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 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 Bayala (Meals Included: 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.
Activities for the day will either be a boat ride or a Kayak Tour up the estuary which provides a wonderful window into this complex and fascinating system. A light informal lunch is taken on the beach at St Lucia.
We visit the crocodile farm after lunch. In the afternoon arrive at Bayala Game Lodge which is nestled at the foot of the picturesque Ubombo Mountains.
Dinner is taken at the lodge in the restaurant.
Accommodation:
Bayala Game Lodge
Distance:
Durban to Hluhluwe via St Lucia - 370 km
Day 2
Bayala Game Lodge (Meals Included: 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 will be taken in the reserve. This afternoon activities include a visit to the Illala Weavers craft shop (which stocks a rich diversity of traditional Zulu beadwork and woven baskets).
On return to the lodge you will have the opportunity to either do a walk on the property or enjoy the pool. For the more adventurous enjoy a 45 minute quad bike ride on the property - (optional extra - own account)
Dinner is taken at the lodge.
Accommodation:
Bayala Game Lodge
Distance:
Bayala to Hluhluwe Game Reserve and around Hluhluwe +-80 km.
Day 3
Return To Durban (Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch)
A last opportunity for an early morning bush walk 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:
Bayala to Shakaland - 190km Shakaland to Durban - 150km
Passenger Information:
Tour Code
YZT01
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Depart
07h30 from Durban
Date
Pre: 30th June - 2nd July 2011 Post: 12th - 14th 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.
