NT06 - 9 Day Zululand Explorer Tour & Safari

We start with a Pretoria City Tour before travelling into the heart of the Zululand kingdom. We take in the amazing scenery and wildlife of the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve as well as visit the St Lucia estuary. An overnight visit to Shakaland where we learn about the proud Zulu nation is always a highlight, before spending a few days in the Drakensberg Mountains where you will relax amongst some of the most amazing scenery in South Africa. The tour ends back in Johannesburg.

At Shakaland there is much to be learned about the proud Zulu nation. 

The Route
Johannesburg - Pretoria - Hluhluwe Game Reserve - St Lucia - Shakaland - Drakensberg - Johannesburg

Departures
Tours depart daily to suit your needs

Guests
Minimum 2 - Maximum 8



Day 1 of the tour
Guests arrive at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) in the morning where they will be met by one of our tour guides. We then travel to Pretoria where we will do a Pretoria City Tour taking in the Voortrekker Monument where we learn about the days of the great trek. After that we drive to Kruger House where we get to look around before continuing on to Church Square. From there we travel up to the Union Buildings where we stop and spend some time at the headquarters of South Africa. This evening will be at leisure. (There are a number of nearby restaurants that you may decide to visit for dinner).

Overnight:     The Courtyard Hotel Arcadia - Pretoria (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 2 of the tour
An early start this morning as we drive through to the Zulu kingdom. Later in the afternoon we enter the Hluhluwe Game Reserve which is home to the largest Rhino population in South Africa. We enjoy the rest of the afternoon on a game drive where we are on the lookout for the ‘Big 5’ (Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard, Buffalo).

Overnight:     Hilltop Rest Camp - Hluhluwe Game Reserve (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 3 of the tour
An early morning game walk is to be enjoyed where you have the opportunity to walk with an experienced game ranger in the bush. You will be on the lookout for wild animals as well as learn about the uses for different plants and trees and be shown the different animal tracks. This afternoon we take part in a game drive on an open African safari vehicle.

Overnight:     Hilltop Rest Camp - Hluhluwe Game Reserve (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 4 of the tour
Departing the Hluhluwe Game Reserve this morning we are on a final lookout for wild animals. We then arrive at about lunch time in St Lucia. This is a small town situated on an estuary, which is one of seven “World Heritage Sites” in South Africa. Later this afternoon we enjoy a sundowner cruise on the St Lucia Estuary taking in the sights of hippo, crocodiles and the vast birdlife along the way.

Overnight:     Umlilo Lodge - St Lucia (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 5 of the tour
After breakfast this morning you will depart the lodge and enjoy a full day Cape Vidal Tour. Included in the tour will be snorkeling, a lookout point walk, lunch and afternoon game drive in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This evening will be at leisure.

Overnight:     Umlilo Lodge - St Lucia (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 6 of the tour
This morning after breakfast and a bit of relaxation it will be time to get back on the road as we make our way to Shakaland. This is a Cultural Village that shows us some insight into the life of the Zulu nation. You will be entertained with a cultural show as well as dancing and feasting on typical Zulu cuisine this evening. This is a truly memorable experience.

Overnight:     Protea Hotel - Shakaland (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast & Cultural Experience)

Day 7 of the tour
Departing Shakaland this morning we travel through some of the Battlefield areas where the Anglo-Boer War took place as well as bypass the towns of Dundee and Ladysmith on our way to the Drakensberg Mountain Range. Check into our hotel in the afternoon and have the rest of the day at leisure to explore. There are many hiking trails and outdoor activities that can be arranged in this magnificent area from the hotel.

Overnight:     Champagne Castle Hotel - Drakensberg (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 8 of the tour
Day at leisure in the Drakensberg. Many optional activities can be arranged from our hotel.

Overnight:     Champagne Castle Hotel - Drakensberg (Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 9 of the tour
We check out today and spend the day driving back to Johannesburg. On arrival you will transfer to your hotel in either Johannesburg or Pretoria or be dropped off at OR Tambo International Airport. 

Please Note 
Please feel free to make any other requests or suggestions to the above South African tour. We will do our best to make itinerary and accommodation changes to suit your budgets and needs.