Zulu Kingdom Self-drive

Day 1. Depart UK for Durban

Day 2. Drakensberg Mountains, 2-nights. Didima Camp [B]

The Drakensberg Mountains is a 200-kilometre-long World Heritage Site. Known locally as uKhahlamba (the Barrier of Spears) this mountain fortress comprises massive basalt cliffs and soaring sandstone buttresses which separate the South African province of KwaZulu- Natal from the tiny independent Kingdom of Lesotho. The whole area is now a World Heritage Site in recognition of its natural beauty, endemic and threatened species and around 35 000 San rock art images. The range in altitude from 1280 metres to almost 3500 metres means an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna with over 2150 species of plants and nearly 300 species of bird, including the White-winged Flufftail, Cape Parrot, Corncrake, Lesser Kestrel and Yellowbreasted Pipit. More common species include Ground Hornbill, Blue, and Crowned Crane, Bald Ibis and a wide variety of birds of prey. There are 48 species of mammal including Leopard, baboons, jackals, Black Wildebeest, Eland, Oribi, and Red Hartebeest, as well as the largest population of Clawless Otters in South Africa.

• Didima Camp evokes the atmosphere of Bushman culture within the magnificent mountain setting of Cathedral Peak valley. Enjoy walks and drives in this mountain paradise with its sparkling rivers, cascading waterfalls, caves, grasslands, forests and wide variety of bird and animal life.

Days 4 & 5. Zululand Battlefields [B, D (L on day 5)]

Today you head into the interior of KwaZulu Natal, passing through some magnificent scenery to the site of the Zulu battlefields. On your full day battlefields tour you will learn in gripping detail of the bravery and mobility of the Zulu army that defeated the British, on the 'Day of the Dead Moon'. Listen at sunset to the famous story of Rorke's Drift, where 100 British soldiers were attacked by 4,000 Zulu warriors, winning more Victoria Crosses than in any other battle in history.

• Babanango Valley Lodge and its nine luxury rooms is set in a 4,000 hectares near Rorke's Drift surrounded by mountains.

Days 6 & 7. KwaZulu Natal [B, D]

Continue on to Hluhluwe Game Reserve where you spend two nights. It is home to both Black, and White Rhino and all the major plains game. It is a wonderful reserve in which to enjoy self-driven game-viewing, and there are resident naturalists who (at additional cost) accompany morning and afternoon game drives. Walking safaris are also available and the birdlife superb.

• Hilltop Camp which has commanding views of the surrounding game reserve, has twenty twin rooms under thatch, together with a restaurant, bar and lounge. The reserve is generally hilly and is noted for its wonderful variety of birds and mammals including both Black, and White Rhino, giraffe, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo and Elephant. Whilst it is a wonderful reserve in which to enjoy self-driven game-viewing on well-marked roads, there are resident naturalists who take morning and afternoon game drives. Walking safaris are also available.

Days 8 to 10. Maputaland Coast [B, L, D]

Make your way north to the Maputaland Coast where you spend your final three nights. Maputaland encompasses the remote north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, where it meets the Mozambique border, and is home to a string of unique game and nature reserves stretching from the Kosi Bay Marine Reserve in the north, to the Maputaland Marine Sanctuary, the Sodwana Bay National Park, the St Lucia Marine Reserve and Cape Vidal in the south. The magnificent Lake Sibaya is the country's largest natural freshwater lake, supporting large populations of Hippo and Nile Crocodile, endemic fish and 279 bird species. In the far north the unspoilt natural area of the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve combines a marine sanctuary with a wildlife reserve and deserted sandy beaches stretch for miles and miles. In summer the area is home to Leatherback, and Loggerhead Turtles which come ashore to lay their eggs.

• Rocktail Bay Lodge is tucked into the Coastal Forest Reserve, between Sodwana Bay and Kosi Bay. It is an intimate lodge nestled into the forest canopy. From here you can enjoy walks along unspoilt white sandy beaches exploring the rock pools and the marine reserve. In summer (December to February), the area is home to Leatherback, and Loggerhead Turtles which come ashore to lay their eggs - during this time there are nightly excursions to analyse and record their activity on behalf of the KwaZulu Natal Nature Conservation Service. Snorkelling, fishing and scuba diving are also possible.

Days 11 & 12. Homeward [B (day 11 only)]

Drive to Richard's Bay, drop-off your car and fly home via Johannesburg arriving in on day 12.

Driving in South Africa

Self-driving in South Africa couldn't be easier. The spacious roads are in good condition, sign-posting is good, and most importantly you drive on the left! Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore South Africa's nooks and crannies as you please. You can stop off for great photo opportunities, or stretch your legs along the way.

The vehicles

We offer a full range of vehicles from comfortable sedans to spacious people carriers and 4-wheel drives. There is always plenty of room for your luggage, the cars are modern, generally have powered steering and air-conditioning and all are in tip-top condition.

Insurance

Fully comprehensive insurance is always included with your hire car, as is a detailed 'Route Digest' which contains daily point-by-point directions, points of interest along the way, and useful tips.

Your peace of mind

When you arrive to pick-up your vehicle we can arrange for one of our local representatives to discuss your holiday route and answer any questions that you may have. We always make sure that you have plenty of time to drive from one destination to your next (with plenty of time to see things along the way!) and that you will never have to drive at night.

Roadside support

We provide roadside support but can arrange for you to have free mobile phone rental - all you do is pay for calls you may make.