Day 1

Overnight flight to Johannesburg

Day 2-3

Morning arrival and connecting flight to Durban. Collect a hire car and drive to the stunning Drakensberg Mountains for a 2 night stay at Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse. Set in the beautiful Kamberg Valley with glorious views of Cleopatra Mountain, this exquisite and slightly eccentric lodge is the ideal spot to base yourself when exploring the hikes and trails of the Drakensberg mountains – which is also the ideal way of working up an appetite for one of Richard Poynton’s exceptional gourmet dinners. Each of the eleven rooms is individually decorated and decadently luxurious with artefacts from all over Asia and Africa. The food is truly sumptuous with a brunch fit for the gods, and a six course meal with wine each evening presided over by the master chef. Breakfast, coffees, teas, cakes, a picnic basket lunch and a gourmet dinner are all included.

Days 4-6

Today, drive to Fugitive’s Drift Guest House for a three night stay during which time you will take fascinating tours to some of the most important sites of the Anglo-Zulu War including Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana. (FB) In its original state The Guest House was the home of Mr Johan Potgieter and his family. “Mr Pot” was immortalised in Gillian Rattray’s award winning book “The Springing of the Year”. He was one of the great storytellers of this area. Mr Pot’s house has been turned into the most charming sitting and dining room, filled with fascinating memorabilia. The original verandahs have been retained. It also has an outside eating area which has a stunning view across a plain with Isandlwana in the distance. Cottages have large, en-suite bedrooms that are individually decorated and all have private verandahs with sweeping views of the reserve and surrounding battlefields. The Guest House boasts a sparkling pool that overlooks Isandlwana and the indigenous bushveld.

Days 7-9

Today, drive to Thanda Private Game Reserve for a three night stay at Tented Camp. Experienced guides will take you on game drives and walks in this big 5 reserve whilst those looking to be pampered will love the extensive range of treatments at the Wellness Centre. Your stay here is on a full board basis. Thanda, meaning 'love' in Zulu, is an award-winning safari destination which is just a short drive from the glorious beaches of the Indian Ocean – this is where those in the know come for one of the best beach and bush experiences. Guests are accommodated in either one of the four huge safari tents, designed and decorated in colonial style with four-poster beds and en-suite bathrooms, or in one of the nine luxury bush villas which boast private splash pools, viewing decks, outside shower and lounge.

Day 10

Return the hire car to Richards Bay airport and fly to Johannesburg for your connecting overnight flight to Heathrow.

Day 11

Early morning arrival.