5 days, 4 nights

Zulu culture, Anglo Zulu war, spectacular scenery, Anglo-Boer war, Game viewing in a Big 5 reserve.

Departing from Durban.

This is a tour of great variety and scope, revealing the soul of South Africa as we spend 5 unforgettable days tracing the origins of the "rainbow nation". Three nights are spent in a luxury lodge within a 20 000 acre game reserve that hosts the Big 5 as well as over 30 other species of African game.

Day One

Clients are collected in Durban and driven by their specialist, historian guide up the north coast road, following the historic movement of British troops into Zululand at the start of the Anglo Zulu war. On the banks of the Tugela River, border between Natal and Zululand, refreshments are served while the origins of the conflict between Zulu, British and Boer in South Africa are presented. Herein lay the roots of the present political situation. Later today comes a talk on the origins and culture of the proud Zulu nation. The drive through rolling hills to Eshowe and Melmoth is breathtaking and the entry over the Nqutu plateau to our boutique hotel perched in the cliff face is equally dramatic. Overnight at Isandlwana Lodge.
(LD)

Day Two

The morning is devoted to the battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, the latter made famous in the epic film "Zulu". Lunch is impeccably served at Fugitive's Drift Lodge, and is followed by an account of the saving of the Queen's Colour, delivered on the cliffs above the Buffalo River. The drive that afternoon takes us into the arena of the Anglo Boer war, as we approach the little town of Ladysmith, famous for withstanding a 118 day siege. We overnight in Woodlands Lodge, amongst wide, rolling hills in a 20 000 HA game reserve east of the town.
(BLD)

Day Three

We wake to the sound of birds and take a break from history to enjoy an early-morning game drive through the prolific wildlife in the reserve, that has the highest carrying capacity of any reserve in the province. After late breakfast we progress to Ladysmith, the town famous for withstanding a 118 day siege. This entertaining small town boasts a good museum relating to the siege and a hill overlooking the town that offers a spectacular viewpoint. We overnight once more in the game park where we may listen to the lions calling to each other at dusk. Overnight Woodlands Lodge.
(BLD)

Day Four

Our game drive this morning takes us to the site of the Battle of Elandslaagte (situated in the reserve), a dramatic set-piece battle culminated in victory for the British in the midst of a violent thunder storm. We return to the lodge for brunch and in the afternoon drive up onto the summit of Spioenkop, the second and very bloody attempt by the British to reach Ladysmith. Return to the lodge in time for pre-dinner drinks. Overnight Woodlands Lodge.
(BLD)

Day Five

A more leisurely start this morning gives us time to enjoy the many attractions of Woodlands Lodge, including the walks, birds and wildlife.
We depart late morning to visit the site of Winston Churchill's armoured train disaster, where he was captured by the Boers and taken prisoner. We arrive back in Durban in the afternoon.
(BL)