Skip to main content

Land Of Legends Safari

Land of Legends KwaZulu-Natal self-drive safari 13 days battlefields Big Five South Africa

Safari Information

  • Departure; Daily
  • Duration; 13 Days / 12 Nights
  • Lodging; Safari Lodges, Hotels and Guesthouses
  • Group Size; Minimum 2
  • Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris

Unforgettable 13-Day Safari Journey Through South Africa's Stunning Landscapes and Rich Heritage

This 13-day South African safari is a masterpiece of adventure, designed to captivate travelers with its blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and luxurious comfort. From the golden beaches of the Natal North Coast to the awe-inspiring peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, every destination on this itinerary promises unforgettable experiences tailored to suit your sense of discovery and relaxation. Whether you’re exploring pristine coastlines or savoring world-class cuisine in boutique accommodations, this safari offers an ideal balance of leisure, learning, and adventure.

Immerse yourself in South Africa's history as skilled guides lead you through the poignant battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer Wars, bringing the past to life with vivid storytelling. At each stop, the carefully chosen lodges not only provide comfort but also embody the character of their surroundings. Witness the drama of wildlife up close at the renowned Phinda Game Reserve, where thrilling Big 5 game drives and tranquil river cruises create moments to be cherished for a lifetime. Finally, escape to the untouched Zululand Coast, where secluded beaches and sparkling waters provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation.

This itinerary gracefully combines cultural immersion, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking scenery into one comprehensive adventure. Ideal for couples, families, or close friends, the safari offers countless options for both excitement and rest, allowing for a truly personalized experience. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with South Africa’s diverse landscapes and history while enjoying the finest hospitality in each of its hidden gems.

Days 1-2: Natal North Coast

  • Collect your rental car on arrival at Durban International Airport and head in the direction of the Natal North Coast (a 1-hour drive away).
  • The North Coast Hotel is your first destination in any one of the sleepy coastaltowns that we offer.
  • The next few days is completely at your leisure, relax and unwind from your long international flight.
  • Explore the area with her fantastic Indian Ocean beaches or simply just relax at the hotel - the choice is yours.
  • Numerous day and half day tours available (optional);
    • Durban City tour
    • Shakaland Zulu Experience
    • Ushaka Marine Tour
    • Relaxing on some of the best beaches in the country
  • Accommodation Information: North Coast Hotel

Days 3-4: Central Drakensberg

  • After breakfast, you head in the direction of the Scenic Central Drakensberg Mountain Range.
  • Travelling at a leisurely pace the estimated travelling time from Durban is in the region of ± 2 - 2.5 hours (direct).
  • We highly recommend that you do stop off in the Natal Midlands, unique arts and crafts offer a "shop till you drop" experience.
  • Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is your home for the next two nights, a truly spectacular destination awaits.
  • Cleopatra's offers up some of the best cuisines in the country.
  • Numerous activities available (optional);
    • Walking
    • Horse Riding
    • Horse Stud Tours and Local Adventures
    • Fishing
    • Sani Pass
    • Crane Rehabilitation Centre
    • Midlands Meander
    • Bushman Rock Art
  • Accommodation Information: Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

Days 5-6: Northern Drakensberg / Battlefields

  • Departing Cleopatra's a short 2-hour drive to the Northern area of the Drakensberg awaits, with Three Tree Hill Lodge being your designation.
  • Apart from the scenic grandeur that surrounds one here, the area is famed for her history of the 2nd Anglo-Boer War from (1899 - 1902) with the Battle of Spioenkop being our focal point.
  • One cannot however hope to understand this watershed event (not just for South Africa - it was 'the longest, the costliest, the bloodiest and most humiliating war that Britain fought in between 1815 and 1914') without studying what caused one of the smallest countries in the world to declare war on the worlds greatest empire of the time.
  • Numerous activities available (optional);
    • Battle of Spioenkop tour
    • Battle of Colenso & Churchill's capture tour
    • Walking
    • Hiking in the Drakensberg
    • San rock painting sites
    • Horse riding
    • Game Viewing
    • Birding
    • Golf
  • Accommodation Information: Three Tree Hill Lodge

Days 7-8: Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift

  • Departing morning early for the Natal Battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift.
  • The drive itself is a fairly long one, being in the region of ± 3-4 hours (with very little stopping).
  • Fugitives Drift Lodge is your home over the next few nights.
  • The lodges a Natural Heritage Site overlooks both Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift
  • World-renowned for remarkable battlefield tours to Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift led by registered tour guides is without question one of the highlights of your safari so far.
  • Numerous activities available (optional);
    • Isandlwana tour
    • Rorke's Drift tour
    • Walks, Fishing and Horse riding (optional)
    • Mangeni Falls (optional)
    • Blood River tour (optional)
    • Hlobane, Khambula and Ulundi Anglo-Zulu War battlefields tours (optional)
  • Accommodation Information: Fugitives Drift LodgeFugitives Drift Lodge

Days 9-10: Phinda Game Reserve

  • Breakfast and fond goodbyes, your journey now takes you deep into the heart of the wildlife-rich Zululand area of Natal.
  • Estimated travelling time from Fugitives Drift to Phinda is in the region of 2-3 hours (travelling at a leisurely pace).
  • On arrival at Phinda Forest Lodge unpack and relax for a while before heading out on your first "Big 5" game drive.
  • Face-to-face with lions and rhino, up close to a whale shark or battling sailfish, that's the Phinda experience, one of the most exciting safari destinations in Africa.
  • Numerous activities available (optional);
    • Mzinene River canoeing
    • Twice daily game drives
    • Interpretive bush walks
    • Mzinene River boat cruise
    • Deep Sea Fishing (optional)
    • Flight of the Fish Eagle(optional)
    • Scuba safaris(optional)
    • Zulu Cultural Tour (optional)
  • Accommodation Information: Phinda Forest Lodge

Days 11-12: Zululand Coast

  • After your morning breakfast and a morning game drive, depart for the scenic and remote Zululand coastline.
  • Estimated travelling time from Phinda: ± 2 - 2.5 hours (travelling at a leisurely pace).
  • The secluded Thonga Beach Lodge is situated within the coastal forest just behind the forested dunes that occur along Maputaland's coastline.
  • The warm Indian Ocean lies just beyond the dunes and on one of the most incredible beaches in all of South Africa.
  • With nearly 40 kilometres of unspoilt, pristine coastline, where the waves meet endless stretches of beach, it is possible to walk for hours without meeting another soul or seeing a building.
  • Numerous activities available (optional);
    • The beach
    • Forest trails
    • Bird watching - coastal forest and grasslands
    • Surf/rock fishing (no tackle provided)
    • Swimming (at own risk as there are no lifeguards)
    • Scuba diving (optional)
    • Excursions to Black Rock (optional)
    • Sangoma visits (optional)
    • Zulu dancing (optional)
    • Horse riding (optional)
  • Accommodation Information: Thonga Beach Lodge

Day 13: Safari Ends

  • After your morning game drive and breakfast, depart for Durban ± 3 to 4 hours (travelling at a leisurely pace).
Rates From

This Safari is Tailor-made Rates On request

Rates Information
  • Land Of Legends Safari Rates
  • Per person sharing
  • Rates are in South African Rands
  • *Rates may vary according to season
Rates Include
  • Accommodation based on budget
  • Vehicle based on budget
  • Meals as stated
  • Activities as stated
Rates Exclude
  • Activities not included in above itinerary
  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Local and International Flights
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Fuel costs
  • Car Hire Insurance
  • Gratuities

Book Your South Africa Safari Now

South Africa Travel Topics

The Perfect Kruger National Park Honeymoon Safari

Embarking on the perfect Kruger National Park honeymoon safari offers an unparalleled blend of thrilling wildlife encounters and luxurious romantic escapes in one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness destinations. The Greater Kruger area, encompassing both the national park and its adjoining private reserves like Sabi Sand and Timbavati, provides newlyweds with exclusive access to the Big Five, rare wildlife sightings, and world-class cuisine paired with rejuvenating spa treatments. Beyond the captivating game drives and wildlife, Kruger seamlessly integrates with other South African highlights to create a truly bespoke honeymoon journey. Many couples combine their safari with cosmopolitan stays in Cape Town, exploring Table Mountain and the Winelands, or extend their trip to the breathtaking Victoria Falls or pristine beaches of Mozambique.

Best Kruger National Park Safari Itinerary

Embarking on a safari in Kruger National Park is an adventure that promises the awe-inspiring beauty of African wildlife and landscapes. For those plotting their first journey into this majestic wilderness, understanding the daily rhythm of safari life is essential. Early morning game drives are your golden ticket to witnessing the park's inhabitants in their most active states, as the cool air and rising sun stir them to life. Our Kruger National Park itineraries are designed for every type of traveller. Whether you want an intimate, three-night stay in a private reserve or a nine-day exploration of diverse ecosystems—including stops in Johannesburg and the Panorama Route—there's an itinerary for you.

Luxury Safari Lodges in the Madikwe Game Reserve

Nestled in the heart of South Africa's vast wilderness, Madikwe Game Reserve stands as a beacon of luxury and exclusivity for those seeking an unparalleled safari experience. As our latest blog post delves into the opulent world of Luxury Safari Lodges within this remarkable reserve, we invite you on a journey to discover the epitome of high-end bush hospitality. In this haven of serenity and wildlife conservation, discerning guests find their expectations surpassed by personal attention, privacy, and unmatched game viewing opportunities. Madikwe’s luxury lodges offer a sanctuary where elegance meets wilderness, catering to those who yearn not just for a holiday but for an encounter with nature that leaves a lasting imprint on their soul.

Best Eco-Friendly Lodges In Kruger National Park

Embarking on a safari adventure through the majestic landscapes of Kruger National Park is a dream for many wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. However, in an age where sustainability and conservation are more important than ever, choosing eco-friendly lodges that prioritise minimal environmental impact while providing luxurious comfort is essential. The Greater Kruger area, known for its breathtaking biodiversity and sprawling wilderness, offers a selection of such accommodations. These eco-friendly safari lodges not only ensure an unforgettable safari experience but also demonstrate how luxury and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Kruger Game Reserves

Embarking on a safari adventure in the heart of South Africa’s majestic landscapes is an experience that beckons travellers from all corners of the globe. The Kruger National Park, a beacon of natural beauty and wildlife preservation, offers an escape into a world where nature reigns supreme. Since its establishment in 1898, this iconic destination has not only played a pivotal role in wildlife conservation but has also become synonymous with the ultimate safari experience. In our latest blog, "Kruger Game Reserves", we delve deep into the heart of what makes this region so captivating. Beyond the vast expanses of public land lies a collection of private game reserves such as Sabi Sands and Timbavati, each offering an unparalleled luxury safari experience. These reserves are renowned for their high concentrations of wildlife and provide guests with exclusive lodging options that promise comfort amidst the wild.

Top 10 Day Trips In Cape Town

Cape Town, a jewel at the tip of Africa, is a city brimming with an eclectic mix of landscapes, history, and culture that beckons travellers from around the globe. It's a place where the rugged mountains meet the endless ocean in an explosion of natural beauty, making it not just a destination but an experience. Each destination has been carefully selected not only for its unique beauty and charm but also for the story it tells—a story that adds another layer to Cape Town's rich tapestry. In our latest blog post titled "Top 10 Day Trips in Cape Town," we're about to take you on a journey beyond the well-trodden paths of Table Mountain and Robben Island to discover hidden gems that offer unforgettable experiences. Embarking on these day trips will allow you to explore stunning vineyards that seem to stretch into eternity, beaches with penguin colonies that look almost too whimsical to be real, and quaint towns whose cobblestone streets whisper tales of days gone by.

Kruger National Park Travel Bucket List

Nestled in the heart of South Africa, Kruger National Park stands as a beacon for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Its vast landscapes, teeming with an incredible variety of life, offer a sanctuary not just for the animals that roam its plains, but also for the human spirit seeking connection with the wild. Our latest blog post, "Kruger National Park Travel Bucket List," is, without a doubt, the most essential guide for anyone preparing to embark on a journey through this iconic reserve. It will spectacularly navigate you through the rich tapestry of experiences that await in this magnificent corner of the world.

10 Best Hotels In The Cape Winelands

Nestled amidst the rolling vineyards and majestic mountains of South Africa's Western Cape, the Cape Winelands region is a picturesque haven for wine lovers and travelers seeking tranquility and beauty. With its rich history, splendid architecture, and world-renowned wines, this enchanting locale offers more than just exquisite tastings. For those planning an unforgettable getaway in this serene landscape, choosing the perfect place to stay is paramount. Our curated list of the top 10 hotels in the Cape Winelands promises to guide you to accommodations where stunning views meet exceptional service, ensuring your visit is nothing short of magical.