Walking and Wildlife in South Africa

9 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
This walking holiday in South Africa showcases the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the KwaZulu-Natal region with mountain hikes, bushland walks and wetland boat rides. Hike to a mountain cave, experience a walking game safari and follow coastal trails. Drakensberg Mountains - Walk in this beautiful region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Hluhluwe-iMfolozi ...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Drakensberg Mountains - Walk in this beautiful region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Big Five Game Reserve - Learn about the magnificent South African wildlife in the iSimangaliso Wetlands
    • Saint Lucia - View hippos and crocodiles in the river flowing through this relaxed estuary town

What's this trip about?

    This walking holiday in South Africa showcases the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the KwaZulu-Natal region with mountain hikes, bushland walks and wetland boat rides. Hike to a mountain cave, experience a walking game safari and follow coastal trails. Drakensberg Mountains - Walk in this beautiful region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Reserve - Search for the Big Five on a walking safari and open vehicle game drive Saint Lucia - Explore the iSimangaliso Wetlands and see hippos roaming the streets!

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range30 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityUmhlanga
End CityDurban Airport

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • Saint Lucia
  • Africa
  • South Africa

Activities

  • Bird watching
  • Cycling
  • Game drive
  • Hiking
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
  • Nature
  • Safari
  • Snorkeling
  • Trekking
  • Wildlife viewing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Trip starts in Umhlanga, north of Durban

Arrive in Umhlanga, a coastal town between the International Airport and North Durban. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in...

Meals Provided :
None

Day 2 Lagoon Walk. Drive to the Drakensbergs and explore local area on foot

Our first gentle walk begins near our hotel. Known as the Lagoon Walk, the path starts as a wooden boardwalk then cuts through a section of coastal forest down to the beach. As this is a nature trail many of the trees are labelled (look out for the 500 year old white ...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 Hike to Echo Cave and Bishops Inkaba

Today we also have the opportunity to take two walks. This morning's walk takes us from the lodge following an ascending trail with a short steep zig zag section to the hilltop. Continuing through a grove of bottlebrush trees and indigenous forest to reach Echo Cave....

Meals Provided :
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 Full day hike in the Drakensberg Mountains

Our walk today takes us along a trail from the lodge to cross Sunday Falls stream from which we reach the park boundary. Walking via Tiger Falls and down through the bush we make our way to Castle Rocks and Surprise Ridge. En route we have a picnic lunch while admiring the views. Today's 17 kilometre walk is expected to take around six to seven hours with 140 metres of ascent and descent.

Meals Provided :
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 Visit Blood River Battlefield. Drive to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Reserve

Leaving the Drakensbergs behind we drive east through the towns of Ladysmith and Dundee, and stop at the battle site of Blood-River. Here we will learn about events that took place during the war between the Zulu and Voortrekker Boers, particularly the battle fought o...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6 Walking safari in Big Five Game Reserve

Waking up early to the sounds of the bush we spend today finding out more about the magnificent animals that call this park home. In group of a maximum of eight visitors we join the wardens for a walking safari, looking for tracks and signs of animals and if we are lu...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 Morning game drive. Arrive to St Lucia, free afternoon

Today we have another early morning game drive in an open vehicle, hoping to see new animals. Late morning we drive towards the coast and Saint Lucia, a small coastal town famous for its river crocodiles and hippos. The afternoon is free to explore the area. Local opt...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 8 Boat ride and walk through iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. Optional visit to Cape Vidal

This morning we take a boat ride through iSimangaliso Wetland Park looking for animals such as reedbuck, buffalo and monkeys, and the 526 bird species that live here. iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a World Heritage Site and the third largest protected area in South Afr...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 9 Drive down coast, walk the Dune forest trail at Mtunzini. Trip ends at Durban Airport

Early this morning we travel south along the coast to Mtunzini. Here we walk along the Siayay coastal dune forest trail, if we are lucky we may see bushbuck and red, grey, blue duiker. We also follow a board walk through Raphia Palm Forest, a swamp forest rich with pa...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,120
Price per day$236
Last Updated: 4/10/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
7,391
Great
2,460
Average
404
Disappointing
126
Terrible
60
S

Susan

May 2019

Written on

This trip was exceptionally good value for

This trip was exceptionally good value for money with our guides and drivers being careful and considerate along with all being extremely friendly. Well. Done to all...

S

Susan

May 2019

Written on

This trip was exceptionally good

This trip was exceptionally good value for money with our guides and drivers being careful and considerate along with all being extremely friendly. Well. Done to all...

O

Omolola

May 2019

Written on

I have had the most amazing time

I have had the most amazing time. From the moment I met Bob at the airport to the time we were dropped off Bob kept us informed and listened to everyone's requests. ...

C

Carol

May 2019

Written on

This is an excellent trip

This is an excellent trip and one that I can't find anything negative to comment on. I have been on about 25 of your trips and this would rate as one of the most en...

C

Carol

May 2019

Written on

This is an excellent trip and one

This is an excellent trip and one that I can't find anything negative to comment on. I have been on about 25 of your trips and this would rate as one of the most en...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, 4WD, Minibus,

Transportation & flights

Bus, 4WD, Minibus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Camp Crew, Driver(s), Safari Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Travelling with Minors via South Africa (including transits) Regulations affecting all children aged under 18 years that are travelling to, from or via South Africa have been updated (Nov19). The law states that visa exempt children travelling for tourism purposes with one or both parents and/or an adult who is not a biological parent require to present a valid passport for each child on arrival. We strongly recommend you to refer to the South African House website for full information and to travel with a copy of these requirements. South Africa: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. New Zealand ordinary passport holders do not require a visa, all other passport holders please consult your local consulate for full information. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office for a multiple entry visa. All visitors should ensure their passport is machine readable, has a minimum of 6 months validity from your arrival date into the country and has two blank pages when entering and leaving South Africa. The South African Immigration officials will not allow child/ infant pages to be used for this purpose and visitors without the stipulated blank pages will be denied entry. Swaziland: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian citizens. You will require one blank visa page in your passport with a minimum validity of 6 months. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Health & Safety
Please note that you will be required to supply a yellow fever certificate that has been issued at least 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa if you have travelled from or via a country where yellow fever is endemic. We recommend protection against hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria. According to various travel health sources, the Western Cape is not regarded as a malaria risk area. If you are travelling to other areas in South Africa please check with your doctor about malaria requirements. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 8
  • Dinner : 5
  • Lunch : 3
Age Requirements
30 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-WSA

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