South Africa - 9-day Extended Classic Drakensberg & Safari Adventure - Tailored self-drive

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South Africa – 9-day Extended Classic Drakensberg & Safari Adventure – Tailored Self-drive

9 days / 8 nights
Northern Drakensberg • Nambiti Game Reserve • Babanango Game Reserve

Country

South Africa

Duration

9 days

Highlights

Northern Drakensberg

Nambiti Game Reserve

Babanango Game Reserve

Rated 4.9/5

See reviews

South Africa – 9-day Extended Classic Drakensberg & Safari Adventure – Tailored Self-drive

From $3,775
Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge
Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge
Three Tree Hill Lodge
Babanango Game Reserve
Babanango - Madwaleni River Lodge
Babanango - Madwaleni River Lodge

Includes

Rental car, economy class, manual transmission, air conditioner, full insurance and unlimited kilometres*
5 nights' accommodation on an all-inclusive basis
3 nights' accommodation on a full-board basis with a choice of one house wine, local beer or soft drink with lunch and dinner and the afternoon safari drives. Water, fruit juice, tea and coffee available throughout the day
2 daily, shared activities 
Park fees

Excludes

Flights
Fuel and tolls
Premium drinks at Three Tree and Madwaleni 
Drinks not mentioned at Nambiti Plains 
Gratuities - we recommend ZAR 180 per person/day per guide and for lodge staff
Entry visa
Travel insurance
Increase in government tax and park fees

Itinerary

Northern Drakensberg, South Africa

Situated in northeastern South Africa, the Northern Drakensberg rises up to 3000 metres in height creating spectacularly scenic views from every direction. Featuring cascading waterfalls, sandstone caves and countless San rock art paintings, the Northern Drakensberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which also boasts a network of scenic hiking trails. Falling within the Royal Natal National Park, the ‘Amphitheatre’, comprised of over 5 kilometres of sheer cliff, is regarded as one of the most impressive cliff faces on earth with the Tugela Falls, the world's second tallest falls, plunging almost a kilometre from its clifftops. Nature lovers will delight in this unspoilt landscape and enjoy a wide variety of outdoor adventures.
Northern Drakensberg
Northern Drakensberg
Northern Drakensberg
Northern Drakensberg
Northern Drakensberg
Northern Drakensberg
  • Three Tree Hill Lodge

    Day 1 - 4

    At Three Tree Hill, guests are captivated by its unpretentious approach to luxury, offering a refreshing farm-style experience while staying true to its sustainability ethos. Nestled in the foothills of the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this owner-hosted lodge provides an authentic and personalized stay. Guests can immerse themselves in a range of adventure activities in the surrounding area, or unwind with a 3000-book library and an underground wine cellar. Three Tree Hill places a strong emphasis on preserving the local Zulu culture and the historical legacy of the Anglo Boer War for future generations. The lodge’s commitment to sustainability extends to sourcing eco-friendly goods, and empowering and uplifting the local community. With free-range chickens, children, horses, and dogs roaming freely, the atmosphere is relaxed and natural, welcoming all guests to enjoy a truly unique experience.
    Three Tree Hill Lodge
    Three Tree Hill Lodge
    Three Tree Hill Lodge
    Three Tree Hill Lodge
    Three Tree Hill Lodge
    Three Tree Hill Lodge
    +5

Day 1

Day Notes:

Collect your rental car from the Johannesburg Airport and then drive to Three Tree Hill Lodge in the Northern Drakensberg, where you will stay for the next 3 nights. Check in at the lodge and then go out on your first shared afternoon activity (time permitting).

Driving time: ~4 1/2 hours

  • Self Drive from OR Tambo International Airport [JNB] to Three Tree Hill Lodge

  • Check-in to Three Tree Hill Lodge

  • Shared afternoon activity

Day 2 - 3

Day Notes:

Activities included at Three Tree Hill Lodge are the following (guided experiences need to be pre-booked):

  • Guided Anglo-Boer War Battlefield Half-day Tours (4 hours | minimum 2 guests I No children under 16 years)
    • Flagship Tour -Battle of Spioenkop
    • Battle of Colenso & Churchill's Capture
    • Ladysmith Siege, Caesar's Camp & Wagon Point
  • Guided Artillery Trail on foot (2 hours)
  • Guided Horse Trail Ride (1-1,5 hours, depending on experience)
  • Guided Spioenkop Game Reserve Bush Walk (2 hours | minimum 2 guests) No children under 12 year
  • Mountain Bike Rental (with helmet & gloves)
  • Hambrook Village Excursion (2 hours)
  • Unguided Walks

Drakensberg Guided Hike (minimum 2 guests), and guided Anglo-Zulu War Battlefield Full-day Tours (10 hours, 1 -6 guests) are available at additional cost.

  • Shared morning and afternoon activities

Nambiti Game Reserve, South Africa

Located between the cities of Johannesburg and Durban in northeastern South Africa, the Nambiti Private Game Reserve is the ultimate escape, offering the Big 5 in a malaria-free region in the heart of KwaZulu Natal. The world-famous elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino and over 40 other animal species roam these reclaimed farms in the heart of the Battlefields area. The reserve boasts a biodiverse landscape featuring riverine scrub, vast savannah, grasslands and thornveld. Visitors can look forward to excellent wildlife viewing, bird watching, swimming, game drives and stargazing in the beautiful African night sky.
Nambiti Game Reserve
Nambiti Game Reserve
Nambiti Game Reserve
Nambiti Game Reserve
Nambiti Game Reserve
Nambiti Game Reserve
  • Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge

    Day 4 - 7

    Nambiti Plains is an exclusive, intimate 5* Lodge in the heart of the malaria free Nambiti Game Reserve. Offering a private bush experience where Africa meets unpretentious luxury in an earthy environment. The reserve consists of 22 000 acres of pristine nature – including an abundance of natural water and beautiful waterfalls making it a unique sanctuary. Game viewing include amongst others the Big 5 and Cheetah as well as several rare bird species such as the Crowned Cranes and Secretary Birds. Rooms imitate the wide-open space of the plains in front of the lodge and the décor tie into the natural environment. Each room is spacious, stylish and uncluttered, with the highlight the private decks with views stretching over the plains and waterholes! The Lodge boasts big stone fireplaces for winter and a tucked away swimming pool for summer months where you will frequently see the elephant herd coming to drink. Not being fenced in offer you the opportunity to walk side by side with wildlife such as nyalas or zebra – a true bush experience. ONLY 3 1/2 HOURS DRIVE FROM DURBAN AND 4 1/2 HOURS DRIVE FROM JOHANNESBURG
    Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge
    Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge
    Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge
    Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge
    Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge
    Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge
    +5

Day 4

Day Notes:

After a  shared morning activity and breakfast, check out of Three Tree Hill Lodge and drive to Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge in Nambiti Game Reserve, where you will spend 3 nights on safari. After settling in at your new accommodation, go out on your first shared afternoon game drive.

Driving time: ~1 1/2 hours

  • Shared morning activity

  • Check-out from Three Tree Hill Lodge

  • Self Drive from Three Tree Hill Lodge to Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge

  • Check-in to Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge

  • Shared afternoon game drive

Day 5 - 6

Day Notes:

Wake up before dawn for the morning game drive, starting at sunrise. Savour a hot coffee and an early-morning snack before boarding the safari vehicle and departing the lodge in search of animals. Spend 3 hours traversing the bush and looking out for wildlife before they retreat to the shelter of a tree in the heat of the day.

After returning to the lodge for a delectable hot breakfast, you’ll have time to relax and unwind, surrounded by serene African wilderness. Lounge at the pool, delve into a captivating book, have a blissful nap, or simply soak up the sights, sounds and scents of nature.

Afternoon tea is served before your next game drive, departing around 3:30 - 4:30 pm, depending on the time of year. Dinner is served before you settle in for the night to the symphony of the wild.

  • Shared morning and afternoon game drive

Babanango Game Reserve, South Africa

Set on the White Umfolozi River in KwaZulu Natal in South Africa, Babanango Game Reserve is a malaria-free game reserve home to an array of African wildlife. The reserve stretches for 22 hectares over the beautiful Babanango Valley in Zululand and featuring pristine coastline, grasslands, rolling hills, lush forests, rivers, and mangrove swamps. It is home to three lodges: the Valley Lodge, the Zulu Rock Lodge and the Matatane Camp, all of which offer incredible accommodation options for visitors. This bush lover’s paradise allows visitors the opportunity to spot a variety of free-roaming game species including buffalo, giraffe, hyena and zebra, rhino and over 283 bird species. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities such as birding, game drives, hiking and mountain biking.
Babanango Game Reserve
Babanango Game Reserve
Babanango Game Reserve
Babanango Game Reserve
Babanango Game Reserve
Babanango Game Reserve
+18
  • Babanango - Madwaleni River Lodge

    Day 7 - 9

    Nestled on the southern bank of the White Umfolozi River, sits Madwaleni River Lodge, a luxury safari lodge in the heart of Zululand in KZN. The name “Madwaleni” comes from an isiZulu phrase meaning “The place of the rock,” reflecting the beautiful granoliths found in the reserve. This ultra-luxury tented camp blends sophistication and wilderness, offering guests a truly exclusive retreat with its luxurious safari tents, restaurant, lounge, and library.
    Babanango - Madwaleni River Lodge
    Babanango - Madwaleni River Lodge
    Babanango - Madwaleni River Lodge
    Babanango - Madwaleni River Lodge
    Babanango - Madwaleni River Lodge
    Babanango - Madwaleni River Lodge
    +61

Day 7

Day Notes:

After your shared morning game drive and a hot breakfast, you will leave Nambiti Game Reserve and drive to Babanango Game Reserve. Once you arrive at Madwaleni River Lodge, you will be able to enjoy a shared afternoon game drive, and then come back to the lodge for a scrumptious dinner.

Driving time: ~2  1/2hours

  • Shared morning game drive

  • Check-out from Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge

  • Self Drive from Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge to Babanango - Madwaleni River Lodge

  • Check-in to Babanango - Madwaleni River Lodge

  • Shared afternoon game drive

Day 8

Day Notes:

Wake up for your early morning game drive. Have a hot coffee to wake up before boarding the lodges safari vehicle and departing to look for animals. Spend 3 hours looking out for wildlife before returning to the lodge for a hot breakfast.

After breakfast, you will have time to unwind and relax at leisure. Lounge at the pool, read a book, or take a walk or a nap. Have a light lunch before your next game drive, departing in the afternoon for about 3 hours. On return from your adventure looking for animals of the wild, dinner is served before you settle in for the night.

  • Shared morning and afternoon game drive

Day 9

  • Shared morning game drive

  • Check-out from Babanango - Madwaleni River Lodge

  • Self Drive from Babanango - Madwaleni River Lodge to King Shaka International Airport [DUR]

End of Itinerary

Destinations

Northern Drakensberg
South Africa
Day 1-2

Northern Drakensberg

Situated in northeastern South Africa, the Northern Drakensberg rises up to 3000 metres in height creating spectacularly scenic views from every direction.
Nambiti Game Reserve
South Africa
Day 4-5

Nambiti Game Reserve

Located between the cities of Johannesburg and Durban in northeastern South Africa, the Nambiti Private Game Reserve is the ultimate escape, offering the Big 5 in a malaria-free region in the heart of KwaZulu Natal.
Babanango Game Reserve
South Africa
Day 7-8

Babanango Game Reserve

Set on the White Umfolozi River in KwaZulu Natal in South Africa, Babanango Game Reserve is a malaria-free game reserve home to an array of African wildlife.

Accommodations

Three Tree Hill Lodge
Northern Drakensberg
Day 1-4

Three Tree Hill Lodge

At Three Tree Hill, guests are captivated by its unpretentious approach to luxury, offering a refreshing farm-style experience while staying true to its sustainability ethos.
Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge
Nambiti Game Reserve
Day 4-7

Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge

Nambiti Plains is an exclusive, intimate 5* Lodge in the heart of the malaria free Nambiti Game Reserve.
Babanango - Madwaleni River Lodge
Babanango Game Reserve
Day 7-9

Babanango - Madwaleni River Lodge

Nestled on the southern bank of the White Umfolozi River, sits Madwaleni River Lodge, a luxury safari lodge in the heart of Zululand in KZN.

FOR 2026, BOOK BEFORE 31 MARCH 2026 AND GET A 50% OFF ACCOMMODATION AT MADWALENI RIVER LODGE - VALID 6 JANUARY - 14 DECEMBER 2026 EXCLUDING 2026 EASTER HOLIDAY PERIOD 

1 January - 30 April & 1 July - 10 December 2026

  • Per person sharing: ZAR 80,715
  • Single traveller: ZAR 118,295
  • Solo traveller: ZAR 121,595
  • Per child 10-11 years, sharing with two adults*: ZAR 39,825

May - June 2026

  • Per person sharing: ZAR 78,760
  • Single traveller: ZAR 115,365
  • Solo traveller: ZAR 118,665
  • Per child 10-11 years, sharing with two adults*: ZAR 39,105

11 December - 31 December 2026

  • Per person sharing: ZAR 81,915
  • Single traveller: ZAR 120,095
  • Solo traveller: ZAR 123,395
  • Per child 10-11 years, sharing with two adults*: ZAR 41,325

1 January - 30 April & 1 July - 10 December 2027

  • Per person sharing: ZAR 88,045
  • Single traveller: ZAR 133,810
  • Solo traveller: ZAR 137,455
  • Per child 10-11 years, sharing with two adults*: ZAR 43,860

May - June 2027

  • Per person sharing: ZAR 85,890
  • Single traveller: ZAR 130,590
  • Solo traveller: ZAR 134,235
  • Per child 10-11 years, sharing with two adults*: ZAR 43,065

11 December - 31 December 2027

  • Per person sharing: ZAR 90,010
  • Single traveller: ZAR 136,760
  • Solo traveller: ZAR 140,405
  • Per child 8 - 12 years, sharing with two adults*: ZAR 45,360

*A supplement may apply to families travelling with more than 1 child, as a bigger vehicle may be needed

Sarah H. General

The team at Indigo Safaris crafted a dream vacation for us. The attention to detail, the seamless coordination, and the breathtaking destinations made this one of the best experiences of our lives.

Sarah H.
United States

Tamsyn & Nick – General

Above excellence

Our booking far out weighed our expectations. Our guides where not only very friendly but very informative. We made so many new friends and wanted to bring everyone home to Canada with us lol We are now in the middle of planning our next trip. My husband and I highly recommend using Indigo Safaris for your travel bookings.

Tamsyn & Nick
Canada

Anna R. General

Indigo Safaris provided the ultimate safari experience. We saw the Big Five, stayed in incredible lodges, and made memories we will treasure forever.

Anna R.
Germany

Cynthia Lourenco Tach General

I had a great experience with Indigo Safaris. The team was very professional and responsive in answering all my concerns and ensuring I had a great experience. My trip was implemented by a local partner very professional. It was one of my best trip experiences.

Cynthia Lourenco Tach
South Africa

Elizabeth T. General

Every moment of our trip was magical. The combination of professional guidance and stunning landscapes made this an extraordinary adventure.

Elizabeth T.
Australia

Ellis – General Review

Everything lived up to my expectations. The service was top notch and the tours were amazing (including many leopard sightings!). Highly recommended

Ellis
United States