safari experts, since 1991
Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!
This safari idea combines the adventure of a Big 5 Zululand safari with the beauty of the warm waters and white sandy beaches of the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.
Expect 5-star treatment all the way - from a luxury tented camp in a riverine forest on the Msunduze River in Manyoni Private Game Reserve to your spacious suite in a chic boutique beach guest house. Enjoy exciting game drives, spa treatments, delicious dining under the stars, swimming, and snorkelling.
Combine the best of two 5-star experiences
Highlights
Bush & beach combo – there is nothing like following up the thrill of a wildlife safari with time out on a beach and feeling the sand between your toes
Big 5 encounters & more – in addition to lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos, search for cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, and so much more
Luxury accommodations – from a luxury tented camp in a riverine forest on the winding Msunduze River to your spacious suite in a chic boutique beach guest house
Awesome activities – including exciting game drives, spa treatments, delicious dining under the stars, swimming, and snorkelling
Locations and lodges
The 23,000-hectare Manyoni Private Game Reserve lies in the heart of South Africa's Zululand, an area that is renowned for its spectacular game viewing, rich cultural traditions, and conservation history. Conveniently located only three hours by good tar roads from Durban and near the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Thompson’s Bay is nestled between the vibrant coastal towns of Salt Rock and Ballito. Discreet private beach access leads to one of the area's most picturesque bays, with a gorgeous, sandy swimming beach and a protected tidal pool. Manyoni and Thompson’s Bay are the ideal bush & beach destination combos..
3 nights at Rhino Sands Safari Camp: five-star tented luxury safari destination designed to bring an authentic safari experience to Kwa-Zulu Natal.
3 nights at Sala Beach House: This boutique hotel overlooks the resplendent Thompson’s Bay, nestled between the vibrant coastal towns of Salt Rock and Ballito. A luxurious retreat for travellers seeking a serene getaway.
Timing
KwaZulu-Natal is a year-round holiday destination offering the best of bush and beach. The dry winter months (May to September) are ideal for game viewing and warm, sunny beach days, with temperatures typically reaching 26°C. Plus, you may be on time for the Sardine Run spectacle, with dolphins, whales and seabirds following the migratory shoals.
Thanks to the Indian Ocean’s Agulhas Current, the beaches are warm year-round, making it ideal for relaxing beach days and swimming. The wet summer season (October to April) brings lush greenery, newborn wildlife, turtle nesting, migratory birds and dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. Expect hotter and humid conditions with temperatures typically reaching 32°C.
Once we know more about your experience wish-list and ideal timing, we will tailor-make this bush and beach safari combo to deliver the holiday of a lifetime for you and your family.
Price per person sharing
6 nights (7 days) | |
up to 31 Oct 2026 | from ZAR 62,790 |
Includes: All airport and inter-camp transfers, meals, local beverages and accommodation, laundry, activities including two game drives daily, and a private dinner at Rhino Sands. One Sala Beach 60-minute body treatment per person, conservation levies and 24/7 office support.
Excludes: International flights and airport taxes, tips, personal items, and optional extra activities at Manyoni Private Game Reserve, premium drinks and additional spa treatments.
Thank you!
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
“Extend your trip to Cape Town”
Our Destination Expert, Nadia Lautenbach, says: “With seamless flights from Durban to Cape Town, why not extend your trip with a visit to the Mother City?”
“Dreaming of Sala Beach House”
Linda Fox, AG Safari Expert: “Sipping sundowners and enjoying delicious canapés. Listening to the crashing of waves while looking out across the Indian Ocean. This is my favourite way to end a busy safari. The relaxing treatments at their secluded spa made me wish I had another week at Sala Beach House!“
“Off-the-beaten-track gem!”
Our Safari Concierge, Wayne Van Driel, says: “Manyoni is a hidden gem in KwaZulu-Natal, with diverse landscapes, fever trees, awesome views of the Ubombo Mountains, rich birdlife, and unforgettable wildlife sightings - I saw over 10 black and white rhinos in just three days, plus lion, cheetah, elephant, and more!”
Have you seen our other safaris that include beaches & lakes?
Safari planning
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Bush & beach safari - South Africa
Tell us about your dream trip - our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
Guest payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability.
Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!