Battlefields, Wildlife & The Cape

Arrive to the thriving city of Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city. You will be welcomed at the airport and taken by private transfer to take you into the historic KwaZulu-Natal region, and your hotel in Spioenkop, nestled in the foothills of the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains. The rest of the day is yours to relax before the adventure ahead.

Learn more about the 1900 Anglo-Boer battle of Spioenkop on a full day tour of the fields and sites of engagement, including the dramatic crest of a hill that offers sweeping views of the Drakensberg escarpment. As you explore, you’ll hear about the military mindsets of the belligerents and hear stories of battles that featured Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi and Gen. Louis Botha with your expert guide.

Your private transfer will take you deeper into Zululand to arrive at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge, famous for its battlefield tours of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. Set in the heart of the Fugitives’ Drift Reserve, spend the late afternoon sitting on a private veranda overlooking the bush.

Meet your driver for a guided tour of the battlefields of Isandlwana, led by a historian. This hauntingly beautiful setting is the site of one of the British army’s greatest defeats – hear stories of tactical errors, rising tensions and acts of courage by both the British and Zulu forces. The afternoon is at leisure.

This morning, visit the mission station, which has been faithfully preserved as a museum, that 140 British soldiers defended for 11 hours against 4,000 Zulu warriors during the Battle of Rorke’s Drift. Your guide will walk you through the key locations, regaling you with stories of bravery and resilience from both sides. The afternoon is at leisure.

Travel into the wilds of the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetlands, a protected park of habitats including rare swamp forest, Africa’s largest estuary and coastal vegetated dunes. Arrive at your lodge, close to the beach, and enjoy an afternoon sundowner game drive to spot some of the wildlife that calls it home.

Today you can explore the wetlands from your lodge, taking part in activities that are included in your stay. A full day boat safari is an excellent option, allowing you to experience the park’s different ecosystems in comfort, and get up close to hippos, crocodiles and a multitude of birds.

Embark on a full day tour of some of iSimangaliso’s beautiful beaches. Departing from the lodge’s jetty, cross the river and venture into the sand dunes, where you’ll enjoy lunch on top of one of the highest, before savouring the beauty of the beaches and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean. Return to the lodge as the sun begins to set.

Choose between an early morning boat cruise or game drive, for a final adventure through these beautiful wetlands. Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before travelling further up the Kwa-Zulu Natal Coast. Check in at your safari lodge in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve – if there is time, enjoy a sundowner game drive.

Today, head out on two safaris into the pristine wilderness of Manyoni, a ‘Big 5’ protected reserve. Search grassland, rocky hills, savannah thornveld and riverine forest for over 70 mammal species, including buffalo, bush, elephant, southern white rhinos, black rhinos, lion, leopard, giraffe and much more. Additional activities are also available at the lodge, on request, such as moonlight safari, spa treatments, wildlife tracking and more.

Travel to King Shaka International Airport in Durban, where you’ll board your flight to Cape Town. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax of begin exploring.

Travelling via Chapman’s Peak, a spectacular coastal route, explore the Cape Peninsular with a guide. You’ll visit Cape Point, with its historic lighthouse, the Cape of Good Hope, a rocky headland jutting out into the Atlantic and Boulders Beach to visit its famous penguin colony.

Delve into South Africa’s ‘Mother City’s rich culture and history with a guided tour of some of its most eclectic districts and fascinating sights. The day will also include a ride up to the summit of the iconic Table Mountain by cable car for breathtaking views of the city and the Twelve Apostles.

Leave the city for a day among the dramatic beauty and delicious vintages of the Cape Winelands. Enjoy a guided tour through the wine towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, all well known for their excellent vineyards. As you journey through rolling hills, valleys and picturesque small towns, you’ll visit two wineries, where you’ll have tours and tastings. Return to Cape Town.

Transfer to the airport for your onward arrangements.