If you love warm coastal waters but don’t want to miss the chance to see the Big Five during your South African safari, this is the perfect itinerary for you.
The KwaZulu-Natal North Coast is a great place to get the best of both worlds during your trip.
Umhlanga Rocks
The Oyster Box Hotel is one of South Africa’s premier hotels, located so close to the beachfront that it is responsible for the operation of the iconic lighthouse found on its doorstep. This premier establishment offers 85 deluxe rooms including the prestigious Presidential suite and exquisite sea views from its prime location.
Here your every whim will be smilingly fulfilled. You can dolphin watch from the swimming pool, terrace and oyster bar, lap up the luxury in the Turkish Hammam, indulge in a plush treatment at the spa, catch the latest movie in the private cinema or take a short stroll to the beach.
Mealtimes are a delight, lovingly prepared by master chefs in the Grill Room. A highlight of any stay are the curry evenings or the chance to take High Tea overlooking the ocean waves.
From here, all the province’s major attractions are within easy reach, Durban is just minutes down the highway, the peaks of the Drakensberg are a few hours away and the Big Five parks of Northern KwaZulu Natal are easily reached within 3 hours’ drive.
Big Five Adventure
Premier among the KZN reserves, is Phinda Private Game Reserve. This pristine gem is sandwiched between Mkuze Game Reserve and the World heritage Isimangaliso Wetland Park at St Lucia.
Phinda offers an incredibly luxurious journey into the wilderness with a choice of 4 exquisite lodges, Forest, Mountain, Rock and Vlei, as well as the intimate Zuka Lodge. All of these offer fine dining, plush lodgings and the opportunity to see the Big Five in their natural environment during daily game drives.
Zuka Lodge is a treat for honeymooners, boasting just 4 chalets spaced far apart, a personal game ranger, chef and butler.
Getting There
Umhlanga Rocks is located close to Durban International airport which is only an hour’s flight from Johannesburg. If you are flying into OR Tambo, this gives you the option to connect directly with Durban on one of the regular domestic flights and wake up to the sound of the ocean, if you decide not to spend a night (or two) in Johannesburg.
Get in touch to explore your options for a seaside South African safari with a chance to see the Big Five soon after you get the sand out of your toes.
