Beach, Battlefields and Wildlife Encounters

Most people know Cape Town and the Garden Route and the superb sights and adventure it has to offer but if you have already enjoyed this route and are wanting to return to South Africa, this 10-night itinerary enables you to see another side of this diverse and magnificent country.

Durban

Great news after a long flight is that the airport in Durban is only a ten-minute drive from the city centre. This is the coastal city in South Africa’s Kwazulu-Natal province and unlike the cold Atlantic Ocean in Cape Town, they are blessed here with the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Perfect for the many watersports that take place here such as surfing, body boarding, sailing and scuba diving. There will be plenty of time to take a stroll along Durban’s Golden Mile which starts at uShaka Marine World and ends at Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World. Mile upon mile of golden sand, quality restaurants, amusement arcades and fleamarkets can be found along this famous stretch of beach.

We are so excited to offer you the Oyster Box Hotel for your first nights’ accommodation. This is by far one of our favourite hotels in the area and this is supported by the numerous awards that they have received over recent years. One night really isn’t long enough to enjoy all that this classy hotel has to offer but fear not, you will be returning for another two nights at the end of your holiday.

Drakensberg

Just three hours drive from Durban, the Drakensberg mountains are the highest mountains in South Africa and are surrounded by an area of supreme natural beauty.  Drakensberg roughly translates to ‘dragon mountains’, the name earned due to its mammoth size. A stark contrast to Durban, this area is tranquil and calm and you will feel yourself begin to relax as soon as you arrive. As well as the stunning scenery, there are horse trails, hiking trails, nature trails, local arts and crafts and canopy tours to enjoy.  If fishing is your thing, there are plenty of options to do both fly fishing and trout fishing in one of the huge dams. And for a real treat, why not experience the thrill of a hot air balloon with fantastic views of the Kamberg Valley and Giants Castle.

To accentuate your feeling of peace and solitude we recommend a two nights’ stay at the Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse where supreme comfort and sumptuous dishes are on the menu every night.

Battlefields

Another 3 hours’ drive through dramatic scenery and you will arrive at Fugitives Drift. From here you can take a battlefield tour to Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.  These thought-provoking tours are conducted on a daily basis.  We defy anyone not to feel emotionally engaged as your knowledgeable guide talks you through some of the most moving and poignant battles that took place here. Standing on an empty battlefield on the spot where so many fell you will be stunned into silence. During the Battle of Rorke’s Drift, 150 British troops fought thousands of Zulus and not far from here is the site of the second Anglo-Boer war where famously Winston Churchill and Rudyard Kipling as well as Mahatma Gandhi were present – in fact the latter was a stretcher bearer.  Liverpool FC supporters may be aware that the stand at the home supporters end of Anfield Stadium was named ‘The Kop’ as a mark of respect to the number of Liverpool born soldiers who died during the Spioenkop battle. But regardless of what football team you support, a visit to this area will be one that stays etched in your memory forever.

With its’ fantastic location and some of the best tours in the area, we recommend Fugitives Drift Lodge for your next two nights.

Hluhluwe

On the next chapter of your amazing holiday, your senses will be awoken by close encounters of wildlife such as lions, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo to name just a few.  Get your cameras at the ready as you never know what animal you are going to come face to face with just around the next corner. For bird lovers you will be rewarded with sightings galore as this is home to over four hundred glorious bird species. Open Land Rovers with a maximum of six guests ensure that every person on board gets the best view possible of the fauna and flora surrounding them where wildlife may be hidden in wait for their prey. Game drives are conducted during the cooler hours of the day when animals are more active so you will enjoy early morning and late afternoon drives with the rest of the day to relax and take in the stunning scenery around you.

For your next three nights we would recommend Thanda Tented Camp for a real mix of luxury and authentic Africa.

Durban

To finish off this fantastic itinerary you will have another two nights back at the Oyster Box where you can relax and contemplate the adventures you have enjoyed over the last week.


This safari can be tailored in any way to meet your personal needs including length of trip, accommodation and experiences included, with or without international flights. Contact one of our safari designers now to discuss your safari ideas.

What's Included

  • International flights
  • Domestic flights and transfers
  • Car Hire
  • 10 nights accommodation as detailed above
  • All National Park fees and entrance fees for activities detailed

Price Information

Prices start from £2695pp/€3095pp/$3695pp

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