St helena &
Africa Safari
ICONIC GIANTS FROM SEA TO SAVANNAH
FEB 26 - MAR 17 2027 • 20 DAYS • Limited to 7 GUESTS only
Embark on a truly extraordinary journey spanning two of the Southern Hemisphere’s most captivating and contrasting destinations.
Begin on remote, rugged St Helena, one of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands, set deep in the South Atlantic Ocean and largely untouched by modern life. Accessible via South Africa, this hidden gem has only recently emerged as a destination for divers and adventure travellers, offering an authentic and largely undiscovered experience. Renowned for its extraordinary whale shark aggregations and frontier diving, St Helena is the only place on Earth where whale sharks gather in roughly equal numbers of males and females, offering a rare glimpse of these gentle giants in their only known breeding grounds.
Dive dramatic volcanic walls alive with endemic species, explore historic shipwrecks, black sand beaches, lava tunnels, vertical walls and overhangs cloaked in clouds of Saint Helena butterflyfish, a species found nowhere else. Encounter mobula rays, green and loggerhead turtles, tuna, wahoo and large schools of pelagic species that frequent the clear waters. Offshore, watch friendly pods of pantropical spotted dolphins surf the boat’s wake and ride the bow in a thrilling display of playfulness and agility.
Above the surface, the island’s dramatic landscapes are interwoven with history, most famously as the final place of exile of Napoleon Bonaparte. Explore the rugged ridges and deep valleys that reveal St Helena’s raw, untamed beauty, alongside landmark sites such as Longwood House and Plantation House, offering a compelling glimpse into the island’s remarkable past.
After a week on St Helena, cross to South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province, a region of striking contrasts where pristine Indian Ocean reefs meet wild savannahs and untamed wetlands. Here, the adventure continues beneath the waves and across the African bush.
Just offshore, Aliwal Shoal, a world-renowned Marine Protected Area, offers high-energy dives with some of the ocean’s most powerful and iconic species. Oceanic blacktip sharks patrol these waters year-round, while seasonal visits from tiger sharks and bull sharks provide thrilling, close-up encounters.
Further north, Sodwana Bay is a true jewel—home to South Africa’s southernmost hard coral reefs and widely regarded as the country’s premier dive destination. Warm Indian Ocean currents support vast coral gardens, mushroom-shaped pinnacles, caves, swim-throughs, dramatic drop-offs, and bustling cleaning stations. These vibrant dives deliver excellent visibility and remarkable biodiversity, including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, migratory manta rays, ragged-tooth sharks, and whale shark sightings. Explore the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, Africa’s largest coastal lagoon, on a boat safari where hippos dominate the waterways, Nile crocodiles line the banks, and flamingos and pelicans fill the skies.
Your adventure culminates with an unforgettable African safari experience at Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal’s most prestigious and ecologically diverse wildlife sanctuaries. Retreat to &Beyond Phinda Zuka Lodge, reserved exclusively for our group. With just a handful of private bush cottages, this stylish and intimate lodge blends contemporary design with the raw beauty of the surrounding wilderness. Experience refined comfort, seamless service, and a deeply immersive safari atmosphere- a truly exceptional base from which to explore Phinda’s rich habitats and extraordinary wildlife. Enjoy expertly guided private game drives at dawn and dusk, tracking cheetah and the iconic Big Five—elephant, black and white rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo—encountered in uncrowded, intimate settings.
From swimming with whale sharks and diving world-class reefs to tracking Africa’s most legendary wildlife on safari, this journey delivers a rare and seamless blend of ocean adventure, wild landscapes, and safari luxury - diverse, immersive, and truly unforgettable.
HIGHLIGHTS
Swim with majestic whale sharks, the world’s largest fish and gentle giants of the ocean, in the crystal-clear blue waters of St Helena.
Explore the pristine underwater riches of the “Galápagos of the Atlantic”, diving spectacular swim-throughs, volcanic walls, pinnacles, and reefs.
Search for endemic marine species found nowhere else on Earth, alongside frequent visitors including Devil’s Nose (mobula) rays and playful dolphins.
Discover the wildly dramatic and unspoiled beauty of St Helena’s landscapes, immersing yourself in the island’s rich history and legacy of past exiles.
Experience the heart-pounding thrill of coming eye-to-eye with tiger sharks and Zambezi (bull) sharks and feel the electric buzz of being surrounded by dozens of oceanic black-tip sharks at Aliwal Shoal.
In Sodwana Bay, dive South Africa’s southernmost hard coral reefs, coming face-to-face with ragged-tooth sharks and manta rays, and keep an eye out for Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles
Traverse diverse terrestrial ecosystems on guided hikes and nature walks, from cloud forests and volcanic valleys to coastal dunes and mangroves
Transition from ocean to savannah with exclusive safari experiences, including expertly guided game drives in a private reserve, tracking cheetahs and the iconic Big Five in uncrowded, intimate settings, complemented by immersive bush walks led by expert trackers.
Glide past hippos and Nile crocodiles on a private boat safari through Africa’s largest coastal wetland, while spotting rare and vibrant birdlife.
Unwind in a luxurious safari lodge hired exclusively for our group, where refined comfort meets wilderness - featuring exceptional cuisine, personalized service, and sweeping views over the African bush.
RESERVE MY SPACE & ENQUIRIES
You've got that "I don't want to miss out" feeling for a good reason. Our expeditions are life changers and we have a solid following of Wild Earth Explorers who love returning to adventure with us. Don't hesitate in reserving your space today.
“I have to keep rewatching our photos to convince myself the trip was real. What an absolutely incredible experience. I checked off bucket list items I didn’t even know existed (shout out to the red-lipped batfish!). Thomas and Sabine, you set the gold standard for adventure travel. Thank you both for orchestrating such an unforgettable journey. It was a privilege to explore the Galápagos with such an amazing group. ”
© Google Earth
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
ST HELENA & AFRICA SAFARI
ICONIC GIANTS FROM SEA TO SAVANNAH
FEB 26 - MAR 17, 2027 • 20 DAYS • Limited to 7 GUESTS only
Day 01 | Feb 26 Depart home / Travel to Johannesburg, South Africa
Day 02 | Feb 27 Fly to St. Helena / Welcome dinner
Day 03 - 07 | Feb 28-Mar 04 Whale shark snorkelling / Frontier diving / Island hikes
Day 08 | Mar 05 Napoleonic history / Plantation & Longwood House / Coffee estate
Day 09 | Mar 06 Fly to Johannesburg
Day 10 | Mar 07 Fly to Durban / Transfer Drive to Scottburgh
Day 11 - 12 | Mar 08 - 09 Aliwal Shoal shark diving / Travel to St. Lucia
Day 13 | Mar 10 uMthoma Aerial Boardwalk / Cape Vidal / iSimangaliso lagoon
Day 14 | Mar 11 Wild Cat Conservation / Travel to Sodwana Bay
Day 154 - 165 | Mar 112 - 123 Dive Sodwana Bay / Travel to Phinda / Private safari game drive
Day 16 | Mar 13 Wild cat conservation visit / Private safari game drive
Day 17 - 18 | Mar 14-15 Morning & afternoon game drives / Bush walk & cultural experience / Farewell dinner
Day 19 | Mar 16 Early morning game drive / Travel back to Durban / Fly home
Day 20 | Mar 17 Arrive home
Mantis Hotel, Saint Helena
Located in the historic center of Jamestown, the Mantis Hotel blends colonial character with understated elegance, offering a refined and welcoming base for exploring the island’s dramatic landscapes. Housed in beautifully restored 18th-century East India Company officers’ barracks, the property retains its historic charm while providing modern comforts and thoughtful touches throughout.
Guest rooms are individually styled, featuring contemporary amenities, natural light, and serene views of the harbor or surrounding hills. The hotel’s central location allows easy access to Jamestown’s quaint streets, seafront promenade, and local attractions, while its quiet courtyards and lounges provide a peaceful retreat after days of diving, hiking, and wildlife encounters.
Dining at the Mantis celebrates St Helena’s rich culinary heritage, offering a fusion of British, African, Indian, and Chinese influences, with fresh, locally sourced seafood, organic produce, and seasonal ingredients. Whether enjoying a sunset cocktail on the terrace or a leisurely meal after a day of adventure, the Mantis Hotel combines warm hospitality, history, and comfort for a exceptionl island stay.
&Beyond Phinda Zuka Lodge, Kwazulu-Natal
Nestled deep within the sweeping wilderness of Phinda Private Game Reserve, &Beyond Phinda Zuka Lodge offers a rare and intimate safari experience. Reserved exclusively for our group, the lodge’s thatched bush cottages are thoughtfully designed to provide complete privacy and a seamless connection to the surrounding landscape. Each bungalow features a private veranda and plunge pool overlooking the lodge’s own watering hole.
Designed with refined simplicity, the lodge blends contemporary comfort with the raw beauty of the African bush. Open-air communal spaces include a stylish lounge, elegant dining area, and a serene infinity pool—ideal for unwinding between game drives. Attentive, highly personalized service, exceptional cuisine, and the expertise of &Beyond’s acclaimed guides elevate every moment, creating a safari experience that feels both deeply immersive and effortlessly luxurious.
From dawn safaris tracking the Big Five to golden-hour drinks overlooking the wilderness, Phinda Zuka Lodge delivers a sense of exclusivity and authenticity found in only a handful of South Africa’s premier private reserves.
WILD EARTH LEADER
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas Baechtold, Sabine Templeton, Google Earth, & Adobe Stock