Journey Woman Travellers: This itinerary provides a detailed plan for each day of the trip, including accommodations, meals, activities, and conservation efforts, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful eco-travel experience. The itinerary may change slightly but we will keep you posted.
Rout(Ish) / Itinerary:
Day One & Two – Arrival Day
12th and 13th September 2025
Route: Durban to St Lucia
Airport pick-up. Welcome to South Africa! Your adventure officially begins when South African adventurer Carla Geyser greets you at King Shaka Airport in Durban. Please make sure you arrive BEFORE 11am in Durban. (We encourage heading straight to Durban from JHB or spending 11th September there. We can assist with extra accommodation in Ballito/Salt Rock). From the airport, we will be shuttled to the quaint town of St Lucia (a 3-hour trip), where we will settle in at our accommodation.
The town of St Lucia is nestled between the St. Lucia Estuary, the Indian Ocean, and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It is the ideal point to explore South Africa’s first World Heritage Site. The region is blessed with year-round summer weather. We will head out in the afternoon in search of our first crocodiles and hippos, and to view the incredible birds on the St Lucia Estuary before returning to the lodge for our welcome dinner.
Accommodation: St Lucia Eco Lodge or Urban Glamping
Type: Rooms or luxury tents (single/sharing occupancy)
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Website: www.stlucia-ecolodge.co.za or www.urbanglamping.co.za
Activities:
DAY 1 – Hippo And Croc Cruise: This 2 to 2.5-hour trip takes you onto the St Lucia Estuary, between hippos and herons, crocs and crakes. Fantastic bird viewing. Refreshments included. (Summer Times: 16h00 -18h00)
DAY 2 – St. Lucia World Heritage Tour: We show you why St. Lucia Wetland Park has been given this international status as you join us on a full-day, off-road exploration of this pristine area. The tour includes an ecological overview, wonderful game-viewing, birdwatching, short walks, and a visit to Cape Vidal with snorkeling and whale-watching in season. Learn more about the five ecosystems that make up this unique park. Experience the bush, forest, and beach all in one day! Full braai (barbecue) lunch, snorkeling gear, and drinks included. (Time: 08h00-16h00)
DAY 2 – Night / Chameleon Drive: This 3-hour nocturnal affair takes you along the 4×4 tracks in the Eastern Shores Reserve, where you may encounter various local nocturnal residents. Sightings often include hippo, buffalo, spotted eagle owls, nightjars, kudu, waterbuck, crocodile, and even side-striped jackal, python, and leopard. Chameleons abound, and the endemic Sitara’s Dwarf chameleon is a rare treat. Conducted in an open safari vehicle with two spotlights. (Time: 20h00-23h00)
Day Three –Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park (HIP)
14th and 15th September 2025
Route: St Lucia to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park (HIP)
Today we depart around lunchtime and head for Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park (HIP) (around 2 hours). We will be dropped off at Rhino Ridge, a magnificent glass-wrapped lodge situated in the heart of HIP. Our home for the next two nights, Rhino Ridge overlooks Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve, capturing the suspension between Earth and sky. Down below, a waterhole, frequented by a diversity of wildlife, pulls your eye away from the extraordinary views, forcing you to slow down and connect with the Earth. Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is proud to be associated with the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park (HIP) and its historical success story of rhino conservation in Southern Africa. They are the first luxury safari lodge to be established within this world-renowned ‘Big 5’ game reserve, which we will explore on various game drives and walks. We are honoured to call the ‘home of the rhino’ our home too.
Activities:
DAY 3 – Bush Walk (max 8 people) Before leaving St Lucia later today, we have the opportunity (first come, first served) to do a bush walk with ‘barefoot ranger’ Nunu Jobe. (If you miss out on this walk, we will be walking again with Nunu in HIP). Explore the vast iSimangaliso Game Reserve on foot and enjoy an intimate experience of Africa’s natural wonders in the care of our knowledgeable guides. Share their passion for the remote places away from tourist routes and encounter animals in their natural environment on this unforgettable 3-hour adventure.
OR
Eastern Shores Excursion (for those who don’t go on the bush walk)
An early morning drive sees you traversing forest, pans and grasslands up to Lake Bhangazi, where you’ll enjoy an in-depth exploration of the Wetland, its inhabitants, history, and scenic beauty. The safari stops for a bush breakfast at Catalina Bay or Lake Bhangazi. (Time: 07h00-12h00)
DAY 3– HIP Game Drive There are few things more iconic to Africa than setting out in an open game viewing vehicle to see the sunset in the African bush as you watch a herd of majestic Elephant amble across the dusty road in front of you. Afternoon safari drives in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve – a haven for protected species such as Rhino, Elephant, Leopard, and Wild Dog – are spectacular.
Accommodation: Rhino Ridge Lodge
Type: Luxury Bush villas (single/sharing occupancy)
Meals: Full board
Website: https://www.rhinoridge.co.za
Video: Rhino Ridge Lodge https://youtu.be/R_OX6Obml3U
Day Four To Six – Mkuze Falls
16th, 17th and 18th September 2025
Route: Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park (HIP) to Mkuze Falls
After a morning game drive and visit to a community project with Abe (our community officer liaison), we head for Mkuze Falls for our next three nights of exploring and looking for the Big 5! Mkuze Valley Wilderness Reserve has year-round game viewing and includes breeding herds of Elephant, White and Black Rhino, Lion, Cheetah, Spotted and Brown Hyena, Buffalo, Leopard, Zebra, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Warthog and Bushpig. Various Antelope species include Impala, Kudu, Waterbuck, Nyala, Red and Grey Duiker, together with an array of small mammals. It is also home to a bird population of over 250 different species.
Across the great Mkuze River, deep in the lines of a historic Zulu battle, stretches fifteen thousand hectares (37 000 acres) of untouched African wilderness. Here you’ll find a malaria-free, secluded, biodiversity hotspot – Makongo Hills Lodge – offering accommodation, exclusivity, and Big 5 activities suited to the whole family.
The Lodge Experience: Situated at a high point of the reserve, the lodge offers a front-row seat to Africa’s extraordinary wilderness and wildlife from the very moment you arrive. Guests are greeted with sweeping views, the tranquillity of the bush, and an immediate sense of connection to the wild heart of Africa. After being welcomed by the friendly Makongo Hills team, you’ll be taken on an orientation of the lodge. Later, you will join the ranger on an afternoon game drive and sunset drinks overlooking the Mkuze River. On your return, you’ll enjoy 3-course fireside meal in the lapa before heading to your bedrooms or rondavels for a good night’s sleep before an early start.
Conservation Work: Rhino Art is an innovative conservation initiative that uses art to engage youth in the fight against rhino poaching. Launched by Project Rhino and the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, it has reached over 75,000 young people across southern and central Africa, including schools in Vietnam and other international countries. The campaign encourages students to express their thoughts on rhino poaching through art, fostering awareness and support for rhino conservation. As part of the conservation safari, participants will spend time with local community members at a school, where they will engage in Rhino Art activities, creating meaningful connections and helping to inspire the next generation of conservationists. The initiative’s success lies in its ability to spark passion for wildlife, build community relationships, and mobilize young voices in the battle to protect rhinos.
Accommodation: Makongo Hills
Type: Rondavels/rooms x 5 and/or glamping safari tents or glamping tent village (single/sharing occupancy)
Meals: Full board
Website: https://makongohills.com/
Day Seven To Ten –Manyoni Game Reserve
19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd September 2025
Route: Mkuze Falls To Manyoni Game Reserve
Today we head for our last bush destination, where we will focus on conservation and the ultimate wilderness experience. Situated within the 23 000ha Manyoni Private Game Reserve, Zebra Hills Safari Lodge comprises a 7-room main Lodge and 4-room Homestead and will be our base for the next four nights. Our stay here includes 2 game drives per day with a qualified field ranger and vital conservation work with Wildlife Act. We will also visit the ZCT rhino orphanage and meet the conservationists from Project Rhino and some other wonderful women involved in conservation.
Conservation Work:
Wildlife Act Fund is a non-profit trust dedicated to saving endangered wildlife and wild places from extinction. Through the efforts of passionate and experienced conservationists, they implement anti-poaching measures, provide vital equipment, and educate local communities. The conservation safari offers a unique opportunity to work alongside these experts in the field, contributing to vital conservation activities such as camera trap surveys, and endangered species monitoring. Participants play an active role in award-winning conservation work, gaining meaningful experiences while supporting long-term strategies to protect wildlife, including leopard surveys and efforts to reduce poaching incentives. Website: https://www.wildlifeact.com
Project Rhino, launched on World Rhino Day in 2011, is a dedicated association focused on protecting rhino populations from poaching and wildlife crime. By uniting provincial government conservation bodies, private reserves, rhino owners, and anti-poaching experts, it works to safeguard the world’s largest and most genetically diverse rhino populations, including those in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Faced with devastating poaching rates, driven by demand for rhino horn in traditional Eastern medicine, Project Rhino’s initiatives span urgent anti-poaching efforts and long-term strategies to empower local communities. The organization operates through four key pillars: coordination of efforts, ranger and technical support, youth and leadership development, and the creation of a sustainable conservation economy that supports local livelihoods. We will meet some of the members who work effectively to keep this project going to project our Rhinos from poaching Website: https://www.projectrhinokzn.org
Zululand Conservation Trust (ZCT) is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and endangered species of Zululand while uplifting local communities. With a mission to protect wildlife like rhinos, cheetahs, and wild dogs, ZCT focuses on habitat restoration, community upliftment, and sustainable development. Through partnerships with protected areas and neighbouring communities, ZCT works to restore habitats, expand conservation efforts, and create economic opportunities. Its diverse projects are funded through donations and fundraising events, with a strong commitment to ensuring that funds directly support wildlife conservation and community initiatives. By promoting both environmental and social sustainability, ZCT strives to make a lasting impact on the region. Website: https://zululandconservationtrust.org/
Accommodation: Zebra Hills Lodge
Type: Luxury rooms in the lodge and homestead (single/sharing occupancy)
Meals: Full board
Website: https://www.zebrahills.com/
Day Eleven – Manyoni Game Reserve To Ballito Or Salt Rock
23rd September 2025
Route: Manyoni Game Reserve To Ballito Or Salt Rock
As our journey closes off, we make our way back to Ballito or Salt Rock for our final night together. We’ll share a farewell supper, reflecting on the incredible experiences we’ve had, the amazing people we’ve met, and the vital humanitarian and conservation work we’ve witnessed. From the dedication of the individuals protecting our wildlife to the lasting impact we’ve made through our efforts, this trip will be life-changing for all who embark on it. Thank you for being a part of this meaningful adventure. We hope you’ve enjoyed your time with us and encourage you to share the story of this journey, helping us raise awareness and support for these essential conservation projects. Your involvement is making a difference.
Accommodation: Coco De Mar or Canelands
Type: Rooms (Single/sharing occupancy)
Meals: Lunch and farewell dinner
Website: https://www.thecanelands.co.za/ or https://cocodemer.co.za/