South Africa
From KwaZulu-Natal to Gqeberha
£17,991 per person
9 nights, 24 April – 3 May 2025
Picture yourself behind the wheel of an INEOS Grenadier, on a spectacular drive across South Africa – into the heart of the Eastern Cape. Expert guides lead the way on this 1,800km journey, through a land where history and nature collide.
From the historic battlefields of Zululand to the elephant-strewn plains of Addo Elephant National Park, every day offers something extraordinary. Enjoy thrilling game drives encountering iconic wildlife. Uncover stories of dramatic conflicts. And tackle the legendary Sani Pass, where sharp switchbacks reveal breathtaking views. By night, unwind in luxury lodges, and camp under the stars.
It's more than an adventure. It’s a chance to discover South Africa’s rich culture, dramatic landscapes, and incredible wildlife. All from the driving seat of the ultimate 4X4.
Explore the reverse route for this expedition on our Gqeberha to KwaZulu-Natal page.
Day one – Thursday, 24 April
Richards Bay to Phinda Forest Lodge
Touch down in Richards Bay and pick up your Grenadier 4X4. After a briefing and supplies run, you’ll head to Phinda Forest Lodge. On arrival you’ll have the chance to settle in before an afternoon game drive in Phinda Private Game Reserve.
Highlights
- First Grenadier outing
- Afternoon game drive
- Big Five sightings
- Overnight stay at Phinda Forest Lodge
Day two – Friday, 25 April
Phinda Private Game Reserve
The next day, you’ll explore the rich biodiversity of Phinda. Morning and evening game drives provide prime opportunities for wildlife sightings. And between drives, you’ll have the chance to enjoy optional activities like guided walking safaris, river cruises, or visits to nearby communities to learn about local culture.
Highlights
- Morning and evening game drives
- Wildlife spotting
- Optional activities, such as guided walking safaris
- Overnight stay at Phinda Forest Lodge
2.5–3 hrs
Coastal forest, gravel roads, wetlands
180 km
Phinda Forest Lodge
Phinda Private Game Reserve
Day three – Saturday, 26 April
Phinda Forest Lodge to Fugitives’ Drift Lodge
Journey south to explore the historic Anglo-Zulu War battlefields. Arrive in the afternoon to visit key sites like Isandlwana or Rorke’s Drift, where pivotal moments in history unfolded more than 150 years ago. You’ll be staying at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge for the next two nights.
Highlights
- Isandlwana battlefield
- Rorke’s Drift battlefield museum
- Overnight stay at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge
Day four – Sunday, 27 April
Anglo-Zulu War battlefields
The next day, you’ll delve deeper into the Anglo-Zulu conflict with an expert guide and explore the landscapes where the British faced both triumph and defeat. Brought to life through vivid storytelling, it’s an immersive tour with unforgettable narratives.
Highlights
- Explore battlefields
- Expert guided tour
- Overnight stay at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge
4 hours
Grasslands, gravel roads, wetlands
250 km
Isandlwana battlefield
Rorke’s Drift battlefield
Fugitives’ Drift Lodge
Day five – Monday, 28 April
Fugitives’ Drift Lodge to Sani Mountain Lodge
Head for Sani Pass, one of the continent’s most famous 4X4 routes. Connecting South Africa to Lesotho, this This legendary ascent winds through sharp switchbacks, offering panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below – a thrilling drive perfect for the Grenadier. At the top, Sani Mountain Lodge, your accommodation for the night. A spectacular high-altitude setting surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains.
Highlights
- Sani Pass
- Highest pub in Africa
- One night at Sani Mountain Lodge
- Drakensburg Mountains
4.5–5 hours
Mountain passes, gravel roads, savannah
300 km
Sani Pass
Sani Mountain Lodge
The Drakensberg Mountains
Day Six – Tuesday, 29 April
Sani Mountain Lodge to Tenahead Mountain Lodge
Journey through the Eastern Cape Highlands, navigating gravel roads and expansive landscapes to the remote Tenahead Mountain Lodge near the Lesotho border. Upon arrival, unwind at the lodge with panoramic views of rugged mountains, or take a guided nature walk to explore the area.
Highlights
- Scenic backroads
- Eastern Cape vistas
- One night at Tenahead Mountain Lodge
4-5 hours
Mountain passes
180 km
Eastern Cape Highlands
Tenahead Mountain Lodge
Day Seven – Wednesday, 30 April
Tenahead Mountain Lodge to Hogsback Inn
Depart Tenahead Mountain Lodge and drive to the enchanting village of Hogsback in the Amathole Mountains. Known for its mystical forests, waterfalls, and tranquil atmosphere, Hogsback is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Explore the Hogsback arboretum and take a short hike to one of the area’s waterfalls, such as Madonna and Child Falls. You’ll be staying at the Hogsback Inn for the night.
Highlights
- Stunning driving routes
- Waterfalls
- Amathole Mountains
- One night at the Hogsback Inn
4 hours
Mostly gravel roads
200 km
Hogsback Arboretum
Madonna and Child waterfalls
Amathole Mountains
Hogsback Inn
Day eight – Thursday, 1 May
The Hogsback Inn to Gorah Elephant Camp
Descend out of the Amathole Mountains and head to Gorah Elephant Camp. Here, you’ll settle in to the camp and have the chance to discover the local waterhole, before an afternoon self-drive safari in Addo Elephant National Park.
Highlights
- Afternoon self-drive safari
- Elephant sightings
- Waterhole wildlife spotting
- Overnight stay at Gorah Elephant Camp
Day nine – Friday, 2 May
Addo Elephant National Park
The next day you’ll be immersed in Addo’s wonders. Start with an early morning guided game drive to see the park’s wildlife awaken in the soft morning light. Elephants, buffalo, and elusive predators are often spotted at waterholes. Spend the afternoon taking in the park’s breathtaking sights and sounds, or explore Addo further with a self-drive safari out into the park. For another option, try a guided horseback safari.
Highlights
- Early morning guided game drive
- Waterhole wildlife spotting
- Self-drive safari in Addo
- Optional guided horseback safari
- Overnight stay at Gorah Elephant Camp
3.5 hours
Mountain roads
215 km
Gorah Elephant Camp
Addo Elephant National Park
Day Ten – Saturday, 3 May
Gorah Elephant Camp to Port Elizabeth
The final day of your adventure begins with one last game drive in Addo Elephant National Park – your chance to experience more of South Africa’s iconic wildlife. After heading back to the camp for breakfast, you’ll then bid farewell to the wilderness, and head to Port Elizabeth. Here, you’ll return your Grenadier and prepare for your onward journey.
Highlights
- Final game drive in Addo Elephant National Park
1 hour
Grassland
72 km
Port Elizabeth
This marks the end of your South African expedition, but if you’re planning to explore further, we’re happy to recommend options to continue your adventure.
Please be aware that your contract for the expedition shall be through an external company and not with INEOS Automotive, who disclaim liability to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable law for your participation in this activity. The provision of your personal data in the form above is a request by you to provide this external company with your personal information in order for you to take steps to enter into a contract for the expedition.
External company details: Magalena Corporation, 203 Allied Building, Francis Rachel Street, P.O. Box 381, Victoria, Seychelles.
Images included above are purely indicative, and do not specifically depict photography from the expedition route.