South Africa - KwaZulu-Natal

Tour Code: ZAF20

An 11-day birdwatching holiday to South Africa’s province of KwaZulu-Natal, including time exploring the St Lucia Wetlands and the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains.

11 days from
£3,895
Land only price from
£3,095
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

This birdwatching and wildlife holiday explores the beautiful South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, one of the most varied regions of the country and home to a wonderful variety of wildlife, including over 650 species of birds. We begin with two nights exploring the grasslands and wetlands of Wakkerstroom in the southern Mpumalanga Highlands in search of such birds as Blue Crane, Ground Woodpecker and Blue Korhaan. We next move to the coast for three nights in the village of St Lucia which sits on the edge of the wonderful iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded here such as African Fish Eagle, Green Malkoha, Livingstone’s Turaco and many others. We will also spend a day in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, home to Elephant, Lion, Southern Giraffe and, for the fortunate, African Wild Dog. Moving on, we stay for one night in Eshowe to allow us time to enjoy the fabulous Dlinza Forest canopy walkway and then end with two nights at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains. Climbing to 3,000 metres along the Sani Pass, we will search for, amongst others, Drakensberg Rockjumper, Lammergeier and Sickle-winged Chat. Our holiday ends in Durban, from where we fly back to Johannesburg and then home.

N.B. This tour can be combined with our long-running and popular ‘South Africa – Kruger’ holiday (website tour code: ZAF03), which focuses on the birdlife of Kruger National Park, Dullstroom and the spectacular Blyde River Canyon.

  • Blue Crane, Blue Korhaan, Ground Woodpecker, Rudd’s & Botha’s Larks in Wakkerstroom.
  • Livingstone’s Turaco, Rudd’s Apalis, Green Malkoha& Trumpeter Hornbill in St Lucia.
  • Savannah birds & big game of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi.
  • Birdwatch from the canopy walkway in Dlinza Forest.
  • Take the Sani Pass into Lesotho, in search of mountain specials such as Drakensberg Rockjumper, Lammergeier & Cape Vulture.
  • Can be combined with our Kruger birding tour (ZAF03)
  • Led by expert naturalist guides

Grading

Grade A.  This is a traditional birding tour with no strenuous walking involved, although there are a few lengthy drives.

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Depart London
Day 2/3
Wakkerstroom
Day 4/6
St Lucia
Day 7
Eshowe
Day 8/9
Underberg & the Drakensberg Mountains
Day 10
Depart Durban
Day 11
Arrive London
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    All accommodation in South Africa is included. Our accommodation will consist of simple, but comfortable, hotels and guesthouses. All rooms have private facilities and single occupation may be reserved on payment of the supplement outlined on our website or in our brochure.

  • Food:

    The price of this tour includes breakfasts, but not lunches and dinners. Your guide will suggest places to eat and the group usually dine together, either in the hotel if they serve food or in town. You are likely to spend £200-£250 on the tour on these meals, depending on your appetite! 

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Tue 11th Nov – Fri 21st Nov SPACES £3,895
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Tue 10th Feb – Fri 20th Feb SPACES £3,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
Tue 10th Nov – Fri 20th Nov SPACES £3,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire
Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!