Rethinking where to safari
When you picture a safari in Africa, you might think of South Africa for Kruger, or the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Once you settle on a country, you then have to choose a region: for South Africa, many people default to either Kruger or a private reserve in the Eastern Cape. But if you are considering South Africa, KwaZulu Natal (KZN) rarely tops that list, which is exactly why it feels so refreshing. On my visit this year, KZN completely exceeded my expectations. As someone who specialises in safari holidays and is admittedly quite selective about where I recommend, I came away feeling that this is one of the most underrated regions for a truly varied, unhurried safari.
Why Consider KwaZulu‑Natal At All?
Off The Beaten Path, But Still Accessible
KZN offers a different pace to the more famous areas. You still have superb
wildlife, but with fewer vehicles at sightings, more breathing space and a
distinct sense of being “off the main circuit”.
Ideal For Repeat Visitors And First‑Time Safari Goers
It works brilliantly for:
• Travellers who have already done Kruger or the Eastern Cape and want
something new, but still love South Africa and everything that comes with it
• First‑time safari goers who like the idea of combining safari, culture and
coast in one easy route
Malaria‑Free Safari
A big plus for families and cautious travellers who want extra peace of mind.
One of the strongest selling points is that much of KZN is
regarded as malaria free. This means:
• Many itineraries do not require antimalarial medication
• Extra reassurance if you are travelling with children
• No worries about side effects from tablets
Low‑Risk Zones And Practical Advice
In the far north‑east, there are areas classed as low risk in the main
transmission season (typically September to May). Even here, NHS guidance
usually focuses on bite avoidance and awareness, rather than routinely taking
antimalarials, which many travellers find comforting.
Beyond Game Drives: A More Diverse Safari Experience
The Appeal Of iSimangaliso Wetland Park
KZN stands out for the sheer variety of landscapes and experiences.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a perfect example, where you can:
- Start the day on a classic game drive looking for giraffe, elephant and antelope
- Move onto a boat cruise at lunchtime, watching hippo pods and crocodiles on the estuary
- Finish with time on a wild, unspoilt beach in the afternoon
It is a multi‑layered safari day rather than a single, repetitive routine.
With over 500 recorded bird species, KZN is a dream for bird enthusiasts. The abundance of colour, song and movement is hard to ignore, and many guests find themselves becoming enthusiastic “twitchers” almost by accident.
Immersed In Nature: Life At Makakatana Bay Lodge
Staying Inside The Wetland Park
Makakatana Bay Lodge, where I stayed, sits within iSimangaliso Wetland Park
itself. This means you wake already surrounded by nature, rather than commuting
in. Your morning coffee might be shared with warthogs and antelope wandering
near your lodge, and game drives can head straight into the action.
On Land And On Water
A typical outing might include tracking plains game and elephant on a game
drive, then drifting along the estuary with a guide who knows individual hippo
families by sight.
It feels like a true blend of land and water safaris, rather than a one‑dimensional experience.
Big Five Safaris Without The Crowds
High‑Quality Reserves Across The Region
If you want a classic Big Five itinerary, KZN absolutely delivers. Reserves
such as Zuka, home to lodges like Bayala, along with elevated options like
&Beyond Phinda, share the same traversing area. So while the lodge style
and price point might differ, the quality of wildlife viewing remains
consistently strong.
Serious Game Viewing
On my stay we saw the Big Five within three game drives. That is pretty much
unheard of. After that, we could relax, but still added cheetah and spotted
hyena to the list, not to mention enjoying multiple sightings with no other
vehicles in sight.
The one leopard sighting that attracted more interest was still capped at just three vehicles. Strict vehicle limits, sensible off‑roading and thoughtful guiding create close, memorable encounters without feeling crowded or intrusive.
Travel Logistics: Simple And Sensible Routing
Getting To KwaZulu‑Natal
There are no direct flights from the UK to Durban at present, but options are
still straightforward:
• Fly into Johannesburg, then connect on to Durban or Richards Bay
• Use a one‑stop international route via a hub such as Dubai to reach Durban
directly
Once you are there on the ground, KZN lends itself to road transfers or self‑drive between reserves and coastal areas, with itineraries that follow a natural loop and minimal backtracking. This often means fewer internal flights compared with some other safari regions, which helps manage costs and makes it an appealing choice if you want a smooth, low‑stress trip.
How I Can Help Design A KZN Itinerary
Having explored several of KwaZulu‑Natal’s regions, I have a good sense of how to shape the area into a tailored itinerary that fits your style, pace and budget.
Whether you are planning a first‑time visit to South Africa or you are a seasoned safari fan looking for something fresh, I can help you put together a KwaZulu‑Natal journey that combines wildlife, culture and coast in a way that feels seamless and special.
