Dawn breaks and a white rhino emerges from the bush, a hippo basks in the morning sun and the jaws of a crocodile snap around its prey. The haunting sound of battles, won and lost, still echo across the mountains and the vibrancy of local life fills your heart with joy. See astonishing wildlife, hear tales of great bravery and discover timeless traditions on this spectacular South African adventure.

• Travelling - 1 to 2
  

  Fly to Durban, arriving on day 2. Your Tour Guide will be on hand and the local Specialist Guides will introduce you to the spectacular landscape of KwaZulu-Natal. Look out for the peaks of the stark and stunning Drakensberg Mountains as you approach the hotel. Overnight Drakensberg.

• Birds, Boats and Trails - 3
  

  Wake early for what should be a beautiful sunrise. Take in the fresh mountain air and seek out the views over to majestic Cathkin Peak. Follow a local expert on an optional bird watching walk. Bearded vultures and jackal buzzards are a common sight and you won’t miss the enormous Lammergeyer with a wingspan of over 9ft. Cape vultures and black eagles may swoop to the ground seeking out breakfast, and baboons bark from the cliffs. Learn more about local birds of prey on an optional visit to the Falcon Ridge centre. Take a short cruise on Lake Nwanki and look out for more stunning birdlife. Have your binoculars at the ready for sightings of Natal sugarbird and kingfishers. Walk or cycle along the many tracks and trails and look out for bushbuck, eland and tiny duiker. Enjoy the magnificent surroundings and excellent facilities of the hotel. Take a dip in the pool or enjoy a game of tennis. Overnight Drakensburg.

• The Siege of Ladysmith - 4
  

  The Siege Museum in Ladysmith is an essential starting point for any tour of the Battlefields and commemorates the early phase of the Anglo Boer War. Listen to your knowledgeable guide, an expert on the battlefields, as he talks of the Boers who laid Ladysmith under siege over a century ago. After 118 days 800 British soldiers finally surrendered here marking one of the darkest moments in British military history. Join your guide, Anthony Coleman, this evening for an exclusive talk on the Battlefields of Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana. The scene will be set for tomorrow with dramatic and emotive descriptions. Your questions on the military history of the area will be welcomed. Overnight Isandlwana.

• The Battlefields of Rorkes Drift & Isandlwana - 5
  

  On 22 January 1897 over 20,000 Zulus defeated a small but well-armed British force at Isandlwana. This was to be the bloodiest battle in British history. Anthony will present the facts in such detail you will be spell bound. As you leave the scene of the battle, a seemingly peaceful hillside, images of the slaughter and the magnitude of the horror, fear and bravery can only be imagined. On to Rorkes Drift where the epic saga continues. 96 soldiers spent 12 hours fighting off attack from a force of 4,000 Zulus who finally withdrew. The events are told to you, blow by blow, conjuring up vivid images in your mind. 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded earning this battle the distinction of the highest number of VC’s awarded for any single engagement. Overnight Isandlwana.

• The Kingdom of Swaziland - 6
  

  Small, but perfectly formed, Swaziland encapsulates Africa in a nutshell. Discover a beautiful and diverse landscape and a traditional way of life in this ancient kingdom. Dense forest covers hills and valleys and rushing rivers plunge into the deep gorges below. Browse for handicrafts at the local markets. Barter with cheerful Swazi women selling sisal baskets, woven bracelets, earrings and handbags. Watch as wood and soap stone are hand-carved into bowls. Overnight Swaziland.

• Iron, Glass & Candles - 7
  

  Step back in time with a visit to the Ngwenya Iron Ore Mine. The modest hollow of the Lion Cavern is possibly the oldest human excavation site in the world dating back to the stone age. On to the ‘glass age’ with a visit to Swaziland’s number one attraction, the Ngwenya Glassworks. Watch as local craftsmen create magnificent sculptures and exquisite tableware. A vast array of wax wonders awaits at the Swazi Candle Factory. Spend time relaxing at the hotel pool this afternoon or try your luck at the local casino. Visit one of the many restaurants and sample local and international dishes from a lavish buffet. Ask your Tour Guide for their favourite recommendations. Overnight Swaziland.

• Zulu Tradition - 8
  

  Cross the border back into South Africa and travel by gravel road to DumaZulu Cultural Village. Huts made from thatch and mud mark the landscape and cattle graze on fertile pasture. Spend time in the village and gain a glimpse into the lives of these rural people. A vibrant display of song and dance greets your arrival and the energy of the dancers, clad in elaborate traditional dress, is quite addictive. After an included lunch learn about traditional crafts; the women will show you beautiful examples of beadwork, the men their proudly crafted spears, shields and drums.

• A Walk in the Bush - 8
  

  A specially organised walk in Bonamanzi Reserve. Take to the trail with an experienced local Specialist Guide. Identify edible bush tucker and learn why the beetle rolls its dung. The secrets of Zulu medicine will be revealed; discover the natural cure for headaches and broken hearts. Hear tales of folklore and the forest and maybe encounter an elephant or glimpse a giraffe. Overnight Hluhluwe.

• A Morning in the Reserve - 9
  

  Wake up as dawn breaks and join a game drive in Hluhluwe Game Reserve. This is a natural habitat of white and black rhino so have your camera and binoculars ready. Your safari guide will ensure you are in the best place to spot these distinctive creatures. Look out for the remaining four of the ‘Big Five’; buffalo, elephant, lion and the elusive leopard are all residents of this reserve. Ask your Tour Guide and local Specialist Guide for other optional game viewing recommendations. Seek out kingfisher, spurwing geese and crocodiles on a boat cruise or take a second game drive for sightings of many other animals. Wildebeest, zebra, warthog and hippo are just a small selection of the diverse inhabitants of the reserve.

• Dinner under the stars - 9
  

  Delicious smells waft from the braai as you join travelling companions for a traditional Boma dinner under the stars. The brave may want to try some of the wilder meat choices. Don’t worry beef or lamb should be on the menu too. Then you may choose to retire to the viewing lounge on stilts, overlooking the waterhole, and listen to the almost deafening sound of frogs. Overnight Hluhluwe.

• Wetlands & Wildlife of St Lucia - 10
  

  Discover a treasure trove of marine life aboard a cruise on Lake St Lucia. Watch snorting hippos, and wily crocodiles basking in the sun, their jaws poised to catch a passing snack. Fish eagles, pelicans and storks are joined by their smaller fishing partner, the colourful kingfisher. The lake is a photographers dream. Ask your guide for the best place to capture those perfect shots. Stroll around the fishing town of St Lucia and take a last opportunity to sample some typical South African cuisine. Try bobotie, a spicy beef dish, not dissimilar to moussaka, or sample snoek, a smoked fish dish. Whatever you choose a cool Castle beer or a glass of chilled sauvignon is the perfect accompaniment.

• A Night Safari - 10
  

  Seek out leopard, genets, aardvark and creatures of the night on a final moonlit game drive along the eastern shores of the Greater St Lucia Wetland, home to even more species than in Kruger! Overnight St Lucia.

• Travelling - 11 to 12
  

  Travel to Durban for the return flight to the UK, arriving on day 12.

Accommodation

• Drakensberg Sun, Drakensberg (4-Star) - 2 Nights
• Isandlwana Lodge, Isandlwana (4-Star) - 2 Nights
• Royal Villas, Swaziland (4-Star) - 2 Nights
• Bonamanzi Game Lodge, Hluhluwe (3-Star) - 2 Nights
• Elephant Lake Hotel, St Lucia (3-Star) - 1 Night

• Flights are scheduled services of
• Flights depart at 12:00 am and return at 7:20 am

Includes

Not Included