Our Team 
Our Tour Experts Phinda Wildlife
Search for big game in the Phinda Private Game Reserve.
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
South Africa
KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, Coast and Battlefields
This diverse holiday offers a perfect mixture of wildlife, history and relaxation all in KwaZulu-Natal, a province of South Africa blessed with a great climate and some beautiful scenery.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
2Durban Beaches
Relax on Durban’s glorious Indian Ocean beaches.
3Rorke's Drift
Learn about the battle of Rorke’s Drift, where 139 British soldiers were attacked by 4,000 Zulu warriors.
4The Oyster Box
Stay at the Oyster Box, positioned on Umhlanga’s beachfront and close to Durban’s iconic lighthouse.
Why we like it
KwaZulu-Natal could well be a country in its own right, such is the history, culture and diversity that is found here. This journey showcases the best – and bloodiest – of this remarkable province, taking in fantastic wildlife, rich coastal culture and gripping stories of forgotten battles.
Explore our suggested itinerary
- Day 1Johannesburg - KwaZulu-Natal
- Days 2-3KwaZulu-Natal
- Day 4KwaZulu-Natal - Durban
- Days 5-6Durban
- Day 7Durban - KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields
- Days 8-9KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields
- Day 10KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields - Johannesburg
Phinda Game Reserve
Start off with a safari in Kwa-Zulu Natal’s best game reserve – Phinda, well known for its variety of habitats, abundance of wildlife and range of safari activities. These include game drives, walking safaris, rhino tracking, swimming with whale sharks and night turtle drives.
Stay at one of Phinda’s beautiful lodges. With six choices, ranging from the tree-enveloped Forest Lodge to the exclusive Phinda Homestead, there are options to suite everyone.
Durban
After early morning starts on safari, spend time relaxing in the coastal neighbourhood of Umhlanga, in Durban. Soak up ocean vistas from the terrace or walking along sandy beaches lapped by the warm Indian Ocean.
Durban offers a year-round sub-tropical climate, interesting attractions and a chance to recharge before heading to the Battlefields. Durban is also renowned for its cuisine, especially the local favourite, bunny chow. Try this Indian-influenced curry dish, which is served in a hollowed-out loaf.
Battlefields
Drive on to the World Heritage Sites of Isandlwana, Fugitives Drift, Rorke’s Drift and Blood River. The Anglo-Zulu and Boer Wars of the late 19th century have come to symbolise the best and worst of human history.
Tales of unbelievable bravery abound from a time when warfare bore no resemblance to the high-tech combat of today. Listen as passionate accounts of bravery unfold against the backdrop of the African veld and Drakensburg Mountains.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $4,255 Per person
When to travel
South Africa in January
A great time to visit around Cape Town and the Garden Route, as it is hot and dry. Further north in the Kruger, it is also hot, but there is a much greater chance of rainstorms.
South Africa in February
Peak season in the Cape continues, and it is often the hottest time. It is worth booking well in advance to get your preferred accommodation.
South Africa in March
It is an excellent time to visit all parts of the country, as the weather is still warm and the rain eases in the north. In the Kruger, it is lush and green after the rainy season.
South Africa in April
Visitor numbers drop, and lower temperatures make for ideal hiking conditions in the Drakensberg mountains. It is warm and dry across the country, making it a great time to explore multiple regions.
South Africa in May
A quieter time of year and a good time to visit, especially if you are not looking for balmy heat. The north and especially the Kruger enters its dry season, with cooler temperatures.
South Africa in June
Midwinter brings the rainiest time in the Cape, but it is still pleasantly mild in the day with the sun shining. The dry season in the north makes for excellent wildlife viewing as animals congregate around watering holes.
South Africa in July
Clear skies and crisp sunshine dominate in the north, as it is the driest month. It is low season so parks are generally quiet and it is easier to spot wildlife around the sparse waterholes.
South Africa in August
A fantastic time to see KwaZulu Natal as is one of the warmest places in the country at this time. In the Western Cape, it is starting to dry out in time for whale watching season.
South Africa in September
The West Coast springs into life as the flowers bloom and temperatures rise across the country. A chance to spot newborns and it is prime time for whale watching in the Cape.
South Africa in October
A great time to see both the north and south, as it is relatively dry everywhere. Flowers carpet the countryside as temperatures continue to rise.
South Africa in November
The start of the rainy season in the Kruger and the north, as temperatures heat up. Impressive thunderstorms become more regular in the afternoon. The last chance to see whales in the Cape, and a good time to see inland areas before they toast in the summer heat.
South Africa in December
Summer approaches and with it visitor numbers rise, especially in the south. If you want to travel around Christmas and New Year, you should book well in advance to secure the best spots.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise sets us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary?
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