Tour Features: Depart from Durban to see a spectacular array of wildlife in the game reserves and parks of Zululand - hopefully see the big five and more. This tour explores the best of Zululand including guided bush walks, the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Park (oldest game reserve in South Africa - famous for the role it played in the conservation of the Rhino), a boat trip on the St.Lucia estuary and a visit to a Zulu cultural village for unique insights into the traditional Zulu lifestyle.
Tour Details:
Day 1 07h30
Durban To Bonamanzi (Lunch / Dinner)
The tour departs from Durban at 07h30 and you drive along the beautiful North Coast, passing sugar cane fields, into the heart of Zululand, the home of the mighty Zulu nation. En-route you travel via Mtubatuba to the town of St Lucia, the gateway to the recently declared St Lucia World Heritage Site - an area of inspiring natural beauty. This 60 km long estuary lies parallel to the sea and is flanked by mangrove swamps, dune forests, woodland and open grasslands. The area is rich with hippos, crocodiles and birdlife. A boat ride up the estuary provides a wonderful window into this complex and fascinating system. A light lunch is taken either on the boat (dependent on group size) or at a restaurant in town. In the afternoon arrive at Bonamanzi Game Park - one of the largest private wildlife and birding parks in Zululand. With over 4000 hectares of pristine bush to explore, each day is different whether you are sighting rare African birds, tracking game or joining in with the Zulu dancers around the campfire. There is time do some bird watching and possibly see crocodile from a wonderfully relaxing viewing lounge built over the dam before sundowners and dinner are taken at the Out of Africa style restaurant.
Accommodation:
Bonamanzi Game Park or similar
Distance:
Durban to Hluhluwe via St Lucia - 370 km
Day 2
Bonamanzi Game Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
An early breakfast at the lodge, followed by a half day open vehicle game drive into the nearby Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park.
This reserve is internationally renowned for the work done to save the White and Black Rhino. It currently boasts the largest rhino population in Africa. The Park has a large variety of game and birdlife coupled to an extremely rich diversity of tree and plant communities.
A picnic lunch is included and taken in the reserve. Afternoon activities include a visit to the Illala Weavers craft shop (which stocks a rich diversity of traditional Zulu beadwork and woven baskets). Another stop would be the unique Sand Forest ecosystem bordering the Western Shores of False Bay (where there is a chance to take a guided walk through the forest). There is also the possibility to do a boat trip on the Hluhluwe River.
Dinner is taken under the stars - a bush braai (barbeque) by candlelight served at the waters edge with the sounds of nocturnal animals all around (dependent on group size and weather permitting).
Accommodation:
Bonamanzi Game Park or similar
Distance:
Bonamanzi to Hluhluwe Game Reserve and around Hluhluwe +-80 km
Day 3
Return To Durban (Breakfast / Lunch)
A last opportunity for an early morning bush walk or game drive, is followed by breakfast in the restaurant and then check out and leave Hluhluwe heading towards Eshowe and into the Umhlatuzi Valley where you will be visiting the great kraal of Senzangakhona as seen in the internationally acclaimed television series "Shaka Zulu". Experience the traditional Zulu life and demonstrations on etiquette, the social system and traditional dancing. Enjoy the Zulu beer and a festive traditional meal before proceeding south, back to Durban where you reach your accommodation around 17:00.
Distance:
Bonamanzi to Shakaland - 190km / Shakaland to Durban - 150km
Passenger Information:
Tour Code
ZUL020
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Depart
07h30 from Durban
Date
Pre: 15th - 17th July 2011 Post: 25th - 27th July 2011
Vehicle
Air-conditioned Microbus, 16-Seater Mini Coach or Luxury Coach.
Minimum
5 passengers
Price
R8230.00 per person sharing R8975.00 Single
Included
SATOUR registered guide, a Sign Language Interpreter, transportation as per itinerary, accommodation, entrance fees, information pack and sightseeing as specified.
Excluded
Gratuities, drinks, laundry and items of a personal nature.
Meals
2 x Breakfasts, 3 x Lunches, 2 x Dinners
Accommodation
Bonamanzi Game Park or similar
Comments
This tour which will cover some of the most beautiful scenery and wildlife of the North coast of KwaZulu Natal. Zululand is a low risk malaria area - please consult your GP for necessary precautions.
