Classic KwaZulu-Natal self-drive tour

Spend the day exploring the area. Recent years have seen many local artisans set up craft shops, breweries and food outlets, which are dotted around the region. You can stop to visit them as you wind through the countryside, sampling some of the local cuisine and browsing traditional African handicrafts. You may also wish to visit the nearby Mandela Capture Site. An art installation marks the spot where Nelson Mandela was taken into custody by the apartheid government in 1962. The piece of art consists of 50 steel poles that make up a portrait of Mandela's face and represent the 50 years he spent in prison.

Drive for around two hours up to the Northern Drakensberg today, enjoying some of the best scenery in South Africa as the mountain peaks rise in the distance. Along the way, you may wish to stop at Giant's Castle Game Reserve, set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site area. The surrounding mountains and escarpment resemble a sleeping giant, and there are many hiking trails to explore. There are also some examples of San People rock art, with a museum that tells you more about the lifestyle of these people.

Strap on your walking boots and follow some of the hiking trails through the Drakensberg Mountains today. Experienced guides can select the best trails for your fitness level and tell you more about the region and its wildlife as you walk, or you can head out on your own. Depending on where you're staying, you may be able to explore the area on horseback with a guide, following gentle trails over flat fields, riding through river valleys or ascending the escarpments, depending on your level of experience.

Your drive to the Battlefields today takes around three hours, passing through more rugged scenery as you travel northeast. After arriving at your accommodation, spend the rest of the day relaxing in your beautiful surroundings, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or heading out on a gentle walk to see what wildlife you can find — various species of antelope can often be seen grazing out on the plains.

Today you start at Isandlwana and listen to the mesmerising tale of the Zulu victory. This afternoon you will travel to the famous Rorke's Drift, where you will be taken on an inspiring tour of this famous battleground and hear the true story behind the famous film 'Zulu'.

Drive to the Zululand Rhino Reserve today — the journey takes between three and a half and four and a half hours, depending on where you're staying. Arriving in the early afternoon, settle into your accommodation before heading out on your first game drive with experienced guides. The park is home to endangered black rhino as well as white rhino, elephant, buffalo, blue wildebeest, impala and kudu. The experience includes sundowner drinks and snacks before driving in the dark to spot some of the reserve's nocturnal species.

Enjoy a full day on safari today. Your early morning game drive sets off before breakfast, giving you the best chance of spotting the animals at their most active. You then return to your accommodation for a hearty breakfast. The afternoon game drive doesn't set off until the late afternoon, so the middle of the day is free for you to relax, enjoy a leisurely lunch and perhaps head out on a bush walk. This gives you a different perspective of the reserve as your guide points out some of the smaller wildlife species, such as birds and insects, and explains their role in the local ecosystem.

Spend your last day on safari trying to spot any species you've missed on the previous days. Hyena, suni and leopard are all rare sightings here, but you may get lucky. Your guide will know the best places to go to see the wildlife that interests you the most. This evening, after your afternoon game drive, share stories of your travels with fellow guests over dinner and drinks.

Today you leave the reserve and drive for around two hours to Richard's Bay Airport, where you drop off your car and board your onward flight.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.