Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal

Day 1 London - In flight Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Heathrow Airport and a direct, scheduled British Airways overnight flight to Johannesburg. Day 2 Johannesburg - Sandton This morning we arrive into Johannesburg and transfer to the exclusive Protea Hotel Balalaika (4T) for two nights. Situated in Sandton, a suburb of Johannesburg, you may wish to spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel, browse the ample shopping centres in the vicinity or take a walk around. Day 3 Sterkfontein Caves Today enjoy a full-day tour to Sterkfontein limestone caves, named as the ‘Cradle of Humankind’ when listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, because of its contribution to our understanding of our history and development of over 3 million years. Enjoy an underground boat ride that follows the various stages of history. Day 4 Sandton - Winterton Today, sit back and relax as we travel to Spion Kop Lodge (3T+), where we stay for two nights. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains on the KwaZulu-Natal battlefields route, the lodge is beautifully restored in Natal colonial style, providing supreme comfort and warm hospitality with fine cuisine and spectacular views from its magnificent dining room. Day 5 Spion Kop Battlefield After breakfast we have a morning tour to Spion Kop Battlefield; site of the most futile and probably the bloodiest battle of the Anglo-Boer War. Relive the memories of that day and walk in the footsteps of three great leaders who influenced the course of world history - General Louis Botha, Winston Churchill and Mahatma Gandhi. Raymond Heron, Anglo-Boer raconteur will accompany us, painting a vivid picture of the personal trauma and military mind-set that resulted in the slaughter of so many British and Boer soldiers. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure amidst the beautiful lodge surroundings. Join an optional sunset boat cruise on the lake this evening. Day 6 Winterton - Drakensberg Today we take a leisurely drive to the Cathedral Peak Hotel (3T+) for the next two nights. Our hotel is nestled in the untouched surroundings of the Drakensberg mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and superb hotel facilities and perhaps take one of the picturesque walks from the hotel. Day 7 Drakensberg After breakfast we visit Falcons Ridge Bird of Prey Centre, which includes a rehabilitation centre, providing you with an excellent opportunity to listen to informative talks and see magnificent birds of prey with daily exhibitions of their graceful prowess. We return to our hotel for the remainder of the day at leisure. Day 8 Drakensberg - Durban We travel towards Durban today, via Howick Falls for a view from the top of this impressive waterfall, and a break for lunch before continuing to Durban. We check in to our hotel, the Southern Sun Elangeni (4T) for one night. Day 9 Durban - Shakaland After breakfast we set out on a short city tour followed by a visit and cream tea at the established Botanic Gardens, before heading to the cultural village and living museum of Shakaland, known as ‘the greatest Zulu experience in Africa’. We check in to our comfortable beehive huts (3T) overlooking the Phonane Lake before re-living the excitement and romance of the days of Shaka - the most influential King of the Zulu Kingdom. Enjoy a walk through the village, learn and interact with the Zulu people and watch an incredible display of traditional African dancing and ceremonies. Day 10 Shakaland - St Lucia - KwaZulu This morning we depart for St Lucia and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park where we enjoy a boat cruise in this World Heritage Site, with a chance to see hippo and crocodiles close by. Later we continue to Amakhosi Lodge (4T), a private ‘Big Five’ game reserve, situated in Northern KwaZulu Natal. Day 11 KwaZulu Today we enjoy an early morning game drive in open vehicles in search of the ‘Big Five’, we return for brunch and time at leisure to enjoy the facilities at the lodge. After high tea, our search continues as we return to the reserve for more magnificent wildlife viewing in open top vehicles. Day 12 KwaZulu - Isandlwana After an early morning game drive, we return to the lodge for brunch before departing for Isandlwana Lodge (3T+) or Battlefields Country Lodge (3T+). In the heart of the Anglo-Zulu War region, and on the site of the Battle of Isandlwana, the lodge is carved into the side of Nyoni Rock, with magnificent views of the Isandlwana Mountain and overlooking the valley below. Day 13 Isandlwana We spend the day visiting the two main battle sites of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 - Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, the latter made notable in the 1964 film ‘Zulu’, Michael Caine’s first major role. Our day will be accompanied by an historian who will recount the story of the battles that took place in a thought-provoking way. Day 14 Isandlwana - Johannesburg - In flight Journey back to Johannesburg Airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to London. Day 15 London Arrival at London Heathrow Airport where you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.