10-Day Malaria-Free Family Safari in Zululand

Your day begins early in the morning with a 4x4 safari accompanied by a ranger in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Established in 1895 to protect the white rhino from extinction, this is South Africa's oldest proclaimed game reserve and the ancestral home of every Southern White Rhino alive today. Your knowledgeable ranger will track animals through varied habitats ranging from thick bush to open grassland while explaining wildlife behaviours and the park's conservation success story.
After lunch back in St. Lucia, prepare for a completely different but equally thrilling experience: a boat trip on the St. Lucia estuary. The estuary forms part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to over 800 hippos, 1,200 crocodiles, and more than 520 bird species. As you glide along the calm waters, you will have excellent opportunities to observe and photograph hippos wallowing in the shallows, massive crocodiles basking on the banks, and an incredible diversity of birdlife including fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans. Your guide will share ecological insights about this unique wetland system throughout. The late afternoon light creates perfect conditions for photography as you return to shore.

Today's schedule offers flexibility to match your preferences. Either set off independently on a game-viewing drive through iSimangaliso Wetland Park's eastern section, or choose to explore on horseback with qualified instructors. Both options reveal the park's incredible habitat diversity, from dense coastal forests to expansive wetlands and grasslands supporting different animal communities.
Around midday, transition from bush to beach as you make your way to the pristine shores of Cape Vidal. 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 and head inland, 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 wildlife. Upon arrival and settling into your accommodation, the next two days are yours to embrace adventure. The whole family can immerse themselves in a range of activities, including obstacle courses, and the must-do multi-platform zipline, which offers breathtaking views of the majestic White Umfolozi River. For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, there are well-marked hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to more challenging treks through the bush.
As evening approaches, gather around the campfire under star-filled African skies, perhaps spotting wildlife coming to drink at nearby waterholes.

You leave Babanango for Nambiti Reserve, known for its quality accommodation, stunning landscapes, and remarkable biodiversity. This malaria-free reserve is home to the Big Five and 40 other species including cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous antelopes. Your accommodation specialises in family safaris, and children can stay busy all day with swimming, fishing, and supervised activities led by dedicated childcare professionals. Over your two-day stay, you will embark on four game drives, typically two in the late afternoon and two at dawn. These are the optimal times for wildlife viewing when animals are most active. Your expert ranger will use their intimate knowledge of the reserve to position you for extraordinary sightings. All meals are included and are often served in a traditional boma under the stars, where you can share the day's sightings with fellow guests over dinner, creating memories that last long after the trip ends.

After a final morning safari and hearty breakfast at Nambiti, 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. The Zulu name for these mountains is "uKhahlamba," meaning "barrier of spears," while Afrikaans settlers called them "Drakensberg" or "Dragon Mountains"—both names reflecting the dramatic, jagged peaks that dominate the skyline. The scenic drive takes you through changing landscapes and traditional rural areas. 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. The dam's waters reflect the towering peaks, creating photo opportunities that will be the envy of your friends back home. Upon arrival at your Drakensberg accommodation, take time to settle in and perhaps explore the immediate surroundings. The crisp mountain air is a refreshing change from the warmer coastal climate. Spend the evening planning your next day's hiking adventure, consulting trail maps and discussing options with your hosts who can recommend routes suitable for your family's fitness levels and interests. The anticipation of exploring these ancient mountains will help everyone sleep soundly.

We suggest dedicating this day to the many hiking trails accessible from your accommodation. One of the most famous leads to the summit of Sentinel Peak via the chain ladders. This trail rewards your efforts with breathtaking views of the Amphitheatre, a five-kilometre-long cliff face and one of the most photographed geological features in South Africa. You will also get close-up views of Tugela Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the world, plunging 948 metres in five spectacular leaps.  Young children might prefer the trail to Gudu Falls, a beautiful waterfall cascading into a large natural pool perfect for a refreshing swim. Throughout the region, ancient San rock art can be found in caves and overhangs, offering glimpses into the lives of the area's earliest inhabitants. After your morning hike, spend the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps enjoying your lodge's amenities or taking a shorter nature walk in the area.

After breakfast, you will take the road to Johannesburg where your adventure will end. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, but consider breaking it up with stops at points of interest. If time permits, we suggest passing through Clarens, a charming artists' village nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, known for its art galleries, craft shops, and striking sandstone architecture. Just beyond Clarens, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is named for the brilliant golden hues of its sandstone cliffs that glow at sunset. The park's dramatic rock formations and distinctive landscape provide a fitting finale to your journey. Continue to OR Tambo International Airport, arriving with plenty of time to return your rental vehicle, check in for your flight, and reflect on an incredible ten days of family adventures before boarding your onward journey home.