Flying time: Cape Town 12.5 hours, Johannesburg 11.5 hours
Time difference: GMT+2 hours
Visa: A visa is not required for visitors with a British passport
Currency: South African Rand
Best time to visit: For this particular itinerary the UK winter is the best time to travel. From June to November is whale watching season along the coast.
Journey through the KwaZulu-Natal on this 11-day self-drive adventure and discover beautiful scenery and mountains through the midlands to the Drakensberg, followed by history and war stories through the battlefields area, on to safari near Kruger National Park before relaxing in the beautiful Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks. Stay in some charming guest houses and lodges throughout.
Midlands – 1 Night
On arrival into Durban today collect your standard car hire, with comprehensive insurance and unlimited mileage and drive to the midlands where you will check into your chosen hotel for the night. Here you will spend your first night recovering from your overnight flight and preparing for your adventure ahead.
Drakensburg – 2 Nights
Today you will head up to the scenic and beautiful Drakensberg mountains. Here you will spend the next two nights discovering the various hiking routes and many activities that your hotel offers.
Spend the next day exploring the mountain range. The Drakensberg Escarpment (Mountain of Dragons) stretches for over 1000 kilometres from the Eastern Cape through the KwaZulu Natal up into Mpumalanga as part of the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Three Rondavels. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and the scenery is simply breath-taking.
Rourke’s Drift- 2 Nights
Today you will continue your route into the Battlefields for a two-night stay at the Fugitives Drift Guest House. Here you will learn about the history of the area, including the Anglo-Boer and Anglo-Zulu wars.
This area is famously known for the Anglo-Zulu wars. The lodge runs guided tours to visit the various sites and memorials. Other activities on offer include a visit to the Mangeni Falls, a visit to Blood River and the site where the Prince Imperial was killed, walking and fishing trips.
Ghost Mountains – 2 Nights
Today you head further North through Zulu Land and into the Elephant Coast, where you’ll find some amazing game reserves along the border of Swaziland. Spend two nights here in the Ghost Mountains, which enjoys a setting next to the Umkhuze Game Reserve, where you can see the ‘big 5’ as well as 420 recorded bird species!
The following day you may decide to take a boat trip on the shores of Lake Jozini looking out over the Lebombo Mountains. The Hluhluwe and Imfolozi Game Reserve is also in proximity, with the opportunity to see some amazing wildlife. Or visit the St Lucia and Isimangaliso Wetland park.
Durban – 3 Nights
If you have decided not to add on a further safari to your South Africa self-drive experience, you will drive down to Durban to relax, where you will be spending the next 3 nights. The beaches in Durban are beautiful coupled with a tropical climate makes for the perfect end to your holiday. Durban is a bright and colourful city, in terms of people, food, culture and activities. You have the Indian Ocean at your feet along with a spa and great dining options. You may also choose to go shopping at one of the city’s retail hubs or enjoy the pool and gardens.
Phone: 01233 510936
Saturdays 9am- 1pm
