Tour - Dream Safari – 7 nights
We have chosen three lodges with total different experiences. Where in the world can you see hippos while having breakfast, elephants at lunchtime, diving along coral reefs in the afternoon and watch sea turtles at night? The tour goes to the colourful province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. One of the oldest game reserves in Africa, the Isimangaliso wetlands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are located here. Fantastic opportunities for animal experiences are optimal. The tour can be extended by some days in Durban or in Cape Town.
Tour Overview
Day 1 |
Day 1 - Arrival – Isimangaliso Safari: Arrival in Durban. Drive north to the St. Lucia area (3 hrs). Overnight at Makakatana Bay Lodge, in the middle of the Isimangaliso wetlands. You will arrive in time for a drive in an open landrover along the Isimangaliso Lake to the Mpati estuary. At night the hippos come down here. You can also spot crocodiles, a rich birdlife, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, rhino, elephant, leopard and different types of antelopes. |
Day 2 |
Boat Tour: The day starts with a walk along the lake. Breakfast before boat tour; you will have the 12 mile long lake just for yourself. You are guaranteed to meet hippos and crocodiles. By request, lunch can be arranged by the lodge on board the boat. |
Day 3 - 5 |
Thonga Beach and sea turtles: Travel further to the pristine coastline to the north of Sodwana Bay, right on the border with Mozambique. Now you are really “in Africa”, this is a paradise! In the period from November to February, the big sea turtles lay eggs deep in the sand. The sight of a 750kg Leatherback sea turtle struggling up and down the beach to lay eggs is a natural experience few have the opportunity to experience. This is also a snorkeling and diving paradise. The lodge has its own instructors offering a crash course. The coral reef here is compared to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Those who do not want to dive, can snorkel in the lagoon on the beach right by the lodge. Just behind the dunes is South Africa's largest freshwater lake. Canoe trip between hippos and crocodiles are recommended. |
Day 6 - 8 |
Safari: It is time for safari at AmaZulu Private Game Reserve: Boasting 10 000 hectares, the Amazulu Private Game Reserve is made up of a varied ecosystem. This diversity includes savannah, mountains and wetlands which makes it the ideal home to the "Big Five" as well as giraffe, warthog and hyena not to mention over 15 different antelope species, hippopotamus and crocodile. The wetlands offer a wide variety bird species, a place of paradise and comfort. Early morning and late afternoon guided walks and game drives lead you into the African bush to observe the animals and their fascinating behaviour. The abundance of flora and fauna always reveal something interesting, both on the ground and in the air. Qualified game rangers introduce the unique role each animal plays on the massive stage within the African Kingdom. |
Day 9 |
Go home via Johannesburg. Spend a few days in Durban or Cape Town if you didn`t do it at the start of the tour. |