbi Lodge. This lodge is situated about 10 minutes outside the town of Hluhluwe. The lodge has been built in the pristine African sandforest, spectacular sunsets can be enjoyed from the wooden deck at the treetop bar. Once you have arrived you can choose to relax at the swimming pool, or take a walk, there are several walking trails on the property.
Day 16: Close encounters with elephant and big cats
Today is a day of never to be forgotten close encounters! Your day trip includes a close encounter with wild, but habituated, elephants at a neighbouring Big 5 Game Reserve. These elephants were rescued as calves, after their families were culled, and have subsequently been hand-reared and are thus wild but accustomed to people. To see these animals up close is the perfect opportunity to learn more about this majestic species. 

Following a delicious lunch enroute and possibly a quick stop at a souvenir shop along the way, you find yourself at a cat sanctuary. Here you will have the opportunity to engage with cheetah and other, smaller, cats. This sanctuary focuses on the rehabilitation of cats and the tour of their premises is an excellent educational experience
Day 17: Umkhumbi Lodge - Manyoni Private GAme Reserve
Today you drive to the beautiful Zululand Rhino Reserve. This large private reserve is one of the finest in the region, and offers great wildlife viewing. Not only do they have large numbers of white and black rhinos and other members of the Big 5, but additionally cheetahs and African wild dogs! You stay here the next few days in a luxury lodge, where you will be taken on game drives every day with a wonderful guide in an open safari vehicle, looking for the animals. This afternoon you will join your first guided game drive.
Day 18: Manyoni Private Game Reserve
Today is a day of game drives. You can join both the early morning and late afternoon drives, looking out for more animals. Between game drives, guests can relax at the lodge. Your every need will be fully catered for during your stay at the Zululand Rhino Reserve.
Day 19: Manyoni Private Game Reserve
Today is another exciting day of game drives, exploring more of this beautiful park. You can again choose to join both the morning and afternoon game drives. Between game drives, there is more time for relaxation at the lodge and enjoying the serene surroundings
Day 20: Manyoni Private Game Reserve - Richards Bay -Johannesburg
This morning is your last chance to go on a game drive, so make the most of it! Then you leave the park and drive to Richards Bay Airport. You return your car at the Avis office located at Richards Bay Airport and fly to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport, from where you will take your international flight home.
Please note: Accommodation can potentially differ from the establishments mentioned in this itinerary (if fully booked). In such cases we will look for suitable and similar accommodation. Any changes will be discussed with you. We can only book accommodation after you have confirmed your booking with us. 

The European ANVR Travel and Booking Terms & Conditions apply to your booking with us. For full details, click here.
Price Overview

Self-drive tour

Price per person:
 
With 2 persons
With 4 persons
With 6 persons
With 8 persons
Version A
from
R 28100
R 26650
R 26150
R 24850
Version B
from
R 42975
R 41475
R 40975
R 39650
For the most recent exchange rate see www.XE.com.
Prices are partly dependent on which type of rental vehicle you choose. For more information about car rentals, click here.
Includes: Car hire, extensive self-drive pack including GPS navigation device & South African cell phone and SIM card, all accommodation, all meals and guided activities as mentioned as included in the quote above/table below, 14% Value Added Tax (VAT).

Excludes: Airfares, travel and cancellation insurances, petrol, road tolls, parking fees, entry fees, meals & activities mentioned under excluded in the table below, snacks and drinks, gratuities for guides and local restaurants.

​Included in the car rental is the Super Cover insurance with zero liability and unlimited kilometres. Not included are the following fees though, which will be charged to your credit card upon collecting the vehicle: 
  • AVIS contract fee: ZAR 85  (once off)
  • Additional driver fee: ZAR 385
  • Fuel: cost of refuelling if the car is not handed in full
  • One-way fee (if the car is returned to a different location from where it was picked up): Between ZAR 869-1177 depending on distance)
  • If the car is handed in late you will be charged an extra day of rent
These costs cannot be paid by us and therefore will be charged on your credit card by AVIS. AVIS also requires a refundable rental deposit (between ZAR 3500-4000). This sum will be taken off your credit card at the beginning of your trip and if all is well it will be deposited back into your account at the end. For renting a vehicle the driver must be over 18 years old and must have had a valid drivers licence for over a year, which must be valid for at least a year at the start of the rental period, and a valid passport and credit card. Please note that without a credit card, you cannot rent a car! 
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For guided tours, please complete our enquiry form and we'll be in touch with you soon!
Destinations​
For more information about the destinations you'll visit on this tour, follow the links below.
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​Version A & B
​Version A only
Version B only
ADD-ons
Ithala Game ReserveToo many (free) days in St. Lucia? 
Don't worry, for a little extra we can offer 2 or 3 days in beautiful Ithala Game Reserve instead of 2 or 3 days in St. Lucia. We can also add Ithala Game Reserve to the tour without taking any days away from your time in St. Lucia. Just let us know, it is your tailor made safari after all!