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The Kwa-Zulu Natal Colonial Route & Safari holiday is a 6-night itinerary. It takes you back to the days of the British pioneers and the Zulu wars!  The holiday starts in the Spionkop region where you will spend the first two nights at a lovely owner run lodge adjacent to the Spionkop Nature Reserve.  To help get into the holiday feeling, we have included a guided walk into the reserve with a guide. The reserve has a variety of wildlife including rhino as well as giraffe and zebra to mention a few.

The area is also rich in the history of Battlefields and the famous Churchilll’s capture at Chieveley!  Nearby is the majestic Drakensberg with many walks or you can just relax and enjoy the beautiful and tranquil surrounds of Three Tree!

The next part of your holiday takes you to the very heart of the famous battles as you head to Fugitives Drift Lodge.  A tour of the tragic battles of Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana will take you back to time long ago. A passionate ranconteur will take you through the days events that shaped a lot of South African (and British) history.

After all the history, its time to get a bit wild as you head off the Thanda Private Safari Lodge. Here you will spend the last two nights at this stunning lodge.  Hence, a perfect way to end your adventure through Kwa-Zulu Natal!  Arrive by lunch time before you whizz off on a game drive in the reserve to see the animals.  Dinners are usually a lavish affair and you can be sure to enjoy a hearty dinner – sometimes under the stars before a good nights rest.

The days start early as you rise for a morning game drive again with your ranger to see what there is to see.  The reserve is home to the big five as well as a variety of animals including zebra, giraffe and hyena.  The bird life is also very impressive.

The Kwa-Zulu Natal Colonial Route & Safari holiday is the ideal itinerary for those wishing to explore the more remote areas of South Africa. While at the same time learning a bit about the fascinating history of the country.

This itinerary is better for families with older children as the Battlefields would possibly not be of interest to younger kids.  With a few tweaks we could turn this into the perfect family holiday as well (or honeymoon!).

This itinerary can start from either Durban or Johannesburg as British Airways now flies a few times a week to Durban/King Shaka International.  Please chat with us about the best option for you.

Your Itinerary

Day 1-3 - Drakensberg Foothills & Spionkop Reserve

Morning arrival in Johannesburg or Durban and collect your hire car, taking the road towards the Drakensberg – the drive is approximately 3-4 hours and you will arrive in time for lunch.  You are staying in the Spionkop area in the foothills of the Drakensberg, overlooking the reserve where it’s often possible to spot zebra, giraffe, antelope and even a rhino!  During your stay a guided walking trip into the Spionkop Game Reserve has been included – if you prefer we can swop this for a Battlefield tour instead.   Three Tree Hill  includes all your meals and even a very  scrumptions high tea (not to be missed)!

Accommodation

Day 4-5 - Battle of Rorkes Drift & Isandlwana

Today the road takes you to the very heart of the Zulu-British wars as you head to Rorkes Drift driving through lovely scenery.  Your stay is on full board, including both the Battle of Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana tours where you will be taken to the battlegrounds and the setting will be brought to life by a talented rancoteur.  Fugitives Drift Lodge is your base is owned by the Rattray family – late David Rattray was a pioneer of reviving the Zulu war stories.

Accommodation

Day 6-7 - Big Five Safari Time

The last part of your holiday brings you to a big five game reserve near Hluhluwe.  The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife including the big five plus cheetah, giraffe and great bird life.  Your stay includes 4 game drives – one afternoon drive on the day of arrival plus a morning and afternoon drive the following day and ending with a morning drive on the last day.  Thanda Safari Lodge offers all the comforts, decadent accommodation and scrumptious meals to spoil you to the maximum!  We also highly recommend a pampering spa treatment!  All meals plus house drinks and game activities are included in your stay.

Accommodation

Day 8 - Back Home

Today is sadly your last day… but first you have another early morning game drive to enjoy!  Returning back to the lodge, enjoy your last yummy breakfast before it’s time to take the road and make your way home again…

You can fly back to Johannesburg from either Richards Bay (approximately 2½ hours drive) or Durban (approximately 4 hours drive) or why not extend for a few more days to laze on the beach…..  If you flying with  British Airways then a night in Durban is required as the flight leaves early morning.

What's included?

Included:
  • Accommodation and meals as specified
  • Thanda Safari Lodge includes house drinks
  • Excursions as specified (including daily Conservation levies at Thanda)
  • Car hire (premium insurance & zero excess with unlimited kilometers)
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
Excluded:
  • Flights
  • Non-specified meals, drinks, excursions
  • Expenses of a personal nature, i.e. laundry, telephone expenses, gratuities, porterage fees, etc
Details:

Please note that the price is based on low-season rates and all prices are correct at the time of writing.

Flight prices change a lot and for this reason, the flights are not part of the quote.

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