KwaZulu-Natal culture and wildlife tour
| country: | South Africa |
| location: | KwaZulu Natal |
| departures: | Daily departures are available from Durban with a minimum of 2 people |
| price: | From R12390 - R21100 (10 days) based on two people sharing, excluding flights. From R15960 - R27040 single room. Price depends on season and number of people travelling. Includes accommodation, transport, guiding, entrance fees, safari activities and meals as stated |
the amazing things you'll be doing
We explore KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa which borders the Indian Ocean on the east coast of the continent. We meet people of the proud Zulu tribe and we also see Responsible Tourism in practice at a project assisting children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. A River Safari in one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, with good chances of seeing hippos, crocodiles and a large variety of birds. There are opportunities for exploring the Eastern Shores of the Wetland Park as well as opportunities for swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. During the whale season, optional whale-watching safaris can be arranged and in the turtle season, night-time turtle tours offers the chance of seeing these giant turtles laying eggs on the beaches nearby.
The experience ends in a private "Big 5" wildlife reserve with opportunities to get up "close and personal" to many of Africa's well known animals.
Accommodation is a combination of superior tourist class hotel (in Durban); a B&B farm stay; a Zulu cultural village run by the local community, a family-owned 4* guesthouse in St Lucia and in a private "Big 5" safari lodge. As you will see, a variety of accommodation levels but starting at the lowest and working up to an unforgettable send-off! In St. Lucia there are a variety of tours and activities offered as an optional, so clients can plan this part of the tour according to their needs and interests.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrival in Durban, where you will be met by our representative at the airport, and transferred to your hotel, located in a suburb of Durban called Umhlanga Rocks. Your hotel is adjacent to a large shopping- and entertainment centre. A short distance away (10 minutes by taxi), the beaches of the Indian Ocean beckons. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing or exploring the surrounding areas on your own. Overnight: City Lodge Umhlanga. |
| Day 2: | This morning we visit one of the large townships on the outskirts of Durban. Inanda Township covers a large area on the northern side of the city. We first stop at the Ohlange Institute, founded by Rev. John Dube; the first president of the African National Congress (ANC) is the historic place where President Nelson Mandela cast his vote in South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994. Continue to the Phoenix settlement where Mahatma Gandhi developed his philosophy of passive resistance, which had such a profound impact on the world. Here Gandhi's restored home (“Ashram”), rededicated as a monument to peace and justice, is an experience to see. We then head north driving through green rolling hills with sugarcane. Once we cross the Tugela River we are in what is historically known as “Zululand”, this is the home of the proud Zulu people. Arrive in the small town of Eshowe, and check in at your cosy B&B Guesthouse. Dinner in your guesthouse (or in a local restaurant). Overnight: Eshowe. (B,D) |
| Day 3: | Today will be spent with the local community on the outskirts of Eshowe. We are actively involved with a project whereby children who are orphaned or vulnerable due to poverty, are assisted with food, clothing, schooling and get the chance of a better future. Through this project we have come to know many local personalities who are real pillars of strength for the community. We have also won the trust of the grandmothers in the district, as it is usually the grannies who have to care for their orphaned grandchildren – this is one of the harsh realities of AIDS and typical of the current situation in South Africa. This is a day spent outside the tourism-route but we know that it will leave memories of kind and warm-hearted people, of smiling children and of a proud and resilient group of people. In the afternoon, drive towards Melmoth (approximately 1 hour’s drive), where our project supports approximately 700 children. To access the Zulu lodge where you are spending the night, there is a choice of horse-riding; riding the ox-wagon; riding in a 4x4 vehicle or walking the 3 km down to the bottom of the valley. Once at the village, your Zulu hosts will introduce you to the traditions and customs of the Zulu tribe. The huts (rooms) are set along the river and amongst the local village huts. Dinner will be served and afterwards, Zulu dancing, drums and song around the open fire. Dinner and overnight: Simunye Zulu Village. (B,D) |
| Day 4: | A full day spent amongst the friendly and hospitable Zulu people. You follow them in their daily chores and on foot you explore the countryside around our lodge. If you visit during school-term, a stop will be made at a local school, to talk to the teachers and children. If a community event is taking place, you may be invited to join in. If your interest is bird-watching, your local community guide will help you spot and identify new species. There are horses available for out-rides and the lodge can arrange a picnic at a nearby waterfall. Relax with a book in a comfortable chair at the river; sunbathe or swim in the river; breathe deeply and soak up the peace and tranquility. Dinner and overnight: Simunye Zulu Village. (B,D) |
| Day 5: | Leave your friendly hosts at Simunye village and drive further north. Arrive in St. Lucia village which is the hub of the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park – one of South Africa’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight: Lidiko Lodge, St. Lucia. (B) |
| Day 6: | St Lucia Estuary is one of the tourism focal points of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a recently declared World Heritage Site. The Park comprises a number of conservation areas, the oldest of which is the St Lucia Game Reserve, established in 1895. St. Lucia Estuary is the gateway to the Eastern Shores of Lake St Lucia. The region contains the highest vegetated dunes in the world, extensive and diverse wetland systems, as well as coastal grasslands with an associated fauna which includes the Africa's highest density of common reedbuck. Numerous waterfowl, grassland, forest and sea birds provide an attraction to birdwatchers from around the world. The day is spent at leisure. You may like to book an optional tour. Overnight: Lidiko Lodge, St. Lucia. (B) |
| Day 7: | You will be collected by your driver/guide, and continue further north. After approximately 2 1/2 hours driving, arrive at your “Big 5” safari lodge: Amakhosi Lodge. You go out on an afternoon game-drive, the first of many. You never know what will be seen, this is not a zoo and the wildlife roam freely over 13000 ha of pristine African bush and grasslands. Stop for “sundowners” and after dark, we use spotlights to see some of the shy, nocturnal species. Return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner, accompanied by excellent wines. Dinner and overnight: Amakhosi Lodge. (B,D) |
| Day 8-9: | You will be woken before sunrise, and after a quick cup of coffee or tea, set out on the morning game-drive. The predators are at their most active during the early morning hours. Return to the lodge for brunch, and in the middle of the day you are free to relax, enjoy the pool, take a bush-walk with your game-ranger or take an optional tour to one of the villages in the area. In the afternoon, a game-drive as the heat of the day abates and the sun sets. We have chosen to work with Amakhosi Lodge as not only do guests have unforgettable memories from their stay here, but the safari experience is superb and this lodge also supports the Responsible Tourism ideals. The staff is recruited from villages in the area and receives training on the job so that they are up-skilled and empowered to further their careers. All non-perishable refuse is transported to the nearest town and recycled. The lodge’s architecture and positioning was done with great care to blend in with the natural environment. In addition, Amakhosi Lodge provides her guests not only with a wildlife experience but also a cultural one. On one evening during the guests’ stay, local dancers will entertain us. The dancers are teenagers and young men from two local communities; Maqonqo and Kwasheleza. They are collected from their villages for the performance; given a meal and also a sum of money which helps towards paying some of the childrens’ school fees as well as other basic needs. The lodge is also involving the local community and offers an optional visit to the local Maqonqo community to show guests how the rural Zulu family lives today. By supporting the local community we also help them preserve their culture. Dinner and overnight: Amakhosi Lodge. (B,L,D) |
| Day 10: | Your last morning game-drive, followed by breakfast. It is time to head for Durban’s International Airport (approximately 5 hours’ drive), where you hand back your car at the end of a truly enriching tour of South Africa. (B) |
how this holiday makes a difference
|
You will visit a township (Inanda) to learn about life during the Apartheid regime. Visit Zulusponsor - a project we support which currently supports 700 children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS (see below). Spend time at a Zulu cultural lodge owned and run by the local tribal authority, visit local villages and communities. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. Lucia Wetland Park. Learn about nature conservation in practice at Amakhosi Lodge and see how tourism has enhanced and improved conditions of the natural environment.
Accommodation on our tour is in local guesthouses which are individually owned and where staff receive significant benefits in the form of training, secure employment and career opportunities. All accommodation venues use local shops and suppliers for all provisions and supplies. We have a policy of re-using paper where possible, and all magazines etc which we cannot re-use is sent for recycling. Our staff also support the Responsible Tourism ideals. Air-conditioning is only used on very hot days (we use fans instead when this is possible), and staff bring second-hand clothing and toys on a regular basis which is donated to Zulufadder/Zulusponsor, which is the project we support on an active and ongoing basis. Zulufadder/Zulusponsor: Zulufadder is Norwegian, meaning "Zulu Godparent" or "Zulu Sponsor" and is an organization established by Mari Maurstad (Norwegian actress & author) and our Norwegian-born Director - Ragnhild (Rung) Button. Our aim is to help as many children as possible in Eshowe, a district in Zululand, South Africa. Many of these children are orphans; in most cases, AIDS claimed the lives of their parents. It is not uncommon to find as many as 15 children living together with their grandmother or aunt in the same hut. They do not have enough money for food or school fees, which again means no education. This project is unique in that each sponsor is connected to a specific child. This is an organisation without a large bureaucratic structure, but is instead a "hands-on" project where the sponsored amount is used for the benefit of the children who are in need. Therefore your donation will be used for the benefit of 'your' child. So far we have several hundred sponsors in Norway, each sponsor pays the equivalent of US$ 40 (GBP 20) per month. For this, each child receives school fees, a food parcel each month, as well as help with other needs such as a blanket, clothes, medicines if they are ill, etc. Each sponsor receives a profile of 'their' child with photo, brief history and also information of the child's hopes and dreams. A key figure in this project is Aurelia Mhlongo - a "female Nelson Mandela". Aurelia is herself a 'granny', she is also a retired nurse and a pillar of strength for the local community. It is Aurelia who is told of children in need; children living alone and with pressing needs. Aurelia visits the children, interviews them, investigates their situation and make recommendations as to which children to include in the project. We currently look after close to 700 children, and due to your help perhaps more children could also be enrolled in this project. |
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. |