Luxury KwaZulu-Natal
Tours made for you
Start PlanningDiverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and a rich Zulu heritage
KwaZulu-Natal is a patchwork of towering mountains, sprawling wetlands, wild grasslands and picturesque beaches on the north-east coast of South Africa.
Its varied landscapes make it a fantastic safari destination. At wildlife reserves like Manyoni and Hluhluwe–iMfolozi you can search for the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo) as well as other animals like cheetahs, zebras and giraffes. Then take to the water in the wetlands to look for hippos, crocodiles and a myriad of birdlife. And on the coast, there’s the chance to see marine animals including whales, dolphins and turtles.
The province is also known as the Zulu Kingdom thanks to its position as the historic heartland of the Zulu people. Learn more about Zulu heritage in the region’s museums or listen to a local guide bring history to life at the Battlefields. These sites saw violent clashes between British, Boer and Zulu forces that shaped the country’s history. And in Durban, browse traditional Zulu crafts at the Victoria Street Market.
Travel back even further in time at the Drakensberg Mountains, where you can see ancient San rock paintings that date back thousands of years. This region is also a fantastic spot for hiking. Follow trails past meandering streams and towering basalt buttresses, or ride horses across the windswept plains.
Get in touch with our expert travel designers to start planning your bespoke luxury KwaZulu-Natal tour today.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
See the Big Five on safari
Head out on game drives in reserves like Hluhluwe iMfolozi to see lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo and other wildlife.
Hike in the Drakensberg
Explore the tabletop peaks, tumbling waterfalls and rolling green foothills of South Africa’s highest mountain range.
Cruise through iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Drift along the waterways by kayak, canoe or boat to spot hippos, crocodiles and a wide variety of birdlife including pelicans, flamingos, storks and raptors.
Enjoy surfing and street food in Durban
In KwaZulu-Natal’s largest city, you can ride the waves at world-class surf spots, relax on the sands of the Golden Mile, and tuck into authentic bunny chow (curry served inside a hollowed-out loaf).
Learn about Zulu history
Take a private tour of historic sites like the Battlefields, where many violent clashes between British, Boer and Zulu forces took place, with a local guide.
A word from one of our experts
A great mix of history, wildlife, stunning coastlines and wonderful culture, KwaZulu-Natal makes for an excellent stop on your South African adventure.
Senior 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:
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
10-Day Trip
Safari, Wine and Waterfalls
10-Day Trip
Safari, Wine and Waterfalls
10-Day Trip
A Romantic Honeymoon to South Africa
10-Day Trip
A Romantic Honeymoon to South Africa
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meet your Africa team
When to visit KwaZulu-Natal
The best time to visit KwaZulu-Natal depends on what you want to do while you’re here. The dry winter months of May to September are ideal for safaris. That’s because thinner vegetation and fewer available waterholes makes it easier to spot wildlife. For hiking, we recommend August to September or April to May for the most pleasant temperatures.
Although the summer (October to April) tends to be hot and humid, it also brings lush landscapes and flocks of migratory birds. And December to February is peak beach season thanks to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Wildlife spotting
May–September
Beach days
December–February
Bird watching
October–April
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.
Ask our experts
Why choose KwaZulu-Natal for a South Africa safari?
KwaZulu-Natal is a great choice for a South Africa safari because you can see a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. It also gives you the opportunity to learn about Zulu culture and history. And because of the province’s diverse landscapes, you can easily combine a safari here with time at tropical beaches or in the mountains.
When is the best time of year to visit KwaZulu-Natal?
The best time of year for a safari in KwaZulu-Natal is in the dry winter months between May and September. During this season, thinner vegetation and fewer waterholes make it easier to track wildlife. December to February is a great time to visit KwaZulu-Natal’s beaches, while October to April is ideal for spotting migratory birds.
How many days should I spend in KwaZulu-Natal?
We recommend spending at least a week in KwaZulu-Natal. This allows you to combine a safari with time in Durban, the Drakensberg Mountains or the Elephant Coast. You can also include KwaZulu-Natal as part of a trip to other parts of South Africa or the wider continent.
How far in advance should I book a luxury KwaZulu-Natal holiday?
We recommend booking luxury KwaZulu-Natal tours 9-12 months in advance, as you’ll have a wider choice of accommodation to stay in. This is especially important if you’re travelling during peak seasons.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
