South Africa - Kwazulu Natal Active Exploration

Spectacular mountain, bush and coastal scenery, some of the world's richest diversity of wildlife and the warmest of welcomes are a sure fire recipe for a successful holiday. You'll find it all and much, much more in Kwa-Zulu Natal!

Nine different provinces, eleven different languages, stunning mountain and coastal landscapes and an amazing array of wildlife, South Africa truly lives up to its title - the 'Rainbow Nation'.

We focus on the most culturally diverse province of all, Kwa-Zulu Natal, where English, Zulu and Afrikaans come together in a unique cultural crossover. Our itinerary combines active exploration with stunning wildlife encounters and interaction with the Zulu people.

Starting in Durban we head to Eshowe to meet and play with orphaned Zulu children at our adopted project 'Zulusponsor'. From there, we continue to the Zulu Cultural Village at Simunye where we are invited to an unforgettable evening.

We couldn't leave out the stunning littoral could we? We travel to the Elephant Coast to discover the fascinatiing biodiversity of Kosi Bay and St Lucia within the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest wetland areas on earth.

Did we mention dolphins, whale sharks and crocodiles? You may get the opportunity to swim with the dolphins, but we advise against diving in with the crocodiles.

There will be numerous opportunities to see the 'Big 5' in their natural habitats. Not only do we visit Africa's oldest game reserve and the National Park heralded as being responsible for saving the White Rhino from extinction but we also stay at a wonderful private safari lodge at Amakhosi.

Suitable for: Families with children over the age of 7 years (please note that this does not preclude younger children but participation in the activities will be at the discretion of our instructors. For bush walks in Amakhosi you must be at least 16 years old).

Our opinion: "With eleven official languages, nine diverse provinces and a vast array flora and fauna, you can sense why South Africa is known as The Rainbow Nation. In a nation famous for diamonds we focus on a real gem in Kwazulu Natal, a province steeped in history, nature and wildlife and whose people sport the biggest smiles I have ever seen. This is not so much a holiday but a true journey of discovery. To this day I still rate my experience in South Africa as one of the most memorable of my life". Barry Nolan

Price

From: GBP1945 per person (10 Nights)

Price Includes

• All airport and activity transfers
• 1 night 4 star hotel in Durban . 1 night Zulu village . 6 nights Umkhumbi Lodge . 2 nights private game reserve
• 10 breakfasts . 7 lunches . 9 evening meals
• Activities: Shark's Board tour . Zulu Sponsor afternoon . Zulu cultural village . Hluhluwe bush walk . St Lucia Exploration . environmental introduction . Imfolozi Big 5 safari . Kosi Bay activity day . Amakhosi game drives or bush walks
• All equipment, instruction and supervision from fully qualified guides and experienced activity providers
• Services of our local representatives and guides

Price Excludes

Departure Dates

31 Jul 2010 & 14 Aug 2010 - Adults from £1945, children from £1395

Day One
Arrival and introduction
We will be greeted at Durban airport and transferred to the Riverside Hotel. There are activities available locally but many may prefer either the swimming pool or a good long sleep.

Day Two
Jaws and the Zulu heartlands
We start with a visit to the Natal Shark's Board in Durban (voted Durban's number one visitor attraction). Shark's Board is a marine organisation responsible for protecting the beaches from shark attacks. We learn about the sharks, their role in nature and what they prefer for dinner as we watch a scientific dissection!

We drive into the Zulu Heartlands stopping at Zulufadder to meet some very special children who are being sponsored by European families. Games and laughter are the order of the day before continuing to our Zulu accommodation. Tonight we will get to experience Zulu cultural first hand. We will see stunning demonstrations of Zulu dancing and other traditional ceremonies; spending the evening in the company of some truly fascinating people. Our stay here affords us a better understanding of the Zulu nation.

Day Three
Zulu Kings and Hluhluwe Park
After time with the Zulus exploring their culture and traditions we will transfer to Umkhumbi Lodge in the lowlands near Hluhluwe/Imfolozi National Park. This is one of South Africa's best-kept safari secrets and was the park responsible for saving the white rhino from extinction. You will check in to your lodge accommodation and after lunch head into the bush for an introduction to the sights and smells of Africa - sundowners included.

Day Four
St Lucia Wetlands
After breakfast you will head to the wetlands of St Lucia for a day of exploration by boat. This estuarine system is home to hippos and crocodiles and you will see them peeking out from the mangroves. In the afternoon we head to the Crocodle Centre to get up close to and learn about these exceptional reptiles.

Day Five
Environmental Introduction
You will break from the lodge early and spend the morning bush walking. The focus here is on giving the whole family an educational introduction to the environmental issues and conservation projects in the area. Wildlife here is prolific and includes wildebeest, giraffe and zebra as well as many birds. In the afternoon we head to False Bay of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, a beautiful setting for sundowners before heading home for dinner.

Day Six
Imfolozi "Big 5" Safari
We spend a full day in the Imfolozi National Park constantly on the look out for the "Big 5" - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. In addition, we may see cheetah, wildebeest, giraffe, impala as well as some incredible birdlife such as eagles and vultures.

Day Seven
Kosi Bay Activity Day
Today it's a full trip to the coast. Kosi Bay is simply breathtaking with its estuary system and four connecting lakes. Famed as the home of the elaborate system of wooden fish kraals, we will be taught the simple and ageless art of spear fishing by our friendly local fisherman Elmon. In addition you will have the chance to go kayaking on the lakes, snorkelling in the estuary (tide dependent) or simply relax.

Day Eight
Free Day or Optional Activities
This will be your final full day at Umkhumbi Lodge. You can choose between the array of activities still available; a scenic flight fishing on Lake Jozini, visiting a cheetah rehabilitation project, kayaking on Muzi Pan, horse riding in the wetlands park or a safari in Mkhuze Game Reserve (payable locally).

Day Nine
Amakhosi Private Game Reserve
Today you will arrive at Amakhosi where you will experience the most private and authentic of game drives imaginable. You head into the bush this evening for a night drive, spotting the eyes of animals in the dark is an exhilarating experience. The guides have truly superb knowledge of the reserve's ecosystem and use their highly developed tracking skills to guide you to the heart of the action. This is a fantastic adventure experience further enhanced by being both educational and eco-friendly. Our accommodation at Amakhosi is in much sought after 5-star lodges overlooking the Mkuze River. Game of all varieties has been known to venture down to the river at night whilst you dine in splendour. So, whilst the lion claim wildebeest for supper you may well be enjoying the same (although served more delicately by the cordon bleu chefs).

Day Ten
Dawn Game Drive and Wildlife Walk
Different animals venture out at different times so it is worth the early start to enable you to track any animals you may have missed the night before. After you have returned for breakfast you can head back into the park for a wildlife walk with your guide or for those under the age of 16 another game drive is possible. The rest of the day is free to relax at the lodge and think over all you have seen and done.

Day Eleven
Depart or extend your stay
Most good things must come to an end so today you may be heading back to the UK. Alternatively you may want to take advantage of our Cape Town extension and fly south to experience what the Cape has to offer.

Extend your stay - Cape Town
Due to popular demand we have arranged a Cape Town extension programme for our tours in 2010. The weather may not be all that great down on the Cape during July and August but a visit to Cape Town is almost a must do when visiting South Africa and there is plenty to see and do whatever the weather.

Our family extension programme includes return transfers from Cape Town airport and a 3 night stay in a 2 bedroom apartment in a delightful apart hotel.

We have left your time in the city open as there is so much to choose from. You can take a guided hike on Table Mountain, explore the Cape Wine lands or visit Robben Island and the townships (a remarkable experience for the whole family). If you prefer we can also arrange car hire for you so that you can head off on your own along the garden route. The choice is yours.

Hop on and hop off bus tour.
This is a great way to explore the city. You use the hop on and hop off bus to make your way around the city's sites. The bus starts at around 9.30 am and finishes at 15.30. There are two routes to choose from. The red route takes in the clock tower, V and A waterfront, convention centre, Cape Town Tourism, the South African Museum, Jewish Museum, District 6 Museum, Cape Castle, Gold museum, Jewel Africa, Table Mountain Cable Car station, Camps Bay and Sea Point. The blue route takes in the clock tower, V and A waterfront, convention centre, Cape Town Tourism, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, world of birds, Kronendal, Mariner's Wharf, Hout Bay, Camps Bay, Sea Point and the Waterfront.

Cape Point Tour
You will be picked up by coach or minibus from the hotel and head out along the Atlantic Coast towards Hout Bay. You drive over the famous Chapman's Peak and continue the journey south. You will then arrive at Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. There will time to explore the Cape and take the obligatory photographs for the family album. It's a fabulous spot and on a stormy day it can be wild just adding to the sense of adventure. On the way back you will stop off at the famous penguin colony at Boulder's Beach (entrance payable locally) before heading back to the hotel. Half and Full day tours are available.

Table mountain abseil.
You meet your instructors at the top of the mountain and after tuition and instruction you step off the top, at 1000 metres above sea level, and rappel into pure vertical space. This is the world's original highest commercial abseil. You are surrounded by awesome views and the deep blue Atlantic at your feet.

Table Mountain Summit Walk
You meet your guides at the top of table mountain from where you will head off on a walk up to the highest point at Maclear's beacon.

Winelands Tours
This is probably one more for the adults (but the kids may enjoy the optional cheetah experience). South African wine is famed and if you are going to go wine tasting then the Cape is the place to do it!

You will be picked up at the hotel and head out of Cape Town towards the vast winelands area visiting Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschoek vineyards for tastings.

We can arrange both half and full day tours from Cape Town which allow you to visit a selection of the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek estate vineyards and taste up to three wines and, during the full day tour, some delicious local cheese. You will also be given a full tour of the cellars and learn about the processes involved in its production. An excellent way for you to experience yet another face of this fantastic country.

Township Tour and Robben Island
Today you will be given an insight into a side of Cape Town that many people unfortunately miss out on. We feel it's very important to learn about the town ships, meet the people and gain a greater understanding of South African history when visiting the area. It is an enlightening experience in every way.

The tour will be guided by local people who know that areas like the back of their hands and who can introduce you to some truly inspiring people and shatter a few preconceptions at the same time.

You will visit a township B and B, a crèche for local kids, a local market and some local crafts people whose ingenuity is spectacular.

After the townships you will be taken to the docks and board the catamaran to Robben Island (subject to weather and ferry conditions). You will be guided round the Island by someone who was once a prisoner there (many have made the island their home), learning about the history of the prison as well as a great deal about its most high profile captive, Nelson Mandela.

If there is one tour we recommend in Cape Town it is this.

Accommodation - Cape Town extension
Mandela Rhodes Place, Cape Town
Mandela Rhodes offers the best of both worlds. A truly modern and comfortable hotel but situated within Cape Town's old town and just a short drive from the Victoria and Albert docks and table mountain. There is secure parking the access in and out of Cape Town from the Mandela Rhodes Place means this is the perfect base for exploration.

The Synergy restaurant serves delicious food and an excellent breakfast selection is offered, 24hr concierge service, business centre, laundry service and swimming pool.

Please contact us for a full quotation for your ideal extension.