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 to the unspoiled shoreline of Zimbali Coastal Resort.

An unspoiled shoreline, rolling hills and lush flora have come to define the Zimbali Coastal Resort region. Set along South Africa’s sublime east coast, nestled between a forest reserve and a shimmering sea, this Durban resort’s exquisite natural beauty is dotted with pockets of urban flair and enhanced by the rich Zulu heritage of the KwaZulu-Natal province.

The rooms capture the essence of contemporary African living within its modern aesthetics imbued in both décor and layout.

Fairmont Zimbali Resort’s range of appetizing dining options range from light to full course meals, local delicacies to ethnic themed dishes to satisfy every palate.

Come experience what the hotel has to offer; a full service Willow Stream Spa, a variety of unique dining options, fitness center, 5 outdoor swimming pools, and much more.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at Fairmont Zimbali Resort

Day 3

Today is at leisure.

Perhaps explore the wonders of this coastal resort or partake in one of the optional day excursions available from the lodge (at an additional cost)

Why not visit the nearby Zulu Battlefields? Fly back in time, to a spellbinding period and place in time. Accompanied by an accomplished storyteller, historian, researcher and battlefields guide, we relive all the drama that took place at Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at Fairmont Zimbali Resort

Day 4

Depart after breakfast and head to Phinda Private Game Reserve located in northern KwaZulu Natal.

Set within easy reach of the Indian Ocean coastline and the famous iSimangaliso / Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, Phinda Private Game Reserve is known for its abundant wildlife, diversity of habitats and wide range of activities. Thanks to its coastal rainfall pattern, Phinda enjoys a lush green environment that contains seven distinct ecosystems - a magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, river courses, marshes and pans.

This fascinating variety of landscape and vegetation shelters an abundance of wildlife, including not only the Big Five but many rarer and less easily spotted species, such as the elusive cheetah or the scarce black rhino.

Set in rare sand forest, the glass walls of Phinda Forest Lodge offer a sweeping view of one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. The dainty forms of dwarf forest antelope dart among and below the suites, raised on stilts to float between the sandy forest floor and the leafy canopy above. Waking up to rustling forest sounds and bird song, surrounded by delicate leaf-filtered light, a pervading sense of peace and calm will set the tone for your entire day.

Overnight on a full board basis at Phinda Forest Lodge

Day 5

At Phinda, the days are designed to thrill you with intimate wildlife encounters and the nights to delight you with the indulgence and romance of Africa. As dawn breaks over the African bush, a gentle tap on your door will wake you to the delights of a new day. Your ranger will discuss what you hope to see that day over fragrant tea or coffee and morning biscuits or rusks. Phinda is renowned for its exceptional sightings of the elusive cheetah and the rare black rhino. There is also a number of resident lion prides and rangers will do their best to provide guests with a glimpse of all of these animals.

Return to your lodge for a delicious breakfast and some time to relax until lunch.

If you wish, you can walk off your breakfast near your lodge, accompanied by your ranger, who will share his insight into the smaller animals and vegetation in the area, before returning in time for lunch.

Cool off with a refreshing dip in the pool, indulge in an afternoon siesta or simply watch the wildlife from your private veranda. Over a late afternoon tea, your ranger will discuss what you hope to see during the afternoon game drive.

The game drive begins in the late afternoon and lasts until after dark, when spotlights are used for a glimpse into the nocturnal bush life. Listen to lions roar in the dark or admire the small nocturnal animals. Enjoy sundowners in a scenic location as the sun slowly sinks beneath the horizon. Return for a mouthwatering dinner which will be waiting for you at your lodge's boma or in a surprising bush location.

Overnight on a full board basis at Phinda Forest Lodge

Day 6

Depart after breakfast and travel to Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve.

Situated in the heart of historic Zululand, Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve is one of only two private game reserves in the region where you can view the 'Big 5' - lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, elephant and for bird lovers, nearly 430 species of birds are resident.

Overlooking the Mkuze Waterfall, the lodge features nine luxuriously appointed thatched chalets and one Safari Suite, accommodating eighteen guests in utmost comfort and style. All these rooms have a breathtaking view of the river, bush and mountains. Private plunge-pools and an outside shower provide a wild but intimate touch alongside the gratifying luxury of the air-conditioned bedroom.

The peace, scenery and style of the lodge allows for a calm atmosphere amidst the elegant decor. Relax in the spacious lounge, view animals from the wooden deck, sip cocktails in the swimming pool or recount your sightings of the day in the bar! Taste South African food with a sophisticated flair under a star strewn sky or in the boma to the sounds of tribal dance and song.

Guests are invited to join the open-vehicle safaris with experienced field guides and rangers who also conduct bird, bush and game walks on request.

Overnight on a full board basis at Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve

Day 7

Enjoy two game drives daily in this Big Five reserve, one in the early morning where visitors will meet for coffee and tea before going out on an adventure, returning for a scrumptious breakfast.

In the afternoon high tea is served in the lounge area, which boasts an array of delightful and delectable treats, after which you are invited to join the afternoon drive. This is an exciting time as the sun slowly slips away and you may be lucky to see some of the night creatures as they start to make an appearance.

Your guide will find an ideal spot to enjoy a sun-downer which is traditionally an African safari experience to listen to the sounds as night approaches and watch a beautiful sun down as the day ends.

Overnight on a full board basis at Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve

Day 8

Enjoy breakfast, then depart the tranquility of the African bush and head towards the sun-drenched coastline of Umhlanga Rocks Durban.

The luxurious Beverly Hills Hotel attracts local and international guests who indulge in the near-perfect sub-tropical weather the region has to offer. The proximity of this hotel to the un-spoilt beaches of Umhlanga and surrounding tourist attractions and landmarks makes it the ideal destination for rest, rejuvenation and exploration.

Hotel rooms at the Beverly Hills Hotel are of an exceptional standard with uninterrupted sea views from the comfort of every room.

The contemporary ambience of, The Sugar Club Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, fuses with the scintillating views over the Indian Ocean and provides a calm, serene and rejuvenating experience for diners with a taste for the good life.

World class dishes are prepared to perfection in a setting that offers guests a chance to relax and enjoy the exclusive service. The Sugar Club has been accredited with membership of the Chaine de Rotisseurs, affirming it’s standing as a truly unique and memorable dining experience.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at Beverly Hills

Day 9

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

Day 10

Arrival in the United States at New York 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 - Johannesburg) ~ Accommodation as per the itinerary ~ Most meals as per the itinerary (7 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 4 x dinner) ~ Meet and Assist on arrival in Durban ~ Car Hire for 8 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 (adventures at Phinda) ~ Any items of personal expense - i.e. drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc ~ Gratuities for rangers/guides/drivers ~ GPS Navigation ~ Fuel