Luxury KwaZulu-Natal
Tours made for you

Beaches, big game, battlefields and beautiful scenery

Bird watching

Discover a vast array of birdlife along the coast

Wildlife adventures

Visit a variety of nearby game reserves

Water sports

Go white water rafting, kayaking and diving

Living history

Head to important sites on the Battlefields Route

Discover the scenic landscapes and varied wildlife of the 'Kingdom of the Zulu'

Known as the ‘Kingdom of the Zulu’, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa’s most north-easterly coastal province, quite literally has it all. With its subtropical climate and some of the best beaches in the country, it’s no wonder it attracts both local and international visitors. You can easily flit between the UNESCO wetlands of Lake St Lucia, the coral reefs of Sodwana Bay and the big five game reserves of the north, before spotting dolphins off the Dolphin Coast and relaxing on the golden sands of its Indian Ocean beaches.

With a culture as prolific and varied as its landscapes, the region invites you to discover Zulu traditions and history, the Boer battlefields and the creative city of Durban. The scenic valleys and pastures of the Natal Midlands are scattered with charming villages and framed by the majestic Drakensburg mountains – home to 35,000-year-old rock paintings.

In the north-eastern corner of the province, tucked beneath Swaziland and Mozambique, the Elephant Coast is the ideal destination if you’re looking for a beach escape. While away your days on sun-soaked sands fringed by coastal forests, or head to Kosi Bay to see turtles and a vast array of stunning marine life.

An exceptionally scenic swathe of the KwaZulu-Natal province, the Battlefields is where many significant battles took place between the Boers, Zulus and the British to shape the modern South Africa. Here, compelling history meets the wonderful scenery of the Drakensburg Mountains, sweeping hills and wind-swept plains. Delve into the region’s history and learn about the notorious clashes of Blood River, the Siege of Ladysmith, the Zulu defeat of the British at Isandlwana and the defense of Rorke’s Drift. We work closely with world-class local guides who really bring these histories alive for you.

Highlights

Discover the region’s spectacular wildlife on game drives from some of the top luxury lodges in the area

Spot turtles and birds as you explore the coral reefs of the St Lucia Wetlands lakes by kayak

Join a knowledgeable local guide on an enlightening tour of the historic Boer and Zululand battlefields

Head out on cultural and interest-led excursions to a variety of museums, towns and forts

Jamey Lowis

Travel Designer

A great mix of history, wildlife, stunning coastlines and wonderful culture, KwaZulu-Natal makes for an excellent stop on your South African adventure.

Jamey Lowis

Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in KwaZulu-Natal

There are many incredible places to stay in KwaZulu-Natal. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

The Elephant Coast

Thanda Safari Lodge

Thanda’s Safari Lodge features a level of luxury, service and Bushveld character that’s unrivalled – as recognised by the World Travel Awards which has frequently awarded it the prestigious title of ‘Africa’s Leading Luxury Lodge’. Nine, very large, detached private villa suites are the essence of the lavish safari experience. Each have their own sala with plunge pool, separate lounge, open fireplaces and boma for private dining. The main lodge here houses an Africology Spa, cigar bar, library, dining room and lounge.

The Elephant Coast

Thanda Tented Camp

You couldn’t be closer to nature and further from basic at Thanda’s tented camp. Fifteen authentic (including a magnificent honeymoon one) standalone camps keep a four-poster bed, glass doors opening up onto private salas (viewing decks), en-suite bathrooms and all done up along classic colonial lines but using more contemporary furnishings and fixings. All the tents surround a main dining tent, plunge pool, outdoor boma and lounge. Guests here also have use of the Main Lodge’s facilities such as the Spa which is a 15-minute drive away by Land Rover. Electricity comes on for only a couple of hours a day in the tents – otherwise the camp and tents are lit by paraffin lamps and boma fires, all adding to the experience of being truly in the wild.

The Elephant Coast

Thonga Beach Lodge

Set on the pristine shores of the Maputaland coast inside iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this luxury lodge is the ideal place to discover one of the last unspoilt and undeveloped wilderness beaches left on the African continent. With tranquil swimming bays and snorkelling reefs, coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and an endless sandy beach, you won’t be disappointed by it’s beauty. The clear, warm waters offer superb snorkelling and fantastic offshore scuba diving. Accommodation is in 12 “Robinson Crusoe-chic” rooms. The thatched en-suite rooms have been carefully constructed in the coastal dune forest to ensure minimum impact on the environment whilst still ensuring maximum guest comfort. Each 50 m2 room has a double vanity, stone bath, indoor shower, separate toilet, bar fridge, ceiling fan, mosquito net, private balcony. All rooms are air-conditioned. Two Deluxe Sea View double rooms have panoramic sea views & private plunge pools; three Sea View twin rooms have limited sea views whilst seven Forest View twin rooms are set within the dune forest. The lounge, nestled high in the canopy of the dune forest, offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Alternatively enjoy sundowners in the bar lounge or on the cool deck under the Coastal Milkwood trees. *** Please note that Thonga is an eco friendly lodge in a Inside iSimangaliso Wetland Park- a World Heritage site and is built into an extremely sensitive Milkwood Forest. In order to preserve the natural vegetation, Thonga are not permitted to cut down any of these trees and as a result, over the years this forest has grown and now some Sea view rooms do not have a full 180 degree sea view.

The Battlefields

Fugitives' Drift

Spectacularly blending history with wildlife, Fugitive’s Drift is a stunning 5,000-acre game reserve and natural heritage site bordering the Anglo-Zulu War battlefields, and offering a varied range of wilderness activities. Under the silhouette of Isandlwana and close to Rorke’s Drift, this predator free reserve allows for scenic horse riding and expeditions to fish, walk, mountain bike, swim or bird watch to your heart’s content. However it is really Fugitive’s reputation of bringing the area’s historical importance – as the site of Anglo-Zulu wars – to life. This is largely thanks to its founders, the historian David Rattray and his wife Nicky, and their exceptional team of history and nature guides. Fugitives’ Drift boasts two ‘camps’: The Lodge and The Guest House. Both offer a high standard of fully catered, en-suite accommodation and are 600m apart. The Lodge is surrounded by spacious, luxury en-suite cottages each have a private verandah with views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge, set within wonderful gardens where you can also find a large swimming pool. There’s also a wonderful terrace and a dining room where you can enjoy superb cuisine. The Guest House, once a private residence, is now a charming place to stay with cosy sitting and dining room. Rooms have large, en-suite bathrooms and private verandahs with sweeping views of the reserve and surrounding battlefields. The Guest House has its own sparkling pool that overlooks Isandlwana and the indigenous bushveld. There area also more basic self-catering cottages at Umzinyathi House and KwaGeorge which are located a little further away – but no matter where you stay, you’ll experience the same tours with the same guide or lecturer.

The Battlefields

Nambiti Hills Private Lodge

With only eight suites, Nambiti Lodge feels exclusively intimate but the main player is definitely the views. As such each room has its own private viewing deck for your own personal slice of the savannah unfolding. Traditional African artwork and designs have been carefully folded into the tangibly modern set up of this Lodge’s rooms and areas. The effect is chic and elegant yet preserving a tasteful authenticity. The rock pool is wonderful to relax beside and cool off after a safari and there are number of different activities from game drives, fly fishing for trout off river dams, astronomy, golf and battlefield tours.

KwaZulu Natal

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is set in the first private concession within Africa’s oldest proclaimed Game Reserve, Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, in a rather spectacular location with sweeping views for miles around. Contemporary and organic, 22 well appointed rooms nestle on a ridge, each with their own private deck giving expansive and uninterrupted views of the reserve. In the main building there is a bar and dining area, while outside an infinity pool spills out into the landscape near to the boma area. There is also a professional spa for some indulgence after safari. There are day and night game drives from the lodge into the Big Five territory of the park. Hluhluwe iMfolozi’s pioneering efforts in protecting white rhino now mean it is home to over 1000 individuals. Guests here can also meet the people here on community visits to nearby villages.

Why book with Jacada?

Safari expertise

Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive hotels, camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.

Unforgettable guides

We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife, wineries and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.

Positive impact

By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.

Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our South Africa example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

Family Safari, Sea and Mountains Adventure

For an active family with a love of the outdoors: a comprehensive, luxury adventure to South Africa's Kwazulu Natal province for safari, mountains and sea

From

$0 pp

10 Day trip

Safari, Wine and Waterfalls

Discover the jewels of Southern Africa in this luxurious 10-day adventure

From

$0 pp

10 Day trip

A Romantic Honeymoon to South Africa

Celebrate the beginning of the next part of your adventure together with a romantic honeymoon in South Africa, which will take you from the beautiful city of Cape Town, to the lush Winelands and end with a thrilling safari in Sabi Sands

From

$0 pp

Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your North Aysén tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Start Planning

Discover more of South Africa

Cape Town

Vibrant and beautiful, Cape Town is an essential stop on any South Africa trip. Table Mountain dominates the skyline and offers exciting outdoor pursuits while the streets below are full of history, culture and buzzing bars and restaurants.

Discover more

Drakensberg Mountains

The Drakensberg mountains are an epic and exciting place to visit. Huge tabletops, massive ranges, ancient san rock-art sites and crashing waterfalls can be explored on hikes, exhilarating zip lines and expedition horse rides.

Discover more

Durban

A subtropical climate, beautiful beaches and laid back atmosphere makes Durban a great city to spend time in. It also holds plenty of cultural and political importance as the capital of the KwaZulu Natal region.

Discover more

Limpopo Province

Known as ‘The Great North’ Limpopo is characterised by majestic scenery, ancient landscapes and millions of hectares of protected land. There are numerous outdoor activities including some of the best horse riding safaris in the country.

Discover more

Luxury Rail Travel

Luxury trains cut through dramatic landscapes, enjoyed from the comfort of stylish carriages. Any journey through South Africa will be a beautiful one and taking the journey by train delivers a wonderful sense of calm or romance.

Discover more

Madikwe

Madikwe, in the northwest corner, boarding Botswana and the Kalahari desert is a hidden gem for safari-goers. A great spot for families with little children as there’s no malaria-free area.

Discover more

Phinda

Phinda is a private reserve offering exclusivity, conservation-lead hospitality and exciting wildlife encounters. A varied collection of habitats attracts plenty of wildlife and with its proximity to the coast, beach and bush combine perfectly.

Discover more

Sabi Sands

A private reserve spanning 600,000 hectares and boarding the game-rich Kruger Park means safari experiences here are exclusive and full of wildlife. A place of leopards and wild dogs, luxury lodges and endless savannahs.

Discover more

The Garden Route

The Garden Route is a place of magnificent natural beauty. The coastline is made up of small bays, beaches and quaint towns. In the distance rolling, green hills and forestland runs down to meet the coast, laden with marine life.

Discover more

The Kalahari

The Kalahari showcases the massive diversity of the country's landscapes. Unique desert species roam the arid plains, waiting for the rains to bring dry land to life with a flurry of desert flowers.

Discover more

The Kruger

A world famous national park, and for good reason. The wildlife in the Kruger is abundant, the big five reside here in large numbers. The park is home to many luxurious lodges for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.

Discover more

The Western Cape Mountains

The Cape Mountains span the northern and southern capes, taking in the Cederberg mountains and most of the Karoo plateau. A perfect place for jaw-dropping road trips on the famous route 62 and all just a convenient distance from Cape Town.

Discover more

The Whale Coast

On the Atlantic shoreline of the western cape there’s a beautiful collection of bays, towns and villages. Whale watching boat trips can be arranged to spot southern right whales and evenings are spent in fine restaurants and stylish hotels.

Discover more

The Winelands

Pretty towns and villages punctuate the green rolling hills of South Africa’s Wine Region. Home to fantastic wine, restaurants and plenty of outdoor activities that make the most of the stunning landscapes.

Discover more

Meet your Africa team

Concierge

Travel Designer

Travel Designer

Travel Designer

Travel Designer

Travel Designer

Travel Designer

Travel Designer

Travel Designer

The sunny months of April and May are considered to be the best time to visit KwaZulu-Natal, but the dryer months from July to September, are excellent for game viewing. The summer months, between October and April, tend to be hot and humid, with December to February being peak beach season on the coast. Avid bird watchers will be treated to many migratory species between October and April.

Wildlife spotting

July–September

Beach days

December–February

Bird watching

October–April

When is the Best Time to Visit South Africa?

The 15 Most Romantic Safari Lodges in South Africa for Couples

The Best Wine Regions in South Africa

Where to Go on Safari in South Africa

Why South Africa Is Great for a Family Vacation

The 15 Most Romantic Safari Lodges in South Africa for Couples

The Best Wine Regions in South Africa

Where to Go on Safari in South Africa

Why South Africa Is Great for a Family Vacation

Plan your trip to KwaZulu-Natal

Whatever you want from your adventure in KwaZulu-Natal, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Start planning

“Amazing experience‌”

Amazing experience, everything was well coordinated. Hotels were incredible. The on ground team were on point the whole time. Would recommend

Published 05th May 2025 on Trustpilot

Kelvin Santos

“5 stars for Jess Thompson and Jacada‌”

Jess helped us plan an amazing trip to South Africa. This was our third time on the continent, first time in South Africa. Our previous 2 trips were all Safari, but for this trip we had less time and wanted a more relaxing, mixed trip. We started in Capetown and stayed at the Mount Nelson at Jess' recommendation. It was…

Published 23rd April 2025 on Trustpilot

Zach Butt

“Fantastic Family Safari Experience‌”

Would recommend 1000%... from the moment we began the planning until we got on the final flight home, we were so well taken care of. This was the adventure of a lifetime, and Jacada made sure that it was above and beyond what we pictured. The planners were great at communicating and making sure the trip was what we were…

Published 22nd April 2025 on Trustpilot

Lindsay from KC

“Fantastic trip‌”

Jacada did a fantastic job putting our African safari trip together! Jess the coordinator was extremely helpful with options and tips to maximize our vacation. The trip was amazing, all was coordinated well and the wildlife fantastic. I will definitely use Jacada again

Published 02nd March 2025 on Trustpilot

Jim Rose

“Amazing honeymoon to Africa‌”

We had the most amazing honeymoon to Cape Town, Botswana, and Namibia, thanks to the Jacada team (and in particular, Jamey Lowis and Grace Elliott)! Every logistical step was planned to perfection, our lodgings were beautiful and welcoming, and we had the exact trip we were looking for. We would definitely use Jacada again.

Published 18th December 2024 on Trustpilot

Ryan Lombardo

Plan with peace of mind

When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

Find out more

Luxury KwaZulu-NatalTours made for you

Discover the scenic landscapes and varied wildlife of the 'Kingdom of the Zulu'

Highlights

Jamey Lowis

Jamey Lowis

Why book with Jacada?

Discover more of South Africa

Meet your Africa team

When is the Best Time to Visit South Africa?

South Africa Travel Guides

The 15 Most Romantic Safari Lodges in South Africa for Couples

The Best Wine Regions in South Africa

Where to Go on Safari in South Africa

Why South Africa Is Great for a Family Vacation

The 15 Most Romantic Safari Lodges in South Africa for Couples

The Best Wine Regions in South Africa

Where to Go on Safari in South Africa

Why South Africa Is Great for a Family Vacation

Plan your trip to KwaZulu-Natal

Plan with peace of mind

Luxury KwaZulu-Natal
Tours made for you