A Malaria-Free Family Safari in Zululand

Your day begins early in the morning with a 4x4 safari accompanied by a ranger in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park. It is South Africa's oldest national park, proclaimed in the 1950s for rhinoceros conservation, and today houses nearly 90% of the world's rhino population.
In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat trip on the St. Lucia estuary. The park containing the estuary is a World Natural Heritage site. The cruise is a treat with over 500 species to observe, and more than 800 hippos and 1,500 crocodiles in the St. Lucia ecosystem.

Today, we suggest starting the day with a self-drive safari in iSimangaliso Park or on horseback with an instructor. You can observe wildlife from different points in the park, before continuing to Cape Vidal beach in early afternoon. The weather is generally beautiful in this part of the region and the white sand beach is perfect for swimming. You can cool off and rest, or gear up for a snorkelling session. The clear waters of Cape Vidal reveal a spectacular underwater world, populated with colourful fish and living corals.

After breakfast, you leave the coast for the interior, where you will spend the next two nights. Your accommodation is located in the heart of Zululand, in the Babanango reserve which extends over 130 hectares of magnificent, malaria-free wilderness. The camp is securely fenced, ensuring safe encounters with dangerous wildlife. The whole family can immerse themselves in a range of activities, including challenging hiking trails, obstacle courses, and the must-do multi-platform zipline, which offers breathtaking views of the majestic White Umfolozi River.

You leave Babanango for Nambiti Reserve, known for its quality accommodations, but also for its biodiversity and landscapes, which allow observation of a great variety of fauna and flora. Indeed, this malaria-free reserve is home to the Big Five and 40 other game species. Your accommodation specializes in family safaris, and children will stay busy all day thanks to 4x4 safaris, swimming, fishing, playgrounds, and professional monitors. A total of 4 game drives and all your meals are included for your 2-night stay in the reserve.

After a final morning safari, depart for the Drakensberg region. This fascinating mountain range rises to approximately 3,475 meters and extends 1,125 km parallel to South Africa's southeast coast. For hikers, this means an abundance of trails through rocky terrain with magnificent views. Rock paintings dating back several thousand years have been discovered in the region and are worth seeing. On the way, make a stop at Sterkfontein Dam, located in an 18,000-hectare nature reserve. One of its highlights is the panoramic view of the Drakensberg mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop.

We suggest dedicating this day to the many hiking trails accessible from your accommodation. One of the most famous hikes is the one leading to the summit of Sentinel Peak and the chain ladders, offering stunning views of the Tugela Falls, the second highest in the world. Young children might opt for the trail leading to Gudu Falls, a breathtaking waterfall with a huge natural pool, ideal for swimming! Whatever option is chosen, your family can expect spectacular landscapes and panoramic views of the Amphitheatre.

After breakfast, you will take the road to Johannesburg where your adventure will end. If time permits, we suggest passing through Clarens, a charming artists' village nestled in the heart of the Maluti mountains, known for its art galleries and craft shops. On the road, the whole family can admire the Golden Gate Highlands National Park with its sandstone cliffs that shine brilliantly at sunset. Once at Johannesburg airport, you will return the rental car before boarding your international flight.