Loading search...
The Reptiles & Amphibians of South Africa's KwaZulu Natal was a fabulous safari in the south-east of the country, north of Durban, focussing on, surprise surprise, reptiles (snakes, lizards, chameleons) and amphibians (frogs and toads). We flew to Durban and then travelled up the coast to the Mozambique border, taking in a number of nature reserves and different landscapes. There were only 3 of us in the group which enabled us to get close-up and personal with some amazing creatures. Our guide, Tyrone, was a reptile expert and knew exactly where to look to find and photograph some wonderful and rare creatures. The highlight of the trip was accompanying him to extract a Mozambique Spitting Cobra from the bathroom of a very unhappy lady in a town called St. Lucia. Tyrone succeeded and later released the snake (after we had had ample opportunity to photograph and video it.). Many of the creatures we wanted to see were nocturnal so we also went out after dark most nights armed with head torches to carry on the search. In addition to the reptiles and amphibians, we also saw some amazing birds and large mammals. A wonderful, all-round safari experience with a hands-on and knowledgeable guide! Naturetrek is a specialist company offering wildlife experiences all over the world. From day trips and short breaks in the UK to mega safaris in South America, Africa and Australia, Naturetrek offers it all. We have travelled with them many times - they are not cheap but we know that whenever we travel with them we will have the best possible experience with the best guides. Naturetrek has an excellent website as well as a super brochure for those who prefer to browse. Finally, the customer service is second to none. They are always helpful and professional and always answer the phone straight away - other travel companies should take note! Highly recommended.
L.T. Wiltshire, Nov 24
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
The Reptiles & Amphibians of South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal
Tour Code: ZAF19A 14-day holiday to South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal in search of its exciting suite of reptiles and amphibians including chameleons, mambas, cobras and a plethora of other exciting species!
£5,695
£4,795
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
Summary
Join one of South Africa’s leading herpetologists, field guide author Tyrone Ping, on a tour of his ‘home patch’ in KwaZulu-Natal, a region of extremely rich biodiversity, timed for the peak of South Africa’s herping season (which happily also coincides with some of the worst weather in the Northern Hemisphere!). One of South Africa’s nine provinces, KwaZulu-Natal has a tropical temperate climate offering approximately 320 days of sunshine annually, conditions which make it highly favourable for reptile- and amphibian-life. Indeed, an amazing total of over 200 reptile and amphibian species call the region home, and on this holiday we shall make exciting searches in some of South Africa's most unspoilt natural beauty, locations also home to an abundance of other hugely exciting wildlife!
This exciting tour is part of our portfolio of herpetology holidays.
- Search for the exquisite East African Gaboon Adder
- One of the best locations to see and photograph Black and Eastern Green Mambas
- Special dwarf chameleons include KwaZulu, Natal Midlands and Emerald
- Snouted, Mozambique Spitting, and Forest Cobras
- A large diversity of frogs and toads possible
- Superbly impressive Nile and Rock Monitors
- Tortoises include the beautiful Leopard, Southeastern and Speke's Hinged
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
Comfortable lodges and guesthouses, all with private facilities.
- Food:
Breakfasts and dinners are included in the tour price, starting with dinner on Day 2 and ending with breakfast on Day 13. Lunches are not included, offering the chance of something lighter for those who wish.
Reviews
Dates & Prices
2025
Tour Leader: Tyrone Ping
An initial hobby led Tyrone to a life-long fascination with reptiles and amphibians and becoming one of the country's leading field herpetology specialists, spending the last 15-years exploring southern Africa, photographing and documenting many of the country’s rarest and lesser-known species. Tyrone recently published the 'Field Guide To Snakes & Other Reptiles of KwaZulu-Natal' and 'A Field Guide To Snakes & Other Reptiles Of The Western Cape' with other field guides in preparation.
2026
Tour Leader: Tyrone Ping
An initial hobby led Tyrone to a life-long fascination with reptiles and amphibians and becoming one of the country's leading field herpetology specialists, spending the last 15-years exploring southern Africa, photographing and documenting many of the country’s rarest and lesser-known species. Tyrone recently published the 'Field Guide To Snakes & Other Reptiles of KwaZulu-Natal' and 'A Field Guide To Snakes & Other Reptiles Of The Western Cape' with other field guides in preparation.
2027
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
Video
