Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure

13 days
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Small Group Tour
From the game lands of Kruger to the peaceful coastline of the Indian Ocean, our South African family adventure hits all of the highlights. Spot the Big 5 on multiple game drives, both in vehicles and on foot, before falling to sleep to the sound of the bush at rustic camps and lodges. And when you're not immersed in the country's great wild side? Get closer ...
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Witness the unrivalled natural beauty of Kosi Bay - a turquoise snorkeller's paradise
    • Visit a traditional Zulu village and learn about the rich culture of these incredible people
    • Go on a thrilling walking Safari in Eswatini's renowned Mlilwane National Park

What's this trip about?

    From the game lands of Kruger to the peaceful coastline of the Indian Ocean, our South African family adventure hits all of the highlights. Spot the Big 5 on multiple game drives, both in vehicles and on foot, before falling to sleep to the sound of the bush at rustic camps and lodges. And when you're not immersed in the country's great wild side? Get closer to the local culture - old and new - with trips to a traditional Zulu village and into the kingdom of Eswatini. Spot the Big 5 - Hop between South Africa's top game reserves, including Kruger and Tshukudu for the chance to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Walking Safari - Get closer to the country's beautiful creatures on a walking safari in Eswatini's Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Kosi Bay - Relax on the unspoilt beaches of the Indian Ocean, where we have two days to unwind or spot turtles and whales (within season).

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityJohannesburg
End CityDurban Airport

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Durban
  • Indian Ocean
  • Johannesburg
  • Kos
  • Kruger National Park
  • Nelson
  • Soweto

Activities

  • Hiking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Johannesburg. Afternoon optional visit to Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton

Our tour starts today in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, once home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. A city of stark contrasts and infamous history, Johannesburg is going through rapid change and urban regeneration right before our eyes. For those...

Day 2 Drive to Graskop via South Africa's Panoramic Route

Leaving our hotel after breakfast, we'll head out of Johannesburg through the Lowveld which stretches before us into the distant horizons. 'Lowveld' translates from Afrikaans into English as 'the low bush' and the area has been inhabited since Stone Age times thanks t...

Day 3 Scenic drive to Tshukudu Game Reserve, stop at Blyde River Canyon

This morning, we'll set off towards the Tshukudu Game Reserve. Along the way, we'll make several stops at viewpoints, including at the aptly named God's Window and the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon. We'll also stop at the surreal Bourke's Luck Potholes, a collectio...

Day 4 Full day in Tshukudu Game Reserve, game drive and walking safari

Today, we'll head out to spot more of South Africa's wildlife, both from our vehicles and on a walking safari in the reserve. The walk will be led by experienced rangers who are acknowledged experts in the bush and are more than happy to pass on their knowledge. Ask a...

Day 5 Drive to Kruger National Park, afternoon game drive

After a hearty breakfast this morning, we'll bid farewell to Tshukudu and drive to the southern gate of Kruger National Park (a two-hour journey). We'll stop for lunch and a swim at one of the national park camps before continuing further into the park. As one of t...

Day 6 Full-day game viewing in Kruger National Park

We'll have an early start this morning, but it'll be worth it for the chance of spotting Kruger's creatures. Leaving our camp shortly after sunrise, we'll head out for our morning game drive. We'll stop at various watering holes where we might see buffalo or antelo...

Day 7 Drive to Mlilwane in Eswatini, optional activities including a walking safari or on a mountain bike

We'll have another game drive this morning before we head south to Eswatini, passing through the rural townships and mountain scenery of the Blyde River Canyon escarpment. The small kingdom of Eswatini is a tiny and independent land, inhabited by the Swazi people w...

Day 8 Morning game walk in Mlilwane, free afternoon for optional activities

We'll head out on a walk this morning, in search of zebra, wildebeest, impala, nyala and warthog. Mlilwane has a large area of open grasslands, so game viewing is relatively easy. This afternoon, you're free to relax or take part in one of our optional activities. ...

Day 9 Drive to Kosi Bay, stay close to the shores of the Indian Ocean

Crossing through Eswatini, we'll head for the southern border point at Golela, passing back into South Africa and continuing through KwaZulu Natal to the northern settlement of Kosi Bay, close to the Mozambique border. For the next two nights, we'll stay close to t...

Day 10 Full day in Kosi Bay, walk along the beaches

Today we'll make the most of the coastal setting, with a walk along the beaches and forests of this area. We'll be hoping to spot small antelope and the astounding variety of birds that live here. If you'd like to get out in the water, you can snorkel at Kosi Bay Mout...

Day 11 Drive to St Lucia, visit a traditional Zulu village

Travelling down the coast this morning, we'll head towards the greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, situated on the coast of the Indian Ocean. This wonderful wetland reserve was recently granted World Heritage status as the largest estuarine lake system in Africa. Whil...

Day 12 Full day in St Lucia, optional whale watching

We'll get the chance to relax today with another day on the coast. Again, there'll be optional activities on offer, including whale watching (June to November) and turtle watching (November to March). There's also the option to join a boat trip on the St. Lucia River to spot hippos and crocodiles.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 13 Drive to Durban airport where the trip ends

Departing St Lucia this morning, we'll drive south along the coast to Durban's International Airport (DUR), aiming to arrive at around 2pm, where our trip ends. The earliest your flight can depart is 4pm. If you are taking an evening flight from Durban, it's possib...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,600
Price per day$200
Last Updated: 3/14/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room
Availability
06 Apr 2025
18 Apr 2025
$2,600
13 Jul 2025
25 Jul 2025
$2,620
20 Jul 2025
01 Aug 2025
$2,620
27 Jul 2025
08 Aug 2025
$2,760
03 Aug 2025
15 Aug 2025
$2,620
10 Aug 2025
22 Aug 2025
$2,620
17 Aug 2025
29 Aug 2025
$2,620
28 Mar 2026
09 Apr 2026
$2,750
11 Jul 2026
23 Jul 2026
$2,750
25 Jul 2026
06 Aug 2026
$2,750

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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
10,321
Great
3,322
Average
522
Disappointing
158
Terrible
79
R

Rosalind

Jan 2025

Written on

Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure

It was a great trip with fantastic game viewing and knowledgeable guides. The accommodation was unique & comfortable, but Rhino lodge at Kosi bay was the poores...

T

Tim

Aug 2024

Written on

Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure

Fantastic holiday as advertised for a family group of 10 aged from 9 t...

T

Trusted Customer

Aug 2024

Written on

Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure

Fabulous holiday with a brilliant leader. Great variety of places visited, with interesting places to stay and all so different. A lot of ground covered so the downs...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure

The amazing wildlife with stunning and varied scenery. Andrew our guide / driver / cook couldn't do enough for us. This was our first family Explore holiday (althoug...

G

Gill

Sep 2023

Written on

Family South Africa Safari and Beach Adventure

We had an amazing trip which I think was a combination of good planning, so that the journeys weren't ever too long for the kids, nice accommodation with swimming po...

Write a Review

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

4WD, Boat, Minibus,

Transportation & flights

4WD, Boat, Minibus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader
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
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. Please ensure you have the correct multiple entry visa, especially if you are visiting another country on your itinerary and will need to re-enter South Africa - this includes visiting Swaziland. 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. There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children under 18 who hold South African nationality, and for unaccompanied children entering South Africa. The South African Department of Home Affairs has more information. 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. All visa information is subject to change. 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 : 12
  • Dinner : 4
  • Lunch : 3
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-FZK

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