12 Day Tour and Wildlife Safari in South Africa - Durban, KwaZulu Natal, and Cape Town

Accommodation

Two nights at The Oyster Box

Shared two people per room
Two beds per room (unless otherwise stated or requested and subject to availability)
Daily breakfast Included

Three nights at mThembu Lodge mFulaWozi Wilderness Private Reserve

Shared two people per room
Two beds per room (unless otherwise stated or requested and subject to availability)
Daily breakfast included

Three nights at Thanda Safari Lodge

Shared two people per room
Two beds per room (unless otherwise stated or requested and subject to availability)
Daily breakfast included

Three nights at The Winchester Hotel

Shared two people per room
Two beds per room (unless otherwise stated or requested and subject to availability)
Daily breakfast included

Program

Traveling to KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Town, South Africa, is an extraordinary adventure that promises an exquisite blend of cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled experiences. In KwaZulu-Natal, travelers are greeted by the Zulu Kingdom's warm hospitality, where ancient traditions merge harmoniously with modern living. The region boasts a stunning coastline as well as some of the best Big Five Game Reserves in the world. In contrast, Cape Town's allure lies in its cosmopolitan charm, nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the sapphire waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The city's rich history and vibrant arts scene captivate travelers, while nearby vineyards offer exquisite wine-tasting experiences.

Both regions showcase the splendor of South Africa, leaving visitors enchanted with memories that will forever hold a piece of this remarkable country.

Durban & KwaZulu-Natal activities:

Half-day Durban city tour: Visit the Botanical Gardens, Phansi Museum, and drive along the “Golden Mile”
Saint Lucia Wetlands Tour: Take a leisure cruise visiting Hippo pods and possible crocodile sightings
Twice daily safari game drives throughout your time in the bush
Additional optional activities available through the lodges: Community visits, cultural immersion, walking safaris, spa treatments, etc. (additional fees may apply)

Cape Town activities:

Visit Boulders Beach and see the endangered African Penguin colony
Visit Hout Bay, a charming fishing village that offers a blend of nature and culture
Cape Winelands Tour with three (3) vineyard visits and tastings (Constantia Glen, Beau Constantia, Groot Constantia)
Visit the local Oranjezicht City Farm & Market
Sidecar experience tour around the coast

Itinerary

Durban

Accommodation: The Oyster Box. Occupying a majestic location on the Umhlanga beachfront in KwaZulu-Natal province, The Oyster Box is one of South Africa’s most celebrated hotels, as famous for its remarkable coastal views as the understated luxury and gracious hospitality that have become the hallmarks of this cherished seaside destination.

July 10: Durban

Arrive at King Shaka International Airport (Durban) anytime on July 17. VIP Group meet and greet and transfer to the hotel will be provided. Evening at leisure with a 300 ZAR stipend for dinner or room service.

July 11: Durban

Breakfast at leisure.

This morning, you will explore Durban with a half-day Durban city tour. The ideal introductory tour of Durban which has been shaped by the early Colonial settlers, the indigenous Zulus, and the Indians who arrived as indentured laborers in the 19th Century. Drive along the 'Golden Mile' (Beachfront area). Visit the Phansi Museum - home to a collection of Southern African artifacts and traditions. Stop at Durban's Botanic Gardens, founded in 1849.

For lunch, you will discover the rich Indian history of Durban and experience the unique "Bunny Chow" cuisine.

This evening, you will stay on a property to experience the famous curry buffet. Set in the casual, Mediterranean-inspired Ocean Terrace, with gorgeous views across the Indian Ocean, the impressive curry selection, of at least 11 curries daily, includes meat, fish, and vegetarian options. Using delicate blends of spices and fresh herbs, each curry is a masterpiece in itself.

Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Accommodation: mFulaWozi Wilderness Private Game Reserve - mThembu Lodge.

mFulaWozi Wilderness is a luxury private game reserve found in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal’s Zululand. A part of Africa that embodies the allure of the Big 5, the game drives, the wilderness walks, the sheer luxury of its lodges, and the specialized wellness treatments for every guest, from dawn to dusk.

July 12: Durban - mThembu Lodge

Today you will be heading to the African Bush! You will transfer from The Oyster Box to mThembu Lodge with a stop in Saint Lucia along the way. Lunch will be in the quaint beach town of Saint Lucia followed by a Hippo & Crocodile Cruise through the wetlands.

In the afternoon, you will arrive at mFulawozi and proceed to an evening game drive. Game drives are an exhilarating experience where you board specially designed vehicles, accompanied by knowledgeable guides, to observe and encounter the diverse and majestic African wildlife in their natural habitats.

Dinner and drinks will be served at the lodge when we return from the game drive.

July 13: mThembu Lodge

When on safari, the game drives are typically early in the morning and late afternoon.

In the morning, you will head out on a morning game drive. Breakfast will be served in the lodge after you return from the bush.

The afternoon is at leisure. You can choose to schedule a spa treatment, explore the lodge, see about walking safari or other activities the lodge provides, or relax by the pool if weather permits. There will be a lunch and tea served in the early afternoon before the evening game drive.

In the late afternoon, you will depart on the evening game drive. Toward the end of the game drive, you will stop for a “sundowner”. A sundowner is a refreshing (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) drink taken at sunset in the African bush to end your afternoon safari game drive adventure in style: a so-called safari-inspired happy hour while enjoying the sunset on a beautiful place in the African bush

Dinner and drinks will be served at the lodge when you return from the game drive.

July 14: mThembu Lodge

In the morning, you will head out on the morning game drive. Breakfast will be served in the lodge after you return from the bush.

The afternoon is for leisure. You can choose to schedule a spa treatment, explore the lodge, see about walking safari, or other activities the lodge provides, or relax by the pool if weather permits. There will be a lunch and tea served in the early afternoon before the evening game drive.

In the late afternoon, you will depart on your evening game drive. Toward the end of the game drive, you will stop for a “sundowner”. Dinner and drinks will be served at the lodge when you return from the game drive.

North of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park

Accommodation: Thanda Safari Lodge.

Thanda means ‘Love’ in the language of the Zulu people, and Thanda Safari lives this ethos in the management of the 14,000-hectare reserve and its community engagement. Thanda Safari and the Thanda Foundation partner with the reserve’s neighboring communities in a range of job creation, educational, and socio-economic upliftment programs.

July 15: mThembu Lodge - Thanda Safari Lodge

Today you will depart the beautiful Hluhluwe Game Reserve and transfer to Thanda Safari Lodge. On your way to Thanda, you will make a short stop at Zamimpilo Craft Market to look at (and if you’d like, purchase) all the local crafts and items the Zulu women in the area make and sell.

In the afternoon, you will arrive at Thanda and proceed to an evening game drive. Dinner and drinks will be at the lodge after the game drive.

July 16: Thanda

In the morning, you will head out on a morning game drive. Breakfast will be served in the lodge after you return from the bush.

The afternoon is at leisure. Guests are welcome to visit schools and families in the neighboring communities and experience Zulu culture, and community projects. You can also choose to schedule a spa treatment, explore the lodge, see about walking safaris or other activities the lodge provides, or relax by the pool if weather permits.

There will be a lunch and tea served in the early afternoon before the evening game drive.

In the late afternoon, you will depart for an evening game drive. Toward the end of the game drive, you will stop for a “sundowner”. Dinner and drinks will be served at the lodge when you return from the game drive.

July 17: Thanda

In the morning, you will head out on a morning game drive. Breakfast will be served in the lodge after you return from the bush.

The afternoon is at leisure. You are welcome to visit schools and families in the neighboring communities, and experience Zulu culture, and community projects. You can also choose to schedule a spa treatment, explore the lodge, see about walking safaris, or other activities the lodge provides, or relax by the pool if weather permits.

There will be a lunch and tea served in the early afternoon before the evening game drive.

In the late afternoon, you will depart on an evening game drive. Toward the end of the game drive, you will stop for a “sundowner”. Dinner and drinks will be served at the lodge when you return from the game drive.

Cape Town

Accommodation: The Winchester Hotel.

Impossible to miss, The Winchester Hotel stands out with bold appeal on the edge of the ever-vibrant Sea Point Promenade. The splendor of this 1920s Cape Dutch-style icon is rivaled only by the views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean that frame the establishment.

July 18: Thanda - Durban - Cape Town

This morning, you will take your breakfast to go and head out on a short game drive to depart beautiful Thanda. You will transfer from Thanda Safari Lodge to King Shaka International Airport. Fly from Durban to Cape Town and arrive in Cape Town early afternoon. Here, you will have a VIP group meet and greet on arrival at Cape Town International Airport and transfer to The Winchester Hotel.

Before heading to your hotel, you will take a tour of Boulders Beach. Boulders Beach, is not only a stunning testament to South Africa's diverse coastal beauty, but it also plays a significant role in penguin conservation. As one of the few sites in the world where visitors can get up close with the endangered African penguin, it provides a unique opportunity to appreciate and understand these endearing creatures. The boardwalks ensure that humans can observe without disrupting their natural habitat.

Every visit to Boulders Beach supports conservation initiatives to sustain the habitat and ensure the future of the African penguin. Moreover, the beach's popularity educates thousands about the importance of co-existing with nature, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility in tourists from all corners of the world.

After you visit the Penguins, you will head towards your hotel with a stop in Hout Bay for some fish and chips. Nestled between the rugged peaks of the Table Mountain National Park and the azure embrace of the Atlantic Ocean, Hout Bay offers a charming blend of nature and culture. Its thriving harbor provides a bustling backdrop of fishing boats coming and going, while the nearby Mariner's Wharf offers an array of seafood delights, reflecting the town's maritime heritage.

July 19: Cape Town

Breakfast at leisure at the hotel. Today, you will have a full-day Cape Winelands Tour incorporating three wine tastings and lunch at a local restaurant.

Constantia Glen
Beau Constantia
Groot Constantia

This evening will be at leisure with a stipend of 300 ZAR per person.

July 20: Cape Town

Breakfast at leisure at the hotel.

Today, you will partake in a visit to the local Oranjezicht City Farm & Market. The Oranjezicht City Farm, also known as OZCF, is a community-centered urban farming project that serves as a model for sustainable, local urban food systems. Located in the historic Oranjezicht area, this farm seeks to educate the public about urban agriculture, healthy eating, and sustainable living. The produce grown here is organic, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.

The Market offers a range of artisanal food products, baked goods, and crafts. It's not just a place to shop but also a vibrant community space where people gather to enjoy delicious food, live music, and the atmosphere of a genuine Cape Town gathering spot.

In essence, OZCF promotes community engagement, urban farming, and sustainable living, all while providing a delightful and culturally rich experience for its visitors.

After visiting the market, you will take a tour around the coast via a sidecar experience. This evening will be your farewell dinner at one of Cape Town’s amazing restaurants.

July 21: Departure day

Today you say goodbye. There will be transfers from The Winchester Hotel to Cape Town International Airport.

Things to know

Crave Travel loves walking: Guests will strive to experience the local areas they are visiting and a big part of this is walking around the destination. Many of Crave Travel's activities include a lot of walking throughout the activity as well as walking to and from activities or meals. If you are not able to walk for long periods, please send an inquiry to Crave Travel to see if this trip is right for you.

Crave Travel loves food: The best way to experience a destination is through its food. Crave Travel strives to include local delicacies and popular culinary delights from each destination you visit. If you have strict dietary restrictions, please reach out to Crave Travel to see if this trip is right for you.

Location

This tour takes place in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, and Cape Town.

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Food

The package includes 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 11 dinners. You'll also enjoy visits to three wineries and wine tasting.

As all Crave Travel's trips have a focus on food, Crave Travel will list out each restaurant and style of cuisine for each day. If you have significant food restrictions, Crave Travel suggests that you send an inquiry to ensure the tour you are looking to book will be able to accommodate your requests.

The following meals are included:

Breakfast
Dinner
Drinks

The following drinks are included:

Water
Alcoholic beverages

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
Other dietary requirements on request

If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

What's included

Two nights at The Oyster Box
Three nights at mThembu Lodge mFulaWozi Wilderness Private Reserve
Three nights at Thanda Safari Lodge
Three nights at The Winchester Hotel
Airport transfers on July 10, 18, 21
Flight from Durban to Cape Town
Private ground transportation throughout the trip
Private driver and local knowledgeable English-speaking guide throughout the trip
All the activities and their entrance fees as noted in the itinerary
Eleven (11) breakfasts
Ten (10) lunches (some scheduled and some with stipend)
Eleven (11) dinners (some scheduled and some with stipend)
Alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks are included during all lunches and dinners (some restrictions may apply)
Unlimited purified drinking water on vehicle – Travelers will be provided with their own reusable bottles
Taxes, VAT, and other applicable national taxes
24-hour support from Crave Travel
Two hosts from Crave Travel

What's not included

International airfare
Gratuities
Laundry
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Travelers insurance

How to get there

Recommended Airports

DUR

King Shaka International Airport

12 km

Transfer included

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at King Shaka International Airport (DUR). Airport transfer is included in the price.

Your trip begins in Durban, South Africa, and ends in Cape Town, South Africa

Arrival day, July 10: Please schedule to arrive in Durban anytime on July 10, 2023. You will be met by our driver at the airport who will transfer you for about 15 minutes to The Oyster Box Hotel.

Departure day, July 21: There will be two transfers from the hotel to the Cape Town Airport before your departure.

Optional add-ons: Should you wish to extend your trip, Crave Travel can offer you their discounted hotel rates at the time of booking (subject to availability).

Crave Travel requires a minimum of seven (7) Crave Travelers for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking airfare.

Airport: King Shaka International Airport Airport transfer included: King Shaka International Airport No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.

Cancellation Policy

A reservation requires a deposit of 10% of the total price.
The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
The rest of the payment should be paid 90 days before arrival.

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