Best of KwaZulu Natal Self-Drive

You adventure starts this morning as you pick up your rental car in Durban and drive to Phinda Forest Lodge, situated in the excellent Phinda Private Game Reserve. Stay in a handcrafted, glass-encased suite surrounded by trees and enjoy comfort and luxury for the following three nights.

Go on exciting game drives to explore Phinda's diverse landscapes: you'll be guided through woodland, grassland, wetland and forest in search of Africa's Big 5. You also have the chance to see the endangered black rhino and the cheetah - the world's fastest land mammal.

Return to the lodge to take a dip in the pool and enjoy refreshing afternoon drinks on the viewing deck before sitting down to a delicious evening meal.

This morning you will start your day by enjoying a quiet boat cruise to admire your beautiful surroundings. Continue your travels to the Coastal Cashews where you'll be picked up and transferred to Thonga Beach Lodge on the untouched coast at Mabibi.

Settle into your spectacular Seaview Room at Thonga Beach Lodge, set in an area where coastal forests, grasslands, shimmering lakes and pristine beaches come together - the perfect setting for a relaxing wildlife-oriented holiday. Enjoy delicious meals and comfortable rooms where you'll experience only the best service and attention.

Spend your days exploring your natural surroundings or admiring the abundant marine life by snorkelling or scuba diving in the clear, blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Be on the lookout not only for shoals of resident fish on the colourful coral reefs but also whale sharks and manta rays in the deeper waters.

Set aside an evening to go turtle-tracking along the pristine, remote beach where you might get the chance to see a female laying her eggs at night.

Today you will wave goodbye to Thonga as you head to the secluded Makakatana Bay Lodge, the only lodge found within the beautiful St Lucia Estuary. Spend a night here, drinking in the tranquil, secluded atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the wild beaches and choose from a variety of full-day safaris and wetland explorations.

Today you will head inland to Fugitives' Drift Lodge where you can expect to be spoiled with panoramic views of the dramatic Drakensberg mountains, surrounding you from every angle.

Spend two exquisite nights here and let your knowledge of South African history be broadened through various battlefield tours in the area.

Learn about the famous Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and the infamous battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift, recounted in fascinating detail by talented storytellers who were trained by the late Dr David Rattray.

Make you way into the idyllic Natal Midlands today and settle into your lakeside suite at Hartford House, a country lodge situated on a beautiful stud farm at the foot of the Central Drakensburg.

Spend these two days enjoying activities like horse riding or trout-fishing. Take a relaxing stroll around the grounds and admire the Drakensberg range or get active with a game of tennis at the lodge.

Return to your elegant, colonial-styled room in the evening after a quiet and delicious dinner.

Leave the estate behind as you go on a scenic drive to the exquisite Fordoun Spa, Hotel and Restaurant, situated in the serene KZN Midlands. Spend the following two nights here, either in a suite that overlooks the lake or one that enjoys beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Go hot-air ballooning, horse riding or take a walk to the herb garden where you can visit Dr Elliot Ndlovu, an on-site herbalist with a wealth of knowledge regarding all matters spiritual and medicinal.

Treat yourself to a variety of health and wellness treatments at the Fordoun Spa, where professional therapists will help your body and mind relax and revitalise. Enjoy fine dining at the Skye Bistro as the sun sets over the beautiful gardens or a fire crackles in the corner during winter.

Bid Fordoun goodbye today as you travel to Endless Horizons, situated high above Durban North on Umhlanga Rocks Drive. Enjoy exclusive, upmarket elegance for your last night on tour.

The decor combines understated minimalism with Asian art and furniture to create a vibrant yet tranquil setting where you can enjoy personal service and absolute privacy.

Today you will bid tranquility farewell as you depart for Durban Airport where you will drop off your car and connect with your onward travel arrangements.