Itinerary Highlights
- Mountain hikes in the Drakensberg
- Learn about the battlefields
- Boat Safaris and game drives in Mkuze
- Relaxation in Durban
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Car Hire
12 nights from £3,295 - £3,955 per person
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
Pick up your hire car (comprehensive cover!) and start your journey through KwaZulu-Natal. On this 12-day self-drive adventure and you'll discover beautiful scenery and hike in the mountains whilst driving through the midlands and staying in the Drakensberg, followed by history and war stories as you stop in the battlefields area, before continuing on to safari in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve for some big game viewing ending off with a relaxing stay in the stunning Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks. Stay in some charming guest houses and lodges throughout. 582044
Itinerary
Day 1 London - Johannesburg
Depart from London Heathrow on your overnight flight to Durban via Johannesburg
Day 2 Midlands Meander
On arrival into Durban today collect your standard car hire, with comprehensive insurance and unlimited mileage and drive to the midlands where you will check into the charming Fordoun Spa. Here you will spend your first night recovering from your overnight flight and preparing for your adventure ahead.
Day 3 Drakensberg
Today you will head up to the scenic and beautiful Drakensberg mountains. Here you will spend the next two nights discovering the various hiking routes and many activities that your hotel offers.
Day 4 Drakensberg
Spend the day exploring the mountain range. The Drakensberg Escarpment (Mountain of Dragons) stretches for over 1000 kilometres from the Eastern Cape through the KwaZulu Natal up into Mpumalanga as part of the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Three Rondavels. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and the scenery is simply breathtaking.
Staying at
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse
Day 5 Battlefields and history
Today you will continue your route into the Battlefields for a two-night stay at the Fugitives Drift Guest House. Here you will learn about the history of the area, including the Anglo-Boer and Anglo-Zulu wars.
Day 6 Rourke’s Drift
This area is famously known for the Anglo-Zulu wars. The lodge runs guided tours to visit the various sites and memorials.
Other activities on offer include a visit to the Mangeni Falls, a visit to Blood River and the site where the Prince Imperial was killed, walking and fishing trips.
Staying at
Fugitives' Drift Guest House
Day 7 Zulu Land
Today you head further North through Zulu Land and into the Elephant Coast, where you’ll find some amazing game reserves along the border of Swaziland. Spend two nights in Hluhluwe Game Reserve at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge with all meals and daily game activities included.
Day 8 Hluhluwe
Game viewing in Hluhluwe game reserve is phenomenal. Here you can expect to see wildlife unique to the area, you also have a good chance of seeing the highly endangered rhino.
Staying at
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Day 9 Durban
Today, if you have decided not to add on a further safari to your South Africa self-drive experience, you will drive down to Durban to relax in the luxurious Oysterbox Hotel, where you will be spending the next 3 nights. The beaches in Durban are beautiful coupled with a tropical climate makes for the perfect end to your holiday.
Day 10 Durban and Surrounds
Durban is a bright and colourful city, in terms of people, food, culture and activities. At the Oysterbox Hotel you have the Indian Ocean at your feet along with a spa and great dining options. You may also choose to go shopping at one of the city’s retail hubs or enjoy the pool and gardens.
Staying at
The Oyster Box
Day 11 Explore Durban
The Spa at the Oyster box Hotel is well known in South Africa as one of the best, so choose to spoil yourself with one of the many treatments on offer here before your journey home.
Staying at
The Oyster Box
Day 12 Departure
Today you will leave sunny Durban behind. Check out of the hotel and drive to the airport where you will drop off your car hire and check in for your return flight to London via Johannesburg
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
12 nights from £3,295 - £3,955 per person
Itinerary Dates
Pricing
1st Jan 2025 -
30th Apr 2025
30th Apr 2025
£3,750
1st May 2025 -
31st Aug 2025
31st Aug 2025
£3,295
1st Sep 2025 -
30th Nov 2025
30th Nov 2025
£3,770
1st Dec 2025 -
15th Dec 2025
15th Dec 2025
£3,955
1st Jan 2026 -
30th Apr 2026
30th Apr 2026
£3,955
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
International Flights, Accommodation as specified in the itinerary, comprehensive car hire with unlimited insurances and breakfast throughout.
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Meals not specified, gratuities, items of a personal nature, visa's, travel insurance and meals not specified.
Pricing Notes
Prices are subject to availability and supplements apply for peak seasons and holidays.
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
