Anglo-Zulu War & Safari

Leave Johannesburg early and travel south-east towards the battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal. The five-hour private transfer takes you through spectacular landscapes as the highveld gives way to the rolling hills, valleys and grasslands of Zululand. Arrive at Fugitive's Drift, a historic lodge overlooking the Buffalo River and the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. Settle in and enjoy your first afternoon surrounded by the landscapes where the Anglo-Zulu War unfolded.

Today, explore Isandlwana with an expert battlefield guide. On 22 January 1879, a large Zulu army attacked the British central column at Isandlwana, overwhelming the camp and killing more than 1,300 British and allied troops. Walk across the battlefield and learn how the engagement unfolded, from the initial British deployment to the final defeat.

Return to Fugitive's Drift for lunch and an afternoon at leisure, with time to relax at the lodge and take in the views across the surrounding countryside.

Visit Rorke's Drift, where a small British garrison defended the mission station against a much larger Zulu force on the night of 22–23 January 1879. Explore the battlefield and hear the remarkable story of the defence, including the hospital and storehouse where some of the fiercest fighting took place. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded for the action. Return to Fugitive's Drift for your final evening at the lodge.

Travel by private vehicle from Fugitive's Drift to Phinda, with the journey taking around five hours. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch before heading out on your first afternoon game drive. Explore the reserve in search of elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard as the afternoon light softens across the bush. Return to camp for dinner and your first night beneath the stars.

Rise early for a morning game drive while the bush is cool and wildlife is most active. Return to the lodge for breakfast and time to relax before heading out again in the afternoon. With an expert guide and tracker, follow fresh tracks and respond to wildlife sightings as they unfold.

Enjoy another full day on safari, with morning and afternoon game drives. Phinda's varied habitats support an impressive diversity of wildlife, and every drive offers something different. Spend time tracking big cats, watching elephants at a waterhole or searching for rhino moving through the bush. Between drives, relax at the lodge and enjoy the spectacular setting.

Enjoy a final morning in the bush before your light aircraft flight from Phinda to Johannesburg. Connect in Johannesburg with your onward international journey, taking with you memories of the battlefields of Zululand and the extraordinary wildlife of KwaZulu-Natal.