South Africa and Swaziland tour - Kwazulu Natal off the beaten track

Pick-up at airport by the local guide/representative with a bottle of water. You will then drive around the city of Durban and then head to the mountains. Lunch today is take-aways (own expense)  from a restaurant along the way. Arrive at Thendele Rest Camp in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, a World Heritage Site. Here you will undertake a day hike to admire the well-known Amphitheatre. You will have the chance to view eland and other animals in their natural mountain habitat as well as the highly endangered bearded vulture.

During your 2-day stay you will enjoy lunch and one dinner in the chalets. Have a swim in the natural rock pools formed by the mountain streams. (Total distance: 260 km; Approximate travel time: 3,5 hours). All meals except lunch on Day 1.

After a rich breakfast at the restaurant, you will leave the mountains behind and travel through the midlands to Ladysmith which played a very important role in South Africa’s history and your guide will explain all about it. You will then reach your lodge, previously a farmohouse, located in the Nambiti Big 5 Private Nature Reserve. Spend two blissful days here with two game drives per day with all meals included. (Total distance:130 km; Approximate travel time: 2 hours).

Leave South Africa for a short visit to the Kingdom of Swaziland, a totally independent country situated between South Africa and Mozambique. You will cross the border at Houdkop and drive to your accommodation in the Malkerns Valley. You will stay here for two nights rubbing shoulders with the locals while enjoying their cuisine and the local Sibebe beer.

On Day 6  you will go on am adventurous half-day white water rafting trip on the Great Usuthu River. In the afternoon enjoy the verdant gardens at Malandela’s or ask your guide to take you around to visit some of the local markets in the area. (Total distance: 270 km;  Approximate travel time: 4,5 hours). All meals included except lunch on Day 6.

From Swaziland cross the border back to South Africa to reach Shayamoya Game and Tiger Fishing Lodge. Your lodge for the next two days in KwaZulu Natal is really unique: you will have the chance to admire Lake Jozini, the Lebombo Mountains and the Pongola Game Reserves. You will arrive at Shayamoya at lunch time and have time to relax before setting off on a three hour boat cruise departing at 4pm in afternoon on the Jozini Dam. Sit back with a drink in hand and enjoy the birdlife and wildlife on the water’s edge. A wonderful dinner at the lodge awaits on return. (Total distance: 200 km; Approximate travel time: 3 hours). All meals included.

After an early breakfast at the lodge, set off towards Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, famous for being the home of the black and white rhino. Reach the Centenary Gate of the reserve and begin your game drive with the chance to view a wide variety of wildlife as well as spectacular scenery. Enjoy a spectacular view from the restaurant at Hilltop Camp where you will enjoy lunch before continuing the game drive. Leave the reserve and head to St Lucia, a town nestled between the St Lucia estuary and the warm water of the Indian Ocean.

Here lies in the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, a World Heritage Site. Have dinner at a local restaurant tonight always keeping an eye out for the wildlife that wanders the streets. (Total distance: 200 km; Approximate travel time: 7 hours). All meals included.

In the morning, take a walk to the beach and after breakfast relax while taking a boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary, home to the highest number of crocodiles and hippos in South Africa as well as a wide variety of birds. Afterwards you will  head to the town of Eshowe. You will check into your accommodation and then visit a Zulu cultural village.

On returning from the Zulu experience, you will have some rest at the lodge before reaching the George Hotel to taste some real Zulu Blonde beer handcrafted on the premises. Dinner in the restaurant while listening to stories of the Zulu nation. (Total distance:150 km; Approximate travel time: 2 hours). All meals included.

Take an early morning walk on the Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk. Here you will enjoy a stunning view over the untouched indigenous forest. Your guide will further enlighten you on the birds and history of the forest. After breakfast you will travel back to Durban for your flight back home. (Total distance: 115 km; Approximate travel time: 2 hours). Breakfast included.