• Historic KwaZulu-Natal battlefields

• Endless sundrenched beaches & blue ocean

• Big Five safari at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve

• For the ultimate in game viewing exclusivity we recommend that you book a private safari vehicle throughout your journey.

• Go Scuba diving

• Visit the cultural Zulu villages and watch the Zulu people weaving baskets and entertain you with their dances on the rhythm of their African drums

• Rates are subject to a minimum of two guests travelling.

• All rates are subject to availability, seasonality and currency fluctuation.

• Single supplement only refers to the single room supplement. Single traveller supplement quoted on request.

• Rates are based on no single supplement at Mountain Lodge for the first two single rooms booked per reservation. Thereafter single supplement will apply.

• Validity periods as specified. Should a booking fall over two rate periods, we reserve the right to re-quote.

• Rates quoted are subject to change without warning if there are any increases in bed levies, park fees, fuel, sales tax or VAT, third-party services or any other circumstances beyond our control.

• Car rental terms & conditions may vary during the Soccer World Cup in June and July 2010.

This safari begins and ends at Durban International Airport.

On arrival at Durban International Airport you will be warmly welcomed by a member of the &Beyond team, who will assist you through passport control and baggage claim, as well as with the collection of your rental vehicle.

Once a place of bitter warfare between Zulu and Boer, British and Zulu, and British and Boer, you’d be hard pressed to find a place more tranquil than the area known as the Battlefields today. With the many wars that were fought here, the region is rich in historical memorabilia, fascinating museums, monuments and artefacts – right down to inscriptions carved into rocks by army cooks. One of the most terrible battles ever waged was between 470 Boers and 12 500 Zulu warriors. While only three Boer soldiers sustained injuries, 3 000 Zulu warriors died. As a result of the river literally turning red from the flow of their blood, the terrible clash became known as the Battle of Blood River.

Enjoy two nights at Fugitives' Drift Lodge in a standard room with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee. Battlefield tours of Rorke's Drift & Isandlwana are also included.

Insider’s Tips
While at Fugitive’s Drift ask about the history of the homestead and you’ll be entertained with yet another exciting story about David Rattray’s love affair with this piece of land and its people

After a scrumptious breakfast drive to Thonga Beach Lodge.

The Natal Coast has gone from being known as ‘No Man’s Land’ to one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country. Things have certainly changed in this part of KwaZulu Natal, often referred to as the ‘Coast of Dreams’. With wide, golden beaches, a beautiful coastline lined with dense green forests and hundreds of lagoons, there’s probably not a kilometre here where a river or stream doesn’t run into the sea. Home to vervet monkeys, wild pigs, mambas, pythons and adders, the forests are alive with birdsong – although few of them are ever seen, the forests are so lush and thick.

Spend two nights at Thonga Beach Lodge in a standard room. Your stay includes three meals per day, tea & coffee, use of snorkelling equipment, guided walks, and canoeing & sundowners on Lake Sibaya.

Insider’s Tips
Room 12 has a secret butterfly garden

Today you will drive to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve.

Set within easy reach of the Indian Ocean coastline and the famous iSimangaliso / Greater St Lucia Wetland Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal, &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is known for its abundant wildlife, diversity of habitats and wide range of safari activities. Thanks to its coastal rainfall pattern, the Reserve enjoys a lush, green environment that contains seven distinct ecosystems. &Beyond Phinda is often referred to as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’. 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. With only a handful of lodges sharing an area of 23 000 hectares, and expert rangers and trackers in search of prime wildlife sightings, guests are assured an exclusive game viewing experience. Adding to Phinda’s wildlife charms, the marine diversity of nearby Sodwana Bay on the coast is easily accessible, with scuba diving, fishing and even turtle watching only some of the adventures available from Phinda.

Spend two nights at Mountain Lodge. Accommodation is in an air conditioned suite with ensuite bathroom comprising bath, shower, separate w.c. and twin hand basins. All suites have a sitting area, personal bar and private veranda, complete with plunge pool and romantic al fresco shower. Your stay includes three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, emergency medical evacuation insurance, laundry and daily lodge adventures.

Adventures include twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, nature walks, excellent birdwatching, riverboat cruises and canoeing along the Mzinene River. Optional Phinda Adventures, available at an additional cost, include scenic coastal flights, beach excursions including snorkelling and scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, turtle viewing (season Nov/Dec/Jan) and cultural visits. Specialist Safaris at Phinda (also at an additional cost) are Birding Safaris, Bush Skills Academy, Leopard Research, Rhino Capture and Research and the renowned Seven Wonders in Seven Days.

Insider’s tips
Sink into one of the inviting sofas on the deck and indulge in a steaming cappuccino while you watch the sunrise.
Be sure to ask the kitchen for one of Phinda’s famous white chocolate brownies, which are smothered in an oh-so decadent chocolate sauce.

After a delicious breakfast you will drive back to Durban International Airport.