8 Day KwaZulu-Natal Safari: Battlefields, Big 5 & Beach Adventure

Walk in the footsteps of British and Zulu warriors at the iconic battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. Then head to Phinda Private Game Reserve for an exclusive Big 5 safari in one of South Africa's most ecologically diverse parks. End your journey at Thonga Beach Lodge, where pristine beaches, coral reefs, and coastal forests offer the perfect escape for snorkelling, scuba diving, and relaxation.

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.

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 through monuments, museums, and artefacts. Enjoy a half-day Battlefields tour to either Isandlwana — where fierce Zulu warriors dealt a crushing blow to the British army — or Rorke's Drift, where just over 150 British and colonial troops mounted a valiant defence against 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu attackers. The remarkable stand at Rorke's Drift earned eleven Victoria Crosses and several other honours, making it one of the most decorated engagements in British military history.

After breakfast, travel to the renowned Phinda Private Game Reserve, located near iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Stay two nights at either Phinda Mountain Lodge or Phinda Forest Lodge, where you'll enjoy full board, local drinks, laundry, and emergency medical evacuation insurance. Daily lodge activities include two game drives, bush walks, and excellent bird watching.

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.

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 lies within the coastal forest of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With crystal-clear warm waters and untouched beaches, it's a haven for nature lovers and marine adventurers.

Spend three nights in a forest room with full board and a range of selected activities, including kayaking, guided walks, and community village visits.

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