Day 1

Depart from New York (JFK) or Washington Dulles (IAD) for your South African Airways flight to South Africa.

Day 2

On arrival in Johannesburg you will connect onwards for your 1 hour flight on South African Airways to Durban.

Arrive at Durban International Airport, collect your rental car and make your way along the Midlands Meander travelling through the historic town of Pietermaritzburg.

It’s no secret that the KZN Midlands is a creative hot spot - a place where imaginations run wild. It is here that exceptionally talented artists bursting with creative energy put a creative spin on age-old crafts. The road takes you to Howick, where you can visit the Howick Falls and the Arts & Craft Center. Continue to Mooi River to check-in at Hartford House.

Its architecture, views, dining, sounds, smells, its racehorses and its people are all exhilarating surprises, unique to this Zululand, this culture, to Africa. Yes, you come here to be pampered, but at Hartford luxury is the journey, not the destination. This is a passionate place, and any meal at Hartford House reflects that obsession. Dinner is a spectacular five course affair, served in candlelit splendor, either in the historic dining room or on the rambling colonial veranda. "Sit back, relax and let us serve you"

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at Hartford House

Day 3

This morning enjoy a hearty breakfast and then continue your journey to the heart of the KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg.

It is here that you arrive at the 5 star lodge tucked away in the beautiful Kamberg Valley close to Giant's Castle Nature Reserve. With just 11 rooms Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is a haven with its breath-taking mountain views, crystal clear streams and ultimate peaceful solitude of the Kwazulu Natal, Drakensberg Mountains. Dinner is a sumptuous 7 course affair with no effort or expense spared to give guests a memorable dining experience.

Spend 2 nights where there is pure dedication to sumptuous food and rustic luxury.

Overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

Day 4

Enjoy a hearty breakfast then relax or set out to one of the many places to explore in the area. Swimming, mountain hiking, scenic walks are some of the excursions that can be enjoyed from the hotel.Optional excursions (at an additional cost) include horse riding and rainbow and brown trout fishing.Perhaps take a helicopter flip over the Little Berg to Giants Castle. You will hover next to the Big Berg and fly over wildlife, rolling hills, rivers and land on top of the Little Berg for a glass of sparkling wine with Giants Castle in the background. There are trips to the top of the Sani Pass and Bushman Rock art dating back over 3000 years to be seen at Kamberg.

Overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

Day 5

After breakfast, drive to Fugitive's Drift where you experience the emotion of African history.

Spacious, luxury en-suite cottages each have a private verandah affording views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge.Another feature of the lodge is the beautiful, shady, well established garden, home to innumerable birds, and the most spectacular large swimming pool situated on a secluded spur on the lip of the Buffalo River gorge. Enjoy superb cuisine, a unique fusion of home and modern flavors, in the splendid atmosphere of a veritable museum of Anglo Zulu War memorabilia. Led by the finest guides in South Africa, thought-provoking and often emotionally charged tours are conducted daily to Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.

Overnight on a full board basis at Fugitives' Drift

Day 6

During your stay hear in gripping detail the background to the Anglo-Zulu War as narrated by David Rattray on the Day of the Dead Moon as you are driven to Isandlwana in the early morning. Sit on the battlefield, mesmerized by the remarkable story of this fantastic Zulu victory. There is often some walking involved in the tour. However, arrangements are often and easily made to accommodate guests who are less mobile.Listen at sunset to the famous story of Rorke’s Drift, where 139 British soldiers were attacked by 4,000 Zulu warriors, winning more Victoria Crosses than in any other battle in history,returning to the Lodge in time for a drink around the fireplace.

Overnight on a full board basis at Fugitives' Drift

Day 7

After breakfast, travel to your next destination situated just north of Hluhluwe in northern Zululand.

Thanda, meaning ‘love’ in Zulu, is an expression of the magical union of the power of Zulu culture, wildlife, romance and exclusivity. The inimitable integration of South Africa’s best climate and rehabilitated and rich bush land has made Thanda home to amazing wildlife and over four hundred bird species.

The main lodge at Thanda encompasses nine bush villas which offer guests the epitome of privacy and sheer luxury. The villas are all equipped with private bomas for an intimate and romantic dining experience.

Thanda is proud to offer its guests a variety of dining venues to enhance the African experience. The drama of the boma, in front of the setting sun and behind the flames of a roaring fire is an image synonymous with the safari experience, but only one of the dining options afforded guests.

During your stay early morning and late afternoon game drives in search of the elusive Big Five are conducted in open Land Rovers under the supervision of knowledgeable rangers and trackers. Other wildlife on Thanda’s 14,000-ha property include the wild dog, endangered black rhino, cheetah, hyena, warthog and plains game as well as an abundance of bird life.

Overnight on a full board basis at Thanda Private Game Reserve

Day 8

The best time for game drives is first thing in the morning or late afternoon as animals are more active during the cooler hours of the day.

During your stay at Thanda, there are various optional activities available (at an additional cost) so whether you wish to relax in the comfort of your luxury lodge, soak up the African sun at the poolside or partake in the various activities, you will not be at a loss for things to do.

Overnight on a full board basis at Thanda Private Game Reserve

Day 9

Enjoy the game viewing activities available at Thanda.

Overnight on a full board basis at Thanda Private Game Reserve.

Day 10

After breakfast at leisure, make your way to Richards Bay Airport where you hand over your rental vehicle and depart on your flight to Johannesburg and onwards connection to the United States.

Day 11

Arrival in the United States at New York JFK or Washington Dulles airports.

Includes

Round trip coach air on South African Airways from New York (JFK) or Washington (IAD) Airport to South Africa OR Tambo International Airport ~ Regional coach air in South Africa as per the itinerary (Johannesburg - Durban, Richards Bay - Johannesburg) ~ Accommodation as per the itinerary ~ Most meals as per the itinerary (8 x breakfast, 5 x lunch, 7 x dinner) ~ Meet and Assist on arrival in Durban ~ Car Hire for 9 days including Collision Damage and Theft Loss Waiver ~ All park fees and safari activities.

Excludes

Add on air from other US cities ~ Any meals or services not mentioned above ~ Any items of personal expense - i.e. drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc ~ Gratuities for rangers/guides/drivers ~ GPS Navigation ~ Car hire one way fee ~ Fuel