Tala Game Reserve which spans some 3,000 hectares, has a mix of acacia thornveld, open grassland and a sensitive wetland, which attracts more than 380 bird species, and plenty of big game, including rhinoceros, kudu, hippo, giraffe, wildebeest, eland and plenty more. Being Malaria-free, with no large predators makes Tala a top-notch choice for families, and holidaymakers seeking a no-frills authentic bush break with the freedom to explore on your terms. We do a game drive in Tala Game Reserve. Thereafter, we proceed to Natal Lion Park.

Natal Lion Park spans several hectares of virgin African bushveld. It is a haven for many different bird species and all sorts of trees. Here we encounter elephants at close range. We also encounter close range viewing of lions in a hair raising never to be forgotten experience.

The Howick Falls view from the top, in particular, is pretty inspiring, and the volley of water mesmerizing. The waterfall is a 95 meter cascade into a broiling, restless pool, regarded by the local Zulus with grave superstition, and said to be the place of the spirits of ancestors.

From Howick Falls we proceed a little further to Nelson Mandela Capture Site. Nelson Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962 outside of Howick, KZN Natal, South Africa. He spent the next 27 years of his life in prison. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site commemorates this moment in history with a museum and a world renowned sculpture. From Nelson Mandela Capture Site we drive in the Midlands until we reach the Drakensberg Mountains for the night.

The Drakensberg region is extraordinary, thanks to the dramatically beautiful setting. This region is home to the awe-inspiring mountain range which is predominantly found in the KwaZulu Natal Province. The Drakensberg Mountain range is more than 200 kilometers long and combines rugged peaks with verdant valleys and spectacular backdrops. It creates a natural border between the kingdom of Lesotho and the province of KwaZulu-Natal. On day 2 we go on Drakensberg Mountain hiking and really enjoy the mountain scenery. After lunch we head back to Durban arriving at 6pm in the evening.