|
A minimum of 2 people are required are required on this tour.
7 DAYS AND 6 NIGHTS. ITENARARY DAYS 1-7
DAY 1: ( Half Day Game Drive )
Departing Durban at 06h30 am we head towards the beautiful coastline of the Dolphin coast to catch sight of the sea and the early morning sun. We eventually cross over the Tugela River which used be the border between what was known as Natal and Zululand. Passing through rural villages and historical sights we will arrive at the town called Mtubatuba where you will be transferred to our open 4x4 Game vehicle.
Now you head off to do a Half Day Game Drive at the Hluhluwe/Imfolozi Game Reserve, one of the oldest proclaimed Reserves in Africa. Home of the Big 5, Giraffe, Rhinos, Wild Dogs, Hyenas, various Antelopes and many other varieties of animals and an excellent array of Birds. Lunch at some scenic spot within the Reserve and then continue to search for Wildlife till the early Afternoon. Departing the Game Reserve we now head for St. Lucia, about a Hour's drive where you will check in at your accommodation, freshen up and enjoy Dinner and a good night's rest.
DAY 2: ( Boat Cruise, Craft Market & Cheetah/Rare Cats )
Enjoy a relaxed Breakfast and at 10h00AM do a Boat Cruise for 2 hours to view family pods of Hippopotamus, the elusive Nile Crocodiles, abundant Bird life with clear view of the Gaint Fish Eagles, Goliath Herons and many types of Kingfishers. Ideal opportunity for some great photos of the above and the Mangroves and natural vegetation of this pristine place.
Enjoy Lunch and a short rest then off to an excellent African Craft Market situated about a hour's drive away. Thereafter we proceed to do the Cheetah and Rare Cats viewing and feeding program which is an excellent opportunity to get very close to some extremely rare and shy Cats that one does not normally get a chance to see in the Game Reserve. We then head back to St. Lucia arriving around 18h15. Freshen up and enjoy Dinner and Accommodation ensuring an early night in preparation for a very early start tomorrow.
DAY 3: ( FULL DAY GAME DRIVE )
A very early start around 05h15 am in time to catch up with all the elusive animals and hopefully a glimpse of the animals that have not yet been seen during the first day. Following the territorial routes of the cats and using your newly acquired game tracking skills we search out animals such as Lion, Elephant, Black Rhino, Cheetah and Leopard and our day concentrates on finding one or hopefully all of the Great Cats. Enjoy Breakfast and Lunch in the Game Reserve. Continue searching for various Wildlife and then we return to Durban arriving at approximately 18h30 pm in the evening. NB. Night 3 Durban Accommodation and Breakfast next Morning is for your own Account
Departing from your accommodation at approximately 9:00am we head west towards the Valley of 1000 Hills. Traveling along the old road gives us scenic and majestic views of the rolling valleys in the surrounding area to the Zulu Village which is nestled near the Inanda Dam.
On our arrival we meet up with a community guide who is skilled at explaining traditional Zulu customs, beliefs and contemporary life in the rural village. A visit to the local “Sangoma” {Spiritual healer} will offer in-depth experiences of what it means to have a spiritual status. The rest of the day is as flexible as the people we meet, stopping off on occasion to, share experiences or even a drink at the “Shebeen” {Informal drinking establishment}. A traditional Zulu meal is served as we learn of Zulu culture with regards to eating and marriage rituals. The tour is a two-way cultural experience and we recommend guests ask as many questions as possible because this is your opportunity to experience Zulu culture in a way that very few will. The voice of song can be heard as the traditional Zulu dancing starts. Visualize the stories behind the dancing and be prepared to get right into it.
As the day slowly comes to an end the day-trippers return to Durban and the overnighters having been introduced move on to their Zulu family for the evening. The member of the community you stay with holds a high position within the community as you are treated to true Zulu hospitality where you will eat, drink and sleep true Zulu life. The community guide is aware of the foreign travelers needs and is in tune with what’s on the go, where and when. Accommodation is set in a hamlet of “Nguni” style huts amongst the village.
*Lunch and Dinner provided
*Breakfast in the Morning
DAY 5: ( Howick Falls & Horse Ride )
Leaving Durban around 08h00 AM. We recommend guests to have breakfast as we do not include breakfast on the morning of departure but will stop at a Refreshment Centre enroute. We head west towards old country roads that will take us through many forgotten farming villages and rural Zulu Kraals with traditional homesteads nearby. Our first stop will be the Howick Falls, here we will do a Gorge Walk down to the bottom of the Falls, approximately 30 minutes each way. Thereafter we proceed towards Drakensberg Mountain, the road climbs almost a mile in altitude and we will eventually come to a stop at a little town called Underberg which is situated at the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountain Range.
Enjoy lunch at the Lemon Tree or some quaint eating house, then we proceed to a rustic Working Horse Ranch where you will be residing for the next 2 nights.
A 3 hour Horse Ride in the early afternoon and offers great opportunities for photographs from the Mountain Range. Marvel at the 3200 meter Drakensberg escarpment. If you don’t fancy a horse ride the guide will be more than happy to arrange a walk to explore the surrounding areas.
Having arranged our accommodation we will settle down in the early evenning to enjoy the sunset over the western peaks of the Drakensberg. A campfire lights up the night as we enjoy the evening of stars and a hearty meal. The accommodation is in Dorms with facilities catering for hot showers. Linen is supplied and the temperatures during Winter (June to November) can drop below zero degrees.
* Lunch and Dinner provided
DAY 6: ( FULL DAY HIKE TO VIEW ANCIENT BUSHMAN 'ROCK PAINTING' )
Breakfast as they say is the most important meal of the day and will definitely boost our energy for a full day's hike ahead. The aim of the hike is to reach the escarpment where many sites of ancient San Rock Painting can be found. Once on top of the mountain we will visit some of the best examples of the rock art that was done many centuries ago. The San Paintings are national monuments and guests are asked to please follow the instructions given to them by their guide. A daypack lunch is provided as we look in wonder at the 300 000 year old setting.
The walk will depend on the ability and motivation of the group. The walk is considered to require a certain degree of fitness but can be done at a reasonable pace for all walkers. Paths are clearly marked and allows for guests to rest or move back down the mountain to just sit by the river, soak in some sun and view the mighty Drakensberg escarpment. If weather conditions are condusive you are welcome to have a swim in pristine river pools (arrange with the Guide if condusive)
No matter what you choose to do your senses will always be in overdrive as the Drakensberg is recognized not only as a World Heritage Site but a botanical hotspot and is alive with colour in all seasons. Eagles are often spotted in the clear skies and the surrounding grasslands are home to Eland, Baboons, Common Reedbuck and more.
*Breakfast, lunch and Dinner and Accommodation is provided
DAY 7: ( 4X4 SANI PASS/LESOTHO )
Heading out to Underberg we pick up our 4 by 4 and leave to start our journey up the spectacular Sani Pass into the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. The road to Lesotho climbs up 1200 m in a space of 20 km and is only accessible by 4 by 4. PLEASE NOTE PASSPORTS ARE NEEDED FOR BORDER CONTROL PURPOSES AND TO COMPLETE THE DAYTRIP TO BASOTHO VILLAGES
Photographic opportunities are endless as the views from every angle are spectacular. Once at the top we visit a local community village giving us insight into the daily life of the Basotho people. If we are lucky we may even have a chance to sample the bread, which in my opinion compares with some of the top bakeries in the world.
Lunch is served at the highest pub in Africa and then we start our descent of the Drakensberg Mountains and head back to Underberg. Your guide will be waiting for you to change vehicles and head back for Durban and arriving at approximately 19h00pm.
*Breakfast and Lunch is provided
TOUR DEPARTS ANYDAY AT 7:00AM
MINIMUM NUMBER OF 2 PEOPLE
COST OF TOUR IS R 7000-00
DEPOSIT IS R 1500-00
THIS INCLUDES:
· Pick-up and drop off at any accommodation in Durban city
· Services of Tekweni guide
· Boat cruise
. Local Community Hiking Guide
. Game Drives
· Entrance fees for all parks, hiking and toll fees
· Accommodation on specified tour days
· 4 by 4 tour into Lesotho
· Horse Ride
· Meals on specified days
· Services of community guide and host family
WHAT TO BRING:
· Good walking shoes or hiking boots
· Rainproof jacket or poncho’s are supplied
· Warm clothes for cold evenings
· Camera and plenty of film
· A hat and sun block
· Spending money for personal items such as curios, water and drinks.
OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:
· Cameras are acceptable but the guide may request certain scenes not be photographed. Please respect this
· Times given are merely guidelines and can alter based on weather conditions
· Credit card payments are subject to a 5% surcharge
· Travelers cheques and foreign currency are subject to a 5% surcharge
· Travel insurance is not included and full coverage is recommended
· Tour prices are subject to change at any time but usually annual increases are applied
· This tour has a two day and three day option available.
· Tekweni Ecotours cannot be held responsible for passport left behind but will endeavor to ensure all passengers have not forgotten your passports.
· Please note unless you have made prior arrangements guests will be returned to the accommodation establishment they were collected from.
· Malaria precautions are advisable during the summer months and best advice is to consult your doctor.
· Insect repellant is advisable and we recommend “TABARD” which is best for ticks and mosquitoes.
· Please carry minimal luggage as space is limited and a lock up service is provided.
“DON’T JUST TASTE IT - TOUCH IT”
DAY 4: ( RURAL ZULU VILLAGE " FACE TO FACE" )
ENQUIRE NOW |
