Self-Drive: Mountains and Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal

Day 1 London to Durban

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international overnight flight to Cape Town and then onwards to Durban. (N)

Day 2 Durban to Umhlanga - 17 km

Upon arrival into Durban International Airport, you will collect your hire car and drive to your centrally located hotel in Umhlanga. The rest of the day is free for you to relax using the hotel’s facilities, or perhaps go for a stroll along the golden shores of arguably one the most beautiful coastlines in the world. (N)

Accommodation in Umhlanga: Teremok Boutique Lodge & Spa (or similar)
Upgrade option: The Oyster Box

Day 3 Umhlanga

You might choose to join a tour of Durban to explore the culture and history of this cosmopolitan city. You’ll visit the City Hall, Botanical Gardens and the impressive Moses Mabhida Stadium. We would recommend taking the optional cable car to the top of the stadium, as the views over Durban are phenomenal. Alternatively, if you'd prefer something a little more relaxed and wish to spot dolphins in their natural habitat, then drive around 30 minutes north to Dolphin Coast. Here you will find large schools of bottlenose dolphins happily riding the waves; it’s also the perfect spot for you to enjoy warm waters and soak up the charming atmosphere too. (B)

Accommodation in Umhlanga: Teremok Boutique Lodge & Spa (or similar)
Upgrade option: The Oyster Box

Day 4 Umhlanga to Balgowan – 45 km

After breakfast, take a short drive north the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands where you will enjoy a night stay at a lovely boutique hotel, Granny Mouse Country House. This small countryside retreat is renowned for its food and drink. Home to two award-winning restaurants and a wine cellar offering fantastic tasting, Granny Mouse is a superb culinary and destination hotel. You may also wish to explore the scenic countryside or spend an afternoon relaxing at the spa. (B)

Accommodation in Balgowan: Granny Mouse Country House (or similar)

Day 5 Balgowan to The Drakensberg - 229 km

Today you will drive just under 3 hours through the enchanting countryside and green rolling hills as you journey to your accommodation, located in the north of the mighty Drakensberg Mountain region. You might wish to stop off at the delightful town of Pietermaritzburg where you can go for a stroll along the tree-lined streets and admire the historic buildings. After you arrive at your lodge, spend the rest of the day relaxing in your peaceful surroundings, admiring the views of the Drakensberg's and the secluded Mfazimnyama Valley of the Spioenkop Game Reserve. (B, L, D)

Accommodation in the Drakensberg: Three Tree Hill Lodge (or similar)
Upgrade option: Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

Day 6 The Drakensberg

You might decide to lace up your walking boots today and follow some of the hiking trails that take you through the majestic mountain range. You might wish to book an experienced guide who will be able to tailor your hike to suit your fitness level and provide additional information about the local area. Later on you might visit the Giant’s Castle area, home to caves that feature the Drakensberg rock paintings which are reportedly over 800 years old. A truly thrilling experience if your fitness level allows you to go off the beaten track in search of more remote caves. (B, L, D)

Accommodation in the Drakensberg: Three Tree Hill Lodge (or similar)
Upgrade option: Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

Day 7 The Drakensberg to The Battlefields - 204 km

After breakfast this morning, you will drive around three hours through an expansive countryside where wildlife freely roam, until you reach your accommodation in the Battlefield region. Today is free for you to relax into your new surroundings, or if you are ready to start brushing up on your battlefields knowledge, then you might decide to pay a visit to the Talana Museum, one of the top war museums in South Africa. (B, L, D)

Accommodation in the Battlefields: Fugitives Drift Guest Lodge (or similar)

Day 8 The Battlefields

Today is free for you to join a tour of the battlefields. Gain a deeper insight into the region’s war-torn past as you visit the Isandlwana battleground, where British troops saw a humiliating defeat in 1879 by the Zulu warriors. After, you will visit the iconic mission station at Rorkes Drift where on the same day, an army of British soldiers, who were drastically outnumbered to their Zulu opponents, battled for around 12 hours until they successfully defended their garrison. Enjoy sundowners in the beautiful lodge before a fine dining yet traditional dinner. (B, L, D)

Accommodation in the Battlefields: Fugitives Drift Guest Lodge (or similar)

Day 9 The Battlefields to Zululand Safari - 315 km

After breakfast this morning you will begin your journey into the heart of the Zululand where you will stay at the Leopard Mountain Lodge. After you arrive, settle into your luxurious safari lodge and relax on your private veranda before embarking on your first game drive this afternoon. Your knowledgeable ranger will drive you in an open-air safari vehicle through the Zululand in search of wildlife; keeping an eye out for the elusive leopard. Enjoy dinner in the open-air boma this evening, as you dine under the stars. (B, L, D)

Accommodation in Zululand: Leopard Mountain Game Lodge (or similar)
Upgrade option: Thana Private Game Reserve

Day 10 Zululand Safari

You’ll rise early this morning to enjoy another game drive as the local wildlife wake from their sleep as the sun rises on the horizon. After, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast back at the lodge. Today you might choose to relax using the lodge’s facilities, or book on to a bush walk with an experienced ranger. These walks are a fantastic way to experience the African bush and see wildlife up close and personal. (B, L, D)

Accommodation in Zululand: Leopard Mountain Game Lodge (or similar)
Upgrade option: Thana Private Game Reserve

Day 11 Zululand Safari to Durban - 279 km

Rise early again this morning to enjoy your last game drive, before breakfast. Today is free for you to use the lodge’s facilities, before driving approximately 3 hours to Durban International airport. When you arrive, drop off your hire car and board your onward flight to the UK via Cape Town. (B)

Day 12 Arrive London

Today you will arrive back into the UK, where you will continue on your journey home. (N)

Self-Drive: Mountains and Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal

12 days from £2500 per person

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Itinerary: Self-Drive: Mountains and Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal

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