Self-drive South Africa's KwaZulu Natal

Fly from Johannesburg to Durban, pick up your hire car and drive yourself to the scenic foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains and The Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse.

Enjoy two nights in this charming and cosy accommodation, situated next to the Giants Castle Nature Reserve. Take a hike or go horseback riding in this dramatic mountain region and keep your eyes peeled if you're a birder: the area is a good birdwatching destination.

There'll be plenty of time to relax at the farmhouse: settle into a hammock in the garden with a book or take a cooking class - Cleopatra is well-known for excellent cuisine and award-winning chefs.

Drive to northern KwaZulu Natal and into the evocative Battlefields Region - your accommodation is the simple yet elegant Fugitives' Drift Lodge. Set on a hillside, the lodge has stunning views of the Buffalo River Gorge and the plains beyond.

Re-live the past during a tour of the local battlefields: events from the Anglo-Zulu War are narrated to you in gripping, emotional detail. Hear the famous story of Rorke's Drift, as you stand on the very ground where the fierce battle took place.

You'll also get a chance to explore the nearby Buffalo River where the birdlife is particularly good and a variety of animals such as giraffe and zebra have been reintroduced into a local nature reserve.

Today you’ll head to Thonga Beach Lodge, a tranquil lodge set on one of Africa’s last pristine wilderness beaches in iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The epitome of barefoot luxury, this eco-sensitive resort combines an authentic stay in nature with modern comforts. After a day of playing in the ocean and laying on the soft, white sand, there’s nothing better than retiring back to your suite to a few mod cons.

Explore the Indian Ocean and all the beauty it has to offer with a Thonga’s wealth of activities. Get an early start and kayak through the serene Lake Sibaya. Snorkel right in front of the lodge or at nearby safe coral reefs, where you might be lucky enough to spot a dolphin or turtle. Or kick it up a notch and sign up for PADI accredited scuba diving training with one of Thonga’s qualified guides. Round off the day by suntanning on Mabibi beach – one of the cleanest, most beautiful beaches in the world – or pamper yourself with a deep tissue massage at Thonga spa’s outdoor treatment area in the forest.

Make your way after breakfast on the coast to the stunningly scenic Phinda Forest Lodge, located in the extraordinary Phinda Resource Reserve. Set off on exciting game drives in an open-sided 4x4 safari vehicle and an experienced ranger - it's a reserve packed with wildlife and you have a good chance of spotting Africa's Big 5 as well as many other classic African animals.

You can also go on guided nature walks and learn about local folklore and the traditional uses of indigenous plants. The walks are led by an armed ranger and tracker who will help you identify animal spoor and rare birds. Birders should also note that Phinda is one of South Africa's top bird watching destinations.

Say goodbye to the Phinda Game Reserve after one final safari activity and drive down the coast to Durban. Your tour ends once you drop off your hire car at the airport.