Central Drakensberg | Northern Drakensberg | Southern Drakensberg | Accommodation Reservations | Drakensberg Tours |  Drakensberg Hiking Trails | Contact Us |  Sitemap

Tour in the Drakensberg and Zululand
A wildlife, nature and cultural spectacle

Day 1
We set out from Durban and after a scenic drive we arrive in Underberg nestled in the foot hills of the majestic Drakensberg – “the Dragon Mountains”. We  transfer to a 4-wheel drive vehicle to begin our Sani Pass adventure. At the top we take a short walk to the edge of the escarpment and admire the view over KwaZulu Natal. Our guide takes us further into Lesotho through a barren lunar-like landscape where living conditions are extreme and the people are amongst the poorest in Africa. Before we start the homeward journey we make a stop at the highest pub in Africa for a warm drink. Once back at the bottom it is late and there is no time to move on so overnight at a quiet country hotel:

Day 2
After breakfast pack up and take the scenic route through the “small berg” to Kamberg Nature Reserve where take a 3 hour walk to see some of the best, publicly accessible, bushman paintings in the Drakensberg. As we walk our guide tells us interesting stories about the history and mythology of the Drakensberg as well as its geology and ecology. The rest of the day is to relax and swim in the mountain streams. There are other hikes on offer for the more energetic. Overnight in a local guest house.

Day 3
Taking a packed breakfast and lunch we head off for a full day hiking in the nearby Giants Castle Game Reserve. Famous for excellent day hikes as well as Main Caves Bushmen (San) paintings and the adjacent museum. Our guide imparts interesting knowledge and anecdotes on the fauna, flora and ecology of the region a long the route. The rest of the afternoon is free and we each explore the beautiful surroundings on our own returning to the lodge at sunset.

Day 4
A depart from the Drakensberg and take the route to the remote area of Tugela Ferry. Our guide offers enlightening information on the cultural history of KwaZulu Natal, and discusses evocative issues concerning the valley we are about to visit. On arrival at our host’s musi (traditional homestead) in the Msinga Tribal area, we will be welcomed and introduced to the extended family before being shown to our accommodation. After a short rest, a walk up the hill behind the village and onto the contour path ensures incredible vistas of the valley and gives us an opportunity to see the village in the context of the greater area. From here, the locals can be seen going about their everyday business, giving a good perspective of their life style.

Having no electricity, these rural folk live by Mother Nature’s clock, so we need to arrive back at the musi in time to freshen up before it is dark. Dinner is served at dusk and the rest of the evening will be spent with the family around the fire, chatting and maybe telling stories. Bedtime comes early in the valley and we will soon retire to our sleeping mats in a communal guest hut.

Day 5
 After breakfast we take a walking tour of the area with our host as guide. Our first visit is the musi of the local Sangoma, or spiritualist, where we learn about her important role in traditional culture. We will stop in at a number of other imisi en-route to the river. We continue down to the river where we are almost certain to encounter women collecting water and doing washing and probably some young boys fishing. We will see how they grow crops on the fertile riverbanks.

On our way back we will stop and chat with the numerous interesting people we encounter, each one adding a little to our experience. Along the way our guide will point out many useful trees and shrubs used by the Zulus and will relate other important information regarding the lifestyle and culture of the community. This is an excellent opportunity to ask the many questions that you have.

Today is a relaxed day, on “African” time, and we will plan to be away from the musi for most of the day. Lunch will be a light a picnic along the way under a shady tree, will have us back at our host’s musi in time to wash and freshen up before dinner.

Day 6
On leaving the valley we head for the highlands of Zululand, travelling for several hours before arriving at a trading store where we are to leave our vehicle. The last few kilometres to Simunye are covered either on horseback or by ox-wagon, travelling over rugged terrain and a river or two, reaching the village in the late afternoon.

Simunye is a vastly different Zulu cultural experience.... as it was in the days when the first white hunters and explorers penetrated this wild country. We will be shown to our rooms to freshen up before we assemble at the entrance to the chief’s musi to be officially welcomed and we return to the main lodge. Before dinner a group of traditional dancers will entertain us and we may also be treated to the beautiful sound of Zulu voices harmonising in traditional song. After dinner guests usually relax around the fire where the conversation inevitably turns to the changing dynamics of the Zulu culture.

Day 7
The jingle of a Zulu guitar gently awakens us and a maiden will bring in a tray of hot tea and coffee. We meet at the entrance to the chief’s musi for a tour. We learn from our Zulu guide about traditional food, beer making, the traditional dress for men, maidens and married women and traditional weapons, the importance of cattle and interesting facts about their lifestyle. Returning to the lodge a large cooked breakfast is served, pack up and head back up to our vehicle on horseback and by ox–wagon. Once back at the trading store we bid farewell to our Zulu hosts and head off for our next destination, Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Park the oldest Game Reserve in Africa.

Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Park was proclaimed in 1895 for the protection of the white rhino which was threatened with extinction. Today the park is home to the largest populations and densities of both black and white rhino in the world, as well as to all the other members of the ‘Big 5’ and the complete spectrum of antelope that naturally occurred in this region.

On entering the park there is an immediate awareness of the peace of the African bush. Civilisation falls away and the smell and sounds of the bush occupy the senses. The drive to our overnight camp is our first game viewing experience. On arrival we will have a chance to unpack, settle in and freshen up. As the sun sets we relax and enjoying sundowners. When dusk turns to night, new sounds become apparent and the bush takes on a very different mood. We move our chairs a little close to the fire.....

Day 8
A full day’s programme starting with early morning tea and coffee and a light snack before setting off, at dawn, on foot or by vehicle in search of game. We return to the camp for a well deserved brunch. After a sumptuous meal we set off on a game drive and although we will probably see more game and get closer than on foot, the throb of Africa is not quite so distinct! However, the photos taken will be wonderful reminders once back at home and a long way, physically and spiritually, from this place. A light lunch in the early afternoon, followed by an opportunity to relax and soak up the experience. A late afternoon game drive should provide more excellent photographic opportunities.

Day 9
A lazy lie-in is an option this morning before breakfast, after which we pack up and return to Durban.
Drop off at Beachfront Hotel or Airport.

Enquire about this Drakensberg - Zululand tour

Drakensberg Boys Choir School | Hiking Maps of the Drakensberg | Drakensberg and Natal Midlands Weddings | Drakensberg day walks and walking trails | Fauna and flora of the Drakensberg - A treasure chest | Links to Drakensberg Tourism Partners |