Pre-Tour Sightseeing Options

Saturday 12 December – Arrival in Johannesburg
Upon arrival at O. R. Tambo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the upscale suburb of Sandton.

Your overnight stay will be at the Garden Court Sandton City, conveniently located adjacent to the renowned Sandton City Shopping Centre. This hotel offers comfortable accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar, and easy access to the shops and restaurants of Sandton.

This evening, join your Tour Manager and fellow travellers for Welcome Drinks, where you will receive information on the days ahead.

Accommodation: Garden Court, Sandton City
Standard Room – 1 night – Bed & Breakfast

Sunday 13 December – Pilanesberg National Park
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Following breakfast, we depart Johannesburg and travel to Pilanesberg National Park (approximately 3hrs), a spectacular wildlife reserve set within an ancient volcanic crater and renowned for excellent game viewing within a malaria-free environment.

Our base for the next three nights is the elegant Ivory Tree Game Lodge, located in a private concession within the park. The lodge features spacious thatched suites with private patios, a swimming pool overlooking the bush, a tranquil spa, and superb dining areas including a traditional outdoor boma.

Upon arrival we enjoy lunch before settling into our rooms.

Later this afternoon, we head out on our first open-vehicle game drive accompanied by expert rangers. Pilanesberg is home to the famous Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros – along with giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, antelope and an abundance of birdlife.

Dinner is served at the lodge this evening.

Accommodation: Ivory Tree Game Lodge
Run of House Rooms – 3 nights – Full Board

Monday 14 December
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
An early start this morning for a sunrise game drive, one of the best times of day for wildlife viewing as the bush comes to life and predators complete their night-time hunts.

Returning to the lodge, enjoy breakfast before a morning at leisure. Relax beside the pool, unwind on your private deck overlooking the bush, or enjoy a treatment at the lodge spa.

Lunch is served at the lodge before we head out again for an afternoon game drive, when wildlife often gathers at waterholes as the temperatures cool.

Dining at Ivory Tree is a highlight of the stay, with menus featuring a mix of international cuisine and traditional South African flavours, including grilled meats, fresh seasonal produce, and classic braai-style barbecue dinners enjoyed under the African night sky.

Tuesday 15 December
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Today follows the classic safari rhythm, with morning and afternoon game drives offering further opportunities to encounter the remarkable wildlife of Pilanesberg.

During your drives you may encounter herds of elephants moving across the plains, giraffes browsing the acacia trees, zebras and wildebeest grazing in open grasslands, and possibly elusive predators such as lion or leopard. The park is also rich in birdlife, with over 300 species recorded.

Between activities, enjoy time to relax and soak up the peaceful surroundings of the lodge.

Enjoyu dinner at the lodge.

Wednesday 16 December – Return to Sandton
Breakfast Included
Enjoy a final early morning game drive, offering one last opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the African bush.

After breakfast, we check out of the lodge and return to Sandton, where you will check in to your Test Match hotel and continue with your tour and join the Test Tour itinerary.

Saturday 12 December – Arrival in Johannesburg
Upon arrival at O. R. Tambo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the vibrant suburb of Sandton.

Your overnight stay will be at the comfortable Garden Court Sandton City, ideally located adjacent to the renowned Sandton City Shopping Centre, one of Africa’s premier retail and dining destinations.

The hotel offers modern, well-appointed rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar, and convenient access to Sandton’s many shops and restaurants.

This evening, join your Tour Manager and fellow travellers for Welcome Drinks and an introduction to the experiences ahead.

Accommodation: Garden Court, Sandton City
Standard Room – 1 night – Bed & Breakfast

Sunday 13 December – Journey to Rorke’s Drift
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After breakfast, we depart Johannesburg and travel through the scenic landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal to the historic battlefield region of Rorke’s Drift (approximately 5½ hours).

Our base for the next three nights will be the welcoming Rorke’s Drift Lodge, a boutique lodge perched on a hillside overlooking the Buffalo River valley and the dramatic landscapes of Zululand.

The lodge offers comfortable en-suite rooms with private verandas and personal braai (barbecue) areas, along with a swimming pool, sun deck and spacious communal terraces where guests can relax and take in the sweeping views across the valley.

Upon arrival we enjoy a packed lunch before settling into our rooms. The afternoon is at leisure to relax at the lodge, perhaps enjoying the pool or gathering on the deck with fellow travellers to admire the scenery.

The lodge does not operate a formal bar, so guests are welcome to bring their own drinks to enjoy in the communal areas.

Dinner will be served this evening and may be enjoyed in the shared spaces with the group.

Accommodation: Rorke’s Drift Lodge
Run of House Rooms – 3 nights – Full Board

Monday 14 December
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Following breakfast, we set out on a guided excursion to the famous Isandlwana Battlefield, the site of one of the most dramatic battles of the Anglo-Zulu War.

Accompanied by expert local guides, the battlefield comes vividly to life as the events of 22 January 1879 are brought into focus. You will explore the battlefield beneath the imposing Isandlwana hill, see the stone cairns marking where soldiers fell, and gain fascinating insight into the strategies, personalities and dramatic turning points of the battle.

Following the tour we return to the lodge where a packed lunch will be provided.

The afternoon is at leisure to relax at the lodge, enjoy the peaceful surroundings or make use of the private braai facilities outside your room.

Dinner will be served at the lodge this evening.

Tuesday 15 December
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After breakfast we visit the nearby Rorke’s Drift Battlefield, the location of one of the most famous defensive actions in British military history.

Your guided tour will explore the original mission station buildings, including the hospital and storehouse, while your guide recounts the dramatic story of how just 150 British soldiers successfully defended the outpost against thousands of Zulu warriors.

You will also visit the museum and memorials while learning about the extraordinary bravery displayed during the defence, which resulted in 11 Victoria Crosses being awarded.

After the tour we return to the lodge for lunch.

The afternoon is at leisure, with opportunities to relax on the lodge’s panoramic deck, enjoy the swimming pool or join one of the optional guided walks available in the surrounding countryside. These may include scenic walks in the Buffalo River valley or further battlefield explorations with specialist guides.

This evening, dinnner will be served at the lodge. Meals at the lodge offer hearty, home-style South African cuisine, often inspired by traditional farmhouse cooking. Typical dishes may include slow-cooked stews, grilled meats, fresh seasonal vegetables, homemade breads and classic desserts. Guests may also enjoy cooking their own meals using the private braai facilities available at each room.

Wednesday 16 December – Return to Sandton
Breakfast Included
After breakfast, we check out of the lodge and return to Sandton, where you will check in to your Test Match hotel and continue with your tour and join the Test Tour itinerary.

Saturday 12 December – Arrival in Johannesburg
Upon arrival at O. R. Tambo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the vibrant suburb of Sandton, Johannesburg’s premier business and lifestyle district.

Your overnight stay will be at the stylish DAVINCI Hotel and Suites, a contemporary five-star property located in Nelson Mandela Square and directly connected to the renowned Sandton City Shopping Centre, one of Africa’s leading retail and dining destinations.

The DAVINCI is known for its sophisticated design, spacious rooms and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy elegant accommodations, a tranquil outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace, and the acclaimed Maximillien Restaurant, offering refined European-inspired cuisine.

This evening, join your Tour Manager and fellow travellers for Welcome Drinks and an introduction to the experiences ahead.

Accommodation: DaVinci Hotel and Suites, Sandton
Standard Room – 1 night – Bed & Breakfast

Sunday 13 December – Journey to Rorke’s Drift
Breakfast, Afternoon Tea & Dinner Included
After breakfast we depart Johannesburg and travel through the scenic landscapes of KwaZulu‑Natal to the historic battlefield region of Rorke’s Drift (approximately 5½ hours).

Our base for the next three nights will be the renowned Fugitives’ Drift Lodge, one of South Africa’s most celebrated heritage lodges. Perched on a dramatic hillside overlooking the Buffalo River valley and the sweeping plains of Zululand, the lodge offers a remarkable sense of place at the heart of the Anglo-Zulu War battlefields.

Established on the historic property of David Rattray, Fugitives’ Drift is internationally respected for its immersive battlefield experiences and warm hospitality.

The lodge features beautifully appointed en-suite cottages with private verandas overlooking the valley, inviting guests to relax in complete tranquillity. Facilities include a swimming pool, expansive viewing decks and elegant communal lounges that offer uninterrupted views across the dramatic landscape.

Upon arrival check in into our rooms. The afternoon is at leisure to unwind at the lodge, perhaps enjoying the pool or relaxing on the panoramic terraces while taking in the extraordinary surroundings. Afternoon Tea will also be available in the afternoon

Dinner will be served at the lodge this evening and enjoyed together with the group.

Accommodation: Fugitives’ Drift Lodge
Luxury Lodge Rooms – 3 nights – Full Board +

Monday 14 December
Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner Included
Following breakfast, we set out on a guided excursion to the famous Isandlwana Battlefield, the site of one of the most dramatic battles of the Anglo-Zulu War.

Accompanied by expert local historians, the battlefield comes vividly to life as the events of 22 January 1879 are brought into focus. Beneath the imposing slopes of Isandlwana Hill, you will explore the battlefield landscape, see the stone cairns marking where soldiers fell, and gain fascinating insight into the strategies, personalities and turning points that shaped this historic encounter.

Following the tour we return to the lodge where lunch will be provided.

The afternoon is at leisure to relax at the lodge, enjoy the peaceful surroundings or simply sit on your veranda overlooking the Buffalo River valley. Afternoon tea will be available.

Dinner will be served at the lodge this evening. Dining at Fugitives’ Drift is an experience in itself, with delicious South African cuisine prepared using fresh regional ingredients and often inspired by traditional farmhouse cooking.

Tuesday 15 December
Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner Included
After breakfast we visit the nearby Rorke’s Drift Battlefield, the location of one of the most famous defensive actions in British military history.

Your guided tour will explore the preserved mission station buildings, including the hospital and storehouse, while your guide recounts the extraordinary story of how just 150 British soldiers defended the outpost against thousands of Zulu warriors.

You will also visit the memorials and museum while learning about the exceptional bravery displayed during the defence, which resulted in 11 Victoria Crosses being awarded — the most ever given for a single action.

After the tour we return to the lodge for lunch.

The afternoon is at leisure, allowing time to relax on the lodge’s panoramic deck, enjoy the swimming pool or take part in optional guided walks in the surrounding countryside. These may include scenic walks in the Buffalo River valley or further battlefield explorations with specialist guides.

This evening dinner will once again be served at the lodge.

Wednesday 16 December – Return to Sandton
Breakfast Included
After breakfast we check out of the lodge and begin our journey back to Sandton, where you will check in to your Test Match hotel and continue with the main Test Tour itinerary.