Sample Itinerary - KwaZulu-Natal

On arrival at King Shaka International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to the Oyster Box Hotel Umhlanga Rocks.

You will be welcomed and checked in, enjoying some time at leisure before your dinner which will be booked for you as a welcome to South Africa.

The evening will be at leisure.

Overnight: Oyster Box Hotel - Umhlanga - KwaZulu Natal

After breakfast, drive north through KwaZulu-Natal to Thula Thula Private Game Reserve. Set in a malaria free zone on the Elephant Coast roughly two hours drive from Durban. The reserve lies in the heart of Zululand with a history that dates back to the days in which Shaka and his men held this land as their hunting ground. "Thula Thula",the words of a Zulu childhood lullaby translate to mean "quiet", "peace and tranquility"

Here you will experience and learn more of the work of conservationist and author Lawrence Anthony who rescued a group of nine elephants who had escaped their enclosure and were wreaking havoc across KwaZulu-Natal, and were about to be shot. Lawrence Anthony tried to communicate with the matriarch of the herd through the tone of his voice and body language, eventually rescued them and brought them to the reserve. In time he came to be known as the "Elephant whisperer". You will enjoy the experience of seeing these elephants in the reserve.

Lunch at Thula Thula Private Game Reserve and then continue the drive north to Phinda Private Game Reserve, situated in the lush Zuluand region sandwiched between Mkuze Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (previously St Lucia Wetland Park), a World Heritage Site comprising 14000 hectares of prime conservation land.

Phinda is a Zulu word meaning 'the return', which signifies that Phinda Private Game Reserve was the location of one of the biggest reintroductions of game in Africa. The area was restocked with the Big 5, lion, rhinoceros, buffalo, elephant, leopard, giraffe and other big game in Operation Phinda Izilwane, meaning 'return of the wild animals'. Game drives reveal not only sightings of the Big 5 , but also exposure to certain plants that are found nowhere else, and is one of the best places to see the rare Neergard's sunbird. Also look out for the pink twinspot and Woodward's batis, along with the crowned eagle, which hunts through these forests on the lookout for monkeys. You may also see the side-striped jackal and Tongaland squirrel.

Phinda Private Game Reserve offers a variety of safari activities - something for everyone.

These include spending a night under the stars: black rhino tracking on foot : experiencing the endangered wild cats project: Indian Ocean Scuba Safari: Luxury walking safari: photographic safaris: specialist birding safaris: swimming with whale sharks : tracking adventure: turtle nesting adventure: Zulu Village tour.

Phinda also offers some unique adventures for animal lovers who want to see more than the traditional Big Five, including a night drive to find elusive creatures like the aardvark, bush pig and greater bush baby.

Check in to the lodge in time to enjoy an afternoon game drive.

Overnight: Phinda Mountain Lodge - Phinda Private Game Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal

After an early breakfast, visit to the wetlands exploring the forests and wandering through the coastal dune forest - enjoy a boat cruise along the St Lucia estuary and discover the breathtaking scenery found along the wetlands.

Previously known as the St Lucia Wetland Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park lies on the north eastern edge of KwaZulu-Natal in the sublimely beautiful region known as the Elephant Coast.

The incredibly beautiful series of beaches, coral reefs, lakes, swamps, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands that stretch all the way from Kosi Bay, virtually on the Mozambican border, to Cape St Lucia in the south collectively form the first of eight South African UNESCO World Heritage sites.

There is a wealth of diversity of bird and animal life that ranges from whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and incredible waterfowl - such as storks, pelicans, terns and herons; well over 500 South African bird species including the Madagascar fish eagle, the Nile crocodile, South Africa’s largest hippo population, elephant, black and white rhino, giraffe, buffalo and a range of antelope that includes waterbuck, impala and kudu.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park includes Lake St Lucia, the St Lucia and Maputaland Marine Reserves, the Coastal Forest Reserve, the Kosi Bay Natural Reserve and Mkuze Game Reserve – no fewer than 328 000 hectares of pristine natural ecosystems, and the country’s third largest protected land mass.

A considerable part of the park centers on the huge estuary, Lake St Lucia – part of the largest estuarine system in Africa and whcih runs parallel to the coast line with the world’s highest forested sand dunes sandwiched between the estuary and the sea.

Overnight: Phinda Mountain Lodge - Phinda Private Game Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal

Experience Black Rhino tracking on foot in the reserve in the morning and enjoy a game drive in the afternoon.

Experience a night under the stars in the evening. You will be welcomed with sundowner drinks that toast the sunset and your ranger will prepare a delicious meal on the fire. Recreate the day's adventures around the fireside, drink in the tranquility of the bush and enjoy the distinct night sounds of Africa. Fall asleep under an impossibly starry sky to the sound of hyena calling in the distance, secure in the knowledge that an armed guard will patrol the site throughout the night.

* Optional add on activity: Turtle Nesting Adventure. Nesting season Nov – Feb, subject to tides

Not available to book on 1 Jan, 24 -25 Dec, 30 – 31 Dec

For four months during the southern hemisphere summer, the enormous leatherback and loggerhead turtles emerge from the Indian Ocean at Sodwana Bay to lay their precious eggs in the sand. Set out on a thrilling night-time adventure along the beach in search of these reptilian animals as they come ashore to dig their nests.

The times of the adventure vary depending on the tide and it is therefore possible that guests will return to the lodge in the early hours of the next morning. Tour takes about 8 hours Minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 9 guests

Overnight : Phinda Mountain Lodge - Phinda Private Game Reserve

Travel outside of the reserve to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Reserve and meet conservationists, game capture experts and wildlife researchers to learn of the amazing work being done to preserve our wildlife and to create a harmonious synergy between local communities and the wildlife.

Later in the day enjoy a visit to the local Zulu community and share interesting insight into the Zulu culture and its fascinating customs, beliefs and traditions. You will be invited into a traditional homestead and given the rare opportunity to witness the daily routines and lifestyle of a rural Zulu family. Spend time with the highly respected sangoma (witch doctor) who will explain the wonders of Zulu ancestry and their spiritual beliefs.

The adventure ends with a quick stop at the Mbhedula Craft Market where the beautiful handiwork of 43 Zulu crafters is showcased.

Overnight: Phinda Private Game Reserve - KwaZulu-Natal

After a leisurely breakfast and check out of the Phinda Mountain Lodge, you will be transferred by road on the R 68 route joining the R 66 Zululand Historical Route to Fugitives Drift Lodge.

The R 66 route traces one of the oldest trade routes through Zululand, once ridden by horse and ox wagons by early settlers to the then Port Natal, in similar fashion to the American equivalent (although their Route 66 has not only largely been abandoned in favour of more modern highways, but incorporates 'history' in the form of wigwam shaped motels and original fast-food outlets).

Your journey takes to the Battle of Blood River site which represents a unique way of historic storytelling as there are two separate interpretive centers, each dealing with one side of the story of events leading up to the famous battle between Zulu impis (fighting regiments) and Boer Voortrekkers. When you’re standing in the middle of the Blood River Monument and Museum complex, surrounded by 64 exact-replica Voortrekker wagons cast in bronze, it feels as if the encampment will come alive at any second.

Your guide will take you back to the evening of December 15, 1838, when a massive Zulu force of between 10 000 and 20 000 warriors, divided into their various regiments, began to encircle the Voortrekker laager (encampment) of circled wagons. A heavy mist had begun to settle. Preparations for a pitched battle had begun on both sides.

Designed to represent a typical Boer kitchen, enjoy a traditional Afrikaner meal at the restaurant.

Arrive at the Fugitives Lodge to continue your historical adventure and storytelling that will keep you mesmerized by the remarkable stories of conflict, bravery and suffering that took place during this time.

The KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields area bears testament to the ferocious wars between the British, Boers and mighty Zulu nation that took place here over 70 years ago. Ethnic, political and social tensions among European colonial powers, indigenous Africans, and English and Dutch settlers led to open conflict in a series of wars and revolts between 1879 and 1915 that would have lasting repercussions on the entire region of Southern Africa. Pursuit of commercial empire as well as individual aspirations, especially after the discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886), were key factors driving these developments.

As European powers – particularly Dutch Boers and the British – began to claim parts of Southern Africa, it became apparent that expansion was an imperative in order to maintain their political positions. The relationships and boundaries among them became exceedingly more complex, affecting not only themselves, but the indigenous peoples and the land itself. The KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields are a beautiful yet eerie place. Soaked with the blood of thousands of British, Boer (Dutch-speaking farmers) and Zulu soldiers, the Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal hold a deep-seated silence that speaks to the many lives lost here.

62 battles took place in KwaZulu-Natal, and you will hear the chilling stories of some of these bloodiest battles including the Zulu-War of 1879 which is famous throughout the English-speaking world for the great battles between the British and the Zulus at Isandlwana and the defence of Rorkes Drift.

The spectacular Fugitives’ Drift property, a Natural Heritage Site, overlooks both Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, and includes the site where Lts. Melville and Coghill lost their lives attempting to save the Queen’s Colour of the 1/24th.

Led by the finest guides in South Africa, you will experience thought provoking and often emotionally charged tours.

Interestingly, Donald Morris, an American naval officer, CIA agent, author, historian and Houston Post columnist, wrote a definitive history of the rise and fall of the South African Zulu tribe "The Washing of the Spears" which certainly makes for good reading. His fascination with the Zulus began at an early age when he read about a battle between the Zulus and the British in 1879.

Dinner and continued storytelling ends an evocative and insightful experience in KwaZulu-Natal.

Overnight: Fugitives Drift Lodge - KwaZulu-Natal

After breakfast, proceed on a leisurely drive to the Drakensberg mountains visiting Spioenkop en route.

The area is a base for exploration of the major Anglo-Boer War battlefields namely the Battle of Spioenkop, the bloodiest single day of the entire South African War. The Battle of Colenso saw the capture and subsequent remarkable escape of Winston Churchill which thrust him into the political and public limelight, and arguably launched his political carer.

Stop for a picnic lunch on the summit of Spioenkop and be captured by the magnificence of the majestic Drakensberg mountains.

After lunch continue your journey into the Natal Midlands arriving at Hartford House in the afternoon. Drive time is approximately one hour.

Inland of Durban, lying in an area that acts as something of a respite for all who go there, between Pietermaritzburg and the Drakensberg Mountains, is a beautiful region filled with stretches of farmland, charming little towns, a wonderful arts and crafts route and picturesque scenery bordering on the sublime, known as the Natal Midlands

The Natal Midlands is rich with water - rivers, lakes, dams and waterfalls are abundant - and the landscape is endowed with green pastures, hills and forests, whilst the northern reaches of the Midlands are dominated by the foothills and mountains of the majestic Drakensberg.

With Howick Falls on your doorstep, the Albert Falls Dam Nature Reserve with its nature trails, picnic spots, some of the best bass fishing and great birding; the Kamberg Nature Reserve, framed by the Drakensberg Mountains with some incredible scenery and place to walk and picnic; and the Loteni Nature Reserve - a great place for trout fishing, there is plenty for one to do.

But you would be forgiven for using your time here simply to drink in the sights, sounds and fresh air of the Natal Midlands, for without doubt here is a place to restore the soul

Overnight: Hartford House - Natal Midlands

Leisurely breakfast in the countryside before transfer to Kind Shaka International Airport.

A must see stop is at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in the midlands area just outside of the town of Howick.

Until relatively recently, the Mandela Capture Site was just a small bricked area with a plaque. But on the 50th anniversary of this event in 2012, an impressive steel sculpture and visitor centre was unveiled to give full recognition to the significance of this spot.

Designed by artist Marco Cianfanelli (of Apartheid Museum fame) with the help of architect Jeremy Rose, the sculpture creates something of an optical illusion. From a distance, the 50 steel poles of varying heights simply look like a random collection of poles, but as you approach to within 35m of the sculpture, they merge to form an image of Mandela’s face.

Mandela’s arrest that day was not only the start of a long, dark period in the liberation struggle, but also set Mandela on the path to becoming the world’s most famous political prisoner, and ultimately the first president of a democratic South Africa

Lunch at a selected venue.

Transfer to King Shaka International Airport