Really want to see KwaZulu-Natal?

Then consider this ‘BIG 5’ DESIGNER TOUR

I’m not talking about a BIG 5 Safari Tour but rather taking in 5 to 7 top destinations in KZN in 5 to 7 days or more! Time is always relative but when you’re on holiday and touring …. who cares! Obviously, there is a large selection of wonderful accommodation to choose from and I’ll book places according to your budget and availability. Tell me what you would like and I’ll organize the tour of your dreams.

Day 1:

After breakfast we head off into the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal and spend the morning visiting a few places of interest on the famous Meander route. These include the Nelson Mandela capture site, Piggly Wiggly shopping corner, Tsonga shoes and Michaelhouse school.

We stop for a light lunch with a cold beer at the Nottingham Road brewery. Wandering down the road between Rosetta and the Kamberg, we head towards the ever present Drakensberg mountains stopping off to see some Bushman art, a taste of what’s to come in the morning.

Overnight at Cleopatras Mountain Farmhouse,the 1st of the big 5. Set in a most beautifully scenic spot there’s time for a short walk before sun-downers on their patio at the dam and then, the 7 course dinner that they are famous for. Visitors come from far and wide world over to experience their fare.

Day 2:

After breakfast we travel up to Giants Castle in the Drakensberg and take in an easy hike to the Main Cave, where the most magnificent collection of Bushman Art is located, a sight to behold. The best collection of such art yet discovered. A qualified guide walks us through. After a few hours of soaking up the wonders of the mountains we enjoy a light lunch at the National parks camp.

On the way back to Nottingham Road we visit the Crane Foundation Centre in the wetlands. Here we observe what’s being done to look after these precious, endangered birds one of which, the blue crane, is the national bird of South Africa.

A slow drive takes us through the Kamberg, which has some of the best trout fishing waters in KZN onto the 2nd of our big 5, Hartford House in Mooi River.

Hartford House is a magnificent establishment in set on the Summerhill Stud farm, home to some of the top race horses not only in South Africa but in the world. The resident chef is one of the very best in SA. There will once again be time for a stroll around the grounds and estate to build up a good appetite!

Day 3:

After a leisurely breakfast in that beautiful environment we continue our travels touring into the Champagne Valley in the central Drakensberg. This is a very popular holiday destination for South Africans and it is very obvious why. A simply stunning part of our world!

After a tea/coffee break in one of the many places on offer we drive through Winterton to Spioenkop, a site of historic importance in the Anglo-Boer war. A tour of the site is given by the resident expert guide.

We overnight at Spioenkop Lodge the 3rd of our big 5.

Day 4:

Now we have some options.

We could continue on to what some would say is like being on “the top of the world”, to the Wild Horses Lodge set on the Lesotho side of Sterkfontein dam. Breathtaking views and peace all round.

Or we could go through Ladysmith to the Nambiti Hills Game Reserve arriving in time for the afternoon game drive. Exciting stuff! Incredible viewing! Sun-downers in a superb environment and dinner around the fire in typical South African fashion, a braai. These wonderful establishments are 4th or 5th on our tour itinerary.

Day 5:

After an early morning game drive and breakfast we head off to the famous Battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu Wars fought on 22nd January 1879.  

Isandlwana is the site of the great Zulu victory and Rorkes Drift is the site of the amazing  defense by the 139 soldiers based at that hospital and mission station. Victoria Crosses were awarded to eleven of these brave soldiers, the most ever. We also visit Fugitives Drift and the slaying site of the Prince Imperial. Commentary is given both on site and en route.

We stay over at the Fugitives Drift Lodge, a world famous establishment and yet another big 5 spot for good reason.

After a great few days out in the country we travel through some wonderful scenery in rural Zululand and KwaZulu-Natal and on to the next big 5 spot, Sandals Guest House in Umhlanga Rocks, a beautiful seaside resort.

This suggested and highly recommended outing can be customized to accommodate any requests in terms of stay overs and length of time. A truly fantastic lifetime experience!