BATTLEFIELD (ISANDLWANA / RORKE’S DRIFT – ANGLO-ZULU)
Full Day Tour
06H30 Departure from Gibela Travellers Lodge, Durban. The drive to the Battlefields is about 4 hours through some of the most picturesque countryside in South Africa. En route your guide will share on the history of South Africa, the Boers, Zulu’s and the English. We will travel along the route that the Coastal Column took during the Anglo-Zulu War. Your guide will point out such sites as the “Ultimatum Tree”, “Fort Pearson”, the “Battle of Gingindlovu” site as well as “Fort Eshowe”. We will travel within sight of Ulundi, the capital of Zululand and home to Cetswayo, the Zulu King during the Anglo-Zulu War and gaze on the heights of the Mtonjaneni mountain range overlooking the Valley of the Kings -Emakhosini. Once we arrive at our destination Isandlwana your guide will discuss the battle of the day, where you will have the opportunity “to walk” in the very footsteps of the brave Zulu and British combatants. We depart Isandlwana and make our way to Rorke’s Drift for lunch. At this little trading post the actions of a few men against a great many saw the pride of the British resurrected after the humbling drubbing the British received at the hands of the Zulus in Isandlwana. We will explore the very building where “Hook the cook” and Williams and Jones (fine Welsh boys) made their stand, some 150 against 4000, and over 12 hours, pulled off what can only be described as a miracle, defending their small little supply depo successfully against the Zulus. We depart for Durban following the central columns route through Helpmekaar, Tugela Ferry and Pietermaritzburg. Approximate time of arrival in Durban 18H30
Cost: R 2 500-00 per person on a sharing basis. Minimum of two guests required for departure.
Single: R 4 400-00 single traveller.
Included: Entrance Fees, Listed Activities, Transport, Guide, Bottle Water.
Excluded: Items of Personal Nature, Lunch & Beverages, Gratuities
Extras: Hat, Warm Jacket, Comfortable Walking Shoes, Sun Screen.
The Battle of Isandlwana (the Zulus annihilating the British) and the Battle of Rorke’s Drift (the British annihilating the Zulus) are two of the most famous battles fought in KwaZulu-Natal. Both these battles took place on the same day, 22 January 1879.
The Battle of Isandlwana
The name Isandlwana comes from the Zulu word “Isandla” which means hand and refers to the shape of a “koppie” or hill which the battle was fought upon. The battle at Isandlwana was the first major clash between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom, 11 days after the invasion of Zululand by the British. The Zulu’s were equipped with traditional weaponry as well as a few old rifles, however, they were not skilled in their use as a musket or rifle was not their traditionally used weapon and they lacked practise. The British on the other hand were well equipped in terms of weaponry and ammunition. Despite this difference in weaponry, the large numbers of the Zulu Impis (warriors), numbering close to 22 000 strong, were this time the victorious, killing over 1350 British soldiers. This particular Battle is world renowned as the worst defeat the British have suffered at the hands of the native force. A monument now stands commemorating the Battle of Isandlwana as you enter the battlefield.
The Battle of Rorke’s Drift
The battle of Rorke’s Drift (also known as the defence of Rorke’s Drift) took place just 30km away from the clash at Isandlwana. This battle is famed due to the fact that the British, numbering approximately 150 soldiers, dealt a dashing blow to the Zulu Impis (warriors) numbering between 3000 and 4000 Zulus. The battle became so well-known due to the fact that the British Queen handed over 11 Victorian Crosses, the most at any battle fought against a native army.
HLUHLUWE iMFOLOZI “BIG 5” GAME RESERVE
Full Day Safari
06H30 Departure from Gibela Travellers Lodge, Durban. It is approximately a 2.5-hour drive to Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. Once you have reached the park, your guide will attend to the necessary entry requirements into the park after which you will take a slow game drive towards Hilltop Camp. Your guide will educate you on the history of the area as well as conduct a 4-hour game drive in a closed air-conditioned vehicle so you can experience the amazing wildlife that Hluhluwe iMfolozi has to offer. Dependent on time, we will stop at Hilltop Camp where you will have the opportunity to stretch your legs. The views from the terrace will leave no doubt in your mind that the name “Hilltop” has been aptly chosen. Here you will also have the chance to view the sightings board which will give you an idea of animals spotted on the day as well as have the opportunity to add your own sightings. Should time allow, we may rest for lunch. This is at the discretion of your guide and not included in the tour. All meals are for your own account. Once again, you will be given the chance to spot some game when you depart Hilltop Camp and make your way for the exit gate. After the game drive, sadly, it’s back to Durban. Approximate time of arrival in Durban 18H30
Cost: R 1 950-00 per person on a sharing basis. Minimum of two guests required for departure.
Single: R 3 500-00 single traveller.
Included: Entrance Fees, Listed Activities, Transport, Guide, Bottle Water.
Excluded: Items of Personal Nature, Lunch & Beverages, Gratuities
Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve spanning 96 000 ha. In 1890 the white rhino numbered less than 100 in the areas in and around Hluhluwe iMfolozi and it is mostly thanks to this park, which received formal recognition as a protected wildlife sanctuary in 1895, due to the possibility of extinction of this magnificent creature, that we have the fortune of seeing the white rhino in its natural habitat today. At this stage, there were approximately only 20 Southern White Rhino surviving on earth and they were all within the Imfolozi area. By 1960, their numbers had improved so drastically that intervention was required to avoid over population. Rhinos were relocated to protected areas outside of the park and this initiative was run by the then Natal Parks Board. Hluhluwe iMfolozi now has the largest population of white rhino in the world, but they are under constant siege. Elephants have always fascinated those visiting the park. The males are identifiable by their rounded head, thicker and larger tusks and larger body size. The females have a flat top head which comes down at angle to the trunk. The “BIG 5“- Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo were classified as such as they were and are the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot, the Buffalo being the most dangerous. Besides the Big 5, and the various other large species of mammal found in the park, the park is home to over some 1200 species of plant, it is abundant in birdlife, reptiles as well as little guys.
SANI PASS & LESOTHO (SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG)
Full Day Tour
06H30 Departure from Gibela Travellers Lodge, Durban. The drive to Underberg is about 2.5 hours through some of the most picturesque countryside in South Africa. Once we arrive in Underberg we will swop vehicles to a 4×4. We shall make our way up Sani Pass which starts at 1544m and climbs 1332 vertical meters to an altitude of 2874m above sea level. Your guide will educate you on the history of the pass and the views will leave you breathless as you wind your way in this rugged terrain through the Drakensberg Mountains. We will stop over for lunch at the highest pub in Africa which offers breath taking views of the Drakensberg. Please note that lunch is not included and will be for your own account. After visiting a Sotho Village, a small handful of huts in this very arid part of Lesotho, we will make our way down Sani Pass to return to Underberg. Approximate time of arrival in Durban is 18H30.
Cost: R 2 500-00 per person on a sharing basis. Minimum two guests required for departure.
Single: R 4 300-00 single traveller.
Included: Transport, 4X4 Excursion, Guide, Bottle Water.
Excluded: Items of Personal Nature, Lunch & Beverages, Gratuities
Extras: Passport required Hat, Warm Jacket, Comfortable Walking Shoes, Sun Screen.
Sani Pass instils a sense of awe for those who are fortunate enough to make the climb by 4×4 due to its beautiful scenery, the peaceful surrounds and as you wind your way up the sometimes adrenaline inducing hairpin bends you can understand why it has become such an iconic pass in South Africa.
Much of Sani Pass appeal is that it is only accessible by 4×4, creating a sense of privilege for those permitted to venture up. Sani Pass often experiences snowfall in the winter months and the sight is out of this world, seeing the snow topped mountains, the natural streams, truly makes for an unforgettable, memorable experience. You will be travelling through the Lesotho border and there may be VISA entry requirements dependent on your residency. Should you be prohibited from entering through the border, we will not accept any liability due to lack of the correct VISA documentation.
BATTLEFIELD TOUR (ISANDLWANA / RORKE’S DRIFT – ANGLO-ZULU)
2 Days / 1 Night Tour
DAY 1: 08H30 Departure from Gibela Travellers Lodge, Durban. Our first stop, Shaka’s Memorial in KwaDukuza, Stanger is about a 45-minute drive from Durban. On route your guide will share on the history of South Africa, the Boers, Zulu’s and the English. On arrival at the Shaka Memorial you will learn a little about the Zulu King and how he has impacted both Zulu and European peoples in South Africa. We will spend approximately 45 minutes at this stop. We then make our way to the Eshowe Fort in Eshowe, the oldest European town in Zululand. This was a feature town in the Anglo Zulu war where the British were besieged by the Zulu army for a period of 2 months. We shall spend about 60 minutes at this site. We shall visit the Eshowe museum, a quant colonial building which has a number of artefacts and photographs that really capture the period around the turn of the century and will help in giving you a sense of the history of the time. After our visit to the Eshowe museum, we shall stop for lunch. Lunch is followed by travelling directly to the Isandlwana Battlefields where the British were to suffer their worst defeat at the hands of an indigenous people. We will also have the opportunity to enjoy the small museum nearby. Your guide will lead you through events that happened here on the 22nd of January 1879. We will spend approximately 90 minutes here. From Isandlwana it is about a 20-minute drive to our accommodation, Rorke’s Drift Hotel, where your guide will assist with check-in. You will have some time to relax and unwind from the day’s busy activity before enjoying a dinner at the Hotel.
DAY 2: 09H00 After a hearty breakfast at Rorke’s Drift Hotel, your guide will assist with checkout and we will make our way to Fugitives Drift some 30 minutes away where your guide will relate the harrowing and heroic ride that two of the famed participants (Lieutenants Melville and Coghill) of the Isandlwana Battle had. It is here that the gallant dash to save the Queen’s Regimental Colours was lost and Melville and Coghill lost their lives. We shall spend about 30 minutes at the site exploring and learning about the events that happened on the day. After Fugitives Drift, we make our way to Rorke’s Drift where you will have the fantastic to opportunity to visit the battlefield site which has remained mostly unchanged for the last 200 years. At this little trading post, the actions of a few men against a great many saw the pride of the British resurrected after the humbling drubbing the British received at the hands of the Zulus in Isandlwana. We will explore the buildings where “Hook the cook” and Williams and Jones (fine Welsh boys) made their stand, some 150 against 4000, and over 12 hours, pulled off what can only be described as a miracle, defending their small supply depo successfully against the Zulus. You will have the opportunity to explore the actual buildings where the fighting too place as well as go through the events of the day aided by visual clues at the site. We shall rest for a light lunch at the site after which we shall depart for Durban arriving at approximately 15H30
Cost: R 7 000-00 per person on a sharing basis. Minimum two guests required for departure.
Single: R 12 000-00 single traveller.
Included: Transport, Accommodation in a Twin Room, Dinner & Breakfast, Entrance Fees, Guide, Bottle Water.
Excluded: Items of Personal Nature, Lunch & Beverages, Gratuities
Single accommodation supplement R 950-00
Extras: Hat, Warm Jacket, Comfortable Walking Shoes, Sun Screen.
Please note that group activities are not private and here you may be expected to join in activities where other travellers have also booked the activity.
HLUHLUWE iMFOLOZI “BIG 5” GAME RESERVE AND ST LUCIA
2 Days / 1 Night Safari
Day 1: 07H00 Departure from Gibela Travellers Lodge, Durban. It is approximately a 3-hour drive to the Cheetah Interaction Tour. During transit, your guide will share a bit of history with you. You will have the opportunity to encounter and learn more about to the fastest land mammal, the Cheetah, a firm favourite with travellers. Please note that participating in this activity is entirely at your own risk. From here, it’s on to Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. Once you have reached the park your guide will attend to attend to the necessary entry requirements into the park, after which you will make your way towards Hilltop Camp. Your guide will educate you on the history of the area as well as conduct a slow game drive in a closed air-conditioned vehicle so you can experience the amazing wildlife that the park has to offer in comfort. Approximate time of arrival at Hilltop Camp is 13H30 where we will stop for lunch (lunch is for your own account). The views from the terrace will leave no doubt in your mind that the name “Hilltop” has been aptly chosen. Here you will also have the chance to view the sightings board which will give you an idea of animals spotted on the day as well as have the opportunity to add your own sightings. Thereafter, your guide will assist with check-in and show you to your room as well as discuss the option of joining a night drive which departs at 17H00 returning at 20H00. This is an optional extra, for your own account and is roughly R400.00 per person – subject to change without notice. Should you wish to go on a night drive, we strongly advise that you make a booking as soon possible in order to avoid disappointment of there being no availability. This is not a private tour as it is conducted by the camp, with the camp vehicle and you will be sharing with other guests. Alternatively, you are more than welcome to join your guide on a 2 to 3 hour closed vehicle game drive after lunch which is included in the tour price. Should you prefer to stay at camp, there are self-guided walking trails as well as a swimming pool should you wish to cool down. Dinner shall be after your game drive. The time of which shall vary depending on whether you have chosen to do a night drive with the camp or go on a game drive in our closed vehicles. Gate closing times will also impact on the time of return as this changes with season allowing for a later return in Summer.
Day 2: 06H00 Again, you will be given the option to join an open vehicle game drive with the camp which will be for your own account or go on a 3-hour game drive in our closed, air-conditioned vehicle which is included in the safari package. Return to camp where breakfast will be served in the restaurant, buffet style. This is your last chance to spot game within the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park as we depart Hilltop Camp and make our way to St Lucia. Weather permitting you will have the opportunity to go on a 2-hour boat cruise on the world heritage site of Lake St Lucia in Isimageliso Wetland Park, viewing Hippos and crocodiles making it well worth the experience. Should the weather not allow for a boat cruise, we shall take a walk on the estuary boardwalk. We shall stop for a light lunch. Please note that this is for your own account – not included in the safari package. We depart for Durban which is a 3-hour drive. Approximate time of arrival in Durban is 18H30.
Cost: R 5 500-00 per person on a sharing basis. Minimum two guests required for departure.
Single: R 9 000-00 single traveller.
Included: Transport, Accommodation in an En-Suite Chalet, Dinner & Breakfast, Entrance Fees, Guide, Bottle Water.
Excluded: Items of Personal Nature, Lunch & Beverages, Gratuities
Single accommodation supplement R 950-00
Extras: Hat, Warm Jacket, Comfortable Walking Shoes, Sun Screen.
Please note that group activities are not private and here you may be expected to join inactivities where other travellers have also booked the activity.
DRAKENSBERG HIKING AND SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Central & Northern Drakensberg 3 Day / 2 Nigh
Day 1: Early departure from Gibela Travellers Lodge, Durban. The drive to the central Drakensberg is about 3 hours through some of the most picturesque countryside in South Africa. Your guide will share on the history of South Africa, the different population groups and how they all came to be here. Once we are closer to the Drakensberg Mountain Range, your guide will educate you on the history of the area and speak more on the San-Bushmen who lived in these mountains more than 30 000 years ago. Upon arrival at Giants Castle where peaks are 3315 meters high, we will stop for lunch and check into your lodge set in the majestic Mountains. After you have settled, your guide will take you on a gentle hike for a couple of hours to the Min Cave which has a beautiful cliff overhang where the San-Bushmen have slept during the cold winter nights in the Drakensberg. The cave has now been turned into a Museum after excavations have uncovered artefacts dating back thousands of years. Please note that hikes can be adjusted to the client’s needs and fitness levels. Upon our return, we will have some time to rest before a lovely dinner in the restuarant. After dinner, it is time to retire and do some star gazing, the stars in the Drakensberg are amazing!
Day 2: After breakfast, we visit Royal Natal National Park in the Northern Drakensberg, it’s about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive. Here we will take a hike up to some 800-year-old San-Bushman paintings which is roughly a 45-minute round trip. After this, we will embark on a 2.5 to 3-hour hike in the Royal Natal National Park before we have some lunch in the area. Please note that the hike can be adjusted to the client’s needs and fitness level. We will return to Giants Castle in the late afternoon. Dinner will be served in the early evening.
Day 3: Before checking out, we will enjoy breakfast. We will then make our way towards the Midlands Meander. We will visit the Nelson Mandela Capture site and Museum as well as Howick falls, a 100-meter-high waterfall situated in the quaint little village of Howick. Before departing for Durban, you will have a chance to persue the antique shops and have lunch in the village and then, its back to Durban.
The expected arrival time in Durban is 16H00
Cost: R 7 600-00 per person on a sharing basis. Minimum two guests required for departure.
Single: R 12 500-00 single traveller.
Included: Transport, Accommodation in an En-Suite Chalet, Dinners & Breakfast, Entrance Fees, Guide, Bottle Water.
Excluded: Items of Personal Nature, Lunch & Beverages, Gratuities
Single accommodation supplement R 950-00
Extras: Hat, Warm Jacket, Comfortable Walking Shoes, Sun Screen.
Please note that group activities are not private and here you may be expected to join inactivities where other travellers have also booked the activity.