8-Day KwaZulu-Natal Tour Itinerary
Overview
Location
Schedule Details
Day 1 – Arrival in Durban
Overnight: Durban (Elangeni 4 Star) - Including Buffet Breakfast
- Airport pickup and hotel check-in
- Pick up at the KZN Airport (King Shaka International Airport)
- Relax at Umhlanga Beach or walk the Golden Mile Promenade
- Visit uShaka Marine World
- Walk to the Beach, 50 metres from the hotel (try bunny chow!)
✈ Perfect easy start after international travel.
Day 2 – Valley of a Thousand Hills & Zulu Culture
Overnight: Durban ( Elangeni Hotel )
• Visit PheZulu Cultural Village
• Traditional Zulu dancing & village tour
• Reptile park visit
• Scenic drive through Valley of a Thousand Hills
Day 3 – Drakensberg Mountains
Overnight: Northern Drakensberg ( Stay at the Drakensberg Sun Resort – including buffet
breakfast & buffet diner )
• Drive to uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Stop at Howick Falls
• Visit Nelson Mandela Capture Site
• Afternoon scenic hike or relax at mountain lodge
• Visit The Tala Game Reserve, From being greeted by warthogs as you arrive at the
reception area to having zebras and giraffes visit you in the early morning, Tala Collection
Game Reserve offers a memorable stay for all types of travellers.
Spectacular mountain scenery and fresh air.
Day 4 – Drakensberg Exploration
Overnight: Drakensberg ( Stay at the Drakensberg Sun Resort – including buffet breakfast
& buffet diner )
• Guided hike to waterfalls or viewpoints
• Explore San (Bushman) Rock Art
• Optional: Horse riding or canopy tour
• Evening around the lodge fireplace
️ Incredible landscapes and photography opportunities.
Day 5 – Battlefields Route → Hluhluwe
Overnight: Hluhluwe / St Lucia ( Stay at the Elephant Lake Hotel , including Breakfast )
• Visit Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift (Anglo-Zulu War sites)
• Learn about South Africa’s colonial history
• Afternoon transfer to Hluhluwe area
• Today you will enjoy a late afternoon Hippo & Croc 2 hour Boat Cruise on the St
Lucia Estuary up close and personal sightings. Then in the evening go out on a
Night Drive Safari into the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this 2/3 hour outing is
definitely a must while in Africa.
A powerful historical experience.
Day 6 – Big 5 Safari Experience
Overnight: Hluhluwe / St Lucia ( Stay at the Elephant Lake Hotel , including Breakfast ) -Early morning Big 5 game drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
• Afternoon leisure time at lodge
• Search for lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard
Optional sunset drive or bush dinner
️ Classic African safari day.
Day 7 – iSimangaliso Wetland Park & Beach
Overnight: St Lucia ( Stay at the Elephant Lake Hotel , including Breakfast ) -
Visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park (UNESCO Site) Afternoon at Cape Vidal Beach
Optional snorkelling or whale watching (seasonal)
Bush and beach in one day.
Day 8 – Return to Durban ( Elangeni Hotel)
• Morning relaxation
• Transfer back to Durban (±2.5 hours)
• Last-minute shopping at Gateway Mall & Souvenior Shops (with traditional African art &
sculptures )
• Botanical Gardens & Mitchells Park
• Back to Hotel for the night
DAY 9- Departure
Breakfast at hotel
Airport departure – to KZN – King Shaka International Airport
Why This Itinerary Works for International Visitors
✔ Covers 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
✔ Includes Big 5 safari
✔ Combines mountains + bush + beach
✔ Cultural and historical experiences
✔ Easy logistics from Durban