Natal Battlefields & Beach Safari | South Africa Safaris

Safari Itinerary

Days 1-3: Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift

On arrival at Durban International Airport, pick up your rental car and self-drive to the Natal Battlefields.
Drive to Fugitives' Drift, ± 3-4 hours (travelling at speed limits, no sightseeing) from the Durban International Airport.
The spectacular Fugitives' Drift property, a Natural Heritage Site, overlooks both Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift and includes the site where Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill lost their lives attempting to save the Queen's Colour of their regiment.
Both the Lodge and Guest House have spacious and luxurious en-suite cottages which all have private verandahs and broad views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge.
The Lodge and Guest House both have swimming pools set in their colourful, well-established gardens which are home to innumerable bird species.
World-renowned for remarkable battlefield tours to Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift led by some of the best storytellers in South Africa.
Numerous day and half day tours 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 - Fugitives Drift Guesthouse

Days 4-6: Zululand Coast/ Mabibi

After your morning breakfast, depart for the Zululand region of Natal.
Estimated travelling time from The Battlefields: ± 3 - 3.5 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.
Thonga Beach offers comfortable accommodation that is ideal for people who want to truly relax and unwind on one of the best coastlines anywhere in the world.
Numerous day and half day tours 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 - Thonga Beach Lodge

Day 7: Safari Ends

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

Kruger Family Friendly Lodges

Best Spas in the Kruger

Romantic Kruger Park Lodges

Fugitives Drift Lodge

Fugitives Drift with some of the finest guides in the industry offers excursions and talks on the world-renowned Natal battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, 8 luxury rooms overlook the Buffalo River and Isandlwana.

Phinda Mountain Lodge

At Phinda Mountain Lodge a room with a view isn't just an option "it's an absolute guarantee", 25 air-conditioned suites strike a balanced between soaring views of the scenery below and the endless blue of the African sky above.

Phinda Forest Lodge

The glass walls of Phinda Forest Lodge offer a sweeping view of one of the more unique ecosystems on the planet, 16 air-conditioned glass suites appear to float between the rare Sand Forest floor and the towering torchwood trees.

Kosi Forest Lodge

Kosi Forest Lodge situated in the unspoilt wilderness that is part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, now internationally recognised as a World Heritage Site, offers eight tented suites, excellent cuisine and beach and wilderness activities.

Hartford House

At Hartford House is one of the Country's most beautiful country houses, renowned for its 14 luxury suites, fine dining and Spa (with an impressive range of treatments), one of the top Natal Accommodation establishments.

Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse with her 8 luxuriously appointed rooms overlooking the Drakensberg Mountains is also a haven for food lovers, activities include relaxing, eating, fly-fishing, hiking, climbing as well as guided walks.