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Kwazulu Natal - A World Heritage Discovery

Exploring nature’s wonderland, walking, game viewing and sightseeing in the land of the Anglo-Zulu War.

  • South Africa

  • 15 nights
  • Full Board
  • Worldwide Journeys

    Landscape

    Wildlife & Nature

  • Oct

Moderate

What does this mean?

Tour codes: 46900

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Walking grade

Grade 5

This is a grade 5 walking holiday where you can expect hiking and Game viewing in four distinct environments.  There will be alternative walks between 3-6 hours in length. Some days will be easier but still rewarding whereas some may be at the higher end of the grade. Many of the wildlife game drives and walks may require a very early morning start, but the experience is worth it! You’ll enjoy walks alongside the Indian Ocean, then tour explore the noted Hluhluwe Wildlife Reserve in safari cars to seek and photograph “The Big Five” wild animals, including the largest remaining groups of white rhino. At Hluhluwe and the Battlefields, walks will be shorter to see sites of interest and absorb the natural beauty of our surroundings as well as the local culture and history. The hotel in the Drakensberg are situated at 1500m. Depending on the walks chosen by the leader and guides you may choose to walk at the top of the grade up to an altitude of 2000m. The total ascents and descents can be up to 750m. Most of the paths are good fixed trails but there may be some steep and rough uneven ground.  Our walks may cross mountain streams and perhaps we will see herds of Eland: almost certainly we will have the chance to sample the local trout. 

This holiday will bring you close to nature making for an unforgettable experience.  

Overview

Holiday Highlights

  • Get close to the wildlife at Hluhluwe on a series of game drives and walks.
  • Discover the battlefields at Isandlwana. The British Army's worst defeat against an indigenous foe.
  • Walk the awe-inspiring Drakensberg Mountains.
  • Dip your toes in the Indian Ocean at St Lucia
  • Rorke’s Drift. A minor battle which resulted in the issue of 11 Victoria Crosses!

KwaZulu Natal is the traditional home of the Zulu tribe. KwaZulu translates into English as 'Zululand'. Bordering the Indian Ocean, it is South Africa's easternmost province. Inland are wetlands, the Battlefields of the Boer and Zulu wars, and the towering peaks of the Drakensberg, the highest mountain in South Africa. The variety of landscape is astonishing, the history fascinating, and the wildlife bountiful.

Flying into Durban you head north to the Hluhluwe area. Here enjoy four days of game walks and drives accompanied by rangers with the chance to see giraffe, impala, nyala, warthog, white rhino, wildebeest and zebra. Boat safaris bring you close to crocodiles, hippos and a wealth of birdlife.

You head inland to Dundee, a small town rich in Boer heritage, where British troops withdrew from Zulu land after their defeat at the battle of Isandlwana during the 1879 Anglo Zulu War. The first shots of the Second Anglo Boer war were fired in Dundee in what later became known as the Battle of Talana. You have the whole day with a specialist military guide who will bring the battlefields to life. You stay at Rorkes Drift, close by the scene of the (in)famous battle

You continue towards the Drakensberg Mountains. The Drakensberg’s rugged escarpment provides a dramatic background to the gentle green and rolling hills of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands. You can head straight out on foot from the hotel into the amazing mountain scenery. The hotel at Cavern Berg is in a stunning location on the edge of the Royal Natal National Park, dominated by the Amphitheatre, a crescent-shaped basalt-topped wall four miles wide which soars to a height of 3000m. 

Please note the Zululand Resort only offers twin bedded rooms. This is not a problem for clients booking twins or singles but clients booking a double will have twin bedded room here and double bedded rooms in Rorke's Drift and Cavernberg.

  • Return flights from London to Durban via Johannesburg returning Johannesburg to London
  • Airport transfers
  • Full board en suite accommodation
  • Expert local guides
  • All advertised excursions and entrance fees
  • All local transport costs.
  • A 'Water to Go' filter bottle posted to you before departure
  • The services of a Discover Tour Leader
  • Entrance fees (unless otherwise specified)
  • Personal expenses (such as your bar bill)
  • Discretionary tips
  • Optional excursions
  • Travel Insurance

Holiday Information

Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.

NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen

View Holiday Information Sheet

Itinerary & Travel

Itinerary Details

Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

In Flight

We depart London on an overnight flight to Durban with a stop enroute.

Transfer Time = 3h

Day 2

Hluhluwe

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

We will meet our guide at King Shaka international airport in Durban.. We then drive north to Hluhluwe and Zululand Lodge, driving north along the N2 highway. The journey will take around 4 hours with stops enroute. We arrive at the lodge and settle in. Our lodge is situated on 220 hectare private nature conservancy bordering Phinda game reserve.

Day 3

Hluhluwe

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

The hotel offers an optional nature walk with the lodge guide, every morning before breakfast, normally for 2 hours, from the lodge down to the Msinene river and back up again. Breakfast is served at 7:30am and then we depart for a morning Mbonise cultural experience. We spend around 2 hours on a guided walk through a living Zulu village. We return to the lodge for lunch and then in the afternoon we enjoy a drive through the Western part of the Isimangaliso wetland park.

Day 4

Hluhluwe

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    2 hours

  • Distance

    3 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    10m

After breakfast we drive to St Lucia and the Eastern entrance to the Isimangaliso wetland park, It will take us around 2 hours to get to Mission rocks. We then walk along the beach to the bat cave. The beach is stunning and generally sees very few visitors, it is sometimes possible to see the turtles on the rocks. In the afternoon we enjoy a 2 hr boat cruise on lake St Lucia, to see the resident Hippos and Fish Eagles. This is a busy day, we plan to get back to the lodge back at 18:30 around sunset.

Day 5

Hluhluwe

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

This morning is an early start as we depart the lodge at 06:30 to meet our open game drive vehicle at Memorial gate of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. We then enjoy a full day open game drive. The reserve is well know for the Rhino population as well as the rest of the ‘big five’. We leave the park at around 5pm to get back to the lodge at 18:00.

Day 6

Rorke's Drift

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Today is a transfer day as we drive the 200 miles from the lodge to Rorke's drift. It’s a big country South Africa. The journey will take around 6 hours with plenty of appropriate stops, as we make our way through the Natal midlands, via Empangeni.

Day 7

Rorke's Drift

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    1.5 hours

  • Distance

    3 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    50m

Today we have a full day guided tour of Rorkes Drift with a local expert from the hotel. The landscape is largely unchanged since the battle. Our guide can bring the whole experience to life.

Day 8

Drakensberg

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Today is mostly a transfer day as we make our way to the Northern Drakensberg. We will leave after breakfast and make our way through the natal midlands, Dundee and Ladysmith directly to the Cavern Resort nestled in the Northern Drakensberg region. The drive takes around 4 hrs. We will arrive in time for a late lunch. The afternoon we head out on a short walk to stretch the legs.

Day 9 to 14

Drakensberg

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

We have a huge range of walking to enjoy from the Cavernberg hotel. We have our guide with us so tour RWH leader and the guide can choose the best walks to suit weather conditions, group preferences and all manner of other considerations.

Here are some examples of some of the walks that we are likely to enjoy whilst discovering the area:

  • Time

    4 hours

  • Distance

    5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    500m

CANNIBAL CAVERN AND CAMEL’S HUMP. This lovely walk affords the opportunity to visit an enormous cavern and to learn something of the history and legend of the area.  The walk offers magnificent views of the ‘Amphitheatre’ from ‘Surprise Ridge’ with panoramic views from the summit of ‘Camel’s Hump’ for those who make it to the top!

  • Time

    4 hours

  • Distance

    6.5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    300m

THE SILENT WOMAN VIA JACKAL RIDGE. This is a fairly easy walk. It does not go very high but provides good views of the surrounding peaks. Most of the walk is on easy terrain. There is no scrambling or exposure of any kind.

  • Time

    5 hours

  • Distance

    10 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    420m

THE TUGELA GORGE.  Tugela (or Thukela to the Zulus) means “the one that surprises” – perhaps because of the thundering force of the Tugela river when it is in flood.  This is a relatively easy walk but cannot be completed is rain is forecast due to the risk of flash floods.

  • Time

    5 hours

  • Distance

    8 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    550m

POLICEMAN'S HELMET. A longer walk with good views of the Amphitheatre. The first four km are on easy terrain (good path, gentle ascent). It becomes steeper after that but not excessively so. The only difficulty of the walk is the wooden ladder (broken in 2015) just under the Policeman’s helmet. 

  • Time

    5 hours

  • Distance

    5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    650m

SUGARLOAF. This walk will take us to the highest point (1838m) we reach on foot on their holiday.  The views from the summit of Sugar Loaf are spectacular – towards the Drakensberg escarpment and the ‘Amphitheatre’, the former homeland of QwaQwa and the Metsi Matsho dam. The first part is quite easy, climbing relatively gently but steadily on a good path. the last section to the summit is more challenging and probably above grade. Our tour leader and guide will advise of its suitability.



Day 15

In Flight

Meals

Breakfast

We enjoy our last breakfast in the mountains before transferring to the Johannesburg International Airport. The journey takes around 5hrs and we aim to arrive 3 hours before our flight departures.

Day 16

Arrive UK

Departure dates for your selected tour

14th Oct 2024 - 29th Oct 2024 (15 Nights)

Travel Details

  • Return flights from Heathrow to Durban with an enroute stop returning Johannesburg to Heathrow
  • Arrival transfers by road c.4hrs
  • Upgrades are available on most flights. For scheduled flights this may be Premium Economy, Business or First Class. Please ask us for details and a competitive quote.
  • If direct regional flights are not available, we can often offer add-on flights to a London airport at a competitive rate. Please ask us for details and a competitive quote.

Accommodation

Accommodation information

Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.

Zululand Resort

Zululand Lodge is a privately-owned tented camp on the 800 hectare uKuwela wildlife conservancy north of Hluhluwe town and close to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, in northern KwaZulu Natal. The lodge is built on a slope with breath taking views of the Msinene River valley and surrounding bushveld. The elegantly furnished central lodge area allows guests to relax in the open-air cushioned lounge. There is a viewing deck which offers uninterrupted views, boasting spectacular sunsets to enjoy a sundowner. Locally guided bush walks give an opportunity to observe the abundant bird life of the area, 

The lodge was designed and built as an environmentally sustainable project. It has a solar power system with LED lighting throughout camp, and are completely off the grid. Rain water is collected in tanks and used for cleaning, the grounds irrigation and the small waterhole in front of the lodge. 

Please se the attached photos of the rooms. Each room has ensuite facilities as pictured.

Please note the Zululand Resort only offers twin bedded rooms. This is not a problem for clients booking twins or singles but clients booking a double will have twin bedded room here and double bedded rooms in the other centres.


Rorkes Drift Hotel

Rorkes Drift Hotel, set on the Buffalo River and located in the heart of the Battlefields, perfect for fantastic views.

Cavern Drakensberg Resort

A very close runner up has to be the Cavern Berg Resort, located in the foothills of the Northern Drakensberg, surrounded by towering mountains, forests and streams. The rooms are set in a lush garden landscape, and rooms are equipped with a hairdryer, tea, and coffee making facilities. They have a small spa area situated on the edge of the Fern Forest, an outdoor pool and various sports activities that can be organised at reception. Wifi access is available and is free to use.

Trip Information

All the details you need

Holiday Grade

This is a grade 5 walking holiday where you can expect hiking and Game viewing in four distinct environments.  There will be alternative walks between 3-6 hours in length. Some days will be easier but still rewarding whereas some may be at the higher end of the grade. Many of the wildlife game drives and walks may require a very early morning start, but the experience is worth it! You’ll enjoy walks alongside the Indian Ocean, then tour explore the noted Hluhluwe Wildlife Reserve in safari cars to seek and photograph “The Big Five” wild animals, including the largest remaining groups of white rhino. At Hluhluwe and the Battlefields, walks will be shorter to see sites of interest and absorb the natural beauty of our surroundings as well as the local culture and history. The hotel in the Drakensberg are situated at 1500m. Depending on the walks chosen by the leader and guides you may choose to walk at the top of the grade up to an altitude of 2000m. The total ascents and descents can be up to 750m. Most of the paths are good fixed trails but there may be some steep and rough uneven ground.  Our walks may cross mountain streams and perhaps we will see herds of Eland: almost certainly we will have the chance to sample the local trout. 

This holiday will bring you close to nature making for an unforgettable experience.  

Walks & Excursions

This holiday is operated at our grade 5 walking category and entails some energetic days, although the daily walking time is less than five hours.  Some days will be spent leisurely walking around areas of special or historical interest.  We shall walk on fixed trails, some of which are undulating and uneven under foot.  The walking on this tour can be fairly demanding depending on the season.

Local Transport Costs

In the holiday cost, we've included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity program for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.

Optional Excursions

At your destination, you may have the option to book various local excursions and activities through a local operator. It's important to note that we are not involved in these activities or excursions, and we do not operate, supervise, or control them in any way. Your contract will be directly with the local activity supplier, and we bear no responsibility for their actions or omissions.

Spending Money

Holiday Budgeting

All organised excursions mentioned in the itinerary are included in the holiday cost. 

There is very little additional cost to be paid locally in regards to the noted itinerary, however if you wish to take any optional excursions, or visit sites not mentioned, these will be at your own expense.It is difficult to estimate an allowance for spending money, however about £250-£300 for the trip should be sufficient for lunches, drinks, any optional excursions. 

Please also see our section on tipping which will be in addition to this.

Hotel drinks, particularly imported spirits can be more expensive, but local spirits, beers, ciders and African wines are very good value for money. You will need to allow extra for souvenirs and gifts. Major purchases can often be charged to a credit card account.

Currency in South Africa

The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).

Tipping

In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.

Tour Leaders & Local Guides

Tour Leaders

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations.  Your tour leader takes care of all the local administration, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

Leader's Evening Briefing

Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the program for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organized group program, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.

Your Travel Details

Flights are from London Heathrow to Durban via Johannesburg and returning from Johannesburg to London Heathrow with British Airways and Comair. 

There might be a wait of several hours at Johannesburg airport between flights. 

As Durban is a domestic airport, you are required to enter South Africa in Johannesburg, passing through ‘Passport Control’ and ‘Customs’.

On check in at London Heathrow you will receive one boarding pass, which is for your Heathrow to Johannesburg flight only.  If you have checked in on line you might have boarding passes for the London Heathrow-Johannesburg flight as well as the onward flight to Durban.  PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: 

  • On arrival into Johannesburg ALL passengers transferring to a domestic flight MUST clear IMMIGRATION, reclaim their bags and then clear CUSTOMS.  
  • After clearing CUSTOMS you are required to make your way to the Domestic Terminal (TERMINAL B).  Exit the Customs Hall and turn LEFT.  Take the escalator up to the next level and follow the signs for Terminal B.  (PLEASE NOTE that South African luggage trolleys have been designed to ‘clamp on’ to the escalator.)
  • Check in for your onward flight.  You must do this even if you already have a boarding pass.  The check-in staff will tag your luggage for your onward flight.  The BA Comair check-in desks are usually situated at the far end of the check-in hall towards the Security Control.

Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements

If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.

Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.

If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.

Although airport transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.

Please be aware that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.

Hotel Transfers

When you book a Flight-Inclusive holiday, transfers between the airport and hotel and back are included. On some holidays, where we offer various flight options, the transfer vehicle may wait for all flights to land before transferring to the hotel.  

Luggage Allowance & Travel Documents

If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.

Personal Details Check

To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.

Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.

You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

Passport Information for South Africa

For entry into South Africa, a passport is required and must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure. Your passport should have at least two blank pages when you present it at immigration to enter or leave South Africa. A visa is not required by holders of British passports bearing the inscription 'British Citizen' for holidays less than 90 days. Holders of non-British passports should check with the South African Embassy or their nearest consulate regarding requirements.

Hotel Changes

The hotel(s) listed within this document are examples of standard only. Whilst we strive to deliver the hotel(s) listed within this Holiday Information Sheet, there will be times throughout the year when they change. You will be sent an accommodation list with air tickets about three weeks before departure. From time to time hotels will change near to departure and you will not be advised until after arriving into the destination. We always aim to provide a replacement of similar standard and location, although we cannot guarantee similar facilities such as pool or bar.

Meals

Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included in the holiday charge. Breakfast and dinners will the hotels. Lunches will be taken in the hotels or a picnic lunch. Breakfasts will generally be buffet style with plenty of choice to suit all tastes. Dinner will be generally home prepared, wholesome and filling. Vegetarians are easily catered for. 

Footwear & Kit List

Footwear

Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.

General Kit List

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

  • Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
  • Lightweight quick-drying trousers
  • Walking T-shirt/shirts
  • Walking socks
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun block
  • Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate)
  • Swimwear (if appropriate)
  • Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the day's activity)
  • Day sack liner
  • Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity (more than 1 bottle may be required)
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Lunchbox
  • Walking poles (should you find them useful)
  • Sit mat

This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.

Travel Documents Checklist

Documents and Information to take with you:

  • Passport (make sure it's yours and valid)
  • Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary
  • Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)
  • Holiday money
  • Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
  • Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
  • Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
  • Your holiday Booking Confirmation document
  • Your travel insurance details
  • Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)
  • Photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport
  • A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant
  • Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

Electricity in South Africa

In South Africa the electricity is supplied at 220-240V A/C. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a three-pin plug with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/

Water To Go

Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.

Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.

As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWW15 during your order.                        

Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday departing after November 1, 2023, you'll receive a complimentary Water to Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!

Maps, Guidebooks & Other Information

Maps, Guidebooks & More

The ‘Bradt’ guide to Southern African Wildlife provides very well-researched and interesting background reading for this holiday.  RWH have negotiated a 25% discount on all ‘Bradt’ guides for you as a ‘thank you’ for your custom  – so please go to the ‘Bradt Guide’ website: www.bradtguides.com and enter the code RWH25 when ordering to claim your discount.

Many local libraries stock a selection of travel guides and books which might offer you more information on KwaZulu-Natal. You might also find the following websites useful:

South African Tourism www.southafrica.net

Tourism Kwazulu Natal www.zulu.org.za

The Map Shop

If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:

The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England

Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com

If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.

Weather

Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:

Staying Healthy On Holiday

Health requirements in destination can change, and it's crucial for you to take responsibility in staying informed. Ensure that you consult a professionally qualified source and comply with any health requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure. Your GP can provide advice on vaccinations. Stay proactive about your health preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Health Advice for South Africa

No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to South Africa.

You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.

Diphtheria and Hepatitis A immunisations are recommended.

You might also like to consider immunisation against Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus, Cholera and Typhoid.

There is low to no risk of Malaria in South Africa, apart from the Kruger National Park where the risk is high.

There is a risk of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection (also known as bilharzia) that is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic.

Further Travel Advice

For further advice please visit:

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

Travel Insurance

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.

Personal Safety

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is your go-to for the latest info on security, local laws, and the nitty-gritty of passports and visas at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Make sure to take a quick peek at the current advice for your upcoming destination—it'll only take a few minutes.

When you're out and about, stay aware of your surroundings. Take smart precautions with your credit cards and passport, and maybe tone down the flashy accessories. Less is more, especially when it comes to carrying cash—just enough for the day will do. Consider using a money belt for that extra layer of security. Stay alert, stay safe, and make the most of your travels!

Cultural Awareness

Responsible Travel

We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritize the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust

Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.

The primary focus of our Trust's financial support is directed towards Britain's premier walking charity, The Ramblers. They play a crucial role in advocating the benefits and significance of walking to the British public. Additionally, our Trust invites applications for small grants from local organizations in the UK that require support for walking-oriented activities. This encompasses initiatives such as establishing footpaths and bridleways, funding for the reconstruction of bridges and refurbishing huts, and bursary funding for organisations that support individuals to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors..

For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.

Heart and Sole

We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.

Staying In Touch

Mobile Phones

Kindly share a mobile phone contact number with us. We'll utilize this solely for crucial communication pertaining to your holiday arrangements.

Ensure your mobile phone remains switched on and easily accessible when en route to the airport or during transit delays. This way, we can promptly reach you with any last-minute updates concerning your travel plans.

In consideration of others, we request that you switch off your mobile phone during walks or make an effort to limit its usage. Additionally, during group meals, please minimize the use of mobile devices. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone on the journey.

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Useful Information

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South Africa

  • Capital

    Pretoria; Cape Town;

  • Currency

    Rand

  • Language

    Zulu; Xhosa; Afrikaans

  • Time Difference

    UTC +02:00

  • Flight duration

    11.5hrs from UK

Visas and Passports

No visa required for a stay of up to 90 days

Average weather

  • January

    22°C

    Avg. Rain: 91mm

  • February

    22°C

    Avg. Rain: 80mm

  • March

    20°C

    Avg. Rain: 75mm

  • April

    17°C

    Avg. Rain: 51mm

  • May

    14°C

    Avg. Rain: 32mm

  • June

    11°C

    Avg. Rain: 28mm

  • July

    11°C

    Avg. Rain: 25mm

  • August

    13°C

    Avg. Rain: 29mm

  • September

    16°C

    Avg. Rain: 36mm

  • October

    18°C

    Avg. Rain: 61mm

  • November

    20°C

    Avg. Rain: 78mm

  • December

    21°C

    Avg. Rain: 81mm

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