South Africa - Kwazulu Natal Active Exploration
We escape the Kruger crowds to explore the less visited but equally remarkable province of KwaZulu-Natal. Spectacular mountain, bush and coastal scenery combined with some of the world’s richest diversity of wildlife are a sure fire recipe for a successful holiday. We’ve gone a step further by introducing activities into our exploration of the Zulu heartlands. “Big 5” game reserves, stunning wetlands, personal interaction with the magnificent Zulu people and a moving visit to our newly adopted orphanage project. Awesome!
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(MT-8770-P) |
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Return flights London to Durban |
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Return airport transfers |
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12 nights accommodation |
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11 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners |
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All activities |
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All equipment, instruction and supervision from fully qualified guides and experienced activity providers |
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Transfers to and from all the activities |
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Services of our local representatives and guides |
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Countries / Places Visited |
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Rorke's Drift, Zulu, Hluhluwe, Imfolozi, Kosi Bay, Amakhosi, St Lucia, |
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Activities Included |
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Rorke’s Drift Tour . Zulu Cultural Village. Imfolozi ‘Big 5’ Safari . Hluhluwe Dawn Safari . Kosi Beach Eco-Walk . Spear Fishing . Amakhosi Safari . Amakhosi Dawn Game Drive . St Lucia Cycling and Wetlands Walk . St Lucia Marine Eco-Tour |
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Suitability / Level |
Moderate |
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Minimum Age |
7 |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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Day One & Two
Flights, Arrival, Introduction and Transfers
After an overnight flight, we will be greeted at Durban airport and transferred to the City Lodge Umhlanga Ridge Hotel. There are activities available locally but many may prefer either the swimming pool or a good long sleep - the choice is yours.
Day Three
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 the Zulu Village at Simunye.
After time for relaxation, a Zulu warrior leads us into the Zulu Cultural Village. We must chant our greeting and beg the indulgence of the resident Zulu family to be allowed to enter. Once accepted we will eat and drink with the head of the family around an open fire. As night falls, torch-bearing warriors lead us across the river for a stirring demonstration of Zulu dancing around the campfire. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day Four
Valley of the Zulu Kings and Hluhluwe National Park
After time with the Zulus exploring their culture and traditions we drive to Mpila Camp in 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. We spend the night in en-suite safari tents and enjoy a traditional “braai” barbecue. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day Five
Imfolozi “Big 5” Safari
We spend a full day in the southern part of Imfolozi National Park watching out for the “Big 5” - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. In addition, you may see cheetah, wildebeest, giraffe, impala as well as some remarkable birdlife including vultures and eagles. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day Six
Dawn Game Drive and Kosi Bay
We break camp early for a morning game drive before continuing on to the coast and the stunning setting of Kosi Bay where you will find your tent accommodation awaiting in the sand dunes. The rest of the day is free to relax, stroll on the beach and swim before a pre-dinner “sundowner” and a short walk examining the local eco-system. (Breakfast and dinner)
Day Seven
Kosi Bay Activity Day
Kosi Bay, with its estuary system and four connecting lakes is simply breathtaking. 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, try sea kayaking on the lakes, snorkelling in the estuary (tide dependent) or simply relax. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day Eight
Amakhosi Private Game Reserve
At Amakhosi we will experience the most private and authentic game drive imaginable. We head into the bush for a night game safari with a strong possibility of seeing some or all of the ‘Big 5’. We are sure to have some memorable encounters. Our guides have truly superb knowledge of the reserve’s eco-system and will use their highly developed tracking skills to guide us to the very 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 5 star lodges overlooking the Mkuze River and game of all varieties has been known to venture down to the river at night whilst you dine in splendour. So, while the lions are claiming wildebeest as their prey you may well be enjoying the same (albeit slightly more civilised) experience courtesy of our cordon bleu chefs. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day Nine
Amakosi Private Game Reserve
At Amakhosi we will experience the most private and authentic of game drives. Our immensely knowledgable guides are blessed with awesome tracking skills. There is a strong possibility therefore that we will see some, or all, of the “Big 5” during our bush safari.
Our accommodation at Amakhosi is in much sought after 5-star lodges overlooking the Mkuze River. While you enjoy the cordon bleu cuisine there is a fair chance you can watch the wildlife venture down to the river. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day Ten
Amakhosi to St Lucia Wetlands
After a relaxing morning, we leave Amakhosi and drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park. After a few intensive days we have time to relax around the pool. (Breakfast)
Day Eleven
Cycling and Wetlands Walk
Today we explore St Lucia’s estuary area where we will see crocodiles and hippos before heading to the entrance of the Wetlands Park for an adventure walk to witness an awesome array of birdlife. A free afternoon allows you to try a range of optional activities locally. (Breakfast and lunch)
Day Twelve
St Lucia Ocean Safari
Lucia is the oceanic equivalent of a safari park. After an exhilarating surf launch (inflatable speed boat) we stand a good chance of seeing whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and much more in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This evening we gather together for one last time to reflect on the wonders of KwaZulu-Natal at our farewell dinner. (Breakfast, lunch and farewell dinner)
Day Thirteen
Depart or Extend Your Stay in South Africa
Transfers to Durban Airport or extend your stay in South Africa. (Breakfast) |
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Accommodation
& Centre Details |
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We use a variety of accommodation during this holiday from luxury 5-star hotels to tented rainforest camps.
Day 2
City Lodge Umhlanga Ridge - Durban
Ideally situated next to the exclusive Gateway shopping and entertainment complex, the City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge is just minutes away from Durban's International Airport.
The rooms at the City Lodge Umhlanga, Durban, are of an excellent standard with comfortable beds with small bed side tables. Each room has a writing desk, internet access, satellite TV and tea or coffee making facilities. All bathrooms have both baths and showers.
City Lodge Umhlanga Ridge is arguably one of the best City Lodge's in South Africa and is certainly one of the chain’s most stylish hotel. Besides a gym, sun deck and terraced cafe the City Lodge Hotel in Umhlanga has a small but beautiful swimming pool. It is also 20 metres away from Umhlanga's best restaurants and shops.
Day 3
Simunye Zulu Village
Simunye Zulu Lodge offers a compelling mix of traditional Zulu homestead and world class hospitality.
The lodge can accommodate up to 30 people staying in lodges and rooms which have been built into the rocks surrounding the site.
Each en-suite room has been uniquely crafted by the Zulu community using natural materials from the valley. All the lodgings are comfortably furnished and have a private bathroom/shower.
Day 4 & 5
Mpila Camp, Hluhluwe National Park
Centrally situated in the Imfolozi section of the park, Mpila Camp commands magnificent views of the wilderness area.
The entire camp is built on a wooden platform, and consists of one tented bedroom (2 bed safari camp) or two tented bedrooms (4 bed safari camp), each with en-suite shower, toilet, basin and dressing area. Each bedroom has its own outside sitting area.
Towels, bedding and mosquito nets are all provided.
Day 6 & 7
Kosi Bay Reed Huts
We stay in en-suite reed huts set amongst the sand dunes and sleep in 2 or 4 berth tents with clean sleeping bags provided.
The facilities are fairly simple but that’s the price you pay for experiencing isolation. There are toilets and washing facilities with running water and rudimentary showers.
But, it’s the location that makes Kosi Bay a holiday highlight. With minimal light pollution you may well see the Southern Cross amidst the millions of stars which fill the South African sky. The sheer scale of it all is really quite humbling.
Day 8 & 9
Amakhosi Lodge
After a few nights in reed huts you will probably be ready for some luxury. Amakhosi Lodge is situated on the banks of Zululand’s Mkuze River in the 12,000 hectare Amakhosi Private Game Reserve.
Accommodation is in 5-star lodges or suites overlooking the river. All the rooms are beautifully furnished and have a master bedroom, a large lounge area and lovely spacious bathrooms.
Each lodge has a game viewing terrace. Imagine sitting outside your own suite with a chilled drink and watching a lion stroll casually by. It can happen!
Additional facilities include a small pool, a superb restaurant or how about a massage on your own private terrace?
Day 10, 11 & 12
Lidiko Lodge - St Lucia
Lidiko Lodge is situated in St Lucia in the heart of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Set above the St Lucia Lake, accommodation is in 15 garden lodges.
All the lodges are en-suite, fully air conditioned and spacious and are fitted with either single or king size beds. Each lodge has a colour television, easy chairs and tea and coffee making facilities. Crisp white linen, luxurious towels and toiletries add to a feeling of luxury and pampering. |
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Holidays
Extras |
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Included
