Culture-rich and brimming with historical sites, discover the diverse landscapes and natural beauty of the compelling KwaZulu-Natal region on this self-drive adventure.
You’ll start your holiday enjoying the relaxed coastal vibe of Umhlanga where you can soak up the warm rays on the golden sandy shores and spot dolphins in their natural habitat. From here you will travel through dramatic sceneries before reaching your peaceful retreat in the Northern Drakensberg region, set to a backdrop of striking mountain peaks. You’ll move on to explore the historic battlefields region and gain an insight into the ferocious wars that took place here, before travelling into the very heart of the Zululand Rhino Reserve. Here you will stay in a luxurious yet authentic safari lodge which provides an exciting opportunity to spot the Big Five; the perfect way to round off your journey through the mighty KwaZulu-Natal region.
Umhlanga – Balgowan – The Drakensberg – Battlefields - Zululand Safari – Umhlanga
Trip Highlights
- Umhlanga is a lovely resort town located on the coast just north of Durban
- Stay in Granny Mouse Country House in the countryside, a fabulous culinary hotel
- The Drakensberg are home to breathtaking vistas and pre-historic rock paintings
- Visit the KwaZulu-Natal’s historic battlefields including Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift
- Enjoy the ultimate South African safari experience at a luxurious private game lodge
- Keep an eye out for the elusive leopard as you embark into the bush in your open-air safari jeep
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international overnight flight to Johannesburg and then onwards to Durban.
Day 2
Arrive Durban / Durban to Umhlanga - 17 km
Upon arrival into Durban International Airport, you will be met at the airport by a representative before collecting your hire car and driving to your hotel in Umhlanga, a lovely resort town located on the coast just north of Durban. 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 sands of Umhlanga Beach.
Beverly Hills Hotel, Umhlanga
The Oyster Box
Day 3
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.
- Breakfast
Granny Mouse Country House
Day 4
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.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Three Tree Hill, Drakensbergs
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse
Day 5
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.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Three Tree Hill, Drakensbergs
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse
Day 6
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.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Fugitives Drift Lodge
Day 7
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.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Fugitives Drift Lodge
Day 8
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.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Leopard Mountain Game Lodge
Thana Private Game Reserve
Day 9
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.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Leopard Mountain Game Lodge
Thana Private Game Reserve
Day 10
Zululand Safari to Umhlanga – 289 km
Upon arrival into Durban International Airport, you will be met at the airport by a representative before collecting your hire car and driving to your hotel in Umhlanga, a lovely resort town located on the coast just north of Durban. 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 sands of Umhlanga Beach.
- Breakfast
Beverly Hills Hotel, Umhlanga
The Oyster Box
Day 11
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.
- Breakfast
Beverly Hills Hotel, Umhlanga
The Oyster Box
Day 12
Umhlanga to Durban Airport - 17 km / Durban to the UK
Spend you final morning and lunch at leisure before departing for Durban airport. On arrival at the airport, drop off your hire car and board your flight to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Incorporate Cape Town either at the start or the end of your holiday. This beautiful city has a stunning setting, framed by Table Mountain. Visit historic Robben Island, enjoy bustling V&A Waterfront, ascend iconic Table Mountain and explore the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens.
Wildlife can be included by adding a visit to Kruger National Park, one of the southern Africa’s most renowned wildlife reserves. The park is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife, including the famed Big Five. Fly from Durban to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Stay in beautiful Franschhoek which is around an hour’s drive to the east of Cape Town. Established by French Huguenot settlers during the 17th century, for many Franschhoek is best known for its old and highly regarded wine estates which are easy accessible from the town.
Awe-inspiring Victoria Falls would be a memorable addition to this itinerary with flights from Durban via Cape Town or Johannesburg. One of the best-known natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stay on the Zimbabwean side close to the thunderous falls.
Guide to Price
12 days from £4000 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- Car hire as specified
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4000
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways, South African Airlines and Virgin Atlantic operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg. There are also daily direct flights between London Heathrow and Cape Town with British Airways. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines also connect the UK with a selection of key South African cities via their respective hubs.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights from the UK to Johannesburg take around 11 hours and 11½ hours to Cape Town. Flights with stops en-route take between 14 and 17 hours.
Time Zone
South Africa is +2 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
Holders of British Citizen passports travelling for tourism purposes, for up to 90 days, do not need a visa. South Africa has relaxed its requirements for travelling with children under the age of 18. Visa exempt children entering South Africa accompanied by an adult are required to present only a valid passport on arrival, regardless of whether the child is travelling with both parents, one parent, or an adult who is not a biological parent. It is no longer required to show the child’s full unabridged birth certificate. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of exit from South Africa and you will need at least two blank pages in your passport.
Do’s & Don’ts
Tourists should always be vigilant when travelling around South Africa and you should avoid walking alone or in isolated areas late at night or early in the morning.
Permission should always be asked before taking a person’s picture.
If you are self-driving always lock your valuables in the boot and out of sight, both when you are in and out of the car.
If it is your first visit try to incorporate a safari into your holiday. Few countries can offer the range of ethical wildlife experiences that South Africa can.
Money
The currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR) and comes in notes and coins. Exchanging money is easy to do in the UK before you travel or at airports, banks, bureaux de change and hotels in South Africa. It is always a good idea to ask for some small note denominations when you exchange money. ATMs are widely available in all towns, cities, shopping centres and many petrol stations and will accept international cards. It is always advised to contact your bank before you travel so they are aware you will be in South Africa.
Tipping
This is left to your discretion, however, tipping for good service in South Africa is common courtesy. In restaurants an acceptable amount is 10-15% however you do not need to tip if you see a service charge added to your bill. Service is often added automatically for groups of six people or more. For drivers, guides and room service, the following amounts should act as a guideline: Tour driver R50 per person per day Tour guide R75 per person per day Tour guide R50 per person per half day Hotel porter R15 per suitcase Housekeeper R25 a night
Food & Drink
Arguably South Africa’s national dish, bobotie consists of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping and should be tried at least once. However, a South African institution is the ‘braai’ or South African barbecue. Everybody braais and facilities can be found almost anywhere from public outdoor picnic areas to hotels and safari lodges. Game meats are commonly found throughout South Africa with ostrich and kudu particularly popular and, with such a vast coastline, it is not surprising that the country has an impressive range of seafood. South Africa is also renowned throughout the world for excellent wines with the finest vineyards found in the Western Cape close to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Accommodation
There is a vast range of accommodation types on offer in South Africa, including top-end hotels with world-class facilities, modest or boutique guesthouses, mid-range hotels, cosy bed and breakfasts, historic buildings, campsites and safari lodges. Often visitors will stay in more than one town or city so may experience different types of accommodations during one holiday. In cities and large towns there is plenty of choice to suit all budgets and personal preferences whereas in smaller towns or rural locations the choice may be slightly limited.
Shopping
Ranging from local craft markets to huge shopping centres, you will be spoilt for choice with the variety of shopping opportunities available in South Africa. Souvenirs and local wares are best brought in the local markets found in most cities, along the side of the road or outside popular tourist attractions. Haggling is expected in the markets, just make sure both you and the seller are happy with the price. You can expect to pick up items such as painted ostrich eggs, art work, handcrafted jewellery and wooden carved animals and masks. Local wines also make excellent buys as they are often low in price and high in quality.
Suggested Reading
Footprint, Rough Guides and Lonely Planet have excellent guide books whilst Marco Polo have comprehensive and up to date maps of the country. There is also a wide range of literature available including:
‘Long Walk to Freedom’ by Nelson Mandela
‘After Mandela: The Battle for the Soul of South Africa’ by Alec Russell
‘A History of South Africa’ by Leonard Thompson and Lynn Berat
‘A Short History of South Africa’ by Gail Nattrass
‘The Scramble for Africa’ by Thomas Pakenham
‘Zulu Rising: The Epic Story of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift’ by Ian Knight
‘Diamonds, Gold and War: The Making of South Africa’ by Martin Meredith
‘Guidebook to the Anglo-Zulu War Battlefields’ by David Rattray
‘Invictus’ by John Carlin
‘Born a Crime’ by Trevor Noah
‘Burger's Daughter’ by Nadine Gordimer
‘Cry, the Beloved Country’ by Alan Paton
‘Ways of Dying’ by Zakes Mda
‘Hum If You Don't Know the Words’ by Bianca Marais
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current advice recommends you should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. You might also consider vaccinations against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Typhoid Fever, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Cholera and Tuberculosis (TB). For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on South Africa the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Looking for something more bespoke?
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
We had a fantastic time in South Africa
DM & NB - South Africa - November 2023
Just to let you know that we had a fantastic time in South Africa, Victoria Falls and Chobe national park. Everything went according to plan and we stayed in some amazing places. The Blue Train was fabulous - a once in a lifetime experience! The game drives were amazing and we saw lots of wildlife.
It was a really good itinerary and I just want to say a big thank you to all of you for organising it for us. You always kept us well informed and the information you provided was second to none. We felt fully supported from start to finish. Thank you!
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Helping you to design your trip
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On-hand support, when you need it
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We’re pleased to confirm that Pettitts Travel will not apply any surcharges to our package holidays when we are operating as a tour operator, regardless of changes in global costs. The price you agree at the time of booking is the price you will pay, a commitment we have proudly upheld for the past 38 years.
