Big Five safari game drives
Sabi Sand · Kruger · Addo · Durban & KZN
7 tours
Durban & the KwaZulu-Natal Coast
Warm Indian Ocean, Zulu culture and coastal safari.
Warm-water beaches, Durban's Indian-influenced food scene, iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi.
Explore the tours
Durban & KZN
Ways to build a Durban & KZN trip
KwaZulu-Natal's coast is South Africa's warm side: the Indian Ocean here is swimmable for most of the year. Durban is vibrant, multicultural and famous for its curries (the bunny chow was born here).
Head north and the coast turns wild. iSimangaliso Wetland Park protects hippos, crocodiles, turtles and coral reefs, while Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, which saved the white rhino from extinction, offers excellent Big Five safaris.
Coastal safari
Combine game drives in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi with estuary boat trips in St Lucia.
Diving & snorkelling
Sodwana Bay's reefs, the southernmost coral reefs in Africa.
Zulu heritage
Visits led by local guides to learn about Zulu history and contemporary culture.
When to go
Best time to visit Durban & KZN.
KZN's winter (May–Sep) is warm, dry and sunny, ideal beach and safari weather. Summer is hot and humid with tropical downpours. Turtle nesting season runs Nov–Mar.
- JanGood
- FebGood
- MarGood
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctGood
- NovGood
- DecMixed
Seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere.
- Cape Town’s winter rains fall June to August
- Kruger’s dry season (May to September) is peak game viewing
- Summer rains fall November to March in the north and east
- Whale season on the Cape coast runs June to November
Highlights
- Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Big Five safaris
- iSimangaliso: hippos, crocs and beaches
- Turtle-nesting tours (Nov–Mar)
- Durban's curry trail and beachfront
Practical tips
- Parts of northern KZN are in a low-risk malaria area. Consult a travel clinic.
- Pair with the Drakensberg for a varied 8–10 day trip.
Experiences
Things to do in Durban & KZN.
Family safaris
Addo · Kruger · Garden Route
4 tours
Can you swim in the sea at Durban?
Yes. Durban's main beaches have lifeguards and shark nets; water is warm most of the year.
Tailor-made trips
Tours including Durban & KZN.
Duration
Budget
1 of 1 tours
10 days · KwaZulu-Natal & Drakensberg
Drakensberg & Zulu Coast
Half board in the mountains · 6 guided activities · Private transfers
- Guided Drakensberg hikes and San rock art
- Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift with a storyteller-guide
- Rhino tracking in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi
- Hippos and crocs in iSimangaliso
From
$3,150
per person, complete package
From $6,300 for two · international flights excluded
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