South Africa Drakensberg and Zululand 2017 1
Itinerary plenty of time to relax in these beautiful surroundings. Local legend has it that the mountain is haunted and there are claims that, at times, lights can be seen emanating from the summit and eerie sounds can be heard. This intriguing mountain is a protected site of cultural and historical significance. Accommodation: Ghost Mountain Inn (2 nights) (Meals included: lunch, Day 3: Mkuze Game Reserve A journey into the heart of South Africa, into some of the best walking environments in the world. See the spectacular cliffs, gorges and valleys of the Drakensberg mountains, the Zulu homelands and the history of the battlefields of the Anglo Zulu wars, the wildlife and coastal reserves in Maputaland and the Elephant Coast. This morning we will drive to the nearby Mkuze Game Reserve and enjoy a game drive. This picturesque game reserve offers the chance to see elephant, giraffe, white rhino and grazing animals, as well as beautiful birdlife. Day 1: Overnight flight to Johannesburg Day 2: To Ghost Mountain Inn After a morning arrival in Johannesburg, connect with a domestic flight to Durban, from where we transfer to our accommodation, at the foot of the legendary Ghost Mountain in Mkuze, northern kwazulu Natal. This afternoon there will be After lunch we stay in the reserve for the Fig Forest walk. This is a unique walk which has been arranged for our group exclusively with special permission from the park. We will set off on a ranger led walk through several interesting habitats in the reserve. The walk is into one of the rarest forest types in South Africa, home to a wide variety of birdlife. 2
Duration of Walk: 2 Hours, Ascent: negligible Day 4: Lake Jozini & to the Battlefields This morning, we head to nearby Lake Jozini for a wildlife cruise. Lake Jozini lies in a dramatic setting at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains. With a surface area of approximately 13,500 hectares, it is one of South Africa s largest dams. During your cruise, there is a good chance of spotting elephant, rhino, hippo and crocodile. We will then journey north into Zululand proper. We drive along quiet country roads through picturesque scenes of farms and small villages and towns with the distinctive circular rondavel houses. We arrive at our accommodation in the tranquil valleys of what was once called the Colony of Natal. The area has a rich history and retains a distinct Zulu heritage. The land here is fertile and rich for farming, and for this reason it has been heavily fought over through the centuries, by colonial settlers and amongst various tribes. The most notorious of these wars were the battles of the Anglo-Zulu war in the late 1800s. The region is known as the Battlefields. Accommodation: Battlefields Lodge (2 nights) Day 5: Isandlwana & Rorke s Drift Today we explore the famous battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke s Drift in the company of a historian guide. We will depart to Isandlwana battlefield along the line of the Zulu advance. Isandlwana is located in the centre of rolling fields, overlooked by an escarpment from where the Zulu army descended. On 22 December 1879, a huge army of 25,000 Zulu warriors inflicted the biggest military defeat ever by a native force on the British army. Whitestoned cairns commemorate the mass graves of the fallen British soldiers and there is a poignant memorial commemorating the fallen Zulus. Our historian guide brings to life the story of the battle, its personalities and its historical background. We will then travel to Rorke s Drift. This small mission station was immortalised in the famous film Zulu. Here 139 British soldiers, many of them wounded, defended their small garrison for 12 hours against four to five thousand Zulu warriors on the same day as the battle of Isandlwana. 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded to the British defenders, the most ever received in a single action by one regiment. 3
Day 6: To the Drakensberg We depart on a scenic drive into central Drakensberg. Our accommodation is nestled in a valley where the San (Bushmen) once hunted. We ll enjoy lunch at the hotel and then enjoy a walk to see the San Bushman painting. Starting at the Bergview Estate, we pass Makhulumane Rock and walk through the Hlatikhulu Forest before stopping for a picnic lunch alongside a mountain stream. A descent into the forest leads to a short walk up to the picturesque Nandi Falls. A gradual climb leads us out of the forest onto a trail which ends at the KZN Wildlife office. A last 1.5 km stretch of gravel road takes us back to the hotel. Distance: approx 9 miles/16 km, ascent/descent: approx 490ft/150 m Estimated total time: approx 7.5 hours (incl the drive to the trailhead) We will endeavour to offer an easier/shorter walk as an alternative to the aforementioned, should there be any requests or in the event conditions do not allow us to tackle the longer walk. The area in which we are staying is dominated by the mountains of Sterkhorn, Cathkin Peak and Champagne Castle, the upper reaches of which are basalt and the base sandstone. Millions of years of erosion have resulted in many dramatic peaks rising to over 3,000m. Accommodation: Champagne Castle (3 nights) Day 7: Drakensberg walks Our main walk today is mostly an undulating one, taking us through valleys and crossing several small streams, all the while hugging the foothills of the main mountain range. Day 8: Drakensberg walks Our main walk today is a spectacular one that takes us right up to the base of the huge peaks towering above. We leave the hotel after breakfast and, after an easy stretch through the pine and eucalyptus forest, we start a slow climb past the San paintings and Crystal Falls toward the aptly named Sphinx. The climb becomes more strenuous as we make our way above the Sphinx, arriving eventually at Breakfast Stream and our rest stop. The trail becomes much easier from this point, a very gradual walk up to the strangely named Bindmans corner. We join the contour path at this juncture and after a picnic lunch and with Sterkhorn peak looming above, we 4
continue along the contour path toward Hlatikhulu Nek. We retrace our steps, arriving back at the hotel in the late afternoon. Distance: approx 11 miles/18 km, ascent/descent approx 1,970ft/600 m. Estimated total time: approx 8 hours There is the option for some members of the group (accompanied by a guide) to turn back after lunch at Blindmans corner, making the walk about 1.5 hours shorter. Please note also that changes to walks may be made depending on weather and preferences of the group on the day. be free to relax, or to stretch your legs on one of the nearby easy trails. Accommodation: The Cavern (3 nights) Day 10: Tugela Gorge The huge Amphitheatre in the Royal Natal National Park, with its 500m high cliff-face is probably the most photographed feature of the Drakensberg Mountains. Day 9: To Royal Natal National Park After a morning at leisure, we journey north to the Royal Natal National Park. A walk along the Tugela Gorge winds above the river, through yellowwood trees and protea savannah. Interesting natural phenomena such as the Policeman s Helmet, the Devil s Tooth, the Toothpick and the Tugela waterfall make this an unforgettable walk. This region of the Drakensberg range is characterised by gigantic basalt peaks and buttresses, towering sandstone cliffs, hidden valleys with grassy slopes and pockets of indigenous forest with rich diversity of plant life, crystal clear streams and waterfalls. After arriving at our accommodation, the afternoon will Harder walk: This linear walk follows a rough path through the Tugela Kloof. The path rises gently through protea savannah and Afromontane forest. The first section winds along the hillside above the Tugela River. The path joins the river as the gorge narrows and the route becomes rougher. At the beginning of the main gorge, you have excellent views of the Inner and Outer Towers, Devil s Tooth and its 5
Toothpick. In the gorge the path meanders back and forth across the river using stepping stone crossings and some wading, the severity depending on the water level. Distance: up to 9 miles/14km if water levels are low; 12km if water levels are high. Ascent: up to 700ft/213m. Estimated time: 6 to 8 hours. Easier walk: This follows the same path but retreats at the point where the gorge narrows and the going gets tougher. This is a superb mountain walk with excellent views of the peaks. Distance: up to 7.5 miles/12km. Ascent: 650ft/200m. Estimated time: 6 hours. Day 11: The Amphitheatre Today we have a dramatic hike to the Amphitheatre in Royal Natal National Park. A scenic drive takes us past Sterkfontein Dam, through Phuthadijaba to the start. From here, we walk for 2½ hours, with plenty of stops. The initial climb is the most strenuous, manageable by all of reasonable fitness. The path then levels out into an easy contour path. The next part is the ascent of two chain ladders spanning the last 30 metres of the cliff. This does not require any athletic skills, but those afraid of heights may not enjoy it. An alternative route is via the gully. This is a steep ascent involving some scrambling and use of hands. From the top of the chain ladders it is a half hour walk across the plateau to where your reward is waiting: you are on the roof of Africa!! After an exploration of the summit, we ascend Beacon Buttress for the return trip via the Gully or the ladders. We then rejoin the easy path downhill. Distance: Up to 9 miles/14km. Ascent: 1,800ft/550m. Estimated time: 6 to 8 hours. Please note that the weather can change suddenly and the walk may change according to local weather conditions. Day 12: To Johannesburg Early morning at leisure to relax at the lodge. We then depart for Johannesburg, a journey of approximately 5 to 5½ hours, including a lunch stop, arriving in time for our return flight to London. Use of the Premier Lounge at Johannesburg airport is included. (Meals included: breakfast, lunch) 6
Accommodation A selection of mountain and game lodges with distinctive local character. The Ghost Mountain Inn is a secluded retreat with a traditional colonial country house character. As well as modern well appointed rooms, there are a number of restaurants and a large bar. The fragrant gardens have watchtowers for viewing the wonderful birdlife as well as views towards Ghost Mountain. www.ghostmountaininn.co.za/ long settler history. The hotel offers dramatic views of the Drakensberg Escarpment and the 'Barrier of Spears', the magnificent amphitheatre of the Little Berg. With ample space in the restaurant, bar, lounges and spa for relaxing. www.champagnecastle.co.za In the northern Drakensberg we stay at the Cavern Resort, located on a private mountain reserve with great views of the river gorge below and across to the mountains. It has large rooms, sumptuous dining area and bar with a terrace. www.cavern.co.za/ The Battlefields Country Lodge is a stone's throw from the hub and heartbeat of the battlefields, in a beautiful position with magnificent views of Zululand, rolling lawns and browsing wildlife. www.battlefieldslodge.co.za The Champagne Castle Hotel is our base in the central Drakensberg, an area of high peaks, lush valleys and a 7
Before your holiday We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. All details correct at time of writing (July 2016). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check www.fco.gov.uk In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0)345 470 7558 or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0)7918 737777 Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking sandals/flip flops (shoes that can be easily taken on and off at temples Walking socks Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Long trousers and long-sleeved light coloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun your clothing should ideally be pretreated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor) Sun hat Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Universal sink plug Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, plasters, blister kit, painkillers, 8
antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover note; HF Holidays registration form Optional: trekking poles, camera, umbrella, binoculars, swimming costume and towel. Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 23kg). Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for at least one month after leaving South Africa, and have at least 2 blank pages. Visas are not required for UK, Australian, Canadian and USA passport holders. As from June 2015, parents travelling with children into or out of South Africa may be asked to show the child s full birth certificate and if only one parent is travelling, parental or legal consent from the other parent. Other countries should consult the embassy for advice. Travel insurance If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. Health advice This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus vaccinations are recommended. Typhoid, Rabies and Hepatitis B vaccines are sometimes recommended too. Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country s embassy/ consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country that you re visiting Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, 9
and no later than 96 hours before travel. Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your leader or local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for 10
you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0)20 8732 1271. They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 10177 (ambulance & fire) or 10111 (police). Please then call our emergency number (see page 8) and let us know there is a problem. Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any additional tips are at your own discretion. Climate Holidays are scheduled for the South African summer when the weather will be warm. Some days can be quite hot, and you should experience plenty of sun. It is cooler in the evenings in the mountains and there is always the chance of rain. This can sometimes be in the form of heavy downpours, though they are often fairly brief and don t affect the daily activities greatly. The lowland valley of KwaZulu Natal and down to the coast is generally hotter and more humid than the Drakensberg, and there can be some rainy days. Local currency & money matters South African Rand (ZAR). Credit cards widely accepted. ATMs are found in most major towns and cities. Traveller s cheques are not advised. Suggested reading and maps Lonely Planet South Africa, Losotho & Swaziland 2015 Martin Meredith Diamonds, Gold & War: The Making of South Africa 2008 Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop www.themapshop.co.uk 11
Electricity 220V, 3 round pin plugs Group size Maximum group size will be 17, plus local guide/s Time difference GMT/UTC +2 hours HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK 12