9-DAY KWAZULU-NATAL INSIGHTS

Durban - Spioenkop Game Reserve - Phinda Game Reserve

Evocative Battlefields, African Wilderness & Unspoiled Sub-Tropical Beaches.

This 9 day self-drive holiday starts at the historic Battlefields, followed by an easy drive to one of South Africa’s foremost private luxury game reserves and finishing off with a stay in the pristine Maputaland Coastal Forest Reserve.

Highlights

• Breath-taking mountain scenery and the visit to the quiet summit of Spioenkop, reliving the chilling chronicle of one of the most fearsome battles of the Anglo-Boer War.

• An authentic luxury African safari, and the continent’s finest game viewing, including cheetah, the Big 5, the endangered black rhino, and 415 bird species.

• A wide range of activities in a sub-tropical coastal paradise encompassing pristine forests and wetlands with strings of lakes and marshes, deserted beaches and coral reefs.

Depart Durban

Arrive in Durban. Collect rental vehicle and drive to Bergville via Mooi Rivier and Winterton.

Day One

Enjoy lunch at the lodge. Afternoon at leisure. Why not explore the area on horseback with wonderful views of the Spioenkop Battlefield, game reserve and Drakensberg Mountains. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. [LD]

Day Two

After breakfast depart on a half day tour of the Battle of Spioenkop. Visit Spioenkop's summit where the second and bloodiest attempt by the Brits to relieve Ladysmith occurred. This tour recounts fascinating tales of the Anglo-Boer and Anglo-Zulu wars and is lead by an expert guide. Return to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon at leisure. [FB]

Day Three

After breakfast drive to Phinda Private Game Reserve. Lunch and afternoon high tea followed by an open vehicle game drive. Dinner and overnight at lodge. [FB]

Day Four & Five

Early morning tea and coffee followed by an open vehicle game drive. Return to the lodge for breakfast followed by an optional bush walk. Lunch and afternoon high tea followed by an open vehicle game drive. Dinner and overnight at lodge [FB]

Day Six

Early morning tea and coffee followed by open vehicle game drive (time permitting). Return to lodge for breakfast. Drive to the Coastal Forest Reserve where you will leave your rental vehicle. Scheduled transfer to the lodge set above a secluded bay. Enjoy lunch; afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at lodge. [FB]

Day Seven & Eight

Full day at leisure. Choose from the activities on offer such as snorkelling, scuba diving (optional), guided walks, kayaking, bird-watching, fishing, Tsonga Cultural Experience and turtle-tracking (in season, optional). [FB]

Day Nine

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Scheduled transfer to Coastal Forest Reserve entrance. Collect rental vehicle and drive to Durban. [B]

Accommodation

Day One & Two

THREE TREE HILL

Set against the towering Drakensberg Mountains and offering sweeping views of the Spioenkop Game Reserve, Three Tree Hill is a luxury country lodge that combines charming colonial décor with modern amenities. Carefully selected finishing’s capture a colonial spirit in the en suite rooms, which enjoy spectacular views from private decks. There is no shortage of activities with fascinating Anglo Boer War battlefield tours, exciting wildlife hikes, mountain biking and horse riding. Three Tree Hill is a haven of relaxation and adventure with delicious country food, scenic vistas and warm, caring hosts.

Day Three, Four & Five

PHINDA FOREST LODGE

Deep inside the Phinda Game Reserve, in the middle of a rare, lush dry-sand forest, the Forest Lodge is an innovative fusion of modern eco-architecture and conservation. Each suite has been lovingly handcrafted in a Zulu Zen style and is a triumphant combination of minimalist design and luxury comfort. Elegant en suite bathrooms are finished with slate hand basins and private viewing decks give you blissful solitude. Laze in the lodges’ rim flow pool or relax in the sitting area with expansive views of the game filled pans.

Day Six, Seven & Eight

THONGA BEACH LODGE

Long pristine beaches and flourishing coastal forests characterize the section of Maputoland coastline where the luxurious Thonga Beach Lodge is found. Thatched bush suites are seamlessly integrated into the coastal dune forest to provide absolute privacy as well as exquisite views of the unspoilt beach and ocean. Wood, glass and natural materials have been used in tasteful and innovative ways to create airy, open spaces in the en suite rooms. Spend your days lazing on the pristine beach or experience some of the best snorkelling and off-shore scuba diving South Africa has to offer.