Rivers, Rhinos & Rugged Trails: Adventures in South Africa's Parks
10 Days | Kruger, iSimangaliso, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi & the Drakensberg
Overview
South Africa's Most Diverse Safari Journey
South Africa offers one of the most diverse and accessible safari experiences on the continent. This 10-day journey takes you through four of its most spectacular wilderness areas - from the Big Five country of Kruger to the rhino heartland of KwaZulu-Natal, the coastal wonders of iSimangaliso, and the dramatic peaks of the Drakensberg.
Each park tells a unique story of conservation, wild beauty, and the extraordinary resilience of Africa's wildlife. SAZ Travel Collection weaves these experiences into a seamless luxury journey that balances adventure with comfort at every turn.
Duration
10 Days
Destination
South Africa
Group Size
Private & Small Group
Style
Adventure + Luxury
Best Season
May – Sep (Dry Season)
Highlights
Big Five + Rhino + Hiking
Highlights
Why This Journey Is Unlike Any Other
Rhino Conservation
Visit Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, the birthplace of modern rhino conservation, and see both black and white rhinos in the wild.
Big Five Sightings
Kruger National Park's private concessions offer exclusive off-road game drives for intimate Big Five encounters.
iSimangaliso Boat Safari
Glide through Africa's largest estuarine system spotting hippos, crocodiles, and rare coastal birdlife.
Drakensberg Hiking
Ancient San rock art, dramatic escarpments, and cascading waterfalls across the UNESCO-listed Drakensberg range.
Walking Safaris
Guided bush walks with armed rangers bring you face-to-face with Africa's wilderness at ground level.
Multi-Park Journey
A seamless route through South Africa's most iconic parks, each with its own unique character and wildlife.
Day by Day
Your 10-Day South Africa Journey
1
Arrival in Johannesburg
Private airport transfer to a luxury Sandton hotel. Welcome dinner and briefing with your dedicated guide. Overview of the journey ahead through South Africa's greatest parks and wilderness areas.
2
Fly to Kruger - Private Concession
Morning flight to the Kruger region. Transfer to your private concession lodge on the western boundary of Kruger National Park. Afternoon game drive on exclusive off-road tracks with expert trackers. Sundowner in the bush.
3
Full Day in the Kruger Private Concession
Dawn and dusk game drives on 40,000 hectares of exclusive wilderness. Off-road tracking with Shangaan trackers. Guided bush walk at midday. Gourmet bush lunch. Evening around the boma fire with stories of the African bush.
4
Kruger to KwaZulu-Natal
Morning game drive before flying south to Durban. Transfer to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park area. Afternoon boat safari on the St Lucia estuary - hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species await.
5
iSimangaliso - Coastal Wilderness
Morning snorkelling or diving on the coral reefs (seasonal). Explore the coastal forest trails where elephants roam freely. Afternoon at your luxury lodge overlooking the Indian Ocean. Sunset from the beach.
6
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi - Rhino Country
Full-day game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, Africa's oldest proclaimed nature reserve. This is where the white rhino was saved from extinction. Exceptional chances to see both black and white rhino at close range.
7
Rhino Conservation Experience
Behind-the-scenes conservation visit with the park's anti-poaching team. Learn about the extraordinary effort to protect South Africa's rhino population. Afternoon walking safari in the valley bushveld.
8
Transfer to the Drakensberg
Scenic drive into the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site. Check in to a luxury mountain lodge. Afternoon hike to ancient San Bushman rock art sites. Dinner with panoramic views of the escarpment.
9
Drakensberg - Trails and Peaks
Full day of guided hiking through the Drakensberg's dramatic landscapes. Options range from gentle valley walks to challenging ridge trails. Picnic lunch beside a mountain stream. Evening at leisure.
10
Final Morning & Departure
Last sunrise walk in the mountains. Farewell breakfast with panoramic views. Transfer to Durban or Johannesburg for your international departure. You leave South Africa changed by its wilderness and wildlife.
Included
What's Included
- 9 nights luxury accommodation across 4 parks
- All meals and beverages throughout
- Private game drives with expert guides and trackers
- Boat safari on the St Lucia estuary
- All internal flights and transfers
- Rhino conservation experience
- Guided Drakensberg hiking with naturalist
- All park and conservancy fees
- 24/7 SAZ concierge support
Starting from
$8,950
per person, double occupancy
Trip Details
Duration
10 Days
Destination
South Africa
Group Size
Private & Small Group
Style
Adventure + Luxury
Best Season
May – Sep (Dry Season)
Highlights
Big Five + Rhino + Hiking
Location
South Africa's Greatest Wilderness Areas
From Kruger in Mpumalanga to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi in KwaZulu-Natal, and the Drakensberg mountains - this journey covers the full breadth of South Africa's extraordinary natural heritage.
Kruger NP
Mpumalanga
iSimangaliso
KwaZulu-Natal
Drakensberg
uKhahlamba
South Africa
Multi-Park Safari Route
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about planning your South Africa adventure with SAZ Travel Collection.
Reserve Your Journey
Book Your South Africa Adventure
Fill in your details and our concierge team will respond within 24 hours to confirm availability and begin crafting your personalised South Africa itinerary.
Prefer to reach us directly? CONCIERGE@saztravelscollections.com
Trusted Sources
Plan with Confidence
We partner with South Africa's leading conservation authorities. Learn more from these official resources.
SANParks - Kruger
Official South African National Parks information for Kruger, including fees, permits, and conservation updates.
sanparks.org →iSimangaliso Wetland Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site authority with wildlife, marine, and visitor information for KwaZulu-Natal's coastal wilderness.
isimangaliso.com →Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
Africa's oldest proclaimed nature reserve and the birthplace of white rhino conservation - learn about the park's history and wildlife.
sa-venues.com →Discover More Adventure Expeditions
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