Round trip Durban to Durban +/- 1300 km

Day 1
Depart Durban at 07H00 and travel north to Zululand. Here our local guide, from the kwaNgwenya community leads us to the top of uTshaneni, Ghost Mountain, from where two Zulu battle sites can be seen. This walking tour provides an interesting introduction into the warrior nation of the Zulu people. In the afternoon we visit a Sangoma, a traditional healer and diviner. We get an interesting insight into the widespread practice of consulting a ‘witch-doctor’ and herbalist. (Possibility to have your fortune told). Continue to Nompondo where we will spend the next 3 nights with the Mdaka family. (D)

Day 2          Wake up : 06H30           Breakfast : 07H00           Depart : 08H00
We spend the day in the Nompondo community, which lies next to the world famous Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. The focus of the day is to consider the socio-economic realities of a rural Zulu community. We do this by going on a guided walk through the community. A visit to a local school provides an interesting look into education within a rural South African context. . We enjoy lunch with a local family. During the walk we look at issues such as local economic activity, local governance and what traditional customs are still practiced. (B,L&D)

Day 3          Wake up : 06H30         
Breakfast : 07H00          Depart : 07H30
Early morning departure for the Muzi Pan in the kwaJobe Community. The focus of the day is the how communities interact with their natural environment. The kwaJobe community lies alongside the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site. We spend the morning on a canoe trip on the Muzi Pan, with its hippos, crocodiles and incredible birdlife (an alternative for those not wanting to canoe is a guided walking tour along the pan). Thereafter we visit the Mbazwana Market on our way to Sodwana Bay, where we have lunch and spend the afternoon on the coastal section of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. (B,L&D)

Day 4          Wake up : 07H30         
Breakfast : 08H00          Depart : 09H00
After saying our goodbye’s to our new friends, we head for the oldest game reserve in South Africa, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. The reserve with it’s varied landscape, covering hill country, is one of the best known sanctuaries for the rhino. A full day of game viewing awaits you, in this scenically spectacular reserve. After settling into out bush camp we will participate in an open landrover night drive. (B,L&D)

Day 5         Wake up : 05H00         
Depart : 05H30          Breakfast : 09H30
Up at sunrise to explore the African bush on foot. An early morning walking safari, takes you in search of Rhino.(+/- 3 hours) This experience is designed to bring you as close to nature as it is possible, without clashing with it. We learn how to interpret the spoor and about the medicinal value of the vegetation. After brunch you have the day at leisure to relax or to visit a hide. A late afternoon game drive takes you searching further for the Big 5, before settling down for a braai (barbeque), under the African skies. (B,L&D)

Day 6        Wake up: 05H30         
Breakfast : 09H00          Depart : 10H00
Up at daybreak to continue our search for the Big 5. We return mid morning for breakfast before we set off for our final game drive. Lunch en route at one of the many scenic picnic sites in the park. After lunch we head to Simunye Zulu Lodge, a traditional Zulu cultural village. Here we will listen to informative walks explaining to us the beliefs, customs and culture of “The People from Heaven”. Overnight in cultural village. (B,L&D)

Day 7        Wake up : 07H00          Breakfast : 09H00          Depart : 10H00
After bidding our host farewell we return along the Dolphin Coast to Durban to arrive +/- 14H00. (B)

General Information

Zululand Dates 2003/2004

THIS PROGRAMME IS RELIABLE ON WEATHER CONDITIONS AND ACTIVITIES COULD BE ROTATED TO BEST SUIT WEATHER AT TIME OF EXCURSION ! ANTI MALARIA PRECAUTIONS ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

Combo - Packs

ZULULAND + DRAKENSBERG - 12 Days & 12 Nights