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Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Kruger Wildlife Safaris
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KRUGER WILDLIFE SAFARI (Pretoria - Durban) - 8 Days

Distance covered from Pretoria - Durban +/- 2200 KM

Day 1
From Pretoria we head for Mpumalanga. Our route leads via the Long Tom Pass, which opens up to breathtaking views of the Transvaal Drakensberg Escarpment. We lunch en route (own Expense) before continuing to the Blyde River Canyon. We visit God's Window, a viewpoint over the canyon and Kruger National Park. En route we stop at Bourke's Luck Potholes - cylindrical holes formed by the swirling waters at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers. We’ll overnight on the Panoramic Route. (D)

Day 2
This morning we visit The Three Rondavels - situated at the northern point of the canyon. These are circular rock formations resembling African huts. We descend to the Lowveld, via the Abel Erasmus Pass. Kruger National Park is the natural habitat to a rich variety of wildlife, including "The Big Five". Stretching almost 350 km - north to south and 60 km - east to west, it covers an area of +/- 20 000 kmē. An afternoon game drive leads us to our overnight camp in the central part of the park - "Home" for the next two nights. (B,L&D)

Day 3
Up at sunrise to explore the African bush on foot. We learn how to interpret the spoor and about the medicinal value of the vegetation. This experience is designed to bring you as close to nature as it is possible, without clashing with it. A night drive in search of nocturnal life ends off a memorable day. (B,L&D)

Gibela Safaris - ElephantDay 4
Up at day break for a full day of Game viewing in one of the greatest and best known sanctuaries in the world. Kruger Parks’ wealth lies not simply in its immensity, but also its variety. The road snakes lazily southwards through several different ecological zones containing a vast variety of wildlife species. Breakfast and lunch en route. We overnight in the southern part of the park. (B,L&D)

Day 5
Up at day break for a guided walking safari and a final game drive before leaving Kruger park. Our route leads south over the border through Swaziland, before entering The Kingdom of the Zulu - the People of Heaven. We continue to our overnight stop in the northern region of the Pongala Game reserve, where we'll settle down for a "braai" (barbeque), under the African skies. (B,L&D)

Day 6
After breakfast we continue to the Pongola Biosphere Reserve. Here we will participate in an elephant trekking programme that focuses on the relocated herds of Gibela Safaris - Simunye Zulu Lodge, a traditional Zulu cultural village.the reserve. Your time will be spent not only searching for, but more importantly, learning about the elephants in terms of, why the need to relocate and about individual personalities. After lunch we head for St. Lucia situated at the southern tip the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park. From here we are met by local kayak guides, that will take you paddling on the estuary and up the Umfolozi River with the possibility of sighting hippos, flamingos, pelicans and other fish hunting birds. The lake is surrounded by various eco-systems ranging from swamps to grass and bush lands. A short hike will take you to your overnight camp on the southern shores of Lake St. Lucia. (B,L&D)

Day 7
An optional horse ride or mountain biking trip awaits the more adventurous this morning. Alternatively some time is spent on the beach or a hike in the dune forest at Maphelane. After returning to the village, our journey continues in the footsteps of the Great King Shaka. Our destination Simunye Zulu Lodge, a cultural village where we will experience vibrant Zulu dancing and relax as the drumbeat draws you into the pulse of Africa. The village is reached on horseback. An experience you'll never forget. (B,L&D)

Day 8
After breakfast we hear informative discussions explaining to us the beliefs, customs and cultures of the Zulu nation. We head south to join the coastal road crossing the mighty Tugela River. Our route leads us to South Africa's principal holiday city, Durban. The end of this incredible adventure. (B)

General Information & Pricing

This trip also runs in reverse from Durban to Pretoria. Please enquire for reverse itinerary and our “Combo Packs” -combination options -, which includes airport transfers and pre & post tour accommodation services.

Departure

Minimum 02 Passengers

Maximum 12 Passengers

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tour Price

Valid until 31/10/2004

 

Per person sharing

R 7 650-00 / 1195 US$ 910 Euro

     

 

Single supplement

R 1 200-00 p.p.

     
 

LOCAL PAYMENT TO GIBELA SAFARIS GUIDE R 660-00 / 100 US$ 79 EURO

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included

- 3 meals per day

 

 

Durban to Pretoria - Starting dinner day 1 to breakfast day 8

 

 

Pretoria to Durban - Starting dinner day 1 to breakfast day 8

 

- All entrance fees as per itinerary

 

- All surface transport

 

- Zulu cultural village

 

- Kayak trip on Lake St. Lucia

 

- Entrance at Phongola Biosphere Reserve

 

- 2 x Walking safaris in Kruger National Park

 

- Kruger Park game viewing in Gibela Safaris vehicle

 

- Kruger Park night drive in Kruger Park Vehicle

 

- Accommodation - 5 nights camping, sharing basis, central ablutions

 

- 2 nights in chalets, sharing basis, central ablutions

 

- Entrance at Bourke’s Luck Potholes

 

- Use of all camping equipment

 

 

Excluded

- Refreshments, Liquor and Personal expenses

 

- Horse Ride +/- R350, Mountain Bikes +/- R250 Hiking +/-R75 at Lake St. Lucia

 

- Elephanting at Pongola Biosphere Reserve R300-00p.p. LOCAL PAYMENT

 

- KRUGER PARK CONSERVATION FEE R120-00 p.p.p.day LOCAL PAYMENT

 

- Sleeping bag hire R60 per trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Essentials

- Seasonal, casual clothing & comfortable walking shoes.

 

- Sunglasses, hat and sun screen lotion.

 

- Anorak / sweater and swimsuit

 

- Sleeping bag and torch light.

 

- Anti malaria precautions are strongly recommended

 

- Change foreign currency before departure.

 

- This is a participation trip.

   

Passport

It is the responsibility of each passenger to ensure that their passport and visas are in order before departure. A multiple entry visa is required for re-entering South Africa for passengers travelling on a study and / or work visa.

Kruger Wildlife Safari Dates 2003/2004

  DEPART
Pretoria 07H30
ARRIVE
Durban +/- 14H00
OPEN
SEATS
  DEPART
Durban 12H30
ARRIVE
Pretoria +/- 16H00
OPEN
SEATS
November 2003    

  SU 16 SU 23

December 2003 MO 01 MO 08

  SU 14 SU 21

January 2004 MO 05 MO 12

  SU 18 SU 25

February 2004 MO 02 MO 09

  SU 15 SU 22

March 2004 MO 01 MO 08

  SU 14 SU 21

April 2004 MO 05 MO 12

  SU 18 SU 25

May 2004 MO 03 MO 10

  SU 16 SU 23

June 2004 MO 07 MO 14

  SU 20 SU 27

July 2004 MO 05 MO 12

  SU 18 SU 25

August 2004 MO 02 MO 09

  SU 15 SU 22

September 2004 MO 06 MO 13

  SU 19 SU 26

October 2004 MO 04 MO 11

  SU 17 SU 24

NEW RATES & DATES TO BE CONFIRMED FOR 2004 / 2005
November 2004 MO 01 MO 08

  SU 14 SU 21

December 2004 MO 06 MO 13

  SU 19 SU 26

Combo - Packs

KRUGER WILDLIFE SAFARI + DRAKENSBERG - 13 Days & 13 Nights
DRAKENSBERG + KRUGER WILDLIFE SAFARI - 13 Days & 13 Nights

Safaris & Tours | Car Hire | Contact Us
P.O. Box 47736, Greyville, Durban, 4023, South Africa
Tel/Fax (+27) (0)31 303 6291, Email BOOKINGS / ENQUIRIES gibela@gibela.co.za