Overview
Explore the East Coast
Combine a luxury South African safari with a remote beach getaway in southern Mozambique on this laid-back family road trip.
Begin a short way outside Durban at a historic oceanfront hotel where you can rest after your flights and enjoy the Oyster Box’s renowned hospitality as well as a full-day adventure into Lesotho.
Then enjoy four nights of unforgettable wildlife experiences and cultural encounters in &Beyond’s diverse Phinda Private Game Reserve, a conservation success story home to a handful of fabulous lodges, iconic species and activities tailor-made for all ages.
End relaxing on an Indian Ocean beach in Mozambique at a barefoot beach lodge between a national park and protected marine reserve with exciting experiences on land and water.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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Big Five safari in South Africa's Phinda Private Game Reserve
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Barefoot beach getaway at the remote Anvil Bay in Mozambique
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A full day adventure up the Sani Pass to Lesotho
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Fabulous family friendly lodges with a great mix of activities
Inclusions
What's included
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Nine nights of luxury accommodation
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Safari and beach activities
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Private transfers throughout and flights to and from Johannesburg
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Price per person based on a family of four
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
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Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
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Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
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Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 3
Welcome to KZN
You’ll be met on arrival into Durban, the largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal known for its blend of African, European and Indian cultures. Here, you’ll be driven a short way north to a wonderful ocean-side hotel which a rich history with the rest of the day to chill out and enjoy the views. The next day, jump into a 4x4 for a spectacular drive up the winding Sani Pass and into the Eastern Highlands of Lesotho, visiting local villages on the way with a stop for lunch at the highest pub in Africa.
Days 3 — 7
Phinda safari
On day three, you’ll be driven north into the rolling green hills of Phinda Private Game Reserve, 28,622 hectares of rich and diverse habitat home to the ‘Big Five’ (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as 436 bird species. The reserve is particularly well known for close-up sightings of the elegant yet elusive cheetah, as well as the rare black rhino. Once dominated by pineapple farms and overgrazed ranches, it has been restored and revitalized over the last three decades into one of South Africa’s premier safari destinations while also generating meaningful benefits for rural communities.
Based out of an award-winning luxury lodge (one of just six on the reserve), enjoy an unforgettable family safari with activities tailored to all ages, including twice-daily game drives, nature walks, conservation and community experiences, sleepouts, visits to neighbouring Zulu villages, night drives, specialist safaris, as well as nearby ocean activities.
A dramatic safari lodge with spectacular views of the Ubombo mountain range and the surrounding Zululand bush within the 28,000 hectare private reserve.
Days 7 — 10
Maputo sands
Continue your road trip up the coast across the border into Mozambique, heading into the rugged Maputo National Park and your final stay at Anvil Bay. A wonderfully laid-back beach lodge on the shores of the Indian Ocean between a protected area home to coastal elephants and a marine reserve, this is a special spot to round out your family adventure.
No two days are ever the same at Anvil Bay. Relax on the beach and fall into the local rhythms or head out exploring on ocean safaris in search of dolphins and whales, snorkel over vibrant reefs, follow trails through the dunes and forests, try paddle boarding, shore fishing and indulging in the freshest seafood around the campfire under the stars.
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
