I absolutely love visiting the battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, in particular the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift. There is something quite moving about visiting these often far flung sites, especially when they have impacted South African history to such a degree.
But there is more to KwaZulu-Natal than just the battlefields; we also have African’s oldest proclaimed “big 5” game reserve, the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve and it’s within an easy drive from Durban.
In order for you to really get “bang for your buck” (you are after all, traveling a long long way) I have put together this amazing 6 day package; a tour of Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift, followed by an amazing 3 day safari experience in the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve.
The Full Isandlwana, Rorkes Drift and Wildlife Safari Package
I have run this tour a few times in the past and my guests have loved it. On the previous occasions we have stayed in the game reserve and enjoyed amazing sightings, so this tour is based on on the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve. What follows is a basic breakdown.
The first day (day 1) starts with you being collected from your accommodation anywhere in the Durban area. After leaving Durban we head to KwaDukuza where the mighty King Shaka had his military kraal. Here you’ll get some insight into the Zulu empire which will help explain about the events to come.
After KwaDukuza we had for lunch in the hills of Eshowe, the oldest European town in KwaZulu-Natal and the site of the British coastal columns siege. Along the way we’ll stop at the battlefields of Gingindlovu (or as the British troops called it, “gin gin I love you”) and Nyezane.
Once lunch is done we head to our final destination for the day, the Rorkes Drift hotel, set literally a stones throw from both the original drift than was named after James Rorke. This amazing hotel is one of the very best in the area and the meals here are delicious!
Day 2 begins with a hearty breakfast and then you’ll head out to the Battlefield of Isandlwana. You will have a qualified battlefield guide with you and will have an opportunity to walk the battlefield and ask questions before returning to the hotel for lunch.
After lunch you’ll head to Fugitives Drift and then finally onto Rorkes Drift for the remainder of the day. At Rorkes Drift you’ll have plenty of time to explore and ask questions of your guide. Next up you’ll return to the hotel and enjoy dinner and if the weather permits, a bit of star gazing.
On day 3 you’ll check out of the hotel after breakfast and then head to the site at which the Prince Imperial of France met his end during the Anglo Zulu war. Then it’s off to Ulundi for the final battlefield tour (Battle of Ulundi) and then a spot of lunch.
From lunch we head into the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve. We travel through the southern gate and enjoy an afternoon’s game drive before arriving at the camp for the night. Here you’ll be staying in chalets and will get to experience a South Africa favorite, a “braai” (barbecue).
Day 4 starts with an early morning game drive in our vehicle before returning to camp for breakfast and checkout. We then enjoy a mid-morning game drive to our next camp, Hilltop Camp. After check-in you can rest up, or elect to enjoy a later afternoon game drive or book yourself a evening game drive. Dinner is served in the game reserve restaurant.
Day 5 begins with an early morning game drive (or you’re welcome to sleep in) followed by breakfast. Next up you can choose to enjoy an “elephant experience”, visit a Cheetah rehabilitation center or enjoy a walk through coastal forests. What ever you choose, on your return you’ll have an optional later afternoon game drive followed by dinner.
On your final day (day 6) you can sleep in or start the day early with a game drive with coffee and rusks on the road (rusks are another South Africa favorite). Breakfast and then checkout follows.
After checking out we head toward St Lucia estuary where you’ll get to enjoy a 2 hour cruise spotting hippo and crocodile. Next up is lunch in the little coastal town of St Lucia where hippo and leopard roam before finally heading back to Durban and your accommodation.
Good to Know
- Minimum of 2 persons required.
- This tour has no set dates and can be run anytime.
- Accommodation, breakfast and dinners are included.
- The St Lucia estuary cruise is included.
- Price is person sharing.
- All entry and conservation fees are included.
- You’ll will love this tour whether you are a battlefields enthusiast or not.
Booking This Tour
Are you ready to book this amazing Isandlwana, Rorkes Drift and wildlife safari package from Durban? Looking for more information or want to explore other tours or options? It’s easy to get in touch with us using any of the convenient options below.
- Call or WhatsApp on +27 (0) 74 995 6669
- Email us: info@durbansafarisandtours.com
- Use the convenient contact from below:
Some TripAdvisor Reviews
Can’t praise our Guide Shelldon enough. The trip was a great success. Even for those none historians, Shelldon brought to life the unfolding dramas of the day.
Mrs Dodson
I went on the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve Overnight Tour with Shelldon, a fantastic guide! Not only he was very knowledgeable about SouthAfrica, the Zulu history, the animals and being very friendly, he made sure that the tour was tailored to my expectations
Louise-Jeannells
My daughter and I went on this trip hoping to get a glimpse of at least a few of the Big 5. And we were not disappointed. As it turned out we got all but 1 – and a lot of other animals normally not seen as well. The real highlight of the tour however was Sheldon who managed to keep an 15 hour trip constantly interesting for an 11 year old!
jonirucoeith