Description...

Day by day...

Day 1: Johannesburg…

Your guide will meet you at the airport. This is a day to get to know each other and prepare the trip with the rest of the group and the team. Depending on your time of arrival we may have time for a short visit of the city. Meals to your own account.

Base BB
Breakfast and city tour included

Days 2-3: Ithala Reserve…

Transfer eastward for Zululand! Lunch on the way. We enter Ithala Nature reserve mid afternoon.

Transfer to our camp (while observing our first animals) where we settle down for 2 nights! As much as possible, we use an exclusive camp for our group, situated in a private sector of the reserve! During these 2 days, in the morning we discover the reserve on foot for 3 hours accompanied with a ranger, and we feel the thrill of tracking.

Base FI

Day 4: ISimangaliso Wetland Park (Greater St Lucia) - Cape Vidal…

We continue eastward towards the Indian Ocean for the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (e.g. Greater St Lucia). We stop in the St Lucia's coastal village to have lunch (at your expense).

Our home for three nights is Cape Vidal – unquestionably one of the most interesting regions of the park. It is situated on a narrow strip of land which separates the Indian Ocean from the lake. It is an ideal place from which to relax on the beach, discover the secret world of the coral reef and to explore on foot. Overnight in chalets inside the park.

Base DBB

Day 5: Cape Vidal…

Today you have the opportunity to enjoy the site and you can book a number of optional activities (at your expense). The possible activities are boat cruise on the lake (to spot hippos and crocs) or offshore (to spot whales and dolphins). It’s also possible to do kayaking and in season (November/February) night excursion to witness see turtles laying their eggs.
And of course you may just relax and enjoy the beach or snorkel (equipment to be rented at St Lucia). We can also explore the park aboard our vehicle in search of the wildlife (included).

Base DBB
Boat trip on the lake included

Days: 6-7: Imfolozi: walking safari...

We enter one of the most scenic game reserves of South Africa: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi. Besides the 300 bird species, lion, elephant, buffalo and 80 other mammal species, Imfolozi boasts the largest rhino population of Africa.

The southern section of the reserve (30 % of the total area) is a protected wilderness area, entirely devoid of roads and permanent camps. This sector of the park is only accessible on foot, for groups of no more than eight people. So that is how we will discover the captivating atmosphere of Imfolozi: on foot, accompanied by armed rangers and spending two nights camping in a secluded, basic, tented camp.

Base FI

Day 8: Zululand - Battlefields...

After breakfast, we spend another 2 hours in the reserve to look for animals. Then we set off in the heart of Zululand, through the "Battles fields" where took places so numerous famous conflicts in between the various groups of this country. We stop on one of the historic sites and shall visit the museum which redraws the events. Lunch on site (at your expense). We settle down in a lodge in the region. Have dinner at the restaurant at your expense.

Base FI
Dinner excluded

Day 9: Drakensberg - Cathedral Peak...

Departure for the Drakensberg in the sector of Cathedral Peak. We settle down in a guesthouse located in a nearby village. In the afternoon we have the opportunity to do some walks around.

Base FI

Day 10: Drakensberg - Cathedral Peak...

Today, we spend the day walking in the site of Cathedral Peak. We will choose our way according to everyone's consensus and the weather forecast. We try to make a scenic loop which offers stunning views over the circus of Cathedral Peak: about 8 hours of walking and 600m of elevation gain.

Overnight at the same place.

Base FI

Day 11: Drakensberg - Golden Gate...

Departure for the field of Golden Gate. During the afternoon we discover the park on foot. We reach the little village of Clarens with many houses epochs, a tranquil atmosphere with a good selection of quality restaurant Night in B&B. Diner at restaurant.

Base FI

Day 12: Drakensberg - Parc du Royal Natal...

Today is dedicated to climbing the Amphitheatre, starting from Sentinel and continuing through the ladders of the same name. At the top, we will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the land which stretches infinitely in front of us. We will also see the highest waterfall of Southern Africa: Tugela Falls, which drops 300m in three jumps (maybe dry at certain times of the year). About 6 hours walk return. Camping at the same place.

Base FI

Day 13: Drakensberg - Johannesburg…

A last morning to enjoy the charming town of Clarens. Depending on the time of your flight we will leave in the morning or early afternoon. Lunch at your own account. Drop off at Johannesburg airport. End of your trip!

Practical info...

This trip can be done with a guide or self driving. In the latter situation, you will still have an English guide/ranger in Imfolozi.
Trip starts: Johannesburg airport.
Trip ends: Johannesburg airport.

Groups...

Guided trip: 4 min- 9 max.
Self drive trip: 2 min - 8 max.
Age min: 12 years old.

Accommodation...

In chalets or comfortable bungalows. In Imfolozi, nights are spending in tents in a bushcamp open in the bush (no fences). Tents for 2 people, bed and blankets furnished.

This tour can also be done with 11 nights in camping.

Meals...

For the guided trip, meals are prepared by the guide or the cook.
On self drive all your accommodations are self catering with a kitchen. Anyway you can also go to the restaurant.

Comfort and difficulty...

This trip is accessible to the largest number (kids over 16 years old). No experience is required but good health condition is important regarding the number of walks. At Imfolozi the comfort is basic (bush bathroom, no electricity).

Conditions...

What is included...

Guided trip:

All accommodations, meals included, minibus transport, all activities mentioned, equipment, tour guide and armed ranger during walking trips.

Self drive trip:

All accommodations, hiring car for the duration of the trip with insurance and unlimited kilometers, and included meals.

What is not included...

Guided trip:

International flights, meals excluded, drinks, park fees, personal expenses, souvenirs, and gratuities.

Self drive trip:

International flights, meals (except Imfolozi), optional activities, park fees, minibus transport, personal expenses, drinks, souvenirs, gratuities, petrol and toll gates.