Itinerary

Day 1 - 2 JOHANNESBURG to ZULULAND 
Departing from Johannesburg at 06:30am we travel into the heart of KwaZulu Natal where we will stay in the Mkuzi Game Reserve, a last safe haven for the endangered Black Rhino. We explore the reserve on game drives and visit a hide overlooking one of the waterholes to watch the game come down to drink. A local guide will lead us on a walk in the neighbouring village where we meet local Zulu people and are introduced to their culture and customs. [chalet / tented lodge Bx1 Lx2 Dx2]
[B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner]

Day 3, 4, 5 KOSI BAY
Kosi Bay Nature Reserve covers a region of fertile estuary, mangroves, dune forest and lakes, which we explore on foot and by kayak. We visit Bunga neck (watch Leatherback turtles laying eggs in season; November - January) and the Kosi Bay river mouth to snorkel and watch the local fisherman in the estuary. [chalets Bx3 Lx3 Dx2] 

Day 6 SWAZILAND
Our camp in Hlane Game Reserve, Swaziland, is surrounded by beautiful African bushveld. We’ll take a game walk with a local ranger looking for rhino, elephant and fantastic bird life. [chalet BLD] 

Day 7 MAPUTO
We enter Moçambique at the Namaacha border post and travel to Maputo. Formerly known as Lourenço Marques - Portuguese and African cultures meet in an exquisite blend of seafood and vibrant life. Sample the excellent seafood in a local restaurant (own expense). [chalet BL-] 

Day 8, 9, 10 INHAMBANE
Arab influences are strong in Inhambane dating back to when slaves, ivory, gold and spices were traded. Explore Inhambane and its 200 year old cathedral, before moving to Praia de Barra to our casitas under the palms next to the beach. Dhow rides and scuba diving on coral reefs are available (own expense). [casitas BLD] 


Day 11 BILENE
We turn south along the coast to the town of Bilene situated on the shores of the Uembje lagoon. The lagoon is 8km wide and 27km long with clear water and white, sandy beaches. We spend the afternoon exploring the lagoon with options of kayaking and snorkeling (own expense), and swimming in the shallow, calm waters. [casitas BL-] 

Day 12 - 13 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
We enter Kruger National Park, South Africa, and visit big game country! Exciting game drives to spot lions, giraffe and the mighty elephant. Relaxing in the tranquil bush we experience a land forgotten by time, a true African wilderness. [chalet BLD] 


Day 14 JOHANNESBURG
After an early morning game drive we return to Johannesburg in the evening, sun-tanned, laid-back and ready to rejoin life. Tour ends at +/-18:00pm. [- B - -] 
PRE & POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION: 

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM:
We spend 3 nights in the Kosi Bay area. This KwaZulu Natal park is an example of how conservation and the needs of the local communities can work hand in hand. KZN Wildlife are pioneers in the development of sustainable tourism.

PRE & POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION:
Due to the early departure time of this safari we recommend that you stay in Johannesburg the night before safari. Please indicate if you require assistance with airport transfers and hotel reservations in your enquiry .

Single supplement
If you are travelling on your own, we will “room” you with another same gender client so you do not pay extra when booking as a single person. If however, you request a single room, then the single supplement is applicable.

Local payment
A local payment is required on this safari and this will be collected by the tour leader on departure. This covers a portion of the local operational costs including entrance and park fees. This ensures that a major portion of your tour price goes directly into the country you are visiting, benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the area.

Included

13 nights guest house / cabin / chalet
Entrance fees
Use of equipment
Professional guide
Kosi Bay boat excursion
Maximum group size: 12 Travellers

Transport in Safari Truck or Minibus
Vehicle - for longer distance travel, place to place, we use custom-built safari trucks with 12 forward facing seats. Your comfort is catered for with individual seats (with safety belts), ample legroom and large vertical sliding windows for unobstructed viewing and photography.
There are roof hatches for excellent "open" views and an integral cab and passenger compartment so contact with the driver is easy. Each truck also have large packing compartments, a built in kitchen, freezers, drinking water tanks, interior lights and gas stoves (to minimise use of wood and destruction of forest areas). There is also a pullout set of steps into the passenger compartment, making access for clients easier.

or Toyota Hiace minibuses with 10 forward facing seats (roof rack and trailer for equipment and baggage); or Mercedes Sprinter minibuses with 16 forward facing seats (and trailer for equipment and baggage). There are a couple of long days of travelling but the vehicles have a comfortable cruising speed.
The emphasis of the trip is “getting out and doing things”.

Meals as per itinerary
We pride ourselves on giving very good healthy meals to our clients and will provide three meals per day, except where shown in the itinerary, where we try out local restaurants.
The tour leaders do the shopping and meal planning for each group. He/she will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. A rough idea of what these will consist of is: Breakfast - cereals or coffee and toast or the occasional fried breakfast, Lunch - cheese, cold meats, salads on bread or rolls, Dinner - braais (local barbecue), potjies (stews), stir fries etc. We use regular plates, cups and cutlery. All cooking and eating utensils will also be provided.
We do cater for special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or allergies.)
We will supply fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner

Excluded

All other beverages will be for your own expense. We will not supply bottled drinking water although it is available at many shops on tour
Optional night game drive inside the Kruger National Park

Departures

Starts: Johannesburg – Finishes: Johannesburg

16 Apr11 - 29 Apr11
07 May11 - 20 May11
28 May11 - 10 June11
18 June11 - 01 July11
09 July11 - 22 July11
30 July11 - 12 Aug11
20 Aug11 - 02 Sep11
10 Sep11 - 23 Sep11
01 Oct11 - 14 Oct11
22 Oct11 - 04 Nov11
12 Nov11 - 25 Nov11
03 Dec11 - 16 Dec11
24 Dec11 - 06 Jan12

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