Dates: Register now for September 2010
Cost: from £2499 per person
Max Group Size: 10
For visitors to KwaZulu-Natal, one of South Africa's most popular tourist destinations, the annual Reed Dance festival offers the unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and majesty of the Kingdom of the Zulus, combined with the vibrant spectacle of Zulu cultural life and landscapes. Visit the gently rolling hills and valleys of Zululand, a landscape rich with the silent memories of the heroic clashes of the Anglo-Zulu War, which took place more than 100 years ago.
The Independent Traveller offers a wonderful opportunity to travel to Kwa-Zulu-Natal on an exciting journey through one of the most historical landscapes in African history lead by acclaimed experts and guides. Explore the battlefields, experience a safari landscape of unique and spectacular beauty - see the big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species up close.
Some of the activities available include;
- Hiking,
- Horse riding,
- Trout fishing,
- Golf,
- Tennis,
- Swimming,
- Mountain biking,
- Guided tours to the surrounding tribal areas and battlefields,
- Zulu Reed Festival.
A dignified traditional ceremony, the Reed Dance festival is at the same time, a vibrant, festive occasion which depicts the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom of the Zulu and celebrates the proud origin of the Zulu people.
Article of Interest: A Glimpse of the Real Africa
Contact The Independendant Traveller for bookings using the Quick Enquiry Form below!
ITINERARY:
Day 1:
Your personal guide will meet you at Durban Airport, you will be transferred from the airport to Montusi Lodge in the Drakensberg.
Overnight : Montusi Lodge in a luxury garden suite with dinner, bed and breakfast.
Day 2:
Activities include hiking, horse riding, trout fishing, golf, tennis, swimming, mountain biking and we also do guided tours to the surrounding tribal areas, all still authentic
Overnight : Montusi Lodge in a luxury garden suite with dinner, bed and breakfast.
Day 3:
Activities include hiking, horse riding, trout fishing, golf, tennis, swimming, mountain biking and we also do guided tours to the surrounding tribal areas, all still authentic
Overnight : Montusi Lodge in a luxury garden suite with dinner, bed and breakfast.
Day 4:
After a leisurely breakfast you will be transferred from the Drakensberg to the battlefields, check in at Fugitives Drift Guest House
Overnight : Fugitives Drift Guest House in a Luxury Room with Full Board.
Day 5:
Battlefield Tours : Battle of Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana
Battle of Isandlwana
The Battle of Isandlwana, 22nd January 1879. British defeat or Zulu victory?
Breakfast at 7:00. Depart at 7:30 for Isandlwana listening to a tape narrated by David Rattray playing in the vehicle explaining the background to the Anglo-Zulu War.
There is a stop at 9:00 for a comfort break and to view the museum at Isandlwana. The lecture on the battlefield begins at 9:45 until around 11:45, when tea, coffee and refreshments are served. The lecture takes place half way up the hill.
Return for lunch at 13:00
Battle of Rorke’s Drift
The battle of Rorke’s Drift, 22nd January 1879. An account of this epic defence against impossible odds – an action in which 11 V.C.’s were won.
Departs at 15:00. Guests have time to look through the museum at Rorke’s Drift before the lecture begins at 16:00. There is very little walking involved.
The lecture concludes around 18:00 and guests are then given the opportunity to look around the memorials and graveyard before returning to the Lodge and Guest House
Overnight : Fugitives Drift Guest House in a Luxury Room with Full Board.
Day 6:
Road transfer from Fugitives Drift Guest House to Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
Pakamisa - the name in Zulu means "to lift up" and we assure our guests that their spirits will soar in this African Shangri-La. We offer discerning visitors luxury, comfort and security with top class European cuisine amidst pristine African wilderness. The basic philosophy of the management and staff at Pakamisa is to provide much more than accommodation and meals. We offer round-the-clock service and are always happy to organise custom-made holidays to suit your individual preferences; from Tiger fishing in the nearby Jozini Dam to a champagne picnic in the African bush - we strive to fulfil the holiday dreams of all.
Some of the activities on offer at Pakamisa include : Game drives, bush walks, birdwatching, horse riding and fishing (from Jozini Dam, 1 hours drive from the lodge)
Overnight : Pakamisa Private Game Reserve in a Accommodation with Full Board.
Day 7:
Full Day Reed Dance Festival.
Once a year, in the heart of South Africa's Kingdom of the Zulu, thousands of people make the long journey to one of His Majesty’s, the King of the Zulu nation's royal residence at KwaNyokeni Palace. Here, in Nongoma, early every September month, young Zulu maidens will take part in a colourful cultural festival, the Royal Reed Dance festival - or Umkhosi woMhlanga in the Zulu language.
The Reed Dance festival offers the unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and majesty of the Kingdom of the Zulu, combined with the vibrant spectacle of Zulu cultural life.
Steeped in the history of the rise of the Zulu kingdom under the great King Shaka, the Reed Dance festival has been tirelessly celebrated by countless generations, and attracts thousands of visitors from throughout the country and from across the world. A dignified traditional ceremony, the Reed Dance festival is at same time a vibrant, festive occasion, which depicts the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom of the Zulu and celebrates the proud origin of the Zulu people.
Overnight : Pakamisa Private Game Reserve in a Accommodation with Full Board.
Day 8:
Full Day Reed Dance Festival.
Overnight : Pakamisa Private Game Reserve in a Accommodation with Full Board.
Day 9:
Road transfer from Pakamisa Private Game Reserve to Phinda Game Reserve.
Phinda Mountain Lodge
CC Africa’s Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in the lush Maputaland region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park - a World Heritage Site - Phinda comprises 18 500 hectares (45 711 acres) of prime conservation land. Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Guests can look forward to exciting game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles led by experienced rangers and Zulu trackers, as well as thrilling optional activities on the water, in the air and on the beach.
With wrap-around views of the spectacular Ubombo Mountains and the South African bushveld below, Mountain Lodge is set apart from other safari lodges due to its dramatic location. Observe the serenity of the South African wilderness from your private deck, surrounded by the indigenous trees and shrubbery of the pristine Zululand bushveld. Each suite features a comfortable sitting area below the large beds. Paved pathways lead down the mountainside from the main guest areas to the spacious suites - a subtly executed blend of avant-garde and ethnic design. Delicious Pan-African cuisine is enjoyed in the dramatic boma (outdoor dining area) illuminated by dozens of candles and lanterns, or served to you in a spectacular clearing in the bush under a star-studded sky. Phinda is renowned for wonderful bush banqueting in surprising settings.
Overnight : Phinda Mountain Lodge in a Suite [Fully Inclusive]
Rates include : Luxurious accommodation; three delicious meals daily including all teas and coffees; two scheduled game-drives daily in an open 4 x 4 safari vehicle, accompanied by an experienced Ranger and Tracker OR Canoeing OR River Boat Cruises on the Mzinene River; interactive bush walks (one hour) accompanied by our experienced armed Trackers; house wines, local brand spirits and beers, soft drinks and bottled water; laundry service.
Day 10
Overnight : Phinda Mountain Lodge in a Suite [Fully Inclusive]
Day 11
Transfer from Phinda Mountain Lodge to Richards Bay Airport for your domestic flight to Johannesburg or continue to your add on beach experience for a few nights.
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