This remarkable itinerary brings to life the history of the shocking Anglo-Zulu War and offers a fascinating insight in Zulu heritage before continuing on to discover the incredible wildlife and safari opportunities provided by this hugely diverse eco-system. Nelson Mandela himself once said: ‘iSimangaliso must be the only place on the globe where the oldest land mammal and the world’s biggest terrestrial mammal share an eco-system with the world’s oldest fish and the world’s biggest marine mammal’.
In the drama of the Drakensberg mountains is where this tour will begin. The spectacular, verdant landscape cuts an imposing figure and renders travellers totally awestruck. Guests will enjoy a 3-night stay at Montusi Mountain Lodge. This resort offers panoramic views of the Amphitheatre escarpment and surrounding mountain range and is perfectly located for a number of outdoor activities.
Drakensberg is a World Heritage Site broken into three regions, each of which possessing its own distinctive rock formations and impressive vistas. Our suggestion: take a 4×4 trip up the Sani Pass, to the Roof of Africa. The Kingdom of Lesotho offers sweeping views from the escarpment down into South Africa.
Next up is the historic Rorke’s Drift. Tour the Battlefields and hear in gripping detail the background to the Anglo-Zulu War as narrated by David Rattray. You will be driven to Isandlwana in the early morning where you can take to the battlefield and become immersed in the remarkable story of the Zulu victory.
Here you will spend 3 nights in Fugitives’ Drift. As well as offering world-class food and wine, the family-run Fugitives’ Drift is the ideal spot to discover the history of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 thanks to being located within a private 5,000-acre reserve.
https://www.fugitivesdrift.com/
The tour will then take you to the wild and untamed lands of zululand at Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Nature conservation is of prime importance here, and some of the world’s most endangered species are carefully protected and nurtured. The area’s biodiversity offers both water and land-based game experiences, providing a uniquely well-rounded safari which includes the Big Five, marine and wetlands animals.
While here guests will have the unique opportunity to stay at Rhino Sands Safari Camp, an authentic safari experience in this 5 Star luxury tented camp. Each of the suites enjoy stunning views of the river below which serves as a permanent watering hole for the wildlife making for excellent game viewing from the comfort of your accommodation. Private plunge pools, lounge areas and outdoor showers elevate this stay to a truly luxurious experience.
https://www.thongabeachlodge.co.za/
Move to the coast today to spend the next three nights in Thonga Beach Lodge followed by two nights in Makakatana Bay Lodge. Both accommodations are situated within the UNESCO Heritage Site of iSimangaliso Wetlands Park and offer everything from idyllic beaches to big game spotting experiences.
Spend your days on guided snorkelling and kayaking excursions of Lake Sibaya. Discover the array of marine life living along the Elephant Coast on an exciting ocean safari with the chance to see giant sea turtles, manta rays and dolphins. It is here where Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles can be witnessed laying their eggs on the very beaches from which they hatched many years before. Take forest walks or a cultural tour of Mabibi Village and watch an iconic sunset over Southern Africa’s largest freshwater lake.
