Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Highlights of KwaZulu-Natal

Example holiday

Highlights of KwaZulu-Natal

We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.

The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.

Important travel information for visitors to South Africa is included at the back of this document.

All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.

All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.

Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Travel Butlers Team

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Highlights of KwaZulu-Natal

Example Itinerary

TB-1826-1 / 14399

Example Cost

Holiday Title: Highlights of KwaZulu-Natal

Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa for 12 nights

Passengers: 2 Adults

Example Cost for 2 Adults: * per person sharing.

*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.

All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.

When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.

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Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Summary Of The Itinerary

Printable Version

Holiday Title: Highlights of KwaZulu-Natal

Passengers: 2 Adults

Day 1

Arrive into Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. Go through Immigration, collect your luggage and clear Customs, then make your way to the Domestic Departure Terminal and check in for your next flight down to Durban.

British Airways BA6207 (Economy Class): Fly from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) departing at 15:40 to King Shaka International Airport (DUR), arriving at 16:45

Collect your luggage, then make your way into the Arrivals Hall where your driver will meet you. You will then be transferred to your beach hotel.

Southern Sun Elangeni is a Durban beachfront landmark with 3 stunning heated swimming pools, a spa and several restaurants and bars. Visitors looking to experience glamour and stunning views of the Indian Ocean and vibrant cocktails head to Sky, the hotel's exclusive Durban venue at the top of the Maharani Tower.


Day 5

Your hire car will be delivered to the hotel at 09:00. Complete the necessary paperwork - you will need to present your driving licence, passport and credit card. The keys to your hire car will then be handed over to you.

9 Day Car Rental: Group C Compact Sedan - Toyota Corolla Quest Manual or similar (Classic Plus Cover GPS PACKAGE)

Set off for the drive to Rhino Ridge (approx 255 km / 3 hours). Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is a luxury safari lodge situated on the western boundary in the lower Hluhluwe section of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. The lodge offers both morning and evening safari drives which are conducted in specially adapted open Land Cruisers, with professional guides. To preserve the concession and in keeping with Park rules no off-roading is practiced. The Park itself is home to Africa's Big Five (elephant, rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, lion and leopard) and is one of the world's top spots for viewing nyala. The Park is also a prime birding destination and is home to 340 bird species.


Day 8

Drive to The Battlefields (approx 275 km / 3 h 45 mins). The Zulu War of 1879 is famous throughout the English-speaking world for the great battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. The spectacular Fugitives' Drift property, a 5,000 acre Natural Heritage Site, overlooks both Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, and includes the site where Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill lost their lives attempting to save the Queen's Colour of their regiment.


Day 10

Drive to The Drakensberg (approx 250 km / 3 h 45 mins). Montusi Mountain Lodge offers genuine hospitality in the tranquillity of one of the most beautiful settings in South Africa.


Day 13
Allow between 3-4 hours to drive back to Johannesburg Airport, where you will return your hire car and check in for your international flight home.
 
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Southern Sun Elangeni

Durban: 4 Nights

With over 320 days of sunshine per year, Durban is a holidaymakers paradise. The 6 km 'Golden Mile' of beaches are packed with sun worshippers throughout the year, while the warm waters of the Indian Ocean entice swimmers, surfers and other water sport and diving enthusiasts.

For those looking for attractions away from the sand and sea, Durban offers a bustling cosmopolitan city with excellent restaurants, museums, live music and theatre. Durban is also home to the largest population of Indian descendents in South Africa, so it is not surprising, therefore, that the city is renowned for its aromatic spice markets and delicious curries - reputed to be some of the best in the world outside of India itself.

Some of the best diving in South Africa can be found at Aliwal Shoal, just 50 km south of Durban. Aliwal is voted as being one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.  Besides being able to dive and swim alongside the many tropical fish species and loggerhead turtles, the major attraction at Aliwal is the ragged tooth shark, or 'Raggy' as it is fondly known within the local dive community.  From July to November the ragged tooth sharks visit Aliwal Shoal in their annual migration from the Cape to the St Lucia Marine Reserve, and the docile nature of this species means that divers can get extremely close to the sharks without the need for a diving cage.

One of Durban's premier hotels, the Southern Sun Elangeni has breathtaking views of Durban's Golden Mile and warm Indian Ocean.

All the 734 air-conditioned rooms have sea views, and are furnished in a modern style. There are also 3 outdoor pools (one of which is heated), beauty salons, a spa and a gymnasium.

The hotel is home to several of Durban's most exciting restaurants and bars. Guests are presented with a wide range of dining options, from generous buffets to traditional Japanese and exotic curries. Visitors looking to experience glamour and stunning views of the Indian Ocean and vibrant cocktails head to Sky, the hotel's exclusive Durban venue at the top of the Maharani Tower.

Example Details For Southern Sun Elangeni

Nights: 4 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Standard Room Elangeni
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

Southern Sun Elangeni Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Southern Sun Elangeni

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park: 3 Nights

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is situated on the western boundary of Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve - the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. The only private lodge in the reserve, guests staying here can enjoy an exceptional safari experience within the heart of Big 5 territory. Established to protect the previously endangered white rhino, now numbering over 1,000, the Park is a triumph of conservation efforts. As well as rhino, the Park is home to cheetah, wild dog, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and many species of antelope and other plains game including giraffe and zebra. There have also been over 300 bird species recorded.

Twice daily game drives are conducted to explore the magnificent hills and valleys of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Nothing is predictable in the bush, therefore each safari offers a potentially new and unique experience. Your guide will share their wealth of bush experience which involves the identifications of animals, trees, grasses, insects and birds. The medicinal uses of plants and local folk lore is also discussed as well as looking for the ever fascinating Big 5. Bush walks can also be arranged (additional cost).

The lodge offers luxury safari accommodation with a choice of 4 room types: two Honeymoon Villas nestled in the indigenous bush with private plunge pools overlooking the reserve; eight glamorous Luxury Bush Villas with deep baths separated from the bedrooms by open fireplaces; four Safari Rooms with showers opening out onto the bushveld; and two Safari Family Suites ideal for families travelling with children. All rooms are positioned to take advantage of the spectacular views and offer guests the utmost privacy and comfort. The modern, high-end decor is softened by four-poster beds dressed in crisp white linen.

Guests wanting to indulge themselves can make use of the beautiful spa facilities, and a full range of spa and beauty therapies are offered by a team of dedicated professionals. Other activities that can be enjoyed (also at an additional cost) include gorge walks, Zulu cultural visits, and even an overnight homestay at an authentic Zulu homestead.

Example Details For Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Safari Room
Includes: All meals; tea/coffee; the Conservation fee; and safari game drives are included. Each guest is also entitled to one of the following on an evening game drive - glass of wine, local beer, cider or soft drink. PLEASE NOTE: All other drinks, bush walks and Park fees are not included and are payable directly to the lodge.

Children under the age of 14 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve, and children of 14 and 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Guests over 65 years old wishing to join a guided walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk. More details available on request.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

Location

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Fugitives' Drift

The Battlefields: 2 Nights

The Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal offer an incredible insight into the history of South Africa, and the best way to really appreciate this bloody and fiercely-fought history is to stay here and go on one of the mesmerising and theatrical tours of the key areas.

Fugitives' Drift, in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, offers such tours that will move you to tears and stay in your memory forever. The morning tour to Isandlwana takes in the battlefield, where a contingent of 2,500 British soldiers were over-run and defeated within a few short hours by twenty thousand Zulu warriors. The afternoon tour to Rorke's Drift firstly visits the small museum, and then gives a theatrical account of the bravery of the 136 British soldiers who defended the mission station against over 4,000 Zulus and saved injured and dying comrades from the burning hospital.

Fugitives' Drift boasts 2 'camps' - The Lodge and The Guest House - set just 600m apart and offering a high standard of en-suite accommodation.

The Lodge is situated on the site of the original Rattray homestead, and the spacious, luxury en-suite suites here each have a private verandah with views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge. Another feature of the Lodge is the beautiful, shady, and well established garden, which is home to many birds and the most spectacular large swimming pool, which is set on a secluded spur on the lip of the Buffalo River gorge.

The Guest House consists of 6 twin rooms, each with a private verandah offering sweeping views of the surrounding battlefields. The Guest House also has a charming sitting and dining room, an outside eating area, and a sparkling pool that overlooks the indigenous bushveld.

Example Details For Fugitives' Drift

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Deluxe Twin Room at The Guest House
Includes: All meals are included. The rate excludes any tours - rates are available on request.

Location

Fugitives' Drift Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Fugitives' Drift

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Montusi Mountain Lodge

The Drakensberg: 3 Nights

Montusi Mountain Lodge offers genuine hospitality in the tranquillity of one of the most beautiful settings in Southern Africa. Space, comfort and peace are what you will find when you treat yourself to the natural splendour and peaceful, romantic ambiance of this Drakensberg haven.

Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg, halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, Montusi is one of the few destinations with a panoramic vista of the Drakensberg's most famous feature, the Amphitheatre escarpment.

The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, and nature lovers will enjoy the many hiking and walking trails available for all levels of ability. There are easier walks through lush meadows and across clear streams, or more strenuous hikes up and across rugged mountain terrain.

In addition there are countless other activities including bird watching, horse riding and trout fishing (on a 'catch and release' basis). Golfers can visit the 9-hole Amphitheatre Golf Course at Hlalanathi just 8 km away. The lodge also has a tennis court and racquets/balls can be collected from the main reception for any budding Wimbledon champions in the making.

The main lodge consists of a large and beautifully thatched main lodge with reception, dining room, terrace, bar, lounge and massage room.

The swimming pool looks out at the escarpment and the surrounding rocks have provided inspiration for this unusual and beautifully crafted pool which makes it the guest's favourite place in summer.

The intimate restaurant (with a log fireplace) is renowned for sumptuous local cuisine with innovative menus.

The 16 individual free-standing suites offer guests privacy, are uniquely decorated with stunning views of the Amphitheatre Mountain. Suites have one or two bedrooms with a en-suite bathroom (bath and walk-in shower), a lounge, patio, gas operated fireplace and tea/coffee making facility.

Along side each suite there is a private covered carport for one vehicle.

Example Details For Montusi Mountain Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Mountain Suite
Includes: Breakfast and dinner are included.

Location

Montusi Mountain Lodge Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Montusi Mountain Lodge

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Important Travel Information For South Africa

Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements

Latest Travel Updates

For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:

UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa

 

Normally, holders of the following passports do not require a visa to enter South Africa when travelling as a tourist for stays up to 90 days: United Kingdom; United States of America; Canada; Australia; Ireland; Belgium; Netherlands; Italy; France; Germany; Spain, Switzerland.

If you are a passport holder from another country, please contact your local South Africa High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements, as citizens of certain countries (including New Zealand) are required to obtain visas before travelling. Please note that if you are applying to the Embassy for your visa, some visas can take a long time to be processed so please do take this into consideration, as it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa in place before you travel.

Children under 18 years of age who require a visa to enter South Africa may be required to provide additional information when applying for the visa including an unabridged birth certificate and affidavit if travelling with only one parent.  There are also additional rules for unaccompanied minors and/or South African children - details available on request or via the SA Department of Home Affairs at http://www.dha.gov.za.

Please note that anyone travelling to South Africa should have a valid return ticket and a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa. However, some immigration officials still request that a passport should have at least 6 months validity from the date of entry to South Africa so to avoid problems on arrival, we advise that your passport meets this requirement instead. The passport must also have sufficient pages for entry/exit stamps - AT LEAST 2 BLANK PAGES.

South Africa has implemented biometric capturing at all ports of entry. This may result in some delays at land borders so you should allow additional time for border crossings.

PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.

Medical

You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to South Africa.

To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.

Tap water is purified and safe to drink in major cities and towns, however, we do advise that you do not drink the water in more remote places such as the camps in the National Parks - the water may be safe to drink, but it simply is not worth the risk, as bottled water is widely available.

Whatever you do, do not drink water from any river lake without firstly purifying the water. Always take water with you when you go on a hike, and have a bottle in the car on a long journey to avoid dehydration.

There is a risk of malaria in and around the Kruger National Park/Mpumalanga Province, the Limpopo (Northern) Province, and the north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.

There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is South Africa. However, in accordance with International Health Reguations, South Africa requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 10177 and ask for an ambulance.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Important Travel Information For South Africa

Continued

Languages And Culture

The 11 official languages are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda and Ndebele. Whilst many visitors will hear at least a couple of the tribal languages during the course of their stay, it is possible to travel extensively and comfortably with just English as a language.

The South African society is quite liberal, as gay marriage was legalised in 2006 nationwide and everyone’s rights are protected under the constitution. In some more rural areas, however, the local people may not be quite as liberal thinking, so whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship if travelling to a rural/remote area.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Book With Confidence

Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world.  In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.

Flexibility and peace of mind before you travel

Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:

The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:

We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.

If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.

You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19  to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.

Support whilst you are away

We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.

If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need.  You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.  Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.

Financial protection for your Travel Butlers holiday

All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.

Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Finding suitable travel insurance that covers Covid-19

You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:

Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance. 

You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.