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| Viewing: Explore the Zulu Kingdom - South Africa |
Package ID: 1720 |
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| Explore the Zulu Kingdom - South Africa |
A escorted highlights tour of the marvellous Kwa-Zulu Natal Region, with visits to the Drakensberg, Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve, the Zulu/British Battlefields and the St. Lucia Wetlands.
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Day 1: Arrive, transfer to Hluhluwe Lodge on the border of the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve
Arrive at Durban International Airport and meet your host, who will assist and guide you throughout your holiday experience. we continue on our journey and head to the Hluhluwe River Lodge in northern Zululand.
Your host will then check you into your luxury lodge in Hluhluwe, before returning to Durban. You will get a chance to settle down and relax before enjoying a late afternoon game drive in an open-top vehicle hosted by a local ranger in the vast Hluhluwe iMfolozi National Park. This is one of South Africa’s most beautiful game parks and home to all of the Big Five while it is also home to the subcontinent’s largest population of endangered white and black rhino. The Game viewing opportunities should be plentiful.
After returning to the Lodge, you will be able to enjoy drinks around the campfire while your host entertains while preparing a mouth-watering dinner, which is likely to include several interesting local game dishes.
Day 2,3 & 4: Hluhluwe River Lodge
You will spend the next 3 days exploring both the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve and the World renowned Greater St Lucia Wetlands Reserve.
We will be up early everyday for a predawn game drive with a local ranger. Your guide will introduce you to the wonders of the bush, where he will impart his knowledge on Big Game animals, medicinal and edible plants, as well as pointing out a number of endemic bird species. We also hope to see lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant, giraffe and many other interesting species. You will also have an option to venture to the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Rehabilitation Centre where you will get an opportunity to see conservation work in progress.
The first afternoon will be spent on a sun downer boat trip to view hippos and crocodiles, and more importantly to toast the African sun as sets over this spectacular setting. The second afternoon you will travel to Duma Zulu Cultural Village, where you will get the opportunity learn about the warrior culture of the Zulu Kingdom.
And on the 4th day you will depart on a full day tour of Cape Vidal in the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Reserve. You will spend the day lazing on the beach, snorkelling and swimming in the sea and taking part in several optional activities including scuba diving, dune boarding and horse riding.
Whilst the sun sets over the park, enjoy sundowners in the scenic hills and in the evening dine in the atmosphere that only the African bushveld can provide.
Day 5: Isandhlwana, the Battlefields
After a leisurely breakfast, we reluctantly leave Hluhluwe iMfolozi and we continue to the remote battlefields at Isandhlwana, a scenic 3-hour drive through rural Zululand. On the way we visit a Zulu Village to experience Zulu life and culture and stop at a self-help project to give you the opportunity of supporting the local community by purchasing one of their handmade products.
Check into your luxury Zulu accommodation, settle in an enjoy dinner whilst absorbing some of the fascinating history of this great conflict between Britain and the proud Zulu Kingdom. Then take time to view the pristine stars of the southern sky, including the distinctive Southern Cross.
Day 6: Isandhlwana, the Battlefields
This morning we visit the poignant battlefield at Isandhlwana, where in 1879 the mighty British army suffered the greatest defeat in its history following the controversial invasion of Zululand. See for yourself the events portrayed so passionately in the film Zulu Dawn, as the regiment was wiped out almost to a single man by 25,000 Zulu warriors.
We continue to Fugitives Drift, where a handful of survivors fought valiantly to save the Queen’s colours and Rorkes Drift, where the following morning honour was restored as a small contingent of 100 British soldiers (many of them sick) held off over 4,000 Zulus earning no fewer than 11 Victoria Crosses – unforgettably brought to life by Michael Caine in the film Zulu.
Day 7: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains
This morning we drive 3-hours to the spectacular uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains, recognised as a World Heritage Site for their unspoilt natural beauty and vast collection of San Bushmen rock art paintings.
On the way we stop at Spioenkop Battlefield to hear some of the key events of the Anglo Boer War of 1899, which followed shortly after the conquest of Zululand as the British Empire turned its attentions to the lucrative Transvaal goldfields.
At Spioenkop the most futile and bloodiest of four battles took place, in vain efforts to relieve a besieged Ladysmith. We visit Mount Alice, site of General Buller’s camp, and consider the preliminary action at the Rangeworthy Hills, the Battle of Ntabamnyama, as we ponder the utter futility of war.
We continue to the Drakensberg Mountains. known locally as the Barrier of Spears, the dramatic Drakensberg Mountain range runs right down Southern Africa from the Great Rift Valley. Visit the Didima Rock Art Centre before checking into your luxury mountain resort.
Once you are settled in bid farewell to your host, who will leave you to enjoy the many facilities of your resort.
Days 8 and 9: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg Mountains offer superb scenery and fresh mountain air, making it ideal for walking holidays at any level of fitness. Your hotel will organise guided walks each day – typically one short walk and one long walk, plus a walk to a San Bushmen painting site. You resort also has a swimming pool and caters for several other activities including Tennis, Golf, Fly-fishing and Horse Riding.
The mountains also offer an outstanding location for bird watching holidays – particularly raptors, but also sunbirds, waxbills and the numerous other species found in the grasslands, riverine scrub and natural forests.
Each evening enjoy socialising with other guests over dinner.
Day 10: Durban
Today you will be transferred to your beach resort, situated on the outskirts of Durban. We pass through Pietermaritzburg, with its charming colonial architecture and famous public schools. We also make a short stop at Howick Falls, which at 365 feet are the tallest in the country and visit the historic spot where Nelson Mandela was captured prior to his imprisonment on Robben Island.
Check in, settle down and relax near the shores of the warm Indian Ocean.
Day 11: Durban – Tour Ends
On the final day, we venture out to enjoy a full day tour of Durban. This city of many contrasts is rich with cultural diversity influenced by Zulu, British and Indian heritage. We will explore the temples, churches and architecture Durban is blessed with. Drive past the beautiful City Hall and Playhouse theatre complex before reaching the Indian market where you\'ll have time to explore. Take a peek inside the Emanuel Cathedral before we head off to the informal settlement of Cato Manor. After which, we continue to Durban\'s newest attraction: uShaka Marine World, for lunch (not included). Enjoy a guided tour of this world class facility, which comprises a saltwater aquarium with both indoor and outdoor displays with exhibits of South Africa\'s unique Indian and Atlantic Ocean Marine life. You also have the opportunity of interacting with dolphins, seals and penguins during scheduled shows. Interesting shops, numerous restaurants and a magnificent private beach with spectacular sweeping views will add more pleasure to your day.
Before the sunsets on your final day, you will have a final opportunity to some curio shopping before your host transfers you to Durban International Airport for your flight on to your next destination
(Tour Ends: 18:00).
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Want to be more independent? Let us know!
We can offer this tour as completely self drive!
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What Is Included:
• All airport and ground transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
• Access to your own private host, 24hrs a day
• Accommodation on a Dinner, bed and breakfast basis
• Activities specified in itinerary, including transfers and entrance charges
What Is Not Included:
• International & domestic flights (quoted separately)
• Lunches & dinners (unless specified)
• Drinks & refreshments
• Tips for porters and restaurants
• Telephone calls, laundry & other incidental personal expenditure
• Visa fees, in countries where these apply
• Airport departure taxes, in countries where these apply
Important Notice:
• Malaria tablets are recommended for Hluhluwe Area
• All activities are subject to prevailing weather conditions
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