Peaks & Wildlife Explorer

Pietermaritzburg

Once you’ve settled in, take a look around the peaceful KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden, home to plants from across eastern and southern Africa. Take a look around the City Hall, the largest red brick building in the Southern Hemisphere, or perhaps have a look around the Voortrekker Museum, which tells the story of the Great Trek, a mass migration of Dutch settlers into the interior of South Africa from 1836.

Drakensberg

It’s the ideal spot for hiking, and there are plenty of routes to choose from. Perhaps step inside the Royal Natal National Park’s famous natural amphitheatre, take in the magnificent Doreen Falls in the Didima Valley or walk across the Drakensberg Suspension Bridge in the Lost Valley.

Rorke’s Drift

Learn all about this historic day, plus more about the Anglo-Zulu wars at Fugitive’s Drift, which is the place where Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill lost their lives attempting to save the Queen’s Colour of their regiment. Take a walk or a horse ride around the area and see if you can spot the local birdlife, or perhaps try fishing in the Buffalo River.

Mkuze

Mkuze shares its name with its neighbouring game reserve, a collection of open savannahs, dense woodlands and soggy swamps at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains. The park is home to more than 420 bird species including fish eagles, so head out into the bush or hang out by the river to spot elephant, wild dog, wildebeest, hippos, giraffe, cheetah and leopard.

Swaziland

Swaziland may be a small country, but there’s plenty to do here. The Mantenga Nature Reserve is home to the picturesque Mantenga Falls, Swaziland’s largest waterfall, which you can hike to, and there’s also a cultural village, where you can learn more about Swazi history and culture.

Blyde River Canyon

Come for hiking, scenic drives and picnics by pretty waterfalls and rock formations. On your drive to Blyde River Canyon, perhaps stop off at the historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest, and the God’s Window viewpoint, which offers a gorgeous panorama of the lush Lowveld below.

Kruger National Park

Kruger is home to the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, rhino), and is also blessed with high concentrations of the most loved of the game animals, such as zebra, cheetah, giraffe and impala. With four safaris included, you’ll have ample chance to spot the animals, so bring your camera, keep your eyes peeled, and see what you can find.