01273 320580
The stunning backdrop of the Drakensburg Mountains
Go rhino tracking at Three Tree Hill
Pay your respects at the battlefield memorials
Durban sits on the warm waters of the Indian Ocean
From: Johannesburg
To: Durban
£635
See more ideas for: South Africa
Explore the wilds of South Africa, from the bright lights of Johannesburg to the wide beaches of Durban. Experience the magnificent mountains of Drakensburg, where cycling and horse riding can take you to wonderful views of the cliffs before learning about the history of South Africa at the battlefields of Rorke’s Drift. Finish in Durban, where white beaches and tasty seafood ensure a relaxing end to your South African adventure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
KwaZulu Natal has a warm sub-tropical climate and is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and Drakensburg Mountains to the west. Summer runs from September to April, it is hot and humid and experiences most of the yearly rainfall. Winters are warm, dry and clear. This temperate environment makes KwaZulu Natal a great destination to visit year round.
All of our itineraries are tailor-made to give you an idea of just some of what is possible; this means we can adjust as necessary to completely suit your needs! Let your travel consultant know how long you plan to spend away, what you like to do, what properties you like to stay in and an idea of your budget and we will do the rest!
6 nights in unique accommodation. Guest houses, hotels, lodges & tented accommodation.
Accommodation includes:
