WELCOME TO SOUTH AFRICA, the "World in one Country" as it is known and you will soon discover why...!
On arrival at the airport, you will be met by a representative of ours who will assist you with changing money, purchasing a SIM Card etc. You then all make your way to the car hire depot, situated outside the Arrivals Hall, where our representative will assist with the car hire. Please remember, in Southern Africa we drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Your first day in South Africa will allow you time to recover from your long haul flight, so that you will feel fit and energized before exploring the multi-faceted province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Your destination today is Underberg, gateway to the spectacular Sani Pass, a rough dirt road which winds its way up to the Kingdom of Lesotho.
En route to Underberg a recommended stop is at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site near Howick. It has a fascinating little museum about South Africa's first black president and the struggle to end Apartheid as well as a unique monument to Nelson Mandela.
Today there is a "Bucket list" activity awaiting you in the Southern Berg region of KwaZulu-Natal. You will experience spectacular scenery as you wind your way up the historic, very steep Sani Pass taking you into Lesotho – land of the ‘People of the Blanket’. This guided activity can only be conducted in a 4x4 vehicle. As you rise over the escarpment you cross over into the Mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho, ‘Roof of Africa’. The Tour requires a passport.
On your visit to a traditional Basotho village you will learn about the local people’s traditions and way of life and taste some local beer and bread before having lunch at the highest pub in Africa.
Thereafter you will descend the Sani Pass again and return to South Africa, arriving in Underberg in the afternoon.
The roads that go through the foothills of the Drakensberg to the "Northern Berg" are not suitable for a vehicle that does not have sufficient ground clearance. Instead you will make your way back to the main highway linking the port city of Durban to South Africa's biggest city, Johannesburg. Part of today's journey is a scenic drive, which takes you past some quaint restaurants and craft shops on the "Midlands Meander", before you reach your destination near Nottingham Road.
After breakfast you will continue northwest to the beautiful "Northern Drakensberg". This region of the "Dragon Mountains" is famous for the imposing and recognizable "Amphitheatre" mountain formation found within in the Royal Natal National Park.
Your accommodation for the following two nights is a mere half an hour away from the park and is also set directly in the mountains.
Today you only have a short drive to your next historically interesting destination, which is located next to the Spioenkop Dam, between Bergville and Ladysmith. Apart from the Battlefield Tours, walking, mountain biking, and horseriding can be undertaken here.
The onward journey through Zululand takes you to a further destination in the "Battlefields", near Rorke's Drift. Even for guests who do not have a great interest in the history of the region, the reserve offers ideal walking opportunities.
In the afternoon at 15h00 you will join a tour to learn about the Battle of Rorke's Drift. which took place on 22nd January 1879. The fascination tour is an account of this epic defence against impossible odds – an action in which 11 Victory crosseswere won. The tour can also be undertaken on the next afternoon.
This morning you will wake up with the birds, to take part in the fascinating half day tour to the site of the Battle of Isandlwana. The great question posed at the Battle of Isandlwana, which took place on the 22nd of January 1879 during the 6 month long Anglo Zulu War in Zululand, is whether it was a British defeat or Zulu victory?
During the second half of the 19th century, the British were interested in this part of South Africa, known as Zululand, because of their desire for Zulu men to be labourers in the Diamond fields of Southern Africa, in order to create a South African federation and on account of land claims which the Afrikaners felt they had on territory held by the Zulu kingdom. Unbeknown to many, this Battle of Isandlwana changed history not only in South Africa, but also in Great Britain.
You will return for lunch and an afternoon at leisure.
Today you head to the Eastern region of KwaZulu Natal to Lake Jozini not far from the tiny Kingdom of eSwatini, formerly Swaziland.
You will park at the Tiger Lodge on the northern shore of the lake, from where you will embark onto the Shayamanzi Houseboat. There is no better way to relax and enjoy the scenery than on board a houseboat. As you sail up and down this beautiful dam, look out for herds of elephants, beautiful aquatic birds, pods of hippo and the elusive crocodile. For those wishing to be a little bit more active, why not try to catch the highly sought after Tiger Fish, a fighting fish only found here in South Africa. The sunsets over the lake are unsurpassed before you enjoy dinner and a peaceful night on the lake!
In the morning you will be returned to the Tiger Lodge to continue your journey eastwards. When you reach your destination at KwaNgwanaze, you are in the most north eastern point of the province of KwaZulu-Natal and are not far away from Mozambique.
A transfer at 12h00 in an open 4x4 vehicle will bring you to Kosi Forest Lodge, with its tented chalets discretely set in the sand forest.
In the afternoon, a walk through the giant raffia palm forest brings you to a little river, where you will be taken on a short a canoe trip to observe the aquatic bird life in the most beautiful and lush environment, and with some luck, you will also see crocodile.
Highly recommended, though weather dependent, is the full day excursion across the multiple lake system in a power boat. The clear waters give you the chance to the woven fish traps that are set in the lakes. Thereafter you will be dropped off at a pristine sandy beach with a picnic lunch to enjoy the magnificent surroundings and the peace and quiet. This excursion can be booked and paid for at the lodge.
You will be transferred back to the parking lot to your vehicle after breakfast and drive to Mkuze. Your accommodation for this evening is located on the outskirts of the town .
Whether you participate in a guided visit of an authentic Zulu Village, take another boat cruise on Lake Jozini, go on a guided safari in the Mkhuze Game Reserve, well known for its Fever trees and hides, or simply relax at one of the pools and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, Ghost Mountain Inn is always an ideal stop which ever direction you are travelling in.
This morning you will join your guide from the hotel on a 3 to 4 hour Cultural Excursion.
This is a truly unique and authentic experience and includes a visit to a local homestead interacting with members of the Myeni family. With prior arrangement one can also experience a visit to a Sangoma with a bone reading if desired, Stick fighting, and/or a sampling of traditional food and drink. You will finish the experience with a drive through the Lebombo Mountains taking in some of the areas magnificent views and rural life happening around you.
From Mkuze it is only about an hour to Memorial Gate, the northern entrance of the scenic Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. The drive to the southern section of the reserve can be considered as a game drive. Keep your binoculars and camera ready.
Once you reach the private safari lodge on a concession in the Reserve, you will park your car until you depart again. From now on the game drives will be conducted in an open vehicle. Your knowledgeable game ranger will tell you about the animals, birds and insects you encounter on the safari, will explain the medicinal uses of some of the plants and will make the bush come alive. Two guided safaris are conducted per day. Off road driving is not allowed, due to the damage that this causes.
After two very early mornings in the Reserve and many impressions gained during your journey through the province of KwaZulu-Natal, you will look forward to two days of relaxation. The Indian Ocean is always warm, so bathing is possible all year round. The endlessly long beaches are seldom filled with people and lend themselves to hours of sun tanning, long walks, a good book and picnics.
If you do still want to discover more, here are a few suggestions for the area, just north of Durban, known as "The Dolphin Coast":
- Visit the highly interesting aquarium at Ushaka Marine World, which is built into a shipwreck
- Take the Skycar to the top of the Moses Mabhida Football stadium for a bird's eye view of Durban
- Visit the Victoria Street Market to purchase some Indian spices. The biggest Indian population outside of India lives in South Africa, so Durban is greatly influenced by Indian traditions and foods
- Go on a guided tour along the "Heritage Route", to see where Mahatma Gandhi lived and worked for about 20 years, where Nelson Mandela cast his first vote in 1994 when Apartheid came to an end and where the Shembe Worshippers hold their ceremonies
- Undertake a boat trip in South Africa's biggest harbour
- Visit the beautiful Valley of a Thousand Hills between Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- Microlight over the Dolphin Coast
- Go swimming with the sharks just south of Durban
The time until your departure for the airport is at leisure.
You don't have far to travel to Durban's King Shaka International Airport, where you drop your car off at the Rental Company and go to the Check-in Counter for your homeward flight.
END OF SERVICES and hopefully a memorable journey through KwaZulu-Natal!
