Compare Classic KwaZulu Natal self-drive tour by Audley Travel

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Durban.

Day 2 : The Midlands

On arrival in Durban, you're met at the airport by an Audley representative and assisted with collecting your fully insured hire car. You then drive for around an hour and a half northwest to your accommodation in the Midlands, enjoying views over the green countryside and rolling hills along the way. Once you arrive, spend the rest of the day relaxing after your journey, enjoying your beautiful surroundings while sipping a cool refreshing drink.

Day 3 : The Midlands

Spend the day exploring the area. Recent years have seen many local artisans set up craft shops, breweries and food outlets, which are dotted around the region. You can stop to visit them as you wind through the countryside, sampling some of the local cuisine and browsing traditional African handicrafts. You may also wish to visit the nearby Mandela Capture Site. An art installation marks the spot where Nelson Mandela was taken into custody by the apartheid government in 1962. The piece of art consists of 50 steel poles that make up a portrait of Mandela's face and represent the 50 years that he spent in prison.

Day 4 : The Drakensberg (North)

Drive for around two hours up to the Northern Drakensberg today, enjoying some of the best scenery in South Africa as the mountain peaks rise up in the distance. Along the way, you may wish to stop at Giant's Castle Game Reserve, set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site area. The surrounding mountains and escarpment resemble a sleeping giant, and there are many hiking trails to explore. There are also some examples of San bushman rock art, with a museum that tells you more about the lifestyle of these people.

Day 5 : The Drakensberg (North)

Strap on your walking boots and follow some of the hiking trails through the Drakensberg Mountains today. Experienced guides can select the best trails for your fitness level and tell you more about the region and its wildlife as you walk, or you can head out on your own. Depending on where you're staying, you may be able to explore the area on horseback with a guide, following gentle trails over flat fields, riding through river valleys or ascending the escarpments, depending on your level of experience.

Day 6 : The Battlefields

Your drive to the Battlefields today takes around three hours, passing through more rugged scenery as you travel northeast. After arriving at your accommodation, spend the rest of the day relaxing in your beautiful surroundings, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or heading out on a gentle walk to see what wildlife you can find - various species of antelope can often be seen grazing out on the plains.

Day 7 : The Battlefields

Today you start at Isandlwana and listen to the mesmerizing tale of the Zulu victory. This afternoon you will be taken to the famous Rorkes Drift, you will be taken on an inspiring tour of this famous battle ground and hear the true story behind the famous film 'Zulu'.

Day 8 : Zululand Rhino Reserve (Manyoni)

Drive to the Zululand Rhino Reserve today - the journey takes between three & a half and four & a half hours, depending on where you're staying. Arriving in the early afternoon, settle into your accommodation before heading out on your first game drive with experienced guides. The park is home to endangered black rhino as well as white rhino, elephant, buffalo, blue wildebeest, impala and kudu. The experience includes sundowner drinks and snacks before driving in the dark to spot some of the reserve's nocturnal species.

Day 9 : Zululand Rhino Reserve (Manyoni)

Enjoy a full day on safari today. Your early morning game drive sets off before breakfast, giving you the best chance of spotting the animals at their most active. You then return to your accommodation for a hearty breakfast. The afternoon game drive doesn't set off until the late afternoon, so the middle of the day is free for you to relax, enjoy a leisurely lunch and perhaps head out on a bush walk. This gives you a different perspective of the reserve as your guide points out some of the smaller wildlife species, such as birds and insects, and explains their role in the local ecosystem.

Day 10 : Zululand Rhino Reserve (Manyoni)

Spend your last day on safari trying to spot any species you've missed on the previous days. Hyena, suni and leopard are all rare sightings here, but you may get lucky. Your guide will know the best places to go to see the wildlife that interests you the most. This evening, after your afternoon game drive, share stories of your travels with fellow guests over dinner and drinks.

Day 11 : International return flight

Today you leave the reserve and drive for around two hours to Richard's Bay airport, where you drop off your car and board your onward flight.

Day 12 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.