Discover the best of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa with our unique 8 Day Battlefields, Bush & Beach Safari. This exceptional journey combines the rich history of British, Zulu, and Boer wars, unforgettable Big 5 safaris at Phinda Game Reserve, and the pristine beaches of a remote beach lodge. Immerse yourself in historic battles, spectacular scenery, vibrant culture, and abundant wildlife.

Highlights
  • Explore the historical KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields
  • Safari at Phinda Game Reserve
  • Relax at a remote beach lodge
  • Self-drive or fully guided options available
  • Discover the best of KwaZulu-Natal province

Map of our 8 Day Battlefields, Bush and Beach Safari

Days 1 & 2: Historical Battlefields

Begin your adventure at King Shaka International Airport. After collecting your hire vehicle, you'll head to Fugitives' Drift Lodge for two nights in a standard room with full board. If you don't wish to drive yourself, transfers can be arranged at extra cost.

8 Day Battlefields Bush Beach Safari 2

Isandlwana battlefield tour

(Image: Fugitives Drift)

Fugitives' Drift Lodge is near the famous battle sites of Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana, where you can delve into the area's rich history with monuments, museums, and artefacts. Enjoy a half-day Battlefields tour to either Isandlwana or Rorke's Drift and learn how fierce Zulu warriors defeated the British army.

Days 3 & 4: Phinda Game Reserve Safari

After breakfast, travel to the renowned Phinda Private Game Reserve, located near iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Known for its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife, Phinda offers a superb safari experience with activities like game drives, nature walks, and birdwatching. Stay two nights at Phinda Mountain Lodge or Phinda Forest Lodge, including full board and various lodge activities.

Phinda Game Reserve is celebrated for its abundant wildlife, diverse habitats, and exceptional safari activities. Unlike many other South African game reserves, Phinda boasts lush, green landscapes due to its coastal rainfall region. This Big Five reserve features seven distinct ecosystems, providing a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife, including the majestic cheetah, the critically endangered black rhino, and the elusive forest Suni, one of the world's smallest antelope species.

8 Day Battlefields Bush Beach Safari 3

Game drive activities at Phinda Private Game Reserve

(Image: Phinda Forest Lodge)

Phinda Game Reserve offers an exclusive safari experience with only six lodges spread across its 23,000-hectare expanse, ensuring an unhurried and uncrowded adventure in stunning surroundings. Stay for two nights at Phinda Mountain Lodge or Phinda Forest Lodge with full board, soft drinks, local wines, spirits, beers, tea, and coffee included. Enjoy peace of mind with emergency medical evacuation insurance and laundry services.

Daily lodge activities feature twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, nature walks, exceptional bird watching, and a variety of optional activities, providing an immersive and luxurious wildlife experience.

Days 5, 6 & 7: Thonga Beach Lodge

After your final Phinda breakfast, you will make your way to a pickup point, where you will be met by staff from Thonga Beach Lodge, who will take you to the lodge. Thonga Beach Lodge is set in the heart of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. This sub-tropical paradise offers pristine beaches, coastal forests, and clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving. Spend three nights in a forest room with full board and a range of selected activities, including kayaking, guided walks, and community village visits.

8 Day Battlefields Bush Beach Safari 4

Beach sunset at Thonga Beach Lodge

(Image: Thonga Beach Lodge)

You will spend three nights in a forest room, including full board, tea and coffee and a range of selected activities. A magical place of unspoiled beaches, coastal forests, grasslands and shimmering lakes, its crystal-clear, warm waters offer leisurely swimming, amazing snorkelling on beautiful coral reefs and spectacular scuba diving.

Spend three nights in a forest room at Thonga Beach Lodge, enjoying full board, tea, coffee, and a range of curated activities. This magical destination features unspoiled beaches, coastal forests, grasslands, and shimmering lakes. The crystal-clear, warm waters are perfect for leisurely swimming, amazing snorkelling on vibrant coral reefs, and spectacular scuba diving.

Your stay includes accommodation, all meals, tea, coffee, and a variety of activities. Explore rock pools, kayak on Sibaya Lake, and take guided walks through the magnificent coastal forests. Discover the wealth of birds, insects, and small creatures that inhabit this pristine coastline. Visits to a local community village can also be arranged, offering an enriching cultural experience.

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, you'll return to King Shaka International Airport, taking with you unforgettable memories of KwaZulu-Natal's history, wildlife, and natural beauty.

Book
your 8 Day Battlefields, Bush & Beach Safari today and explore the best of KwaZulu-Natal!

Rates (see dropdown for other currencies)
Period Price per person (pp)
January 1, 2025 - April 30, 2025 Self-drive option starting from
ZAR80,190
$4,455
£3,348
€3,924
CA$6,171
A$6,958
January 1, 2025 - April 30, 2025 Fully guided option with road transfers starting from
ZAR93,918
$5,218
£3,921
€4,596
CA$7,228
A$8,149

These rates are per person sharing and intended as an estimate only. The actual rate will depend on the date of travel, number of people in your group, and whether you choose the self-drive option or guided transfer option.

Please talk to us about your particular preferences and which activities you'd like to include and we'll give you a comprehensive, fully detailed quotation, with no obligation. Our quotes are detailed and have no hidden extras or unexpected surprises.

All rates on our website are provided to give a price estimate only and should not be seen as a firm quote. Likewise, our currency converter will give you a rough idea of the price in another currency, but should not be seen as a firm quote. It is only intended as a guideline, based on the current exchange rate. The total price includes our tour arrangement fee and local support fees, if applicable. Please contact us to check availability and receive an accurate, free quote with no obligation.

Includes
  • Accommodation as specified
  • Car rental (or guided transfers)
  • All meals
  • Local beers, house wines and soft drinks
  • Game drives at Phinda
  • Battlefields tour
  • Certain activities at Thonga Beach Lodge
Excludes
  • Flights and visas
  • Fuel (self-drive option)
  • Optional extras
  • Premium beverages
  • Certain activities such as scuba diving
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