Rhinos, lions,whales and hippos, on my ! Come connect with nature on our new AFS bush and beach vacation into two different worlds- a wildlife safari in Africa’s oldest game reserve combined with a marine safari at a World Heritage Site on the Indian Ocean ! This is our ultimate luxury getaway at our best safari price ever. There’s so much included from Durban to St. Lucia, KZN ,iSimangaliso Wetlands, Hluhluwe to Maputaland. It’s the perfect safari for our animal lovers with wonderful village visits for our culture lovers.
Home of the Hippo - Tour Saint Lucia, Africa’s largest estuarine system with 800 hippos and 1200+ crocs. Then to UNESCO site iSimangaliso, a stunning region of eight ecosystems, 526 bird species to colossal sand dunes.
Home of the Rhino - we enter the heart of Zululand into Africa’s oldest reserve established in 1895. These world renowned parks are home to the Big 5 ( lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo ) and 86 mammal species. You’ll love our sophisticated Rhino Ridge Resort that lies secluded where earth meets sky. It’s the first luxury property here with a thriving population of elephants and named the ‘ home of the rhino ‘. Rhino Ridge is fiercely committed to conservation. See their support of the anti-poaching units on horses conducting patrols. Their efforts have helped bring back the white rhino population from the brink of extinction under “ Operation Rhino “. It’s all inclusive with game drives by expert rangers at sunrise and sunset in search of magnificent animals in the bush. Enjoy the spa, gourmet meals and campfire nights under a silver moon.
Home to Whales and Turtles - Follow the Elephant Coast to another UNESCO site of pristine wilderness to Maputaland Marine Reserve to search for marine life in the warm Indian Ocean. Our past group loved Thonga Beach Lodge, a bucket list oasis on a coastline of blue waters wrapped in a forest ! It’s ‘ barefoot luxury ‘ at this deluxe boutique resort of brand &Beyond. Walk the secluded beaches or try unique experiences like sea kayaks, diving or turtle tracking. This is the land of giant leatherbacks that return right here each year to lay their eggs. Enjoy an open sea safari in waters teeming with manta rays and spinner dolphins. And it’s whale season !… look for the humpbacks and southern right whales. Do a forest walk, a sunset cruise and visit the Tsonga people. Award winning cuisines are served alfresco under the milkwood trees. At night, we chill on being bags around the fire pit under the starry skies of the Southern Cross.
Join our small group to top lodges on our new AFS “ Africa made easy” tour of adventure. No visa, no shots, just come. Relax. Listen. Watch. By land and by sea, it’s the Greatest Show on Earth!
Land price $2975 per person twin share. This is a small group limited to 22 participants.
$90 has been added to invoice for prepaid gratuities after final payment for GTL to hand out as needed to guide, drivers, etc. We are collecting final payment. $2975
Includes- All coach transfers, 1 night Lidiko Lodge in St Lucia including breakfast., Hippo and croc cruise, Visit to Khulu cultural village, 3 nights Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge including all meals and two game activities per day. 3 nights Thonga Beach Lodge including all meals, snorkeling, forest walks, kayaking, sundowner excursion, Tsonga cultural tour
Note that our booking platform allows you to book for more than just yourself. For example, you have the option to bring a friend and pay the deposit together. However, it's important to note that from the initial booking forward, invoices and communication cannot be split. The primary booker will be responsible for all future payments and forwarding relevant information.
It is best to book for yourself only and have your friend book for themselves. We always hold back a few spaces to accommodate friends of people who have already booked.
Costs an additional $795 above the twin package. $90 has been added to invoice for prepaid gratuities after final payment for GTL to hand out as needed to guide, drivers, etc.
Note- This itinerary is placed here for your convenience. It can deviate in some ways. Please see www.afstravelers.com for the latest.
June 6-7
Note: The itinerary on our website may have newer information. This is only for reference.
Jun 6 - Fly USA round-trip to Durban. Air details coming in trip tips. Consider going in a day early to rest or explore.
Jun 7 - Welcome to South Africa! One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Above all the culture, incredible wildlife, stunning scenery and friendly people make South Africa a must-see destination. Land starts June 7 at Durban airport before 11 AM. Upon arrival in Durban, you will be collected for a 2 ½ hrs transfer to the town of St Lucia.
St Lucia - Encircled by the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, St Lucia is South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. St Lucia lies on the magnificent St Lucia Estuary which is one of the largest in Africa stretching over 85 kilometres. It features abundant wildlife, pristine natural beauty, and offers a wide range of wonderful activities. This haven of tranquillity offers excellent mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and deep-sea fishing.
Did you know that St Lucia is home to one of the largest free-roaming Hippo populations in South Africa. It is estimated that there are more or a less 800 Hippos wandering freely in the area? Added to that 1200 Nile Crocodiles and an abundance of bird species.
This afternoon spend the afternoon enjoying a 2 hour boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary in search of hippo and crocs. As you cruise gently along you will hear the calls of the fisheagle and the melodic grunting of hippos. Watch the hippo pod interaction from up close as you see rival males squaring off vehemently to protect their territory. Have cameras in hand as we wait for the large yawn showing off their huge sabre teeth as well as the large crocs sunbathing on the banks.
Set above the Great St Lucia Lake, Lidiko Lodge is a 4-star lodge, centrally situated in the village of St Lucia, surrounded by the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (iSimangaliso Wetland Park), an UNESCO natural World Heritage Site. Lidiko Lodge offers 18 well appointed air conditioned en-suite garden rooms decorated in a contemporary style. All rooms offer a private patio and lead onto the pool area or bird-filled gardens. Lidiko is the ideal destination from which to explore the Wetlands with its five major eco systems, pristine beaches and Big 5 game parks, while enjoying village life.
Overnight Ladiko Lodge Bed and breakfast https://ladikorooms.com/