Buffalos & Battlefields

Enjoy KwaZulu Natal’s prolific wildlife, stunning scenery and turbulent history on a short but picturesque and fascinating trip.

The guided tours of the battlefield areas are enjoyable and thought provoking - you can feel the atmosphere of the battles gone past and experience Zulu culture.

Visists to Hluhwe and Ithala give you the chance to see some of South Africa's variety of wildlife along the way.

Trip information

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Included

7 days car hire (Group B with aircon), assistance at Durban airport, cultural tour at EKuthuleni Zulu Homestay, Battlefield tour with resident guide at lodge, meals as specified.

Not included

Flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips, laundry, fuel and other car related costs.

Is it for you?

This is an easy trip, suitable for all.

Best time

This trip can be taken at any time of year. From October to March, KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Swaziland are hot and rainy. From April to September it is warm and dry.

Getting there

Daily flights to Johannesburg from the UK take 10.5 hours and cost from £500 plus taxes depending on the season.

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Cloudy
- Rain
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Rain

Min Temp

- 15
- 15
- 10
- 10
- 5
- 0
- 0
- 0
- 5
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- 15
- 15

Max Temp

- 35
- 33
- 30
- 30
- 25
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- 23
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- 35

Guided historical battlefield tours
Zulu cultural experience
Great wildlife viewing

Itinerary

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Duration: 8 days.

Day 1:
On arrival in Durban, you will be met and transferred to eKuthuleni Zulu Homestay. Dinner here is included and will be followed by traditional Zulu singing and dancing. (D)
Day 2:
After breakfast will meet your Zulu guide who will explain about various traditional remedies and their preparation. You will also meet the herd boys and find out about the role of cattle in their culture. After a picnic lunch you'll visit a lady who makes traditional beadwork. Later you will collect your hire car and drive to Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve, about one hours drive away. You have a 2 night stay at Hilltop Camp. (B,L,D)
Day 3:
A free day in Hluhluwe. There are various activities available here including guided walks and game drives, all of which can be booked at the camp's reception. (B,D)
Day 4:
Travel to the historic battlefields of Zululand, maybe seeing Ulundi or the Valley of the Kings on the way. (D)
Day 5:
Spend a fascinating day on the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift with expert guides sharing the drama of the day with you. (FB)
Days 6-7:
Travel north (2 hours) to Itala Game Reserve and stay at the lovely Ntshondwe Camp for 2 nights. Game drives and guided walks can be booked locally. (B,D)
Day 8:
Drive back to Johannesburg, via Newcastle and Standerton or via Paulpietersburg, Piet Retief and Ermelo. Either route will take about 5 hours. (B)

Pricing guidelines for South Africa

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). South Africa combines well with Botswana, Mauritius and Mozambique.

For each accommodation on this website you will find an indication of the price. The bands are based on the price per person per night at peak season and are represented by the following values for this country:
	£50 to £100
	£100 to £200
	£200 to £300
	£300 to £500
	Over £500

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week in the Western Cape (eg Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Cedarberg etc) using good guest houses & hotels, and with a hire car.Between £500 and £1000+
1 week safari based at private lodges or tented camps (for example in Kruger, Madikwe, Hluhluwe ...)Between £1000 and £3000+
2 week safari and beach holidayBetween £1800 and £3000+
2 week Kruger and Cape holidayBetween £1800 and £3000+

South Africa