7-day bush-to-beach itinerary in Kwa-Zulu Natal South Africa
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining a luxury safari with a barefoot beach escape, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) might just be South Africa’s best-kept secret. This province is where rhino-filled savannas meet tropical, WARM Indian Ocean shores — and with the right itinerary, you can experience it all in just one week.
We planned our 7-day bush-to-beach trip through Viatu, and it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable and impactful adventures we’ve ever had in South Africa!
Here’s a look at our exact itinerary:
Stop 1: Ballito (1 night)
Perfectly positioned just 20 minutes from King Shaka Airport, Sala Beach House was the ideal way to start our trip.
With direct access to a tidal pool and the beach, this coastal escape blends barefoot luxury with 5-star service. The property has two pools — including an infinity pool with endless ocean views — and a gorgeous spa for post-flight recovery.
Optional add-ons like snorkelling, surf lessons, or yoga sessions make it easy to ease into the rhythm of KwaZulu-Natal before heading inland.
We did 1 night here to catch our breaths before continuing on our adventure, buuuut you might want to spend some extra time here at Sala Beach House - it’s a gem!
Highlights:
Sunrise yoga (pictured above)
Beach hopping and surfing: Thompsons beach, Salt Rock beach, Umhlanga beach & Umdloti Beach
A visit to the Valley of a Thousand Hills
Stop 2: mFulaWozi Wilderness Reserve (3 nights)
Next up, we traded the ocean breeze for the bush. Just a 2 hour drive from Ballito, Mthembu Lodge is an eco-luxury retreat located in the heart of Zululand - and honestly, it’s now one of our top Safari lodges in ALL of South Africa.
Think daily big 5 game drives, guided safari walks, cocktails by the pool and even private massage treatments on your own deck.
What sets mFulaWozi apart is its location. The reserve borders Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, known as the birthplace of rhino conservation. Beyond the wildlife, this land is filled with incredible history — from Zulu battlegrounds to caves and the hunting grounds of King Shaka himself.
It’s a safari that feels both immersive and meaningful, a perfect alternative to the crowds of Kruger.
Highlights:
A private lunch for two on the riverbank (pictured above)
In-house spa treatments in our suite or at the spa
Local dance performances and story telling
Stop 3: Ubunye Camp, Maputaland (3 nights)
For the final stretch of the trip, we headed 5 hours north to Maputaland, where the bush meets the sea in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Ubunye Camp is a rustic-chic base that feels like a home away from home — designed for couples, friends, and families looking to completely disconnect.
Here, days are filled with seasonal turtle tours (Nov–Mar), snorkelling at Lala Nek and Black Rock Beach, day trips to Kosi Bay and long walks on a stretch of pristine, untouched northern KZN coastline.
There’s no Wi-Fi, which means evenings are spent around the fire under the stars — a digital detox in the best possible way. And while it’s wonderfully remote, Ubunye is accessible to all travelers thanks to a transfer service for those without a 4x4.
Highlights:
Private picnic and snorkeling on Lala Nek beach (pictured above)
Kosi Bay day-tour with beach barbecue
Home-cooked vegetarian meals
The staff!!
Why Travel with Viatu
Planning a trip that combines safari and sea can be overwhelming — but that’s where Viatu comes in. Their platform makes it easy to book sustainable, conservation-first lodges like Sala Beach House, Mthembu Lodge, and Ubunye Camp all in one place.
Whether you follow our exact route or create your own, Viatu ensures every detail is seamless — leaving you free to soak up the experience.
Our KwaZulu-Natal Bush-to-Beach Adventure 🎥
We documented the entire trip — from sunrise safaris to sunset swims — in our upcoming YouTube video. Stay tuned, we’ll embed it here soon!
FAQ Section
-
Summer months are best for turtles (Nov–Mar), winter offers cooler safari conditions.
-
No, a transfer service is available for travelers without a 4x4.
-
No not completely but KZN is a very low malaria risk area. While major cities like Durban and safari destinations like Nambiti and Mfulawozi are malaria-free, areas such as Kosi Bay, Sodwana Bay, and Mkuze Game Reserve do carry a risk. For accurate advice and to assess your personal risk, consult a travel health professional or visit a travel clinic before your trip.
-
Just 20 minutes — making it the perfect start or end to your trip.
Final Word: A Different Side of South Africa
While Kruger and Cape Town often get the spotlight, KwaZulu-Natal offers something equally magical — a safari-and-sea combo that feels both wild and deeply personal.
If you’re looking for a week that’s part adventure, part relaxation, and all unforgettable, this bush-to-beach itinerary deserves a spot at the top of your list.
📍 Ready to plan your KZN escape?
Book your trip with Viatu today and start your own KwaZulu-Natal adventure.
