Walking and Wildlife in South Africa




Overview
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?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Itinerary

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...
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 ...
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....
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
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.

Explore! Reviews & Ratings
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...
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...
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. ...
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...
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...
Other Explore! Reviews
Trusted Customer
Mar 2025
Highlights of Sri Lanka + Maldive Dhoni Cruise
Explore leader: for Sri Lanka only satisfactory. Not easy to understand, didn't seem to feel part of the group, didn't join us for meals, a poor communicator (relati...
Francis
Mar 2025
Spirit of Laos
Excellent trip through an unspoiled and beautiful country. The food is fantastic and the people are friendly and welcoming. Would highly recommend as a travelling ex...
Tour Operator
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
Accommodation
Transportation & Flights
Transportation & flights
- Breakfast : 8
- Dinner : 5
- Lunch : 3
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations