The ultimate African family vacation, this self drive adventure will take you and those you hold dear to some of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s most scenic destinations.
See the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO wonder on a hike or on horseback, then conquer the Sani Pass, Africa’s highest pub awaits! Relax at cosy lodges and explore one of South Africa’s most charming village, Clarens. And towards the end of your tour, an epic African safari awaits at Nambiti Private Game Reserve, where you will get to see all sorts of incredible wildlife. This 7-day adventure promises mountains, culture, and exhilarating wildlife encounters!
Itinerary
On arrival at King Shaka Intentional Airport, collect your rental vehicle and make your way to the Southern Drakensberg, where accommodation is arranged for you at Premier Resort Sani Pass. Once you have checked in, the rest of the day is at leisure
Overnight at Premier Resort Sani Pass on a bed & breakfast basis
After breakfast you will be collected and taken on a full day tour up the Sani Pass/ This tour enters the Eastern Highlands of Lesotho for a visit to the Sani Top Church and stops for lunch at the “Highest Pub” in Africa. The route climbs 2874metres above sea level and makes for an epic adventure for the whole family.
Overnight at Premier Resort Sani Pass on a bed & breakfast basis
After breakfast make your way along the Drakensberg Mountains in a northerly direction to Antbear Lodge, where you will spend the next two nights
There is quite a lot to do in-and-around the lodge. You have a choice of horse trails, hiking trails, mountain biking, woodworking lessons and start gazing. Or you could just relax and take in the incredible scenery.
Overnight at Antbear Lodge on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis
Once you have checked out, make your way back to the village of Clarens, where you will spend a night
Overnight at Mont d’Or Clarens on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis
Today you are heading to your safari destination, where you will spend two nights.
Overnight at The Springbok Lodge on a full board basis, as well as an afternoon and morning game drive
Travel back to Shaka International Airport for your onward arrangements
COST
Minimum 2 Pax
From: ZAR 15,265.00 Per Person Sharing
INCLUDED
- 2 Nights accommodation Premier Resort Sani Pass on a bed & breakfast basis
- 2 Nights accommodation at Antbear Eco Lodge on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis
- 1 Night accommodation at Mont d’Or Clarens on a bed & breakfast basis
- 2 Nights at Springbok Lodge on a full board basis, inclusive of 2 game drives per day
NOT-INCLUDED
- Flights
- Car rental (while we are happy to include this for you, it is our experience that there are better options available when booking your car rental together with International flights)
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Visa fees (where applicable)
- Airport taxes
- Souvenirs
Premier Sani Pass ****
Premier Resort Sani Pass is a stunning resort in the Southern Drakensberg nestled at the foot of the Pass and on the banks of the Mkhomazana River with its fresh water coming straight from the Drakensberg Mountains. For anyone looking for scenic and comfortable accommodation in the Drakensberg area, Premier Resort Sani Pass offers comfortable rooms with its Ezemvelo Nature Reserve surrounds. The area is populated by Eland and plenty of hiking and biking trails for those who are adventurous at heart. A permit is needed to traverse the Ezemvelo Reserve and these are available at reception.
Antbear Lodge
What makes this Drakensberg accommodation option so special is that we are offering cozy & comfortable accommodation in a luxury cave. Glass doors open onto a wooden deck with hammock chairs and an uninterrupted view of the Drakensberg Mountains. We also offer accommodation in mountain view suites and garden view suites. This is an upmarket Eco experience.
Mont d’Or Clarens
\With picturesque mountain views, Mont d’Or offers French-style accommodation 50 m from Clarens Golf Estate. It features a spa with massage facilities and an 18-hour attentive room service. The air-conditioned rooms of the Mont d’Or Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre present a classical style with wood furnishings. They all include bathrooms with bathtub.
A selection of local specialities and international dishes is served at the restaurant of the hotel, prepared with seasonal ingredients. Guests can discover the lively local art gallery scene.
Popular Golden Gate Highlands National Park with its sandstone formations and cliffs is less than a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Free parking is available on site.
Springbok Lodge
Nestled in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, the Nambiti Reserve and Springbok Lodge offer guests a chance to unwind in a picture-perfect setting. Well positioned off the N3, the main route between Johannesburg and Durban, Springbok Lodge is just a four-and-a-half hour drive from the busy metropolis of Johannesburg and a mere three-and-a-half hours from the aromatic coastal city of Durban. The breath-taking mountains of the central Drakensberg lie an easy one-and-a-half hours’ drive away.
Whether Springbok Lodge is your intended destination or the base from which to explore the surrounding Battlefields and Drakensberg you will be assured an exceptional stay and safari experience – the lodge continues to achieve its AA Superior Accommodation Accreditation since 2009.
Frequently asked questions
So long as you drive the speed limit and keep a watchful eye out for wandering livestock, it is safe to drive in KwaZulu-Natal. The main roads are generally in a good condition.
KwaZulu-Natal is home to the magnificent Drakensberg mountain range which is the perfect place for a family hike, superb sunny weather all year round, beautiful beaches, fascinating places of historical significance and endless green rolling hills.
Yes, South Africa is a great destination for a family holiday. It is an affordable destination for large group holidays and there is much to see and do here.
May to August, South Africa’s cool winter months, are the best time of year to visit KwaZulu-Natal. Summers in this part of the country are exceptionally hot and humid.
KwaZulu-Natal’s natural attractions, such as its mountains, can be visited and enjoyed all year round.
Recommendations & Extension Options
