Kwa-Zulu Natal Self Drive

Duration
16 Days
Price from
$8,125 pp.
Location
South Africa, Africa
Midlands South Africa

Trip Highlights

  • Scenic self-drive adventure
  • Drakensberg mountain hikes
  • Zulu cultural encounters

What's Included

  • Safari activities
  • Rental car
  • 15 nights accommodation

Our specialists say.....

Discover the wild beauty and rich history of KwaZulu-Natal on an epic self-drive journey through one of South Africa’s most diverse and captivating regions.

This trip is a brilliant way to experience some of South Africa’s best-loved spots, with a great mix of beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and amazing wildlife. You’ll start in the peaceful Natal Midlands, a lovely countryside area full of charming craft shops and stunning views. Then, it’s on to the Drakensberg Mountains, where you can hike, relax, and take in some seriously impressive landscapes.

Tamara, our South Africa specialist, says:
This trip is such a great mix — you get to explore peaceful countryside, amazing mountain views, and some incredible wildlife. Then you finish off by chilling on the beautiful Elephant Coast beaches. It really feels like the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.

From there, you’ll explore the famous Battlefields region, learning about the dramatic stories from the Anglo-Zulu wars, before heading off on safari in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot the Big Five and enjoy game drives through incredible wilderness. Finally, you’ll wind down on the beautiful Elephant Coast at Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can relax by the ocean, snorkel among coral reefs, or take a boat cruise through the wetlands.

This trip strikes a lovely balance between adventure and downtime, giving you a chance to explore South Africa’s nature and history without feeling rushed. Whether it’s hiking in the mountains, spotting wildlife on safari, or just chilling on the beach, there’s something here to make every day special.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 In to the Midlands

Arriving in to Durban this morning you will collect your rental car and make the drive North, past Pietermaritzburg and up in to the beautiful Natal Midlands. Take the opportunity to visit the sculpture at the Nelson Mandela capture site before continuing on to the charming Granny Mouse Country House where you will be spending the next 3 nights. Your afternoon will be at leisure to relax after what will have been a long journey to get here.

Day 2 Exploring The Midlands

Midlands South Africa

Today you can enjoy a day exploring the charming Natal Midlands, somewhat reminiscent of the Cotswolds, with green valleys and gently-rolling hillsides. There is a route known as the Midlands Meander, where you can enjoy visiting a number of local craft shops, some excellent restaurants and marvel at the stunning views that unfold in front of you around every turn. If you are looking to be a little more active there are plenty of walking trails, horse-riding stables and golf courses to enjoy.

Day 3 Some time to relax

Day 4 To the Drakensberg

Day 5 Hiking in the 'Berg

Day 6 Rest and relaxation in the Drakensberg

Day 7 On to The Battlefields

Day 8 Isandlwana

Day 9 Rorke's Drift

Day 10 Your safari awaits

Day 11 Exploring Hluhluwe

Day 12 A final day in the bush

Day 13 To the Elephant Coast

Day 14 Enjoy the coast

Day 15 Final day in SA

Day 16 The journey home begins

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When to go to South Africa

Find out the best time to visit South Africa with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is the perfect time to visit the Cape — hot, dry and buzzing. Lounge on beaches or explore the Winelands and Garden Route in peak summer sun. Inland, it’s the wet season in Kruger, with bursts of heavy rain and vivid green landscapes. It's also the end of the birthing season, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife scenes.

February

The hottest month in Cape Town, February is ideal for alfresco lunches in the Winelands or scenic drives along the Garden Route. There are fewer tourists, perfect weather and excellent vineyard experiences. Safari regions remain hot, humid and wet, so it’s better to stick to the coast and cultural highlights at this time of year.

March

March brings settled, sunny days to Cape Town, the Winelands and Garden Route — ideal for laid-back trips and less crowded experiences. In Kruger, the lush landscape and newborn wildlife create brilliant photographic opportunities, with clear skies and dramatic colours. Rainfall eases across the country, making it a great time to combine regions.

April

April’s mild weather and lower visitor numbers make it one of the best months to explore. Cape Town is perfect for hiking Table Mountain or visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens. The Garden Route and Drakensberg are quiet and cool. In Kruger, rutting season begins — male antelope at their most impressive, sparking fierce, fascinating fights.

May

With summer crowds gone and crisp, dry days setting in, May is a peaceful time to travel. Safari viewing improves as vegetation thins in Kruger, and game becomes easier to spot. The Cape has a mix of sunny and rainy days, and the Winelands feel calm and welcoming after the peak season rush.

June

The start of winter brings cool, dry safari conditions — ideal for spotting wildlife clustered around shrinking water sources. Cape Town gets wetter, though days can still be bright. Whale watching begins along the Western Cape, while the Drakensberg is a dream for hikers enjoying fresh air and peaceful trails. Comrades Marathon adds sporting buzz to KwaZulu Natal.

July

July is peak whale watching around Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, with whales close to shore to calve. It’s also the best time for safaris — cool, dry and clear. Kruger’s wildlife gathers at waterholes, and sightings are exceptional. Cape Town remains cool and drizzly, but it’s a quiet, rewarding time for active or cultural trips.

August

Spring starts to show as wildflowers carpet the West Coast and Namaqualand in vibrant colour — a true spectacle. Game viewing is still strong in Kruger, and whales continue to visit the Cape’s coastline. Temperatures begin rising after winter’s chill, and clear skies return, making this a great time to combine coast, culture and safari.

September

September is superb for combining experiences — wildlife viewing is excellent in Kruger and Madikwe, while whales are frequently seen along the southern coast. Spring flowers are still blooming, and warmer temperatures make outdoor exploration more inviting. In the Drakensberg, snow-capped peaks linger as trails begin to warm up for hiking.

October

October is one of the best all-round months to visit. Cape Town and the Winelands are warming up, with long sunny days and few crowds. Safari conditions remain strong in Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, and the beaches are heating up. Whether you want wildlife, wine or coastline, it’s hard to go wrong this month.

November

Cape Town soaks up the early summer sun, with calm days ideal for exploring. It’s the last chance to see southern right whales before they head off. Inland, the rains return to Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, but afternoon storms are spectacular and short-lived. Visitor numbers increase as the festive season nears — book early.

December

December buzzes with summer energy. The first two weeks are a sweet spot — great weather and fewer crowds. Later in the month, it’s peak holiday season across the country. In Kruger, landscapes burst into colour with flame lilies and baby animals. Book early for Christmas trips — this is one of the most popular times to visit.

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