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There is a new way to explore the wild side of KwaZulu-Natal.
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The new ‘Beach2Bush’ adventure route, launched by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, connects the oldest game reserve in South Africa with St Lucia’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park, offering a mix of safari and sea.
The journey starts at Hilltop Camp in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park. Once the hunting grounds of King Shaka Zulu, the reserve was proclaimed in 1895 and today plays a critical role in wildlife conservation, particularly in protecting rhinos. Game rich, the park also brags a wild landscape of flora and fauna. Visit historical sites where King Shaka gathered his tribes for feasts, and where he hid his clan from enemies.
Image: Supplied
For lodging within the park, Mthwazi Family Lodge located near Hilltop offers an exclusive stay with a private cook. Gqoyeni Bush Lodge and Hlathikhulu Bush Lodge cater for families and include a cook a personal guide. Masinda caters for families up to eight people and comes with a private cook and unlimited game drives at leisure.
Out of the bush, the route then takes you east to St Lucia’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There you can explore estuaries, dune forests, and beaches where leatherback turtles nest. Known as one of the most biodiverse places in South Africa, the wetland is home to over 6,500 plant and animal species.
Other exciting stops along the adventure route include:
- Game Capture Museum, chronicling the origins of wildlife management in Africa
- Emaphumulo Picnic Site, a historical site where one can trace King Shaka Zulu’s footsteps
- Emagangeni View Point where you can enjoy sundowners
- Esiweni Samakhosikazi where you can enjoy open air brunch or picnics
- St Lucia Estuary Boat Cruise and visit to the crocodile centre
Image: Supplied
Choose between a fully-guided experience of the sea to safari route, or opt for a self-drive and have the flexibility of exploring at your own pace, staying in self-catering or bush lodges along the way.
“It’s a chance to see KZN through a different lens – one that celebrates both its natural beauty, wildlife, and historical legacy,” says Ebrahim Mulla, Commercial Operations Executive Manager at Ezemvelo.
Visit bookings.kznwildlife.com or contact Central Reservations on +27 33 845 1000 for more information.
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