Four Day KZN Highlights*

Where do we go?

• Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve is the premier game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. It is Africa's oldest conservation area, and is highly acclaimed for its remarkable save the rhino conservation project. This 96 000 hectare reserve is home to The Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) as well as cheetah, wild dog, hyena, and a wide variety of antelope, birds, reptiles, and plants. The game drive runs through what was once the royal hunting grounds of the Zulu King Shaka.

• ISimangaliso Wetland Park / Lake St. Lucia (2-hour boat cruise)

The miracle and wonder of ISimangaliso Wetland Park made it South Africa's first world heritage site. While on a 2-hour cruise on the estuary system, there will be close encounter(s) with hippo, and possibly crocodile. The park's birdlife is incredibly abundant and includes the African fish eagle. Lake St. Lucia is surrounded by reserves on either side – giraffe and elephant sightings on the banks are not uncommon.

• Eastern & Western Shores Game Reserves (Night Drive in an open vehicle)

The Eastern and Western Shores of Lake St. Lucia are a remarkable display of nature's contrasting beauty. Feel the sea breeze, smell the coast, and experience immensely diverse forest wildlife behind the sand dunes. This "island" is utterly and beautifully surrounded by wildlife reserves, the ocean, and the estuary. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers biodiversity, scenery, and boardwalks that are world-renowned. Rehabilitated wildlands and timber plantations form part of the identity of a diverse story of nature's survival. Sharing the reserve with immensely diverse species of land animals, birdlife, and marine life are the tsessebe antelope in the wildlands of the west, and KwaZulu-Natal's highest concentration of leopard in the forest lined east, known as the Cape Vidal. The night drive offers a memorable atmosphere with the chance to spot the nocturnal leopard as well as owls and hyena.

• St. Lucia Town

St. Lucia is a small holiday town in the middle of 3 wildlife reserves. With only one main road, wildlife sightings in the town of St. Lucia are common-place.

• St. Lucia Community Market

St. Lucia Community Market is a beautiful thatched market in the holiday town of St. Lucia. There is a wide selection of African curios as well as locally produced fresh fruit and nuts available. It's an opportunity to support sustainable tourism and to enjoy the magic of the local community.

• Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre

Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre is a rare and ethical opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the African wild cat, serval, caracal, and cheetah. The rehab centre makes remarkable contributions to the conservation of these revered cat species. Emdoneni provides a safe haven to cat species injured or orphaned in the wild. The project prides itself on a history of successful release.

• Underberg

On route from Durban to the Drakensberg peak, we stop in Underberg, a picture perfect town in the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg. Here we visit a local store that sells the iconic traditional Basotho blankets that are worn in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.

• Sani Pass

A breath-taking experience that makes you feel like you're on top of the world! Sani Pass, located on the western border of KwaZulu-Natal and the Kingdom of Lesotho, is the exclusive route that makes a spectacular drive up to the top of the Drakensberg possible. The summit of the Sani Pass crosses the peak of the Drakensberg reaching an altitude of 2876m (or 9400ft) above sea level. The gravel winding dirt roads permit only 4x4 vehicles to ascend the 9km pass. Lunch is served at the Highest Pub in Africa! The drive down the pass is full of beautifully captivating hills and valleys.

• Kamberg Valley

Best described as heavenly, Kamberg Valley lies at the heart of the Drakensberg Mountains. An afternoon spent unguided in the peace and tranquillity of these valleys where wild flowers and sunset reflections in the river make the perfect place for clearing your head and rejuvenating the soul. Surrounded by mountains, this is one of the most scenic places in the country, and its where this mountain tour spends the night star gazing. The fresh Berg air and the breath-taking sunrise of the next morning make for the perfect start to the next adventure.

• Kamberg Nature Reserve (moderate hike)

Kamberg Nature Reserve with its picturesque views, hills, and valleys is home to the Game Pass Shelter Cave. The region is known for its collection of mysterious ancient San Rock Art Paintings. The site is understated as it holds arguably the best preserved San Rock Art or Bushmen Cave Paintings in the Drakensberg region. To see the rock art, we take a moderate 8km return hike with the first 3kms increasing gradually in height while the last km is fairly steep, and the return trip is mostly downhill on the same path. A local guide interprets the cave paintings to impart wisdom and understanding of the ancient culture.

• Local Kamberg Village and Homestead

A visit with local villagers in their homestead just outside the Kamberg reserve adds context and cultural experience to the tour. It includes a traditional meal in the homestead in the company of people who call this beautiful mountain range home.

• Local Traditional Healer

An authentic cultural opportunity to meet and talk with a local traditional healer who would be happy to share his experiences of life in the village in the past (apartheid) era, as well as in the current context.

• Durban

Experience a night in the vibrant, ethnically diverse city of Durban. Durban offers a rich mix of cultures and cuisine, some of the world's best beaches, and great weather all-year-round. It has a fascinating history, is one of South Africa's major cities, and is the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal.

• Nelson Mandela Capture Site

The Nelson Mandela Capture site marks the beginning of Madiba's historic 27 years in prison. The iconic world-renowned sculpture is a powerful symbol of the long walk to freedom that made this South African freedom fighter the first democratic President of South Africa, ending a long struggle against the apartheid era.

• Howick Falls & Community Craft Market

Howick Falls or "Place of the Tall One" is a 95m waterfall, and is the second highest waterfall in South Africa. Legend has it that the rock pool at the bottom of this falls is home to a monster called the Inkanyamba. There is an informal community craft market with locally made crafts in the area.

• Zamimpilo Community Market

Zamimpilo Community Market is sustainable tourism at its best. It's an impressive market of more than 100 stalls, and it's run with creative efficiency to provide a seamless experience where you can access hand-made African arts and crafts. It's an ideal souvenir stop and an opportunity to support local communities. You can taste seasonal fruit and vegetable, and hear first-hand stories of how the art is created.

Is this the tour for me?

• Yes, I have At Least 4 Full Days Available to tour (If you have less than 4 full days that's okay – check out our other options or talk to us!)
• Yes, I want to visit a Big 5 Game Reserve
• Yes, I want to visit The Drakensberg Mountains
• Yes, I want to Experience a Bit of Everything that KZN has to offer:
  • Yes, I like Wildlife, Nature, Conservation, Beautiful Scenery, and Wide Open Spaces
  • Yes, I want Up-close-and-personal Experiences & Rare Photos of Myself with Wildlife
  • Yes, I will enjoy a Boat Cruise (aboard a comfortable ferry) to view wetland wildlife
  • Yes, I want to Experience a Night Drive in the Wild in an open vehicle
  • Yes, I want to Reach the Peak of the Drakensberg Mountains in a 4x4 Adventure Experience
  • Yes, I want to Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains
  • Yes, I'm interested in Star Gazing
  • Yes, I'm interested Birding
  • Yes, I'm interested in Photography
• Yes, I want to support attractions with Local Community Participation
• Yes, I am interested in History, Culture, or Traditional Medicine
• Yes, I want to Meet Local People and have first-hand experiences in the community
• Yes, I'd like to see or purchase Handmade African Souvenirs and support Sustainable Tourism

What did others say?

Read Our Tripadvisor Reviews

What's included in the tour package?

• Pick up and drop off within the Durban metro area
• Entrance fees
• Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation x3 nights
  • Private Luxury Tent / Private Luxury Lodge in Holiday Town of St. Lucia
  • Boutique Hotel in Durban North or in Musgrave, Durban
  • Private Luxury Farmhouse Lodge in a Mountain Valley
• Breakfast x4 days
  • Morning coffee/tea & muffin
  • Continental breakfast
  • Full English breakfast / Packed Continental breakfast
  • Morning coffee/tea & muffin + Brunch snacks
• Lunch x4 days
  • Restaurant in holiday town of St. Lucia
  • Restaurant in Game Reserve
  • Restaurant – Highest Pub in Africa
  • Traditional lunch with villagers in homestead
• Dinner x3 nights
  • Traditional Braai (Barbeque) in holiday town of St. Lucia
  • Restaurant or Café in the City of Durban
  • Traditional South African Potjie in the mountains (a stew slow cooked in a cast iron pot on a fire)
• Limited Alcoholic Drinks
• Bottled water
• Local snacks
• Use of binoculars
• Fully attending experienced tour guide

How long will we need?

• 4 days

What can I add on?

• Morning Guided Bush Walk at ISimangaliso Wetland Park

Add on a walking safari in the early hours for the magnificence of the sunrise and dew touched views, the animal tracks still fresh from the night before, and the chorus of the birdlife that this incredible eco-system attracts. While on foot in a world heritage site, view game like buck, zebra, and monkeys, on a private guided walk.

• Fly Fishing with Local Guide

Try your hand at fly fishing, and enjoy some flavourful trout with a passionate local fly fishing fanatic. Explore the rivers and streams of Kamberg with a local guide who grew up with these landscapes forming his back yard.

So when can we leave?

We look forward to our pre-planning chat, so we can build in your preferences and requirements into your itinerary.