History
Relive some of Africa’s intriguing history at the legendary Zulu Battlefields at Isandlwana, a notorious region where a series of tactical blunders resulted in a disastrous defeat for the British Army. There is also the chance to learn more about the heritage of local people, unearthing a few mysteries about this astonishing land. Continue to Rorke's Drift, where honour was dramatically restored by a handful of survivors, who earned eleven Victoria Crosses in one day.
Umhlanga
Umhlanga blends village charm and quaint red-and-white lighthouses, with modern skyscrapers and well-groomed beaches – an eclectic town that attracts well-to-do Durbanites as well as discerning, international travellers. This prestigious coastal suburb offers an excellent selection of places to eat, drink and shop, with convenient access to Durban city centre if you fancy even more. Other highlights include truly breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, alongside seasonal dolphin spotting.
Drakensburg Mountains
The staggeringly beautiful Drakensburg Mountains are easily accessible, boasting a colossal region of incredible flora and fauna. Little has changed of the pristine landscape since the native Bushmen roved these spectacular hillsides, contributing to their profound beauty and important biodiversity. Additionally, the Drakensberg Mountains are home to one of the world’s largest collections of San Bushmen rock art paintings – a fascinating glimpse at the area’s ancient life. As you might imagine, this natural canvas is a paradise for adventure sports, offering the adrenalin rush of rock climbing, abseiling or white-water rafting to those who dare.
Durban
Durban has the largest Indian community outside of the Indian subcontinent and, as you explore the bustling Victoria Street Market with the scent of exotic spices in the air, for a moment you might think you’ve arrived in Mumbai. But no, this is Durban, a fascinating, cosmopolitan city with heaps of culture. It’s a brilliant place to shop, boasting chic designer stores, colourful malls and authentic markets dotted along the picturesque beachfront. Swap shops for the serene backdrop of the Durban Botanical Gardens, featuring displays of orchids, palms and sub-tropical trees, plus vibrant bird species.
Golf
Whilst the area offers a selection of excellent golf courses, the Durban Country Club is a true highlight. Africa’s sole entry within the world’s top 100, the course also ranked number nine in South Africa and has been officially awarded 5-stars for golfing experience.
Flight Information
British Airways from London Heathrow to Durban (via Johannesburg).
Flight Information
From London Heathrow to Johannesburg: 10 hours, 50 minutes.
Onward connecting flight from Johannesburg to Durban: 1 hour, 5 minutes.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
New rules apply with regards to children travelling to South Africa. Parents travelling with children under the age of 18 will be asked to show the child’s full unabridged birth certificate. The full unabridged birth certificate should list the child's details and both parents details. The abridged (short) birth certificate which only lists the child's particulars won't be accepted. The South African Department of Home Affairs are not accepting uncertified copies of birth certificates, passports or copies of parents/guardians identification.
Where one parent is accompanying, in addition to the unabridged birth certificate there will be a need for parental or legal consent for the child to travel for example an affidavit from the other parent,(a letter from the parent witnessed and stamped by a solicitor), court order, or if applicable a death certificate . A copy of the parent's passport is also required signed and stamped by a solicitor.
Where a person is travelling with a child who is not their biological child, they must provide the unabridged birth certificate for the child, affidavit from the child's parents or legal guardian giving consent and copies of the identity documents or passport of the parents or legal guardian.
For further information or any other requirements please check the government website. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/entry-requirements
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations ie, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.