Where to Stay
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
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Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
KwaZulu-Natal
From its subtropical palm-fringed shores, lapped by the Indian Ocean to the mountainous Drakensberg range, KwaZulu-Natal offers a wealth of scenic splendour.
Its green, rolling countryside is reminiscent of England’s shires and the Battlefields echo with history of clashes between the British, Zulus and Boers. Enjoying one of the best year-round climates in the country, the province is easily combined with other areas, although with the Big Five, Battlefields and beaches all on its doorstep, it’s well worth a visit on its own.
Why visit KwaZulu-Natal
- Diverse landscapes from mountain ranges to sandy beaches
- Go on a Big Five safari in some of the best games reserves
- Learn about the infamous Anglo-Boer and Zulu wars in the Battlefields
- Swim in warm Indian Ocean waters and see turtles nesting along the stunning coastline
- Explore the city of Durban, a coastal, cultural and colourful melting pot
- Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – iSimangaliso (St Lucia) Wetland Park, and uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park
Experiences
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
Idea
South Africa
The Atlantic Coast, Cederberg and Winelands
Experience the diversity of South Africa’s Western Cape. Begin with the bustle and history of Cape Town, before continuing to the endless beaches of the windswept Atlantic seaboard and majestic beauty of the Cederberg Mountains. Finish amidst the vineyards of the winelands.
Idea
Madagascar
Madagascan Islands and South African Safari
Explore the wildlife-packed landscape that surrounds Marataba Safari Lodge – a beautiful, intimate tented camp in South Africa’s dramatic Waterberg region. Then fly directly from Johannesburg to Nosy Be for a week on the idyllic Madagascan island of Nosy Komba, staying at…
Idea
South Africa
Cape Town, Whales and Winelands Self Drive
Explore the sights and restaurants of vibrant Cape Town, before driving to the whale-watching mecca of Hermanus. Finish by escaping inland to the Cape Dutch architecture and quiet vineyards of Franschhoek, where you have the chance to sample some of South Africa‘s…
Idea
South Africa
Safari through the Greater Kruger
Combine three beautiful lodges for the ultimate Greater Kruger National Park safari. This journey takes you across one of South Africa’s last great wildlife areas, staying in the remote northern reaches, as well as two private reserves.
Idea
South Africa
Cape and Kalahari Conservation Holiday
Experience outstanding hospitality at two of South Africa’s most sustainable properties and explore spectacular yet contrasting habitats. Tswalu is a private wildlife reserve in the southern Kalahari dedicated to protecting the biodiversity that occupies the region’s wide-open spaces and hills.
Idea
South Africa
The Atlantic Coast, Cederberg and Winelands
Experience the diversity of South Africa’s Western Cape. Begin with the bustle and history of Cape Town, before continuing to the endless beaches of the windswept Atlantic seaboard and majestic beauty of the Cederberg Mountains. Finish amidst the vineyards of…
Idea
Madagascar
Madagascan Islands and South African Safari
Explore the wildlife-packed landscape that surrounds Marataba Safari Lodge – a beautiful, intimate tented camp in South Africa’s dramatic Waterberg region. Then fly directly from Johannesburg to Nosy Be for a week on the idyllic Madagascan island of Nosy Komba,…
Idea
South Africa
Cape Town, Whales and Winelands Self Drive
Explore the sights and restaurants of vibrant Cape Town, before driving to the whale-watching mecca of Hermanus. Finish by escaping inland to the Cape Dutch architecture and quiet vineyards of Franschhoek, where you have the chance to sample some of…
Idea
South Africa
Safari through the Greater Kruger
Combine three beautiful lodges for the ultimate Greater Kruger National Park safari. This journey takes you across one of South Africa’s last great wildlife areas, staying in the remote northern reaches, as well as two private reserves.
Idea
South Africa
Cape and Kalahari Conservation Holiday
Experience outstanding hospitality at two of South Africa’s most sustainable properties and explore spectacular yet contrasting habitats. Tswalu is a private wildlife reserve in the southern Kalahari dedicated to protecting the biodiversity that occupies the region’s wide-open spaces and hills.
South Africa
The Oyster Box
The Oyster Box is an iconic hotel, complete with lighthouse, it is a landmark on the Umhlanga beach on the outskirts of Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal. After a refurbishment that took two years, the Oyster Box…
South Africa
Fugitives Drift Lodge
Lovingly created by legendary historian the late David Rattray and his wife Nicky, Fugitives Drift Lodge, located in the heart of the historic Zulu Battlefields, is renowned for its warm hospitality and is home to some…
South Africa
Thonga Beach Lodge
Stretching along the beautiful shores of the Maputuland coast in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal is Thonga Beach Lodge. Set above a secluded bay and nestled into the indigenous coastal dune forest with sweeping beach views. In keeping…
South Africa
Three Trees at Spioenkop
Three Trees Lodge at Spioenkop is located on the side of the famous hill of Spioenkop, overlooking the secluded Spioenkop Game Reserve in the valley below. This traditional corrugated iron farmhouse is surrounded by a typical…
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Illona Cross
Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.
Talk with our experts
- 1 800 571 2985
Chris Johnston
25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.
Talk with our experts
- 1 800 571 2985
Highlights of South Africa
Cape Town
Lying immediately beneath Table Mountain, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, a true melting pot of…
Garden Route
Spanning from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, the Garden Route is an incredibly scenic part of South Africa, so-called because of its…
Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands
The Mpumalanga province is dominated by the Kruger National Park and the adjacent private game reserves of Sabi Sands, Timbavati and Manyeleti…
Madikwe and The Waterberg
One of South Africa's largest game reserves, Madikwe Game Reserve is home to the Big Five and has a healthy African wild…
Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands is the largest wine-producing region in South Africa and is divided into six main wine regions, each offering their…
Eastern Cape Game Reserves
The game reserves of the Eastern Cape are a great choice for a family safari or the perfect end to a holiday…
West and Northern Cape
Defined by majestic mountains, long stretches of beach, farmland valleys and further inland, the semi-desert Karoo, this area is certainly varied in…
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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