THE BUSHVELD AND ZULULAND
SAFARI: 15 DAYS
|
Highlights |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Days 1-3: Johannesburg ( Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary)
Upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport you will begin your 3.5 hour journey towards the Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary. Depending upon your arrival time, you can visit the quaint town of Dullstroom and the Bird of Prey Centre en route to Enkosini. Enkosini is a conservation project dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned, injured and displaced African wildlife.
Days 3-4: Mpumalanga (Moholoholo
Ya Mati or equivalent)
You travel to the “edge of the
berg,” the massive escarpment that separates South Africa's highveld from the
warm, tropical lowveld that borders Mozambique. On the escarpment, you view the stunning Blyde River Canyon, the
world's third largest canyon, where the Blyde River drops 1000 meters to the
Blyde Dam in the lowveld. Adventure
activities such as rafting on the Blyde River, micro lighting, quad biking,
abseiling and horseback riding can be arranged.
You can also visit the old mining village of Pilgrim’s Rest where gold was first discovered; God’s Window and The Three Rondavels, spectacular viewpoints stretching across the thickly forested mountains and fertile plains; Bourke’s Luck Potholes where the river has carved huge potholes in the ground; and the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Center where you will be able to interact with a variety of African wildlife and raptors.
Days 4-6: Private Game Reserve (Lion Sands or equivalent)
You continue to one of the
magnificent private game reserves adjoining Kruger National Park, allowing you
to view wildlife in real comfort with fine wines mixing with lion and leopard
spotting. The
advantage of the private reserves is that you get away from the crowds of
private vehicles and can go off road and make night drives in search of game.
The next two days are devoted to close encounters with African wildlife
on bush walks and from open 4X4 vehicles accompanied by experienced game
rangers and trackers who share their intimate knowledge of the bush. The animals are most
active early in the morning and late in the afternoon, so you will match your
rhythm to that of the animals. Up early
on a dawn bush walk, noon siesta and late afternoon game-drive. You will see a remarkable array of wildlife, hopefully including the
legendary “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard), before
enjoying superb dinners under the star studded African Sky.
Days 6-8: Kruger National Park
(Lower Sabie Bush Camp or equivalent)
You continue your search for the “Big 5” in the world-renowned
Kruger National Park. Kruger, which now
forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, is stunningly beautiful and
home to an unparalleled diversity of plant and animal life, including 300 types
of trees, 49 fish species, 34 amphibian species, 116 reptilian species, 507
bird species and 147 mammal species! In
the evenings, you
relax to the melodious sounds of the bush.
Days 8-9: Swaziland (Reilly’s Rock or equivalent)
You travel from Kruger through lovely scenery to the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland ruled by King Motswati III. Visit the Ngwenya Glassworks for a demonstration of hand-made glass artifacts, the Swazi candle-making factory and the Uzulwini Valley, where there are colorful markets known for their woven baskets, beadwork and carvings.
Days 9-12: Maputaland Coast (Kosi Forest Lodge or equivalent)
Continue southwest into Maputaland through rugged country, where native huts still dot the landscape. Maputaland is one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Africa where people and animals co-exist in harmony. You arrive at the Indian Ocean coast in time for a traditional sundowner.
Situated only yards from the Indian Ocean in a coastal forest, you enjoy an exclusive private beach experience. The adventurous can try snorkelling or scuba diving, while the more laid back can enjoy a relaxing day basking on the warm, sub tropical beaches or wandering the endless miles of deserted coastline. There is also excellent fishing, bird walks in search of elusive forest birds, and scenic drives in 4x4 vehicles. In summer (December- February) nocturnal expeditions can be made to see the sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
Days 12-14: Lake St. Lucia Wetlands (Hluhluwe River Lodge or equivalent)
Leaving Maputaland, you travel down the coast to the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. The drive takes you through the rolling hills once ruled over by King Chaka. KwaZulu-Natal is a place where the sun shines all year round and huge sugar and banana plantations and bright hibiscus flourish. It is the home of the Zulu and their rich traditional culture is reflected in their craftsmanship, song, dance and rituals.
In Northern Zululand, you can visit an authentic kraal (village) to learn about the
culture, customs and traditions of the Zulu people and get a glimpse into
“real” Africa and how the local people live.
You also
explore the tropical jungle-like paradise of the Greater Lake St. Lucia
wetlands area, a declared World Heritage sight, and roam the lake on boat,
searching for hippo and crocodile.
Horse safaris on the hills of Zululand can be arranged.
Day 14-15: Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park (Hluhluwe River Lodge or equivalent)
You continue your search for the “Big 5” in the magnificent Hluhluwe/Umfolozo National Park, which has become a major sanctuary for the endangered rhino. The oldest of South Africa's sanctuaries, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is stunningly beautiful: a rich land of misty mountain forest, grass covered slope, dense thicket, enchanting river and an incredible diversity of plant and animal life.
Day 15: Departure
Last-minute sight seeing before you return to Johannesburg for an international flight back to your country of origin.