The Drakensberg & Zululand NEW
A journey into the heart of South Africa and some of the best walking environments in the world. See the spectacular cliffs, gorges and valleys of the Drakensberg mountains, the Zulu homelands and history of the battlefields, the pristine Ghost Mountain and wonderful game reserves.
- Walking in the mightly Drakensberg mountains
- Guided walking in the Anglo-Zulu war battlefields
- Luxurious lodges in the mountains and countryside
Detailed information
| 2009 Tour
Itinerary |
 |
Day 1: Depart UK.
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Days 2-4: Early morning arrival and drive directly to
Montusi Mountain Lodge/Mont-Aux-SourcesResort (3 nights) in the North Drakensberg with
views of the famous Amphitheatre. After lunch there
will be the opportunity to stretch your legs on the
trails leading out from the lodge, with spectacular
views and a bushman cave. |
Days 3-4: Two excellent full days of walking in the
Royal Natal National Park, including the magnificent
Tugela Gorge hike, and the Amphitheatre.
Days 5: Travel to the Central Drakensberg, an area of
that includes some of South Africa’s highest peaks,
hidden valleys and precious San rock art. Stay in the
heart of the mountains at the splendid Cathedral
Peak Hotel (2 nights). This afternoon walk to the
nearby bushman paintings or take part in a
specialist birding hike.
Day 6: Enjoy a choice of walks in the spectacular
Cathedral Peak range. Memorable walks in these
magnificent mountains include the scenic Umhlongo
Valley and Contour Walk.
Days 7-8: Journey into Zululand and the luxurious
Isandlwana Lodge/Babanango Valley Lodge
(2 nights), with a beautiful setting overlooking the
Isandlwana battlefield and South African plains. This
is an area of rolling hills and traditional villages.
Enjoy a guided walk and a talk by a local battlefield
specialist who will bring to life the story of the
battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift in the actual
settings themselves.
Days 9-10: Drive across KwaZulu Natal to Ghost
Mountain Inn (2 nights) a lovely place to relax in the
South African countryside. Walk up Ghost Mountain,
which local legend says is haunted, enjoy a guided
walk through the Mukuzi Game Reserve, arranged
by special exclusive permission from the park, and
take a sundowner cruise on Lake Joinzi, where you
may see hippo, crocodile, rhino and elephant.
Day 11: Transfer to Durban for the flight home.
Day 12: Arrive UK.
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| About
the walks |
|
This holiday combines Classic Walking in the diverse Drakensberg mountains, walking and sightseeing in
kwaZulu Natal and wildlife viewing opportunities. Walks are part-day and full-day with opportunities to walk
direct from the hotels.
 |
Guided Walks:
Distances are from 1 mile to 11 miles. Ascents range from virtually nil to 2,100ft with some rough terrain and steep ascents. On some days there are opportunities to do challenging hikes including the ascent to Cathedral Peak summit. |
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| Dates
and prices |
|
| 1 March 2009 (9nts) |
£2,195 |
£1,495 |
| 1 November 2009 (9nts) |
£2,195 |
£1,495 |
Single room supplement: £215.
# Land itineraries start on day 2 and finish on day 11.
* Excludes internations and domestic flights, Internal flights must be booked in conjunction with international flights. Please ask for detials of the internal flight required.
Independent travellers who book the no flight option can join the HF Holidays' airport transfers for £20 per person return.
Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Lounges: To book airport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
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| Temperatures |
|
It can be warm in February; on the September departure expect average temperatures of between 17C and 22C, on the October departure temperatures will be slightly higher. The Drakensberg Mountains will be a few degrees cooler due to the higher altitude.
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| Accommodation |
|
Enjoy warm South African hospitality and
excellent gourmet food in spectacular
locations. Montusi Mountain Lodge and
Mont-Aux-Sources Resort benefit from views
directly on to the Amphitheatre and the
Cathedral Peak hotel is in the heart of the
mountains. Isandlwana Lodge and Babanango
Valley Lodge are lovely boutique lodges in the
heart of the battlefields itself and Ghost
Mountain Inn is a secluded retreat with
excellent facilities.
Where you'll stay
Montusi Mountain Lodge - 3 nights
Cathedral Peak Hotel - 2 nights
Isandlwana Lodge - 2 night
Ghost Mountain Inn - 2 nights
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| Flight information |
|
Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 22.09.2008 (provisional)
South African Airways
Heathrow - Johannesburg
Out 21:05 (Sun) - 10:10 (Mon)
Durban - Heathrow (via Johannesburg)
Return 19:10 (Wed) - 07:20 (Thurs)
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| What
the holiday includes |
|
- Return economy class air travel UK / South Africa on scheduled airlines, with
appropriate in-flight meals.
- 9 nights' accommodation in twin-bedded en-suite rooms.
- Full Board from lunch on day 2 to breakfast on day of departure.
- Services of an HF Holidays' leader.
- Services of local South African tour guide.
- Walks, sightseeing and entrance fees for the itinerary as described.
- Travel by minibus or coach.
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