We have designed the perfect trip for you

Isibindi Africa Lodges know and love Northern KwaZulu-Natal with a care that extends well beyond duty. Passionate about local communities, pristine natural land and creating fun, relaxing and romantic holiday experiences, here is a suggested short trip plan for you. In it we have tried to bring you the best of beach, forest and bush in this safari and coastal holiday. With so much to do, your only regret will be not having booked for longer at each hand-picked location in this other-worldly paradise in South Africa.

Rhino seen from Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge and photographed by ranger Jason Kipling

Day 1 – Travel up to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Depart from King Shaka and head North

Do a safari drive through Eastern or Western Shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Drive up through Mfolozi-Hluhluwe Big 5 Park

Arrive at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Hyena sibling puppies playing in the morning light

Day 2 – Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Wake early for coffee and rusks

Join the early morning game viewing drive

Arrive back at Rihino Ridge Safari Lodge for a hearty brunch

Book a treatment at the fabulous spa

Join a Rhino Walking Safari or Zulu Homestay or visit

Enjoy a sumptuous meal overlooking the vast Park

Day 3 – Travel North to Kosi Forest Lodge

Wake early again for coffee and rusks

Join the early morning game viewing drive

Arrive back at Rihino Ridge Safari Lodge for a hearty brunch

Drive further North through Hluhluwe Park to Kosi Foest Lodge

Arrange a 4×4 transfer to Kosi Forest Lodge

Settle into the gentle forest with dinner at the open Boma fire

Enjoy a bath by lamplight under open African skies

Bathe under open night skies at Kosi Forest Lodge

Day 4 –  Kosi Forest Lodge

Wake early for a guided canoe glide through the Raffia forested river area

Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast

Take a 4×4 trip to the far North Kosi Bay for snorkelling and a picnic lunch

Or go on a full day boat trip with picnic lunch exploring Kosi Lake System (weather permitting)

Go on a guided forest walk through the Raffia Palm Forest or sip your favourite drink from the pool overlooking the Kosi Lakes

Enjoy dinner by oil lamp at the lodge

Day 5  – Travel South to Thonga Beach Lodge

Sleep late and wake to the sound of birdsong

Take a slow breakfast at the lodge

Travel South tor Thonga Beach, collecting a 4×4 transfer to Thonga Beach Lodge

Appreciate a light lunch which is full of flavour and tropical colour

Book a treatment at the calm spa

Have sundowners at Lake Sibaya

Have a romantic dinner at the open deck to the sounds of the sea

Day 6 – Thonga Beach Lodge

Join the early morning guided snorkelling

Enjoy a hearty beach breakfast

Visit the local school and community

Go on a guided forest walk, or enjoy the afternoon at the beautiful beach

Join other guests for drinks and snacks at the open bar, followed by dinner on the deck or at the beach

Mabibi School pupils making creative use of new art supplies – image by Pie Blight

Day 7 – Travel back South

Join the early morning still Lake Sibaya kayaking outing

Appreciate your last breakfast in this magnificent setting

Depart for the 4×4 transfer to Coastal Cashews and drive or get a transfer back to King Shaka Airport by late afternoon

To book your holiday, please contact us at [email protected]. We are happy to advise you and arrange all transfers between lodges. Most of the activities listed above are free, and others may be pre-booked in advance, weather permitting.