Bergs, Battlefields & Bush

When you arrive in Durban, you’ll collect your hire car and drive west into the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains, reaching the small town of Himeville for a two-night stay. Himeville is the gateway to Lesotho and the Sani Pass, surrounded by rolling green landscapes and crisp mountain air. Settle in, unwind from the long journey and enjoy a quiet evening in the countryside, ready for your adventure to kick up a notch tomorrow.

Today, you’ll climb high into the mountains on a guided tour up the legendary Sani Pass – one of the most breathtaking (and treacherous!) roads in Southern Africa. This rugged track winds its way up into the country of Lesotho, reaching an altitude of 2,865m. As you cross the border (don’t forget your passport!), you’ll visit a traditional Basotho village, learning about their way of life, before stopping for lunch at Africa’s highest pub. Be sure to pack warm clothes today, as temperatures can drop quite dramatically at the top.

Leaving Himeville behind, you’ll drive deeper into the Drakensberg Mountains today, where you’ll spend the next three nights surrounded by towering peaks, lush valleys, and endless hiking trails. The Drakensberg Mountains are South Africa’s most dramatic mountain range – a worthy UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers so many opportunities for outdoor adventures, picture-perfect scenery and the chance to get away from it all. 

The Drakensberg Mountains are home to so many different adventures. Choose from gentle riverside walks or challenging mountain trails, keeping an eye out for native birdlife, baboons and waterfalls along the way. Other activities include horse riding, mountain biking, and trout fishing.

For a more relaxed afternoon, you could attend a performance at the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School, where the internationally renowned choir delivers a mix of classical and African-inspired performances. We’d really recommend this, it’s such a moving experience! 

Leaving the peaks of the Drakensberg behind today, you’ll drive east into KwaZulu-Natal’s Battlefields region for the next three nights. This landscape of rolling hills and open plains was the setting for some of South Africa’s most significant battles, particularly between the British, Zulu, and Boer forces. The lodges in this region are steeped in history, offering an immersive experience where storytelling brings the past to life.

Over the next two days, you’ll delve into the fascinating history of the Anglo-Zulu War, with guided battlefield tours of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. Stand where thousands of Zulu warriors clashed with British soldiers in 1879, hearing gripping accounts of bravery, strategy, and survival from the guides who bring it all to life. 

Swapping history for wildlife, today you’ll drive to one of KwaZulu-Natal’s fantastic game reserves, where you’ll spend the next three nights on safari. This region is home to a variety of malaria-free private reserves, making them perfect for families, and each offering incredible wildlife experiences. Whether you’re staying in a luxury lodge, a tented camp, or a family-friendly safari retreat, the thrill of the bush is guaranteed.

Your days on safari in KwaZulu-Natal will be spent tracking some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Early morning and late afternoon game drives take you deep into the bush, where expert rangers will help you spot elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo. Between drives, you’ll have time to relax at your lodge, soak in the scenery, or join a guided bush walk, where you’ll learn about the smaller creatures of the wild, from colourful birds to fascinating insects and plants.

After a final morning game drive, you’ll leave the wild behind and drive back to Durban for your flight home via Johannesburg (direct flights are possible with British Airways, so chat to us if you’d prefer this!)