Family safaris in South Africa
| country: | South Africa |
| location: | KwaZulu Natal |
| departures: | 2008: 12 Aug |
| price: | From £2495 (13 days) per adult and £1995 per child (under 12 years) including flights from the UK, based on children sharing with 1 or 2 adults. Single supplement £215. Minimum age 9 years |
the amazing things you'll be doing
We escape the Kruger crowds to explore the less visited but equally remarkable province of KwaZulu-Natal. Spectacular mountain, bush and coastal scenery combined with some of the world’s richest diversity of wildlife are a sure fire recipe for a successful holiday.
We’ve gone a step further by introducing activities into our exploration of the Zulu heartlands. “Big 5” game reserves, stunning wetlands, personal interaction with the magnificent Zulu people and a moving visit to our newly adopted orphanage project. Awesome!
We’ve gone a step further by introducing activities into our exploration of the Zulu heartlands. “Big 5” game reserves, stunning wetlands, personal interaction with the magnificent Zulu people and a moving visit to our newly adopted orphanage project. Awesome!
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1-2: | Flights & introduction. After an overnight flight, we will be greeted at Durban airport and transferred to the City Lodge Umhlanga Ridge Hotel. There are activities available locally but many may prefer either the swimming pool or a good long sleep - the choice is yours. |
| Day 3: | Jaws and the Zulu Heartlands. We start with a visit to the Natal Shark’s Board in Durban (voted Durban’s number one visitor attraction). Shark’s Board is a marine organisation responsible for protecting the beaches from shark attacks. We learn about the sharks, their role in nature and what they prefer for dinner as we watch a scientific dissection! We drive into the Zulu Heartlands stopping at Zulufadder (please see previous page) to meet some very special children who are being sponsored by European families. Games and laughter are the order of the day before continuing to the Zulu Village at Simunye. After time for relaxation, a Zulu warrior leads us into the Zulu Cultural Village. We must chant our greeting and beg the indulgence of the resident Zulu family to be allowed to enter. Once accepted we will eat and drink with the head of the family around an open fire. As night falls, torch-bearing warriors lead us across the river for a stirring demonstration of Zulu dancing around the campfire. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4: | Zulu Kings and Hluhluwe Park After time with the Zulus exploring their culture and traditions we drive to Mpila Camp in Hluhluwe/Imfolozi National Park. This is one of South Africa’s best-kept safari secrets and was the park responsible for saving the white rhino from extinction. We spend the night in en-suite safari tents and enjoy a traditional “braai” barbecue. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5: | Imfolozi 'Big 5' Safari. We spend a full day in the southern part of Imfolozi National Park on the look out for the 'Big 5' - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. In addition, we may see cheetah, wildebeest, giraffe, impala as well as some remarkable birdlife including vultures and eagles. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6: | Dawn Game Drive and Kosi Bay . We break camp early for a morning game drive before driving to the stunning coastal hamlet of Kosi Bay where you will find your very own reed hut accommodation (complete with private shower and WC) awaiting amidst the sand dunes. The rest of the day is free to relax, stroll on the beach and swim before a pre-dinner “sundowner” and a short guided walk examining the local ecosystem. (B,D) |
| Day 7: | Kosi Bay activity day . Kosi Bay, with its estuary system and four connecting lakes is simply breathtaking. Famed as the home of the elaborate system of wooden fish kraals, we will be taught the simple and ageless art of spear fishing by our friendly local fisherman Elmon. In addition, try sea kayaking on the lakes, snorkelling in the estuary (tide dependent) or simply relax. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8: | Amakhosi Private Game Reserve . At Amakhosi we will experience the most private and authentic of game drives. Our immensely knowledgable guides are blessed with awesome tracking skills. There is a strong possibility therefore that we will see some, or all, of the “Big 5” during our bush safari. Our accommodation at Amakhosi is in much sought after 5-star lodges overlooking the Mkuze River. While you enjoy the cordon bleu cuisine there is a fair chance you can watch the wildlife venture down to the river. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9: | Amakhosi Private Game Reserve . After breakfast, our rangers lead us into the park on a wildlife walk. To maximise our chances of seeing the animals in the wild, there will be a further game-drive this afternoon. (B,L,D) |
| Day 10: | Amakhosi to St Lucia Wetlands . After a relaxing morning, we leave Amakhosi and drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park. After a few intensive days we have time to relax around the pool. (B) |
| Day 11: | Cycling and Wetlands walk . Today we explore St Lucia’s estuary area where we will see crocodiles and hippos before heading to the Wetlands Park for an adventure walk to witness an awesome array of birdlife. A free afternoon allows you to try a range of optional activities locally. (B,L) |
| Day 12: | St Lucia Ocean Safari . St Lucia is the oceanic equivalent of a safari park. After an exhilarating surf launch (inflatable speed boat) we stand a good chance of seeing whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and much more in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This evening we gather together for one last time to reflect on the wonders of KwaZulu-Natal at our farewell dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 13: | Depart or extend your stay . Transfer back to Durban for the return flights to London. |
small group family holiday
This is a 'small group family adventure' - typically you will join several other families and travel in a group of approx. 16 people. The trips are great value and a great way for you and your children to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of time to yourselves. Most adventure kids tend to be aged between 7 and 15, but some are younger (minimum age is usually 5) and some older (perhaps travelling as part of a larger family group). Please check with the operator to confirm the minimum age for this trip how this holiday makes a difference
|
Tourism provides the main economy for many parts of Kwazulu Natal and this itinerary has been prepared with a view to producing a perfect balance of wildlife conservation without intrusion or erosion of natural habitats combined with the need to stimulate and support the local economy.
 We use a combination of locally owned accommodation and lodges all of which have their own individual eco-friendly policies. These are designed to ensure that they utilise natural resources wisely and that their construction is appropriate to the environment. In cases like the Zulu Cultural Village at Simunye tourism provides 100% of the revenue of the local community and any products not produced by the community itself are sourced locally to ensure that the maximum tourism spend remains within the regional economy. In terms of the wildlife elements of this holiday all safaris are organised either by the local conservation projects or in direct liaison with them to ensure that the natural habitats are minimally disrupted by the presence of tourism. This is further enhanced by comprehensive briefings and educating visitors in their individual and collective responsibilities whilst visiting these habitats. Tourism directly contributes towards the protection of rare species such as the White Rhino in the Imfolozi-Hluhluwe Game Reserve. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |