South Africa Bush & Beach Vacation: Durban, KwaZulu Natal & Thanda Private Game Reserve

Rouse to the sound of crashing waves. Today, you are free to discover the essence of Durban. There are various options available. You could relax on the golden sands feeling the sun’s warm touch on your skin and enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants that line the beachfront. With Durban’s sub-tropical climate and the Indian Ocean’s warm, inviting waters (77 ºF in summer and 64 ºF in winter), you can swim and suntan all year round. The adventurous can opt for a range of activities - from diving into the deep blue to scenic microlight flights over the coastline, or thrillingly searching the ocean for dolphins, whales (seasonal) and whale sharks (seasonal). Adrenaline junkies can ascend the world’s highest indoor climbing wall, while golfing enthusiasts can play on championship golf courses at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club. No amateur marine biologist would want to miss out on the opportunity to learn more about our ocean’s top predator on a unique outing to the Natal Sharks Board, where you’ll experience a fascinating live dissection of a dead shark.

The entire day can also be spent at uShaka Marine World, where water slides, shark tanks, and ocean shows will provide countless hours of fun. The adventurous can ride the highest water slide in Africa, dive with sharks, snorkel amongst a myriad of sea-creatures, or don a specialized underwater suit to get up-close-and-personal with rays and sand sharks in the Open Ocean Exhibit. For an unforgettable experience, get the opportunity to touch and feed dolphins and seals, or if you’re fascinated by stingrays, enter waist-deep water to witness spotted eagle rays close-up. Tonight, opt to dine at a magical restaurant for ocean views paired with authentic Indian cuisine, made popular by Durban’s large Indian community. Here the restaurant’s curry buffet offers an impressive variety, including the famous traditional Durban lamb curry. After dinner, stop in at your hotel and enjoy fresh oysters with chilled champagne.

Awaken, and breathe in the fresh, salty sea air. Try to squeeze in one last swim before you have to bid farewell to Umhlanga and travel to your lodge, located on the 5,000-acre Fugitives Drift Game Reserve in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields Region.

Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch, which you’ll enjoy on the deck of Harford library. This vantage point offers spectacular views over the Buffalo River Gorge and showcases rolling hills and a seemingly endless horizon. Gaze through the telescope on the deck and take in the surrounding splendor. After lunch, spend the rest of your day exploring this picturesque reserve. Game and birdlife flourish here. Opt to walk to the Great Ledge for further sweeping views of the area. Be on the lookout for wildebeest, zebra, and giraffe, as well as the purple-crested lourie or any of the other 250+ bird species that call the reserve home. Local guides are also available for hikers. The afternoon can also be spent fishing along the Buffalo River. Afterward, ensure you enjoy a refreshing swim in the bounty of pools and rapids. Yet surely, the most exciting means to discover the surrounding area is on horseback. Horses allow you to get closer to the reserve’s game than you ever could on foot, as the wildlife is naturally more relaxed around them.

Today, you’ll travel back in time on a thought-provoking tour of two famous historic battle sites: Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, immortalized in the Hollywood movies Zulu Dawn, starring Burt Lancaster, and Zulu, featuring Michael Caine. Listen as your guide shares the stories that made history. On the 22nd of January 1879, 20,000 Zulu warriors, armed with only spears and antiquated firearms, attacked the British camp at Isandlwana. Despite being heavily defended by 1,750 men, the British suffered a resounding defeat and the aftermath saw 1,350 lying dead on the blood-soaked hillside. The battle marked the British’s biggest loss in colonial times. The haunting and nostalgic battlefield is dotted with white cairns marking the resting place of the dead. Return to the lodge for lunch before setting off for Rorke’s Drift.

The battle of Rorke’s Drift was waged on the very day British forces were crushed at Isandlwana. Visit the battle site: a Swedish Mission Station where 140 British men – most of whom were unwell – fought off 3,000 attacking Zulu warriors. The British defended assault after assault over 12 hours, losing only 16 men, until the Zulus finally retreated. Eleven Victoria Crosses were bestowed upon the defenders – the largest number to date ever awarded for a single battle. The Rorke’s Drift Museum and Interpretation Centre has a variety of attractions and audio-visual media on display that bring the region’s Anglo-Zulu battles to life. Opt to visit the nearby Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC) Art and Craft Centre for a wide range of curios, from tapestries to silkscreen fabrics and ceramics. Work by the ELC has won both local and international acclaim and been exhibited in galleries worldwide. Return to the lodge to enjoy drinks around the fire then head to the dining room, decorated in Zulu artifacts, to tuck into a delectable dinner.

Your African safari begins today. Travel to the multiple-award-winning Thanda Private Game Reserve, where 14,000 hectares of Big Five country awaits you. Arrive to delicious lunch, and afterwards, why not take the 90-minute photography class offered by skilled wildlife photographer. Learn the art of motion photography and glean insider-insights on how to shoot breathtaking wildlife images. Then, put your new knowledge into action on an afternoon game drive. Thanda, which means ‘love’ in the local Zulu language, is a big seven reserve, so make sure you scout the bush for resident cheetah and wild dog in addition to your search for lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. As the sun begins to descend, your ranger will park the vehicle in a prime location to showcase Mother Nature painting the evening sky in streaks of reds and purples. Enjoy complimentary snacks and sundowners taking in the awe-inspiring sight. Tonight, under hundreds of twinkling stars, you’ll dine in a boma – an enclosure customarily used to protect cattle–and enjoy the local specialty potjiekos (pot food). This Afrikaans traditional dish involves cooking stew in a three-legged metal pot on the fire. The result is a sublime, mouth-watering meal.

If the smell of pancakes puts a smile on your face, then you’ll love this morning’s treat: breakfast in the bush surrounded entirely by nature. Birdsong and the fresh morning air promise an unforgettable dining experience, which promises to be a highlight of your trip. The reserve is located in the heart of Zululand. If you’re eager to learn more about the area’s Zulu customs opt for Thanda’s ‘In the footsteps of Zulu’ cultural tour for an immersive experience with these so-called ‘people of heaven.’ This personalized tour can, depending on your preferences, include a visit to a Zulu village and homestead, interaction with a local sangoma (medicine man) or participation in upcoming community celebrations. Alternatively, elect to enjoy a unique personal interaction with African’s gentle giant – the elephant. Not only will you learn more about these magnificent animals you’ll actually get to relate to them one-on-one. Which of the elephants – Rambo, Rachel or Jabulani – will be your favorite?

Today’s, bushwalk will get you closer than you could ever have imagined to Thanda’s wildlife. Mornings, before the heat of the day sets in, are an ideal time to view game. On foot, your knowledgeable ranger will safely guide you through the African bush, pointing out interesting facts on various fauna and flora. Take a closer look at animal tracks or witness Africa’s master of camouflage the chameleon in action. Stare in wonder as he uses his lighting quick tongue to catch insects. Then, if you’re curious to see conservation in action, opt to join Thanda’s researchers by joining a team whose duties ensure the very well-being of the reserve. Activities vary and on any given day you could track down the Big Five, count game, assist with the moving of animals (seasonal) or even maintain fences. Tonight, request to enjoy a romantic dinner for two under the vast African sky. Fine dining will be paired with the sounds of the African bush. Be sure to listen for the mighty roar of lions, the giggling laugh of a hyena, or the wistful howl of a jackal.

Enjoy one last game drive, before leaving for King Shaka International Airport and your flight home. As you return the rental vehicle and reflect on your vacation – with the perfect combination of beach and bush – which destination was your favorite?