Activity Description

Explore the diversity of the Zulu Kingdom as you travel from Big 5 game reserves to pristine coastlines and our “great lakes”. Immerse yourself in wildlife within the famous Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, the 2nd oldest reserve on planet earth and the award winning Manyoni Private Game Reserve offering you an intimate game viewing experience.
Travel through the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from Lake St Lucia where you will embark on a boat cruise all the way to Cape Vidal to snorkel in the crystal clear and protected waters of Cape Vidal. Did we mention seasonal Humpback Whales as well as Leatherback & Loggerhead Turtles?

DAY 1

This tour departs from Durban at 09h00 – which even allows for an early morning flight into Durban before heading out on safari! We will pick you up from your accommodation or from King Shaka International Airport.

Our destination for the day is Lake St Lucia — the largest estuary in Africa located within the UNESCO iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Walking down to the estuary gives you the first glimpse of the wild landscapes of bush and surf and you might even spot your first crocodile or hippo for the tour. In the distance you will see South Africa’s highest vegetated dune – Maphelane.

Lunch at one of the popular restaurants on the Main Street before checking in to your accommodation and freshening up for the afternoon activities.

Time to jump on board an alternative game watching experience – on water! The 2 hour boat cruise explores the lake and her ecosystems. The lake is renowned for its large hippopotamus pods as well is sightings of crocodile, kingfisher and fish eagles.

Note: In Turtle season (November – February) we can arrange an additional evening experience to watch the incredible miracle of the egg laying process of the leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles.

DAY 2

The day starts at 06:00, today we venture further into the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park to enjoy a unique bush and beach experience. Nowhere else in the world will you find 5 major ecosystems so close together, making this a one of a kind experience!

Our experienced guide will discuss the history of the Wetland Park and share their local knowledge about the animals, birds and plants of this unique area.

On arrival at Cape Vidal, sea conditions permitting, there is the option to swim / snorkel in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, accompanied by your guide for your safety. Alternatively simply relax on the golden sandy beaches and dip just your toes in the sea if you prefer to stay slightly drier!

Both Breakfast and lunch are enjoyed in the African Bush.

In the afternoon we take a leisurely game drive back through the game reserve to your accommodation in St Lucia.

DAY 3

This morning is an opportunity to learn about the people the that made this exquisite country their home – the Zulu tribe, who still has an active King till this day.

Eat like a King (or queen) and then we are back to looking for Africa’s specials animals and in particular the cats!

We will drop our bags off at our overnight accommodation and make our way to meet our game ranger at Manyoni who will give you a run down on game drive etiquette before you jump into their authentic open safari 4×4.

Wildlife tend to be most active around sunrise and sunset. Embark on a 3 hour afternoon game drive exploring the reserve which is renowned for its lion, rhinoceros and cheetah sightings. Go off-roading as you track big game for close encounters and intimately game viewing. As the sun retreats we will shift focus to nocturnal animals on our night safari. After an exciting game drive, we head back to Hluhluwe for dinner at our overnight accommodation.

Manyoni is a 23 000 hectare private Big 5 game reserve which means that only guests who are staying at one of their luxury safari lodges have access to the reserve (unless you are with us of course). Wondering why private reserves in South Africa offer better game viewing than national parks? Click here to read our blog which explains what the big deal is.

DAY 4

It’s our final day on safari and we plan to end it on a high! Wolf down some coffee and rusks at 05h00 and head back into Manyoni for a morning game drive — which is often the most rewarding time of day for predator/big cat viewing. So keep your eyes pealed.

Embark on a 3 hour morning game drive which will focus on the big cats. Explore the northern side of the reserve ticking off wildlife we missed last night. Your ranger has been keeping tabs on the movement of wildlife during the night to give you the best chance of a rewarding game drive. Learn more about conversation and what we can all do to help protect Africa’s biodiversity. Track endangered species like giraffe, wild dogs and black rhino.

Stop at a scenic point and tuck into a packed breakfast before we depart from Manyoni.

Time for us to head to our final destination the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve – the second oldest game reserve on this planet. The reserve is famous for bringing the southern white rhino back from the brink of extinction and is now considered to be one South Africa’s premier national parks.

Enter the reserve via the Memorial Gate and explore the Hluhluwe side of the reserve. This area is popular with elephant, buffalo and african wild dogs. Enjoy a hearty lunch with a view over the rolling hills of the reserve.

Please note: We will traverse the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve on one of our air-conditioned Hyundai H1 vehicles. As this is a national park, off-roading is not permitted and all roads are accessible with high-clearance vehicles. As such, we feel exploring this reserve is most comfortable in a closed, air-conditioned vehicle with large windows.

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