Kwazulu Natal

Embark on a 10-day exploration of KwaZulu-Natal, a province located on the South Africa’s east coast, known for its blend of stunning beaches and majestic mountains, bathed in year-round sunshine and rich cultural heritage. This tour blends culture, history and nature in a discovery journey through South Africa, on a road less travelled. Delve into the history of the significant South African battles, partake in exhilarating evening and morning game drives, and interact with habituated elephants. This tour promises an unforgettable adventure tailored for active individuals who relish hiking, walking, and extensive exploration across the expansive region. The tour is definitely a sightseeing-packed holiday, exceptionally designed for travellers who return to South Africa and want to explore other regions of the country. The program includes accommodation at boutique hotels with a lot of comfort and charm. We can tailor this itinerary to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities.

10 Days – From £3,800 per person

Itinerary: Umhlanga, Phezulu, Ushaka, Drankensberg Battlefields, Hluhluwe, St Lucia

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Accommodation with breakfast in Durban
Accommodation on full board everywhere else
All the excursions mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers by car on a private basis
Entrance & guiding fees to all the mentioned National Parks
All mandatory local taxes

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International Flights (See Flights to South Africa)
Domestic Flights
Personal Expenses
Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Meals not mentioned in the description.

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. Return flights to South Africa start from £800 per person, depending on the connections and time of the year. Fly to Durban (DUR) to Johannesburg (JNB).

How to Book

Send us an email to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor it to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities. More days can be added. Other hotels can be chosen, according to your liking. You can also combine this trip with other sights in South Africa. For more travel inspiration check our South Africa Itineraries.

When to Visit

Can be visited year round, the optimal being between April to September. October to January is usually rainy.

To avoid unpleasant weather surprises, we recommend to check our South Africa Weather Guide to plan your trip in the right season. Click on the month you want to travel in and see the tours which are best for each month of the year.

Day 1 - PheZulu Village

Arrive at King Shaka International Airport (DUR) and transfer to your hotel just 20 minutes away, located in Umhlanga. After check-in begin your exploration of KwaZulu-Natal kicks off with a spellbinding excursion to Phezulu Cultural Village, an immersive experience spanning four hours that beckons you into the vibrant tapestry of Zulu tradition. Delve deep into the heart of Zulu culture, where ancient customs, rituals, and the rhythm of daily life intertwine to paint a rich tableau of history and heritage. Later, enjoy a rickshaw ride on the Durban beachfront before dinner. Overnight at Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House.

Day 2 - uShaka Marine World

After breakfast journey to uShaka Marine World, located 18 minutes from the hotel. This is one of the largest aquariums in the world and is named after the Zulu leader Shaka which offers a large aquarium with diverse marine species like sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins. Wet ‘n Wild is a water park and popular with families and adventure seeker featuring water slides, rides and pools. Families with younger children can enjoy a dedicated kids area. If you are feeling adventurous head onto Moses Mabhida Stadium for bungee jumping or soar above the Golden Mile coastline on the Sky Car. Overnight at Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House.

Day 3 - Drakensberg National Park

After breakfast, leave Durban behind and transfer to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains (4 hours). The journey will take you from the Indian Ocean coastline to the rolling hills and lush countryside of South Africa. Stop in th historic town of Pietermaritzburg for a quick lunch snack. Enjoy the elegant City Hall and the Natal Museum before proceeding with your journey to the mountains. Arrive in time for early dinner at your lodge, nestled at the foothill of the Drakensberg, amidst the grandeur of the mountains. Overnight at Three Tree Hill Lodge.

Day 4 - Drakensberg National Park

Wake up to the breathtaking views of uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on a hike amidst towering peaks and cascading waterfalls, with trails suitable for all experience levels. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the natural wonders of Maloti-Drakensberg National Park which spans its border between the Kingdom of Lesotho and South Africa. Hike, go rock climbing or mountain biking along the river to the Tugela Gorge and the majestic Tugella Falls, the world’s second-highest waterfall. Along the way, look out for antelope species, such as eland, mountain needback and smaller mammals like dassies and baboons. Overnight at Three Tree Hill Lodge.

Day 5 - Battle Of Spioenkop

Spend the day across the calm Tugela River, at the historic site of Spioenkop battlefield, a symbol of resilience and sacrifice (4 hours). The battle took place during the Second Boer War, between January 23rd and 24th, 1900. It was one of the bloodiest and most infamous battles of the war with both Boer and British suffering significant losses. Enjoy a guided tour pointing out key landmarks on the battlefield. Take a lunch time picnic while on the tour settings. Once you arrive back at the hotel you, take an afternoon walk through marked trail on the lodge before dinner. Overnight at Three Tree Hill Lodge.

Day 6 - Battle of Isandlwana

Transfer to Isandlwana (2,5 hours) where you will explore the historic battlefields of Isandlwana which have become a symbol of Zulu military prowess and resistance against colonialism. It had a profound impact on the course of the Anglo-Zulu War and influenced subsequent British military strategies in the region. Explore the battlefields and learn about the events that transpired in 1879 through guided tours, multimedia presentations at the Museum and cultural performances. Overnight at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge.

Day 7 - Hluhluwe

Transfer to False Bay in Hluhluwe (4-5 hours) and stop at Nondweni Waterfall for a midway photo opportunity and some lunch. Arrive at the hotel and relax at the pool, enjoying refreshments. After dinner embark on a night game drive. You will see a variety of animals that normally shy away from day light. Night game drives will allow you to observe elusive nocturnal species such as lions, leopards, hyenas, civets, genets, and owls, which are often hidden during the day. Night game drives offer a chance to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the African bush after dark. Overnight at Falaza Game Lodge and Spa.

Day 8 - St Lucia

Wake up early, in time for a morning guided walk, offering a closer encounter with nature. Led by knowledgeable guides, these walks provide insights into the smaller aspects of the ecosystem, such as tracking animals, identifying plants, and learning about the local flora and fauna. Return to the lodge for a good breakfast. Spend the afternoon at leisure enjoying the ground of the lodge. In the evening, take a slow sundowner boat cruise on the St Lucia wetlands with glimpses of crocodiles and hippos as well as the prolific bird life along the river banks. Overnight at Falaza Game Lodge and Spa.

Day 9 - Habituated Elephants

Today enjoy an up close and personal meeting with Rambo and Rachel – two habituated elephants, who were rescued after their herd was culled. Learn about the history of African elephants, and get educated on the challenges faced by this species, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Embrace the opportunity to feed and touch the elephants and connect with them. What a wonderful experience. Spend the afternoon unwinding with an array of spa treatments for the mind body and soul at the on-site spa. Overnight at Falaza Game and Spa.

Day 10 - Departure

After breakfast and checkout stop at a Zululand Distillers and discover how Queen Victoria pineapples are being used to make alcoholic beverages. This farm has created employment opportunities for 118 individuals and their families. Purchase some drinks to take along with you if your customs allows. Alternatively, make a stop at a weavers market where you can buy woven baskets, fashion jewellery, interior design pieces and handmade paper products as souvenirs to take back home. Arrive at King Shaka International Airport in time for your international flight departure.

More Holiday Inspiration

In South Africa Other Destinations