A Picture of KwaZulu Natal Itinerary
Explore South Africa's Battlefields, scenic landscapes, watch wildlife and finish by relaxing on the beach, the perfect holiday whether you want to self-drive or be driven.
16 days from £4200pp plus international flights.
Full itinerary
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Call: 01473 890499
Start planning your tailor-made holiday now. Tell us what you want, and we will tailor make your perfect trip.
Day 1
Arrive Johannesburg And Drive To Three Tree Hill Lodge
On arrival at Johannesburg airport you'll either be met and taken to the car hire office to collect your vehicle, or you'll meet your driver. From here it's a drive of some 4 hours to Three Tree Hill Lodge in the northern Drakensberg region. You'll have time to unpack and relax and settle in to your home for the next 3 nights. Three Trees is a really welcoming place, and your holiday starts here!
Full board
Day 2
Discover The Drakensberg
Today you will have a full day to explore the northern region of the Drakensberg and enjoy the stunning scenery of Cathedral Peak and the Champagne Valley. The Drakensberg Mountains are the highest mountains in southern Africa and curve around the border between KwaZulu Natal and Lesotho. The walking and hiking in this area are excellent with some good examples of rock art to be seen.
Full board
Day 3
Spioenkop
Today we step back in time to what was the bloodiest single day of the entire South African War. Listen to a moving account of how the British attempted to capture Spioenkop on 23 January 1900. Spioenkop was the highest point on the Boer defensive line. Walk in the footsteps of Louis Botha, Winston Churchill and Mahatma Gandhi who all played a role in this battle. Later spend some free time back at this gorgeous lodge.
Full board
Day 4
Drive To The Battlefields
Today you drive on to the Zulu Battlefields through scenic countryside. This area is where the British fought the Zulus in a series of well-documented bloody conflicts. You are staying at a famous place called Fugitive's Drift. This comfortable, family run guest house is steeped in local history.
Full board
Day 5
The Battlefields
Today you will discover more about the history of the area. From the lodge you can take guided tours of the famous battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. With the help of a knowledgeable guide who talks about each battle, discussing the strategies used by both sides, the numbers who perished and the medals won by the brave soldiers, history and the area come to life. There is time to reflect on the day back at the lodge.
Full board
Day 6
Drive To Pongola Game Reserve
Today you will drive on, through more South African scenery to the Pongola Game Reserve in northern Zululand, close to the Swaziland border. Dominated by the majestic Lebombo mountains and the shimmering waters of Lake Josini, this is an area of stunning natural beauty with wildlife to match. You will be able to explore this location over the next few days. Settle into your safari tent and have a drink at the bar as you look forward to the safari adventures to come.
Full board
Days 7 & 8
Pongola Game Reserve
Get close to nature both on land and in the water with a variety of activities on offer. Take an early morning game drive and then in the afternoon experience the beautiful waters of Lake Jozini either by motor boat or by canoe. Track black rhino with a professional guide, or perhaps head out on foot to look for elephant and see what else can be discovered on the way. Pongola was one of the first proclaimed game reserves in South Africa and is proudly home to 4 of the Big 5 as well as 350 species of bird and numerous antelope.
Full board
Day 9
Drive To Kosi Bay
You will drive to iSimangaliso Wetlands near the coast, your home for the next 2 nights. You will meet a representative from Kosi Forest Lodge at an agreed location, where you leave the car at a secure place and transfer to the lodge in open 4 x 4 vehicle. It takes around 30 minutes, so enjoy the ride. The lodge overlooks a lake, and has a tranquil and relaxing ambience. Delicious meals are served alfresco either on the deck or under the shade of large albizia trees. You can start to explore straight away if you wish, perhaps with a guided walk, or you may just decide to take things easy.
Full board
Day 10
Kosi Bay
Today you can enjoy the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve to the full. This network of lakes and channels covers a vast area. You can explore the waterways paddling peacefully by canoe with a professional guide to point out the local flora and fauna, or perhaps take a guided walk in the raffia palm forest and admire these enormous trees. Many species of birds make their home amongst these, the largest palms in the world, including the palm nut vulture. Alternatively (as optional extras), explore the area on a full day motor boat trip complete with picnic lunch and a refreshing dip in the sea, or head up to the Kosi Bay mouth for some great snorkelling and views.
Full board
Day 11
Drive To Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park
Your time at Kosi Bay has come to an end. You will be taken back to your vehicle via 4 x 4 and then it's onward to the beautiful Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park, the heart of Big 5 territory. You will arrive at your accommodation in the afternoon, giving you time to unpack, relax and take in some of the breath-taking scenery of the area.
Full board
Day 12
Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park
Start the day with early morning coffee, rusks & fruit on the deck then set off with a professional guide for an exciting game drive exploring the private concession and the greater Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park beyond. You will return to the lodge to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast, then take time to relax and perhaps take a well-earned siesta. After some mid-afternoon refreshments, you'll join your guide again for an afternoon game drive in a different area of the concession to see what other wildlife you can find. The guides are hugely knowledgeable and always keen to share their knowledge with you. You will be able to swap stories with other guests at dinner.
Full board
Day 13
Drive To Umhlanga And The Beach
The adrenalin portion of your holiday is now over and it's time for some well earned relaxation at the beach, as you head south towards Umhlanga Rocks and your home for the last three nights of your South African adventure. The Oyster Bay is an upmarket hotel boasting its own lighthouse. It's right on the beach and you have the Indian Ocean stretching out before you. Grab a cocktail at sundown and admire the beautiful views.
Breakfast
Days 14 & 15
Umhlanga
You can opt to spend time at the pool or on the beach, perhaps taking a dip in the sea. You may want to partake in a little last minute shopping for souvenirs, the choice is yours. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants to choose from both in the hotel, nearby in Umhlanga, or in downtown Durban. All are easily accessible from your hotel. You could explore the vibrant market or simply opt for a pampering spa treatment at the hotel's in-house luxury spa. Choices, choices!
Breakfast
Day 16
Durban And Home
Sadly your holiday comes to an end today. It's time to pack your bags and drive to King Shaka International Airport in Durban where you will drop off your hire car. From here we can arrange for you to fly home or you can continue with onward arrangements.
Breakfast
Call: 01473 890499
Start planning your tailor-made holiday now. Tell us what you want, and we will tailor make your perfect trip.
