Activity Description

Explore the Midlands Meander as we make our way through the southern, central and northern parts of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountain range by foot [hiking] and through the air [zip-line]. Journey into the Golden Gate Highlands and drop in at the quaint town of Clarens in the Free State.

Track Africa’s iconic Big 5 at the pristine Nambiti Private Game Reserve on 2 (three hour) game drives in an open safari vehicle. Stop at the infamous Nelson Mandela Capture site for a peek into history and an instagrammable photo opportunity before a stop at Howick Falls en route to Durban.

DAY 1

This tour departs from Durban at 06h00. We will pick you up from your accommodation head up the N2 towards the Southern Drakensberg. Welcome to Kamberg, home to the Rosetta Stone of SAN (Bushman) Rock Art. Meet our anthropologist, Dr Jeremy Hollmann, who’ll help you unlock this mysterious place.

The experience kicks off with an introductory video before our 3-4 hour hike begins. Dr Hollmann will guide you through the rugged terrain to Game Pass Shelter and delve deeper into the anthropology of the SAN people. At Game Pass Shelter you will have a chance to take in the mystery of Bushman Rock Art as we explore theories and beliefs that underpin the art.

Time for a spot of lunch at Fat Harry’s Restaurant before journeying along the Midlands Meander. The Midlands is packed with artisan shops, galleries and farms. Taste the coffee at Terbodore Coffee Roasters or try your hand at chocolate dipping at Chocolate Heaven or indulge in nougat at the Wedgewood Farm.

After dinner on the popular Nottingham Road, we will check-in at our overnight accommodation in Escourt where you can get some well deserve rest.

DAY 2

The next morning, after breakfast at around 08h00, we will travel further north into the central Drakensberg to the towering Cathkin Peak. We’re going on a zip-line tour! Once we arrive, your local give will give you a safety briefing by demonstrating how to slide on the cables and the safety procedures to be followed on the tour.

Time to travel to the starting point of the zip-line canopy tour in an open vehicle. Slide from platform to platform on a steel cable as the Drakensberg mountains unfolds. Take a moment when you arrive at each platform to enjoy the view while your guide points out interesting features or facts about the surrounding ecology. The tour will last approximately 3 hours.

With your energy levels restored over a hearty lunch, we will head the world famous Royal Natal National Park, home to the Drakensberg Amphitheater. Depending on your fitness we will do one of 2 hikes at Royal Natal: 2 hour Sentinel Peak Hike or the 4 hour Decision Point Hike. Take in the jaw-dropping scenery. Check in at Amphitheatre Backpackers for the night.

DAY 3

Today we are going to venture beyond the borders of KwaZulu-Natal and into the Free State. Tuck into breakfast before we take the scenic back roads along the Drakensberg Amphitheatre and through the stunning Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Next stop is the artsy town of Clarens, the jewel of the Free State. Take a stroll around the town and rummage through a quaint bookshop, visit a boutique art and wine gallery or indulge a bit of craft shopping. Enjoy some lunch at one of the many restaurants in the town square.

Time to to head into the award winning Nambiti Private Game Reserve and check-in at Ndaka Safari Lodge. Meet your ranger who will give you a run down on game drive etiquette before you jump into an authentic open safari 4×4 for your game drive.

Wildlife tend to be most active around sunrise and sunset. Embark on a 3 hour afternoon game drive exploring the reserve which is renowned for its lion, giraffe and elephant sightings. Go off-roading as you track big game for close encounters and intimately game viewing. As the sun retreats we will shift focus to nocturnal animals on our night safari.

Nambiti is a 23 000 hectare private Big 5 game reserve which means that only guests who are staying at one of their luxury safari lodges have access to the reserve (unless you are with us of course). Wondering why private reserves in South Africa offer better game viewing than national parks? Click here to read our blog which explains what the big deal is.

DAY 4

It’s our final morning and we plan to end it on a high! Embark on a 3 hour morning game drive. Your ranger has been keeping tabs on the movement of wildlife during the night to give you great wildlife viewing. Learn more about conversation and what we can all do to help protect Africa’s biodiversity. Track endangered species like giraffe, wild dogs and black rhino.

After lunch, road trip back down into the Midlands all the way to the Nelson Mandela Capture site. Your guide will offer you some context around South African recent history. Explore the engaging multi-media museum which tells the story of apartheid and Nelson Mandela’s role in toppling it. Oh and down’t forget that a bucketlist photograph.

Drop in at Piggly Wiggly and visit the many boutique shops. Our last stop before Durban is Howick Falls. The waterfall is approx. 111 meters in height and lies on the Umgeni River. It is know as KwaNogqaza by the Zulu people which means “Place of the Tall One” and is the second tallest waterfall in South Africa. Our expected time of arrival in Durban is 16h00.

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