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    Itinerary

    KwaZulu-Natal: Beach to Battlefields

    South Africa

    The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer

    Julia Haywood

    Graduate Travel Specialist

    01242 386 462

    01242 386 462

    Best time to go

    Year round

    Holiday length

    10 nights

    Price guide

    £6,185pp

    The price shown is a guide - based on two people sharing and generally includes economy flights. Your holiday will be tailor-made to suit you and there are many factors that can influence the price, such as standard of accommodation, class of flight and time of year. Ask your travel specialist for more information.
    Holiday type

    Tailor-made

    Highlights

    KwaZulu-Natal: Beach to Battlefields

    Embark on a South African adventure, from the balmy beaches of the Indian Ocean to wild encounters in the bush of KwaZulu Natal.

    Start your journey in Durban staying at one of the city’s most iconic hotels before heading inland to Umhlanga where you will visit the historic battlefields of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana.

    Stay on Phinda Private Game Reserve, described as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder,’ due to its distinct habitat. Home to the Big Five, you can expect to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.

    Round off your safari with a relaxing coastal retreat where you can watch breaching whales and darting dolphins slicing through the waves.

    Trip details

    Here's a taste of your next A&K holiday
    Day 1
    Fly UK to South Africa
    Day 2
    Johannesburg to Umhlanga
    Day 3
    Umhlanga to Rorke’s Drift
    Day 4
    Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift
    Day 5
    Rorke’s Drift to Phinda
    Day 6 - 7
    Phinda Private Game Reserve
    Day 8
    Phinda to Thompson’s Bay
    Day 9
    Thompson’s Bay
    Day 10
    Thompson’s Bay - UK
    Click for day-by-day details >

    Johannesburg to Umhlanga

    On arrival in Johannesburg you will be met by an A&K representative and assisted onto your onward flight. On arrival in Durban, you will be met and transferred to the iconic Oyster Box, one of South Africa’s most loved hotels, a short drive away. The rest of your day is at leisure to enjoy the hotel and maybe sample the famous curry lunch or afternoon tea.

    Umhlanga to Rorke’s Drift

    Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your driver picks you up for your transfer to Fugitives' Drift Lodge and Guesthouse for three nights. Enjoy your afternoon at the lodge. Join one of the guides for an immersive nature walk of the 2,500-hectare reserve, learn about the indigenous flora and fauna and enjoy incredible views over the Buffalo River Gorge.

    Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift

    Today you will visit the flagship battlefields of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana. These thought-provoking and often emotionally charged tours leave our guests with a more profound appreciation of modern-day South Africa. Long family associations with the area and its people allow Fugitives’ Drift to offer unique Zulu perspectives on these remarkable battles. This evening a dinner with other guests and your hosts will be a highlight of your stay.

    Rorke’s Drift to Phinda

    Following a leisurely breakfast, your driver will take you to Phinda Private Game Reserve. This Big Five reserve with its seven distinct habitats, is often described as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder,’ and is a tapestry of woodland, mountains, rivers, and pans. Home to 1,000 hectares of Africa’s remaining rare dry sand forest, the reserve is close to the beaches and coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, offering a bush and beach adventure. Enjoy an afternoon safari followed by dinner.

    Phinda Private Game Reserve

    Two full days in the wildlife reserve giving you ample opportunity to experience the most it has to offer, with safari drives and nature walks with your knowledgeable guide. Phinda is home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as 436 bird species – giving you a wonderful opportunity to seek out the wildlife you wish to see.

    Phinda to Thompson’s Bay

    Enjoy your final safari drive this morning. After breakfast your driver will collect you and transfer you to your last stop in KwaZulu Natal, currently a hidden gem in Thompson’s Bay. Sala Beach House is a small boutique hotel with a home from home feeling right on the coast.

    Thompson’s Bay

    Today simply kick back and enjoy Sala Beach House. The team will look after you exceptionally well. You might see dolphins or whales breaching in the waves. Take a walk along the beach or a dip in the tidal pool. If you want to take to the sea, we can arrange a boat trip for you. Enjoy dinner this evening, maybe under the stars and toast your adventure round the fire pit.

    Thompson’s Bay - UK

    Enjoy a lazy morning and a relaxed breakfast out on the deck (weather permitting) before your driver meets you to transfer you back to Durban airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.

    Africa team

    With an extensive knowledge base and expertise covering 54 diverse and fascinating countries, our Africa team is perfectly placed to help plan your next adventure
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    Still looking for inspiration?

    We have a huge range of destinations, experiences and hotel options available.

    Learn more about our luxury tailor-made holidays and unparalleled escorted tours to South Africa

    Interested in this trip?

    Call us on 01242 386 462