KwaZulu Natal - warriors & wildlife

Itinerary in brief:

• 1 night Johannesburg
• 1 night Drakensburg
• 2 nights Battlefields
• 2 nights Durban

Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg

You will be greeted at the airport by a local representative before collecting your hire car for your time in South Africa. Johannesburg is only 2 hours ahead of the UK so you shouldn’t be too jetlagged. Head over to your hotel and settle in for a 1 night stay.

You hotel is located in Melrose, a slick suburb only 10 minutes away from the shopping centre of the city, it’s a great place to be based, so end your first day in the country with a delicious dinner in a bustling restaurant in the city centre, ending with a large glass of local wine. 

Day 2: Johannesburg to Drakensburg

This morning you’ll begin the drive to the Drakensburg Mountains. Named the Dragon Mountains by the Dutch and located on the highest edge of the plateau that covers much of the country, these peaks live up to their magnificent name. Arriving at Three Tree Hill, you’ll check in for 1 night and spend the rest of the day exploring the multitude of activities that you can get up to in this extraordinary corner of South Africa. Take a hike among the foothills of the Mountains and keep a look out for birds, from the large Cape Vulture to the tiny Fairy Flycatcher, that soar in the skies above you.

Day 3: Drakensburg to Rorke’s Drift Battlefields

Before leaving Three Tree Hill this morning be sure to take part in a walking safari, spot zebra, giraffes and rhino up close and on foot for a truly unique wildlife experience.

Your drive today will take you through the hills to the battlefields made famous in the Zulu War of 1879. Check into Fugitive’s Drift Lodge and enjoy the views across the valley where Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill lost their lives attempting to defend the Queens Colour of the Regiment. Enjoy the animals and birdlife that surround the lodge by taking a walk through the reserve before spending a lazy afternoon fishing on the Buffalo River.

Day 4: Free day in Rorke’s Drift Battlefields

Today you’ll have a whole day to explore the history of the area, one of the most important in South Africa’s rich cultural past. The clash between the British and the Zulu was fought against a magnificent background, so why not take an emotionally charged tour conducted from the lodge and discover the interesting history of the great battles that were fought here. Often an overlooked part of South Africa, it’s a fantastic way to experience the country and begin to understand both its complex past and bright future. Spend another night at the lodge in your luxury suite.

Day 5: Drive to Durban

This morning you’ll drive to Durban for some well deserved beach time after a busy ten days exploring South Africa. Check into the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani for your final 2 nights in Africa, offering breathtaking views over Durban’s Golden Mile. Only 200 metres from the warm Indian Ocean, it’s the perfect time to kick back and relax with easy access to shopping and markets to grab some last minute bargains.

Day 6: Free day in Durban

With a free day to explore Durban, your best bet is to head to the beach and enjoy the calm waters and white sand of the coast. If you want a break from the sun however, just head to Durban’s Botanical Gardens, the oldest in Africa, which was founded in 1849. Here you can see one of the world’s top collections of pre-dinosaur plants, “living fossils” that extend back 250 million years. After a full day, head to the harbour for a fresh seafood dinner, where piri piri prawns and buttery lobster, fresh off the boats that morning, are served up as the sun goes down. Toast a glass of local wine to your final night in South Africa and the end of a wonderful trip!

Day 7: Depart Durban

Sadly your South African adventure has come to end, so drive to Durban Airport where you’ll drop off your hire car before boarding your onwards flight.