KwaZulu-Natal Explorer - Self Drive

Welcome to KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. 

Upon arrival at Kind Shaka International Airport you will pass through passport control and head towards to vehicle hire kiosk to collect your rental vehicle. 

Make your own way to your overnight hotel, the Garden Court South Beach hotel, located a 2 minute walk from the beachfront. 

The rest of your day is at your leisure. 

Today you have at your leisure to explore your surroundings. 

Some Suggested Activities: 

Shakaland - Zulu Cultural Centre Tour - After getting picked up at your central Durban hotel, travel up the coast of the KwaZulu-Natal province toward Shakaland. Pass through the lush beauty of the nKwalini Valley. The largest Zulu kraal (village) in Zululand sits on a hill that overlooks the uMhlatusi River, and this is Shakaland. It’s a living museum, where Zulu people show visitors what tribal life is like. Learn about Zulu traditions such as beadwork, basket-weaving, brewing beer, making pottery and building huts. Visit a sangoma (fortune teller) to see what your future holds. Sample the Zulu beer. Watch a performance of Zulu dancers. Then enjoy a traditional lunch (included) before the trip back to Durban.

Durban from Within - An immersive City Tour - Start the day strolling through Africa’s oldest surviving Botanical Gardens with our passionate horticulturalist tapping into its history and unique collection.

Unlock the trendy suburb of Glenwood with artist Mooki Lion and track down the public portfolios of local street artists.

Time to meet Mama Nkosi otherwise known as the dancing curator of one of the largest collections of traditional art as she reveals indigenous beliefs and tribal culture.

Tuck into lunch (own cost) and sample the popular flavours of Durban — ever tried a bunny chow? With your energy levels restored, enter into the beating heart of the city — Victoria Street Market — and meet local merchants as they peddle their wares.

Drive through the city center as your guide brings it to life with historical anecdotes and an encyclopaedia of knowledge. Moses Mabhida Stadium isn’t just great to look at, it’s also terrific to jump off (own cost). Finish the day at Station Drive Precinct for an artisan gelato tasting.

This morning after breakfast and check out, you head towards the small town of St Lucia located within iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.  South Africa's first World Heritage Site, St Lucia, is a small but quaint village which has become a top tourist destination, with its notably popular Hippos.

This evening you will be overnighting at Forest Lodge,  a up market lodge which was designed around the luxury and comfort of its guests.  The lodge offers the perfect location from where all activities in and around St Lucia can be explored. 

The rest of your day is at your leisure.

This evening you enjoy dinner at your lodge.

This morning after breakfast and check out you head towards South Africa's most pristine wilderness beach lodge, Thonga Beach Lodge, which is located on the shores of the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. 

Your 2 night stay at Thonga Beach Lodge includes activities such as guided snorkeling and use of snorkeling equipment, guided walks, kayaking, sundowners at Lake Sibaya and a Cultural tour to Mabibi Community. 

Thonga Beach Lodge also offers amenities such as outdoor and indoor dining, bar, lounge beach deck, spa, swimming pool, relaxation area, marine center and curio shop.

This morning after breakfast and check out you travel within the  iSimangaliso Wetlands Park to Kosi Forest Lodge, this lodge gives you the opportunity to experience exclusive and close encounter with the untouched African wilderness.  

Your 2 night stay at Kosi Forest Lodge includes a guided canoe trip and a guided walk in Raffia Forest. 

Other amenities on offer is a lounge, dining area and bar all opening onto a large wooden deck, a forest boma, Bird Hide, swimming pool, various outdoor walking paths and each room as a private outdoor bath were one can lie back, relax and feel at one with their surroundings. 

This morning after breakfast and check out you travel within the  iSimangaliso Wetlands Park to Kosi Forest Lodge, this lodge gives you the opportunity to experience exclusive and close encounter with the untouched African wilderness.  

Your 2 night stay at Kosi Forest Lodge includes a guided canoe trip and a guided walk in Raffia Forest. 

This morning after breakfast and check out you travel Mkhuze Game Reserve - at the foot of the legendary Ghost Mountain in Mkhuze, lies the enchanting Ghost Mountain Inn, where you will be spending the following two nights. 

Your 2 night stay at Ghost Mountain Lodge includes  your choice of one of the following: uMkhuze Game Reserve Drive, Jozini Boat Cruise, Lebombo Scenic Drive, Cultural Experience, Various Hikes or a 60-minute Spa treatment per person per day.  Enjoy a daily breakfast, lunch in the garden and a delicious dinner served in the restaurant or on the terrace.

You can also enjoy your times relaxing in the properties indigenous gardens, pool side or the communal lounge, perhaps pick up some last minute gifts from the Curio Shop. 

This morning after breakfast and check out  and head for Hluhluwe an area well know for its national park, natural diversity and cultural heritage. 

You will be spending the following 2 nights at Bayala Private Safari Lodge, which is located in a Big 5 game reserve and which forms part of and traverses a 12000 hectare area of a 30000 hectare private safari and conservation heartland that provides outstanding wildlife safari opportunities.

Your 2 night stay includes morning and evening game drives per day other facilities on offer at Bayala are a chic lounge, bar, indoor and outdoor dining areas and a swimming pool with a pool deck. 

This morning after breakfast and check out, you head out to the affluent resort town of Umhlanga located on a the coast of KwaZulu-Natal. 

Your last night in the magical province of KwaZulu-Natal finds you at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Umhlanga.  This hotel provides a gateway to golden beaches and lush surroundings.

The rest of your day is at your leisure, to soak up the sun poolside or take a walk along the beachfront and enjoy the panoramic views of the  KwaZulu-Natal coast line.

This morning after breakfast and check out, you bid farewell to KwaZulu-Natal and head back to King Shaka International Airport, in time, to deliver your hired vehicle and check in for your onward flight.