A WEEK ON THE WILD SIDE
We have put together a trip for those who want to get even closer to the wilderness. Join Nunu on a walking safari in iSimangaliso, before continuing the journey with a classic Big Five safari in open safari vehicles.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
Upon arrival at Durban International Airport, you will be met and driven north, a trip of approximately 2,5 hours, to Makakatana – the only private lodge located within iSimangaliso.
iSimangaliso is a very special part of South Africa and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here lakes, wetlands, forest, savannah and the Indian Ocean meet in one of Africa's largest and most diverse wetland areas.
After the journey, you have the afternoon at your leisure. Find peace, enjoy your surroundings and let the first sounds and smells of Africa sink in. The adventure has begun.
DAY 2-4: ON FOOT IN ISIMANGALISO
The next few days will be spent experiencing Africa in a completely unique way – on foot! Together with Nunu, a renowned safari guide with extensive experience from wilderness walks. Nunu knows the area and generously shares his knowledge about everything from animals and birds to plants, tracks and the small details that are easily missed from a safari vehicle. On foot, your senses are sharpened. You move through a landscape of open grasslands, wetlands, forests and lakes, with the wildlife around you and the sounds of nature as a backdrop.
The first two nights are spent at Lakeside Camp, simply and beautifully situated in the bush. The trek then continues through five different ecosystems to Driftwood Camp on the Indian Ocean. Here, a different side of iSimangaliso awaits: deserted beaches, the waves from the ocean and evenings around the campfire under the stars.
DAY 5: MAKAKATANA
After a final breakfast in the bush and the final leg on foot, you will meet the vehicle that will take you back to Makakatana. The lodge is located along the shores of Lake St Lucia. The area has fantastic birdlife and is known for its large populations of hippos and crocodiles.
The rest of the day is yours. Find a spot by the pool, enjoy a delicious lunch and enjoy a nice shower and a comfortable bed. After several days on foot in the wilderness, this is a day to relax and let all the impressions sink in.
DAY 6: TIME FOR CLASSIC SAFARI
After a quiet morning and a good breakfast, you will be picked up and driven to Rhino Sands Safari Camp.
From wetlands and wilderness walks, classic safari awaits you in a private game reserve known for its rich wildlife. Rhino Sands is a small and intimate safari camp with luxurious tented suites and here the days are all about comfort, safari and good meals. This afternoon, your first safari in an open safari vehicle awaits you.
DAY 7: BIG FIVE SAFARI
You wake up early to the sounds of the bush. Around five o'clock coffee and a light snack await you before you climb into the open safari vehicle and drive out as the day slowly comes to life. The early morning hours are a wonderful time to be on safari.
After the morning safari, a delicious brunch and a few quiet hours await you at the camp. In the afternoon, you head out again. The light becomes softer, the temperature drops and the animals become more active. Along the way, you may want to stop for a drink as the sun sets over the bush. And just when you think the day can’t get any better, a herd of elephants may suddenly decide to block your way home.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
After a final morning safari and a hearty breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the camp. You will be driven back to the airport in Durban.
Perhaps your thoughts have already begun to wander towards your next adventure? The journey can easily be extended with a few days among the dramatic mountains of the Drakensberg or with good food and wine in Cape Town.
Are you interested in this itinerary?
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