South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal

South Africa’s most complete province, offering the dramatic beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains, fantastic game reserves and warm-water beaches, some of which offer incredible snorkeling. All of this lies in close proximity to one another, ensuring that a trip here is not only diverse but also accessible. The absence of malaria means it’s also a wonderful destination for families.

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Cape Town may be famous for its epic sunsets over the ocean, but Durban’s hidden secret is its breathtaking sunrises. Wake up early enough and get to a promenade to watch the sun majestically rise out of the ocean along with a handful of early joggers and surfers. It’s one of Durban’s best kept and most beautiful secrets.

KwazuluNatal

Reasons to travel to KwaZulu-Natal

  • Hike in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains
  • Visit a range of quality family-friendly game reserves
  • Explore the iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Scintilla’s Delights

Treat yourself to the best experiences KwaZulu-Natal has to offer.

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A Tale of Two Cities

Weave your way around the lively Markets of Warwick with Asiye eTafuleni, a non-profit organization, focused on promoting inclusive urban planning & design in the city, through collaboration with informal workers and allied professionals. Their work aims to empower and support sustainable livelihoods for the working poor, and you will uncover the soul of Durban as you veer off the usual tourist trail. Feel the penetration of Zulu culture in the city at Muti Bridge at Victoria Street Market and learn about background to the market, the bridge and the merchandise traded here by local merchants, traditional healers and herbalists. Skip across town into Station Drive Precinct and meet the city’s creative entrepreneurs before an award-winning Gin Tasting with connoisseurs.

Durban Arts Quarter
Durban Arts Quarter

Meet the dancing curator of the city's largest collection of tribal art, tap into indigenous knowledge systems and South African traditional culture.

Giants Castle & The Midlands Hike
Giants Castle & The Midlands Hike

Explore the Drakensberg Mountains and learn about Southern Africa’s first people.

A Nature & Sea Excursion
A Nature & Sea Excursion

Enjoy a specially curated Nature & Sea tour as a guest of The Oyster Box Hotel.

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Experiences in KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal offers an impressive range of unbelievable things to do.

Walk Durban
Walk Durban
The Ultimate Durban Explore
The Ultimate Durban Explore
Kosi Bay Multi Day Hike
Kosi Bay Multi Day Hike
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Where to stay in KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal has some world-class accommodation options.

Oyster Box Hotel
Oyster Box Hotel
Rhino Sands
Rhino Sands
Thonga Beach Lodge
Thonga Beach Lodge
Three Tree Hill
Three Tree Hill

Other destinations in South Africa

One could spend a year travelling in South Africa and not see it all. These places are our best of the best.

Cape Town

Cape Town

The Greater Kruger National Park

The Greater Kruger National Park

Garden Route

Garden Route

Cape Winelands

Cape Winelands

The Overberg

The Overberg

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve

Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape

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Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

Jeffery & Barbara, Canada
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We specialise in showing our travellers how to discover unique, locally infused experiences.
Local Knowledge

Local Knowledge

We’re based in Southern Africa and have first-hand knowledge of the experiences that await our travellers.
Responsible Travel

Responsible Travel

All the experiences and destinations we recommend support their communities and environment.
Boutique Focus

Boutique Focus

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Immersive Experiences

Immersive Experiences

We specialise in showing our travellers how to discover unique, locally-infused experiences.
Exceptional Locations

Exceptional Locations

Our bespoke journeys feature stylish, owner-run properties in exceptional locations.
Bespoke Trips

Bespoke Trips

Our consultants are widely travelled and vastly experienced, with expert knowledge of Southern Africa.