KZN Battlefields, Swaziland & Panorama Route Tour (12 Nights)

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Isandlwana Battlefield, Isandlwana South Africa

The tour resumes from Johannesburg, heads to Dundee in KwaZulu where some of the battles were fought with the British. Back on the 22/01/1879, the Zulu warriors locked heads with the British settlers eleven days after the British commenced their invasion of Zululand. The Zulu amabutho (warriors) under the leadership of king Cetshwayo conquered the British. That day marked the birth of the Battle of Isandlwana. We visit the Battle of Isandlwana, Rockers Drift sites and Tulana Museum before returning to the lodge and have some free time in the afternoon.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Pietermaritzburg City Hall, Chief Albert Luthuli Street, Pietermaritzburg 3200 South Africa

Bhambatha ka Manciza Zondi led the protest to oppose the introduction of the 1 pound tax on top of the existing hut and dog taxes in 1906. The Zulus began killing their white coloured animals and destroying all European made tools. Whites then realised that the uprising was imminent. More than 7000 British troops were called to suppress the Zulus, the violent rebellion started and 4000 rebels lost their lives. We visit the Bhambatha Memorial and continue driving to Howick and visit Nelson Mandela Capture Site. In Pietermaritzburg, we visit the old prison where Mahatma Gandhi was detained for protesting the racial discrimination of Indians in South Africa.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: DURBAN ICC, 45 Bram Fischer Road, Durban 4001 South Africa

Durban is the 2nd largest city in South Africa with the busiest harbour in the continent. The city known as South Africa's playground, has warm weather all year round and the atmosphere is inviting with friendly people. We visit Umkhumbane known as Cator Manor, the Victoria Market, Kwamuhle Museum and Moses Mabhida Stadium. The next day is free to lay around swimming pools and/or visit the beach. There is also a variety of Indian dishes for sale.

Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Eshowe Town Hall, Osborne Rd, Eshowe, 3815, South Africa

Queen Nandi ka Bhebhe the daughter of the Chief Bhebhe from the small village of Eshowe, later became the queen of the Zulus and gave birth to a son who later became the king. Shaka Zulu showed his leadership skills as a young man and at age 29 took over as a Zulu king and formed one of the strongest warriors in history. We learn more about the origin of the dominating Zulu nation during our stay at Shakaland. A Zulu dance in the evening is offered to visitors and lessons are free.

Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Main Road, St Lucia 3936 South Africa

Isimangaliso (Place of Wonders) Wetland park is Africa's largest estuary with a very rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem. We will have a sunset boat cruise on arrival and a half day drive through the park visiting the Cape Vidal, after that you may visit the local traders who sell handcrafted souvenirs, hippos are also often spotted grazing through the lodges in the mornings and evenings. Be careful though.

Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, D55, Ezulwini Eswatini (Swaziland)

We will drive to towards Hluhluwe and make a stop in one of the villages. Nompondo village is an estimated 12 km drive outside of Hluhluwe town and the village offers the real experience of the local people’s lifestyle. We will have a short cultural tour as well as visit one of the schools in the area.

We will make a stop in Hluhluwe town before driving to Swaziland. We cross over to Swaziland and drive through the small villages to reach our lodge just before sunset. Often in the lodge, there are antelopes, zebras and warthogs roaming freely.


Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Kruger National Park, Malalan Gate, Nelspruit 1350 South Africa

Day 10 & 11 Kruger National Park

The day will start with an early breakfast while enjoying the birds viewing over the pond along the restaurant deck. We leave Mlilwane just after breakfast driving towards the border. We leave Swaziland and enter South Africa through the Mpumalanga province. Our next stop is the southern part of the Greater Kruger in Manyeleti Private Game Reserve. We have more chances of spotting the Big 5 while learning about the park. We will 2 game drives, one in the morning and the other in the evening. Note that night safaris are only arranged and conducted by the lodge.


Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Panorama Route, R532 Blyde River Canyon, Graskop 1270 South Africa

We will have an early breakfast, do a short game drive towards the exit heading to the Highveld Region, Blyde River Canyon. The 3rd largest canyon in the world offers spectacular views of the landscape with its famous 3 Rondavels. There are few regions in the world that can match the extraordinary beauty of the Lowveld and escarpment. We will have a day visit to the canyon, God's Window, Mac Mac Falls and Bourke Luck Potholes. Our Lodge is right at the edge of the escarpment near Graskop town.

Duration: 6 hours