Zulu Kingdom Premier Self-drive

Days 1 to 3. Drakensberg Mountains [B (day 3 only)]

Fly overnight via Johannesburg to Durban and collect your hire car before driving off to the Drakensberg Mountains for a 2-night stop.

• Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, a gourmet getaway, is surrounded by Giants Castle Nature Reserve, on the edge of a trout filled dam, aside Little Mooi River. Walking, swimming in mountain streams, trout fishing, birdwatching, horse riding and excursions to local bushman paintings are just some of the activities enjoyed on the farm and in the area.

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.

• Fugitive's Drift Lodge has spacious, luxury en-suite cottages each with a private veranda affording views over the plains flanking Buffalo River Gorge. It has shady well established gardens and a spectacular swimming pool. Fishing, horse riding and guided walks are all available.

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

Continue on to Phinda Private Game Reserve where you spend two nights.

• Phinda Forest Lodge or Phinda Mountain Lodge offer game-viewing in open 4-wheel drives, tracking Black Rhino on foot, scuba diving on the world's southernmost coral reefs and perhaps seeing Whale Sharks from the air. Phinda has an extraordinary range of wildlife and no less than seven ecosytems. Giant Leatherback, and Loggerhead Turtles lay their eggs on the pristine beaches, freshwater lakes and river floodplains are the domain of Nile Crocodiles and Hippos, pelicans and flamingos, whilst the savannah is home to Africa's 'Big Five' and a host of magnificent birds.
• You may also like to consider upgrading your stay to the more intimate Rock Lodge Lodge or Vlei Lodge where each suite has its own private plunge pool. Do please ask us for further details.

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

Make your way north to the Maputaland Coast where you spend your final three nights.

• Thonga Beach Lodge is set above a secluded bay, nestled amongst coastal dune forest with sweeping views of the beach below. The lodge offers luxurious accommodation and mouth-watering meals. The crystal clear, warm waters offer South Africa's best snorkelling and one of South Africa's best scuba diving sites.

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.