Leopard South Africa

A spectacular and accessible safari

A spectacular and accessible safari

Combine a tailor made Kwazulu-Natal Safari holiday with a stay on the coast for the best of both worlds.

If South Africa can be described as a ‘World in One Country’, then KwaZulu-Natal can also claim to be a ‘World in One Province’, with its scenic beauty, range of activities, historical areas and beautiful beaches complemented by some of the most game-rich National Parks and Private Game Reserves anywhere in South Africa.

The most famous wildlife area is the beautiful Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, made famous in the 1950s and 1960s when it was home to Operation Rhino, a nationwide programme driven by park warden Dr Ian Player to save the rhino, a conservation effort that remains relevant today. At 96,000 hectares it is a large park, home to an astonishing array of wildlife and is a great spot to spend a few days on safari. Accommodation can be found around the park, with limited options within the park itself, although over recent years a number of camps have opened in the private concessions at the northern tip of the park. It’s a great place for an affordable self-drive safari holiday.

Whilst Hluhluwe retains an enduring popularity, it is the private game reserves which are the shining stars in the area, with the Phinda Private Game Reserve sitting at the top of this particular list for luxury KwaZulu-Natal holidays. With just four lodges and two private houses in a 17,000 hectare reserve there is an incredibly private feel to safaris here, and the game-viewing is virtually unrivalled across South Africa. A huge draw of Phinda is the incredible biodiversity that it boasts, with seven different biomes found across the reserve, including a large tract of sand forest making it the only reserve in the country to have access to such a unique area. With the Big Five, as well as cheetah, wild dog and a huge variety of herbivores, this is an amazing spot to spend a few days. No-less beautiful are parks such as the Thanda Private Game Reserve and Manyoni Private Game Reserve, where a series of beautiful lodges can be found nestled away in the dense bush which characterises the area.

A few days on safari here can easily be worked into any tour through KwaZulu-Natal, including down on the coast, but it also works well for visitors looking to enjoy a contrasting safari experience to the private reserves around the Kruger National Park.

Trips in KwaZulu-Natal Safaris

KwaZulu-Natal Safaris Trip Inspiration

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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