7 Day South Africa Safari & Beach Holiday

Day 01

Johannesburg to Phinda Private Game Reserve (andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge)

Your adventure starts with a flight from Johannesburg to Richards Bay Airport, where your guide from andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve will meet you on arrival. From there, you’ll take a scenic drive through the rolling hills and lush landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal, giving you your first taste of the region’s natural charm.

You’ll be staying at andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge, known for its warm atmosphere and beautiful setting. The lodge combines modern comfort with a relaxed safari feel—think spacious suites, large windows providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding bush. Each suite includes a private deck, plunge pool and outdoor shower, and the lodge also features inviting communal spaces, a pool overlooking the reserve, and friendly staff who make the experience feel personal and welcoming.

Day 02 & 03

On Safari in the Phinda Private Game Reserve

A full day at andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge is all about settling into the rhythm of safari life and making the most of everything the reserve has to offer. Your morning begins gently with a wake-up call from your guide, along with a steaming cup of coffee delivered to your room. After a quick health shot or warm drink and a small treat, you’ll head out on your early morning game drive—one of the best times of day for wildlife viewing. Somewhere out in the bush, you’ll stop for coffee, tea, and snacks while soaking up the stillness of the reserve. When you return, a hearty breakfast waits for you at the lodge. The late morning and early afternoon are yours to enjoy: you can join a guided nature walk to learn more about the environment on foot, it’s a chance to step out of the vehicle and truly connect with the environment. Your guide will point out tracks, animal signs, insects, plants, and birds you may never notice from a vehicle. You’ll learn how to identify footprints, understand animal behaviour from subtle clues, and appreciate the smaller, fascinating details of the ecosystem.. Lunch is served back at the lodge, followed by time to relax until your next activity.

As the afternoon rolls in, you can explore more of the reserve on one of Phinda’s unique excursions before gathering for High Tea—a safari tradition. Soon after, you’ll head out again for your afternoon game drive, complete with a sundowner stop and snacks as the sky begins to change colour. Back at the lodge in the early evening, enjoy pre-dinner drinks around the firepit or in the bar before sitting down to a delicious dinner. For those who want to extend the adventure, the night ends with an optional night drive, offering a chance to experience the wilderness after dark and see some of its more elusive nocturnal wildlife.

Day 04

Phinda Reserve to iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Thonga Beach Lodge)

After breakfast, you’ll travel by road to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, watching the scenery shift from bushveld and mountains to wetlands, coastal forests, and dunes as you get closer to the ocean. It’s a beautiful drive that really highlights the diversity of the region.

Your home for the next few nights will be Thonga Beach Lodge, a peaceful retreat tucked between lush forest and an unspoiled stretch of beach. With only 12 thatched rooms, the lodge feels intimate and relaxed, perfect for unwinding after your safari. Each room is designed with natural materials, soft tones, and large windows that let in plenty of light, creating a calm, airy atmosphere. Some rooms offer ocean views, while others are nestled deeper in the dune forest for extra privacy. Expect comfortable beds, private decks, and thoughtful touches that make the space feel welcoming and warm. The lodge’s setting makes it easy to enjoy everything the coast has to offer—whether you’re walking the beach, exploring the marine life, or simply relaxing to the sound of the waves.

Day 05, 06, & 7

Thonga Beach Lodge

Your days at Thonga Beach Lodge are yours to enjoy at a relaxed, unhurried pace as you explore the natural beauty of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its incredible ecosystems—coastal forests, wetlands, lakes, beaches, coral reefs, and dune systems all sit side by side, creating one of the most diverse protected areas in South Africa. You can spend your time doing as much or as little as you like. Gentle activities include peaceful strolls along the beach, guided forest walks where you’ll learn about the area’s unique plant life, birding outings to spot some of the region’s many coastal and forest species, or simply unwinding with a spa treatment back at the lodge.
For those wanting something more adventurous, the park offers plenty of options. You can head out kayaking on the nearby lake systems, explore the clear waters on a snorkelling trip, or experience world-class scuba diving on the vibrant coral reefs just offshore. Whether you’re seeking quiet moments in nature or thrilling marine adventures, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy during your stay in this spectacular coastal paradise.

Day 08

Thonga Beach Lodge to Johannesburg

Today marks the end of your unforgettable safari and beach holiday. After a final relaxed morning, you’ll begin your journey back as you’re transferred from iSimangaliso Wetland Park to Richards Bay Airport. The drive gives you one last chance to take in the beautiful coastal scenery before your flight.
From Richards Bay, you’ll board your flight to Johannesburg, where you’ll continue your onward travels. As your trip comes to a close, you leave with wonderful memories—from thrilling wildlife encounters to peaceful beach moments—that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.