Tour option 2:
Zululand: Kwa Zulu – Natal: South Africa
St. Lucia (4 nights)
Kosi Bay (4 nights)
These tours periods can be adjusted to suit you.
Price estimation approximately $2 950.00pp (2 pax)
for 8 nights
Prices differ per season/ accommodation choice/ exchange rate/ annual adjustments
(Please email shane@wlafrica.co.za)
Includes: St Lucia accommodation – Breakfast (Accommodation may be selected with 3x meals p/day)
Kosi Bay Luxurious Lodge, includes accommodation, all meals, guided canoeing PLUS guided Raphia Forest Walks.
Transfers to / from Durban King Shaka international airport, transfers within the tour, WildLandsAfrica guide fee.
Excludes: Flights, St Lucia activities, some Kosi Bay activities, entrance fees (dependent on tour) additional tours/ activities outside quoted tour price you may / may not wish to partake in) car hire for large groups, lunches / dinner (dependent on lodge choice) tips.
Day 1: Collection King Shaka International airport.
St Lucia Accommodation included in tour price (4 nights)
(Excludes St Lucia activities below, lunch and dinner (Dependent on accommodation selected)
Day 1 – Night 1 – On arrival at Durban King Shaka International Airport you will be collected by myself, as we head off for a scenic 2 ½ hour drive to St Lucia for 4 Nights where we book into our 1st leg accommodation.
Dependent on accommodation choice, we may head into the town for a lovely dinner or if the accommodation offers such will relax at the guesthouse / hotel for an early night and early morning start.
This will be discussed in detail prior to booking.
St Lucia has fast become the top destination in KwaZulu – Natal South Africa and for good reasons. In 1999 it was declared as South Africa’s very first world heritage site in recognition of its superlative natural beauty and unique global values. The name iSimangaliso means miracle and wonder, which aptly describes this unique place. Hippo are often seen at night wondering about the town in search of choicy grass to feed on.
Day 2 – Activity – Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Big 5 game park.
We board an open game vehicle and head to Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park which is the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa. It consists of 960 km² of hilly topography and is known for its rich wildlife and conservation efforts. It is home to Africa’s Big Five plus other game including the elusive Cheetah, Wild Dog and Nyala. Prime game viewing takes place at hides overlooking pans and waterholes which enable visitors to see animals at close range. Those interested in birding, Zululand birding route has over 600 recorded species of birds, a birders haven, so be prepared to add some lifers to your birding list.
What to bring along:
Camera with spare batteries; binoculars; memory cards; light jacket or pull over; hat; sunscreen; sunglasses; medical supplies if required; comfortable shoes; cash in case you wish to do some shopping on route back (not all vendors have card machines)
Please note– The summer months October – March, Hluhluwe–Imfolozi gets very hot, so please pack accordingly. Early morning winters April – September can be chilly on an open vehicle. (Cater for possible change in weather) The grass (veld) is shorter so game viewing especially cats are generally easier to locate, however there are no guarantees considering the vastness of these reserves.
Estimated cost – excluded in tour price – $95.00 pp (subject to exchange rate) includes park entrance fees, packed breakfast and lunch and beverages.
Day 2 – Night 2 – After a full day in the park, we then head back to your place of accommodation to freshen up, relax and prepare for dinner.
Day 3 – Activity – St Lucia Tours hippo/croc boat cruise & Cape Vidal Isimangaliso Wetland Park
Cape Vidal Isimangaliso Wetland Park(Morning or afternoon) We board the open game vehicle to enjoy a game drive in Cape Vidal Isimangaliso Wetland Park. Several excellent game viewing roads traverse the Eastern and Western shores sections of the park. You are almost guaranteed to see hippo on the Pan Loop and the Vlei Loop has very rewarding game sightings.
Numerous hides are found with in this wonderful park, allowing one to disembark, photo opportunities, relax, and enjoy our packed lunch and some beverages.
Estimated Cost – excluded in tour price – $95.00 pp (subject to exchange rate) includes park entrance fees, packed breakfast and lunch and beverages.
Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise (Morning or afternoon) Youwill be transferred from your accommodation in an open air 4X4 vehicle. Bring something warm to wear in the winter months. Complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be served.
Sunset cruise (should one prefer the late afternoon) are fantastic and a perfect way to end the day, allowing for plenty of amazing photo opportunities!
Estimated Cost – excluded in tour price – $25.00 pp (subject to exchange rate)
Day 3 – Night 3 – After a full day, we then head back to your place of accommodation to freshen up, relax and prepare for dinner. Might want to head into the town centre for a meal and some shopping.
Day 4 – Optional Activities (Free day)
iGwalaGwala walk – (Easy)
Those interested in an early morning start and would enjoy a beautiful fresh air walk, view some of St Lucia’s birds, then the iGwalaGwala walk is a must. Walk will be conducted with a local guide. It’s a stunning walk and will take approximately 1- 2 hours.
Estimated Cost – excluded in tour price – $20.00 pp (subject to exchange rate) includes guide and walk.
Boardwalk to estuary walk – (Easy)
We take a drive to the beautiful boardwalk that leads through some mangroves to the beach.
The boardwalk is proving to be a popular tourism attraction for visitors with a resident hippos often being seen as well as a wide variety of bird species in the forest and on the estuary’s shore. The 500m boardwalk was rebuilt after Cyclone Gamede severely damaged the structure in March 2007. We can choose to walk along the beach to the estuary mouth, approximately 500m.
There is no cost to take this walk.
Shopping: Those may prefer to do a bit of shopping within the town and find a restaurant for lunch.
St. Lucia Crocodile and Snake Park
Visit the St. Lucia crocodile and snake centre and learn more about the mighty Nile Crocodile and some of the snakes of South Africa.
Situated just outside of St Lucia Village, about 5 Minutes from St. Lucia. The Centre offers guests an exciting and informative experience who would like to know more about the lake system and one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating animals, the crocodile. A series of illustrations depict the Lake St Lucia system, the sea, the beach, dune forests, grasslands and the lake shore.
The St Lucia Crocodile Centre now hosts an impressive collection of snakes. The Crocodile centre is one of only four permit holders that are allowed to keep the impressive Gaboon Viper in captivity. This highly endangered Viper is the world largest Viper and can weigh up to 8kgs with a fang length of 4cm.
Estimated Cost – excluded in tour price – $5.00 pp (subject to exchange rate)
Whale Watching St Lucia (June to end of November)
June to November is whale watching season and Humpback whales might be viewed. Other siting’s may be the Flying Fish, Wale Shark and dolphins. This is approximately a 2-hour long trip out to sea, however, may stretch a bit longer considering transfers from the town to the beach and back. Please note this tour needs to be booked in advance.
Estimated Cost – excluded in tour price – $99.00 pp (subject to exchange rate)
Turtle tours – November to end of February
(Please note this tour needs to be booked in advance) 6/8 hours evening.
The coastline of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the only remaining major nesting site in Africa where Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles still lay their eggs. These important breeding grounds have been protected by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the conservation partners of the Wetland Park Authority, for over 50 years.
This ancient nesting ritual starts early in November every year. The female emerges from the surf and rests in the wash zone alert for danger – at this point she is easily disturbed. She then moves above the high tide mark to find a suitable site, where the laborious process of digging a nest, down to 1m in depth, commences. After laying a batch of 80-100 eggs, she carefully closes the nest and conceals its presence from foragers like jackals, genets, honey badgers and ghost crabs. The cumbersome journey back to sea follows.
The eggs can take up to 70 days to hatch, with the hatchlings emerging at night and making their way to the sea from January through to March every year. Approximately 4 hatchlings from every 1000 are estimated to reach maturity. Recent evidence suggests that female turtles return to the beaches where they hatched. How they know the route back to the spots they hatched on remains a mystery.
Estimated Cost – excluded in tour price – $95.00 pp (subject to exchange rate) Booking in advance essential.
Day 4 – Night 4 –After a full day, we then head back to your place of accommodation to freshen up, relax and prepare for dinner. Might want to head into the town centre for a meal and some shopping. Those involved in the Turtle Tours will have catering provided for.
Day 5 – Activity – Zululand Cat Conservation Project – Day visit
We leave St Lucia early and drive approximately 65kms for a visit to Zululand Cat Conservation Project
At Emdoneni Lodge with Zululand Cat Conservation Project we have ambassador animals which we use for breeding and the offspring to be released back into the wild hence the reason for the low numbers of animals in our project. A maximum of 12 animals including any offspring per specie.
Join us for an up close and personal tour and learn more about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species. Come and be mesmerized by the beauty of the Caracal (Lynx), enchanted by the playful Serval, astonished by the speed and agility of the Cheetah and delighted by the African Wildcat.
View and photograph these amazing animals at the Zululand Cat Conservation Project. We offer daily educational tours, with feedings during the afternoon tour and an informative talk about the animals and the project by our experienced guides.
The aim of the Zululand Cat Conservation Project is to care for Cheetahs, Serval Cats, African Wildcats and Caracal (Lynx), which have been orphaned or injured in the wild and are in need of care and rehabilitation. We also intend to breed successfully (where possible) with our ambassador animals and release the offspring back into their natural habitat. We pride ourselves on the many successful releases done in the past.
Estimated Cost – excluded in tour price – $20.00 pp (subject to exchange rate)
https://youtu.be/M3KCr6jdAaw
Once we have completed our Cat Conservation tour, we then head off on a 3 ½ drive to Kosi Bay for 4 nights.
Kosi Bay – Day 5 – 9 (4 nights) – Kosi Bay (included in tour price)
Please note due to the distance and the offerings Kosi Bay has, its recommended no less than 4 nights.
As a WildLands Guide having visited popular Big 5 resorts, birding destinations and beautiful beaches in Zululand Kwa Zulu – Natal South Africa, allows me to recommend and plan personalised tours that would suit what you want most from your holiday. Every tour destination we visit, due to its exclusive offerings, I have specialised guides available for each activity or tour, ensuring you as the guest are well informed for that specific area and tour offering. Each destination and tour is unique in its own way.
What is important when planning your tour is time period, preferred accommodations, activities, time of year and budget. This will be discussed in detail so as to ensure your holiday is one to remember.
Kosi Bay – is a paradise of crystal-clear lakes flowing into the Indian ocean and pristine beaches with high forested dunes. Experience the wild, peaceful beauty of a kingdom of ancient African culture, endangered Sea Turtles, migrating whales, tropical fish, rare, magnificent birds, unusual forests, and basking hippos.
Numerous Eco trails are offered which are mostly a full day’s activities. These trails offer a combination of hiking, traditional Raffia palm kayaking, birding, and snorkeling. The trails lead to places that would otherwise be inaccessible, offering a broad and wholistic experience of the Kosi Bay marine reserve, its culture and ecology.
A good level of fitness is required to enjoy these Eco trails. Rates include all guide fees, permits and necessary equipment.
Kosi Accommodation
Situated within the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first heritage site, the Lodge is eco-conscious, using nature as the guide and offering guests the unique opportunity of exploring the Wetland environment in guided canoes and vehicles.
Flame lamps will guide you along a soft sandy path to cozy forest rooms where you can encounter a unique glamping experience.
The forest rooms are nestled under milkwood trees, with thoughtful attention to blending into the pristine indigenous sand forest environment.
All rooms have both romantic outdoor bathroom bomas as well as en-suite indoor showers.
Bath under open African skies by soft flickering lighting from paraffin lamps.
This lodge is also an idyllic honeymoon destination offering the bridal couple a romantic haven of calm after a busy wedding.
Laze at the pool that overlooks Lake Shengeza with a cool drink in hand while watching the resident pod of hippos down below in the lake.
The tucked away forest Boma plays host to extra special dining experiences.
Meals are served around the wooden deck Boma, where a crackling fire is lit in the evening.
Buffet breakfast and luncheon are served in the covered dining area, where you’ll also find a 24/7 tea and coffee station with delicious homemade biscuits.
Includes accommodation, all meals, guided canoeing PLUS guided Raphia Forest Walks.
Please note this destination requires advanced booking.
THE MVUMA TRAIL – RAFFIA PALM FOREST / TRADITIONAL KAYAKING
This Eco trail offers the experience of traditional Raffia palm kayaking, and interactive demonstration on their construction and mastering the art of how to use them is enjoyed. We kayak Westward along 3rd lake to the Raffia palm forest, to exploring this unusual forest which is home to the Palm nut vulture and a variety of other bird life. We return, either by kayak or hiking through the coastal forest along the banks of the lake.
Estimated Cost – excluded in tour price – $30.00 pp (subject to exchange rate)
THE SLOBELLO TRAIL / NORTH – SNORKELING
This full day Eco trail takes you Raffia palm kayaking along third lake, to a crossing over the coastal dunes known as “The Steps “. A short hike over the coastal dune, through the forest, then descending to the northern beaches to enjoy snorkeling in the beautiful tidal pools. Returning, to Banga Nek hiking along the beach within the marine reserve and turtle nesting sanctuary. In season, turtles have been spotted in the waves and on the beach as they occasionally come out in daylight to nest.
Estimated Cost – excluded in tour price – $30.00 pp (subject to exchange rate)
THE IZIBAYA TRAIL – CULTURAL FISHKRAALS / ENKOVUKENI VILLAGE
This full day Eco trail begins hiking along the beach, then over the coastal dunes to 2nd lake, where most of the Fish kraals are found. An interactive and practical demonstration is enjoyed, of how the fish kraals are constructed, how they work and how the fish are speared. After snorkeling in the clear lake channels, we hike up to the village of eNkovukeni, which boosts spectacular views of the entire lake system below.
Our guests enjoy a traditionally prepared lunch of fresh fish, that awaits them at the homestead of the Fish kraal owner, served with warm hospitality, traditional crafts. Returning to Bhanga Nek again, either Raffia palm kayaking along 3rd lake, or hiking back along the beach or the coastal dune forest paths.
Estimated Cost – excluded in tour price – $55.00 pp (subject to exchange rate)
THE KUGUMA TRAIL – KOSI BAY ESTUARY MOUTH
This full day Eco trail includes a vehicle trip from Bhanga nek, to the vieszpoint overlooking Kosi Bay Estuary. We then hike down to the water’s edge and along the banks of the estuary to Kosi Bay mouth, where the lake system joins the Indian ocean. Snorkeling in the estuary at the sheltered “Aquarium as well as in the ocean tidal pools, which offer a wide variety of fish species to enjoy.
Estimated Cost – excluded in tour price – $50.00 pp (subject to exchange rate)
THE IMFUDU TRAIL – SEASONAL TURTLE TRACKING
In season only, from 1st November to 31 March. Evening turtle tracking trails along Bhanga nek turtle sanctuary beaches are conducted in conjunction with the assigned iSimangaliso community turtle tracking guides. The trail begins at approximately 7pm, hiking northwards in search of nesting turtles or hatchlings making their first journey into the ocean, both a truly unforgettable experience to cherish.
Estimated Cost – excluded in tour price – $30.00 pp (subject to exchange rate)
THE BLACKROCK TRAIL – SNORKELING / SURFING
This full day trail includes a vehicle trip to a beach called “Black Rock”, which lies to the south of Bhanga nek. The bay that is created by the large Black rocks is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and surfing and further exploring along the beaches reveals coves and small caves formed by the rocky outcrops.
Estimated Cost – excluded in tour price – $50.00 pp (subject to exchange rate)
THE AMANZAMYAMA BIRDING TRAIL – BIRDING HIKE
This Eco trail leads you through the coastal forests along the banks of 3rd lake, on traditional pathways to lake Amanzamyama (4th Lake). The forest and lake in this area of the marine reserve boast a wide variety of bird species to enjoy. The day is spent in search of different bird species and soaking up the peaceful environment that they inhabit.
Estimated Cost – excluded in tour price – $30.00 pp (subject to exchange rate)
Other activities include: Boat Trips, Fishing, Canoeing, Big 5 – Tembe Elephant Park.
Prices above are subject to change.
Destination – approximately 6 hours from Durban. Please note in the summer months and close proximity to Mozambique, it is recognised as a low to medium risk malaria area. Once accommodation and its location is confirmed, the necessary precautions will be discussed before you depart.
Day 9 – Departure – 5 hour journey – We say goodbye to Kosi bay and head back to Durban King Shaka international airport for your flight back to your next destination you may have planned or back home.
Please note tours may be tailor made as per preference and budget.
For tour 2 option, please email shane@wlafrica.co.za for a quote.