Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Durban

Upon arrival at Durban International Airport, you will be met by a local tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Durban is a major gateway to Africa and is also the largest and busiest port city on the continent. Blessed with its sub-tropical climate all year round, Durban is a perfect holiday paradise.

After checking-in at your hotel, we will visit the Ushaka Marine World, situated on the Durban Beachfront. Ushaka incorporates one of the five largest aquariums in the world; the largest dolphinarium in Africa and one of the largest collection of sharks in the southern hemisphere.

Enjoy lunch at one of the numerous restaurants situated within the Ushaka Village Walk. Anyone interested in doing an optional micro-light flight over ‘La Mercy’ may do so during the afternoon, time permitting. This evening we will be transferred to Durban’s Wild Coast Sun for a casino evening, with dinner at one of the restaurants within the casino complex. Overnight at City Lodge, Durban – B&B basis.

Day 2: Durban

This morning after breakfast, we will view the most historical and captivating sections of Durban, and the Victoria Street Market, before we wind our way up to Botha's Hill, where we will visit the traditional Zulu village Phe-Zulu for lunch. Tribal Dancing and a display of Zulu customs and folklore will be staged in front of the most spectacular viewpoint of the Valley of 1000 hills.

We then proceed to the Assegai Safari Park, for a guided tour around the crocodile enclosures and a fine collection of venomous and non-venomous snakes of Natal. Late afternoon return to your hotel with time to freshen up before enjoying dinner at one of Durban’s local beachfront restaurants. Overnight at City Lodge, Durban - B&B basis.

Day 3: Hilltop Camp, Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Today we travel up along the scenic north coast to reach Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (approx. a 3-hour drive from Durban central). Set in the heart of Zululand, covering an area of 96 000 hectares, we find the oldest game reserve in Africa (established in 1895).

Being one of the largest game parks in South Africa, this reserve is renowned for its wide variety of bird and animal life. The Park also became world renowned for its white rhino conservation. Besides the ‘Big Five’, elusive cheetah, wild dogs and many other well-known bushveld species inhabit the park, offering visitors a rich game viewing experience.

We will spend 2 nights at the award-winning Hilltop Camp – winner of the “British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow” award. The lodge is situated on the summit of a forested hill, offering guests stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Overnight at Hilltop Camp – Fully inclusive of all meals & game activities.

Day 4: Hilltop Camp, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve

Today is for you to enjoy a full day at your lodge, offering fantastic game-viewing opportunities in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. Lodge facilities at this award-winning lodge include a buffet restaurant, an attractive pub and lounge decorated with photographs and memorabilia of the history of Hluhluwe, as well as a gift shop and convenience store as well as a visitors’ information centre.

Lodge activities include self-guided forest trails, day walks, open vehicle night and day game drives, bird-watching and boat trips on the Hluhluwe River. Overnight at Hilltop Camp – Fully inclusive of all meals & game activities.

Day 5: Makaranga Garden Lodge

After breakfast we depart Durban central and head out to our next destination – Makaranga Garden Lodge. Situated 25 km from Durban, this lodge was specifically built for wheelchair-users. Makaranga Garden Lodge is set amongst 30 acres of lush botanical gardens in the sub-tropical village of Kloof in Kwazulu-Natal.

The main attractions at Makaranga are the gardens ... guests are able to make their way down the wheelchair-friendly winding path to an oasis of peace and serenity. There are 18 ponds including Venus Pond and Long Pond, the latter being the largest waterway in Makaranga - a wonderfully quiet place to rest for a moment. There are also many beautiful statues in both bronze and marble, which have been imported from Italy for your enjoyment. These include a wonderful hand carved reproduction of Michelangelo's famous ‘David’. Dinner and overnight Makaranga Garden Lodge – Fully inclusive of all meals.

Day 6: Makaranga Garden Lodge

Today is for your to enjoy at your leisure at Makaranga Garden Lodge which boasts the following facilities: 30 acres of private botanical garden; 18 ponds and waterways; authentic Japanese garden; numerous indigenous plants; rare and exotic plants; prolific bird life; a natural waterfall; Tuscan Tea Garden; swimming pool with full access for wheelchairs; bowling green; etc. This is the perfect place to relax whilst enjoying the tranquil setting of the beautiful gardens. Overnight Makaranga Garden Lodge – Fully inclusive of all meals.

Day 7:

Depending on the departure time of your international homebound flight, your airport transfer today will be arranged to connect with your flight schedule.