Get up close with the peoples and animals of the Zulu and Swaziland Kingdoms! Visit the Battlefields and learn about the historical events in the region
]Day 1 - Durban Your guide will collect you from the airport in Durban. In the Sunshine City we spend the afternoon at leisure visiting uShaka Marine World. Incorporating fresh and sea water, the 5th largest aquarium in the world and an amusement park, uShaka is a complete \'Marine World\'. From the mysteries of the ocean floor to the wonders above, find treasures in the speciality stores on site. There is also Sea World, Dolphin World, the Seal Stadium and Penguin Rookery - with specially designed viewing windows to enable you to see the animals both above and below the water. Late afternoon we book into Acorn Guest House, overlooking Durban. The gracious old 1930\'s Durban home is surrounded with Acacias and palms, and a private garden is packed with tropical vegetation and bird-life in abundance. Durban has one of the largest Indian populations outside of India, so dinner tonight is the perfect opportunity to sample a true Indian curry!
DAY 2 - Midlands Meander We head inland along the Midlands Meander. Started many years ago as a collection of crafters who wondered if they could attract visitors to leave the beaten track and explore their studios and galleries, the Midlands Meander has grown into an eclectic and fascinating mix of arts and crafts. Physical, culinary or cerebral, there is no limit to the experiences you\'ll find here. We visit PheZulu, a traditional Zulu Village overlooking the Valley of 1000 Hills, where the Gasa clan entertain us with their dance routine. We also enjoy a tour of the traditional village and visit the sangoma (witch doctor). We finally arrive in Dundee, where we book into Zulu Wings Lodge and enjoy a traditional South African “braai” (BBQ) for dinner.
DAY 3 - Dundee After breakfast, we head back in time to visit some of the battlefields that have made this area famous. We will be joined by a specialist battlefields guide. Our first stop is the Battle of Isandlwana and the Battle of Rorkes Drift. These 2 encounters between the Zulu’s and the mighty British Empire have gone down in history. During the Battle of Isandlwana, the Zulu’s wiped out almost an entire regiment of the mighty British Empire – the greatest defeat Britain ever suffered from a native force. Rorkes Drift, on the other hand, holds the record of the most Victoria Crosses (11) ever awarded during a single encounter. Then we step into the Zulu/Boer war and visit Blood River, where a life-size laager of brass oxwagons commemorate the battle where 150 Boers defeated 6000 Zulu warriors.
Day 4 - Dundee Today is often cited as a highlight of their tour by many of our guests. We venture into rural Zululand for a glimpse into the life of the modern-day Zulu’s. This is not a staged or planned trip and we meet the Zulu’s as they go about their everyday life. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the intricacies of the Zulu lifestyle and culture. You will also have the opportunity to approach the locals (with the help of your guide) and if you are in luck, to make purchases of artifacts and genuine Zulu memorabilla.
Optional: The rural Zulu communities of Kwa-Zulu Natal are some of the poorest in the country. Many do not have access to running water, electricity or even medical care. On one hand, this has helped preserve the Zulu way of life - on the other, these communities have very little. If you would like to make a much appreciated donation, this is where it would be best utilised. Clothing, toys and educational material is in high demand. If you have any old clothing or shoes you do not want to take home after your long trip through Southern Africa, here is a good place to drop it off. Alternatively, you may want to make a financial contribution when making your booking. This financial contribution will go towards buying toys and educational material which you will take with you on the day to personally hand out. Please note that we are not affiliated to any charity institute or organisation. There is no quick-fix to solve the problems these communities face, but this is something we promote to make a small difference in the lives of the individuals we encounter during our visit.
Day 5 - Hluhluwe-Unfolozi Game Reserve After an early breakfast we head straight into the heart of Zululand and the old hunting grounds of the legendary King Shaka. This area is today known as the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve. This reserve was founded in 1895, making it the oldest game reserve in South Africa. It was here that the world acclaimed Operation Rhino was introduced in the 1960\'s, which turned the tide on rhino conservation. At least a fifth of the world\'s Black and White Rhino populations are found in this 96 000ha park. We enjoy an afternoon game drive, seeking out the rhino that have made this park famous, as well as the other members of the Big 5.
Day 6 - Pongola We chase you out of bed early to enjoy a game drive as the bush awakens. This is the best time for game viewing. After breakfast, we take a leisurely game drive out the park and visit Illala Weavers. This project was established to revitalize the age-old Zulu tradition of handcrafts, which were in danger of being lost forever. Ilala helps over 2000 Zulu people attain self sufficiency by working from their homes, retaining their lifestyle and rich heritage of basket weaving and bead work passed through the generations. After viewing the many crafts on display and for sale, we continue north to Pongola Private Game Reserve. We spend two nights at Mvubu Game Lodge, surrounded by bushveld savannah and the Lebombo mountains.
Day 7 - Pongola You have a choice of either an early morning game drive in an open safari vehicle, or going Rhino tracking (where we see how close we can get to the Rhino on foot!). In the late afternoon we also enjoy a game cruise on the Pongola dam (a great way to see the animals as they come to drink). Pongola Game Reserve also has a Spa where you can pamper yourself. Enjoy an open-air massage, surrounded by the African bush - what better way to end off an African safari?
Day 8 - Mkhaya Game Reserve After an early breakfast, we travel north into Swaziland. We head straight for Mkhaya Game Reserve, where we will be met by open Land Rovers for a very different type of safari. Mkhaya accommodates white rhino, elephant an numerous antelopes such as nyala and eland. It also operates as a refuge where endangered species such as roan and tsessebe antelope are bred. What makes Mkhaya so unique is that, rubbing shoulders with the game, are herds of Nguni cattle! The long-horned Nguni were herded by African clans when Europeans first encountered them. Although hardy, disease-resistant and well adapted to the environment, white beef-farmers regarded them as puny and unproductive and replaced them with imported stock. By 1970 pure strains of Nguni had virtually disappeared and Ted Reilly initially purchased Mkhaya to save them. The sharp increase in the price of cattle feed in the late 1970’s made the Nguni very attractive commercially, enabling Reilly to sell them as pure-bred stock and using the money to fund the game programme at Mkhaya. Today these indigenous cattle graze here alongside zebra, wildebeest and antelope - just as they always used to - making the reserve economically self-supporting. Mkhaya’s other claim to fame is that you are more likely to encounter Black Rhino in the wild here than anywhere else in Africa (6 Black Rhino were originally donated by the Taiwanese government as a gesture of good will and they are breeding well). Mkhaya is staffed and patrolled entirely by Swazis from neighbouring communities and currently boasts what is arguably Africa\'s most effective anti-poaching unit. We spend the night at Stone Camp. This is the \"real deal\' as far as getting closer to nature. Smaller game such as warthog visit the camp whilst the big game, such as elephant, is kept at bay outside the camp by a three-strand electric cordon. Units are laid out individually and each unit is totally private due to the thick vegetation. The entire internal structure of these cottages, although veiled for privacy, is open to the external bush, which gives visitors a totally unique, true bush experience.
Day 9 - Halane Royal National Park We enjoy breakfast and continue north to the Hlane Royal National Park, held in trust for the Nation by His Majesty King Mswati III. We book into our accommodation and visit a local traditional Swazi village. We will be accompanied by a Hlane field guide. On arrival the field guide will give the women in the group traditional Swazi attire, (a wrap known as Emahiya), which, in respect of the Swazi culture, the women will wrap around them as a skirt - it is not correct to show your legs. This Umphakatsi Chief Village is a real living homestead – a real hands on experience - and so worth a visit! You will be invited into their homestead where you will learn about the Swazi life style. The iNkhosikati (the mother of the Chief) of the village will welcome you. You will be taken to a hut where you must take of your shoes and if you happen to be carrying a stick, you have to leave it outside. When entering the hut, women enter to the left and the men to the right. You\'ll find mats on the ground for you to sit on and there you can try your hand at grinding maize, perhaps carrying a calabash on your head and plaiting grass (making ropes which they use for thatching their homes) while singing some traditional songs. You may also sample some traditional brew whilst watching the entertainment put on by the local boys and some of the women, the Sibhaca dance. This is a fantastic experience and you will gain knowledge of some traditional Swazi cultural events like the Umhlanga Dance (reed dance) and lusekwane (cutting of sickle bush for the King to make the Royal Kraal). A trip not to be missed where you will be enlightened to the Swazi way of life! We return to Hlane for a late afternoon game drive, perhaps being lucky enough to spot the king’s magnificent lions – the symbol of royalty and the pride of Swaziland. We return to camp for dinner.
DAY 10 - Ezulwini Valley We leave Hlane after breakfast and travel through Manzini - the capital of Swaziland - before arriving in the Ezulwini Valley. The street stalls in Ezulwini are crammed with exquisite wooden sculptures and crafts. A popular purchase is a bright hand-woven basket in zigzag designs of greens, purples, yellows and reds. We visit some of the craft markets. Also worth visiting is the famous Swazi Candles workshop (where you can watch the artisans hand sculpt every imaginable pattern and shape from wax) and the Guava Gallery (the only manufacturing jeweler in Swaziland, with very different designs - with variety such as gold and silver jewellery cleverly entwined with elephant and giraffe hair, woven bracelets and bangles). We book into Mantenga Lodge, situated among natural surroundings at the foot of Sheaba’s Breasts Mountains and overlooking the legendary Execution Rock. The afternoon is spent at leisure. The National Museum & Archives, the Houses of Parliament, King Sabuza II Memorial Centre and the Swazi Cultural Village are all within a 3km radius of the lodge and your guide will be happy to escort you to any of these.
DAY 11 - Johannesburg We leave Swaziland after a leisurely breakfast, via Oshoek Border Post, but not before stopping at Ngwenya. At the summit of Ngwenya Mountain is is the world\'s most ancient iron ore mine, dating back 43 000 years and at its foot is a remote village. Here a small group of Swazi craftsmen and women - with age old artistry - breath life into enchanting interpretations of the animals and birds of Africa, imbuing each with its own irresistible personality. Witness first-hand the magical art of glassblowing from an overhead balcony. Each item handmade from 100 % recycled glass! We head back to Johannesburg, where we drop you off at your gust house or the airport.
Included in Price The price will include all transport, meals, entrance fees, activities, guides and accommodation during the tour, as indicated in the itinerary. The tour will be done in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Excluded from price International flights, Accommodation before and after the tour, lunches, drinks and curios, travel insurance, required inoculations and malaria medications, visas (if required).
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The operator did a great job of planning our 26 days in South Africa, accommodating all our requests.
Their itinerary included a great variety of accommodations, and a comfortable vehicle for the many kilometres from Cape Town to Kruger.
Vaughn, our guide for the entire trip, was interesting and colourful. He went out of his way to make sure that we saw exactly what we wanted, that we were comfortable, and had everything we needed.
Our experience was awesome, enjoying several public and private game park safaris, boat and train rides, and great food. We truly enjoyed the scenery and viewing the wildlife in South Africa, a troubled, yet beautiful country.
We were extremely pleased with all aspects of our tour, from initial arrangements through delivering us to the airport for the return trip.
Their selection of activities, lodging, etc. considered and suited our interests and needs very well. Our only regret is that we did not involve them earlier in our planning.
Pierre and Karen are both great people and very trustworthy.
They were the greatest! Just having my husband and I with the tour guide made it so personal... truly worth the investment.
The tour guides Melanie & Mike went out of their way to make us have a vacation of a lifetime. We customized our tour from Johannesburg and Cape Town to see the culture, beauty, and history of each place. Breathtaking..... simply.... fabulous...
We went to to the Timbulvalti on safari and stayed at the Kambaku Lodge where we celebrated our anniversary and Christmas which was SO remarkable, one we shall treasure forever.
We made new friends and plan to do it again with them... all the way.
Our trip was wonderful. They coordinated many exciting activities and arranged beautiful accommodations and delicious meals for us. Our guide was friendly and informative.
We definitely recommend them, especially for people who want a customized itinerary
Book now! Without hesitation, that is our advice to any person who is considering using this tour operator to plan and guide their tour of South Africa.
We have never used a guide before and chose them because they offer private tours and do not combine parties to fill their vehicles. We were extremely satisfied with all aspects of our tour from the planning stages to the choice of accommodations to the guide himself.
We booked the 21 day tour from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Our guide, Pierre, is a knowledgeable and very personable guide who made us feel at home in South Africa from the moment we met him. The choices of game reserves and other stops on the tour were excellent and when we wanted to add or change part of the tour while in route, Pierre did everything he could to accommodate our requests. He even swung through the trees with us when we wanted to do the Tsitskamma Canopy Tour and "suffered" through a full day at the spa with us at the Pongola Game Reserve.
We especially enjoyed spending a day stopping at Zulu villages handing out clothing and soccer balls to the local people, as well as, having the opportunity to purchase old spears and other crafts directly from the Zulus. Our 21 days tour gave us a fantastic overview of the diversity and beauty of South Africa.
As Pierre told us we would be, we are now hooked on Africa. We hope to return soon to travel with them to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.
We give our highest recommendation and are looking forward to our next tour with them.
Dr. Karsten and Sydney Eden Anchorage, Alaska, USA
We have travelled the world. Forget coach tours. This operator is the best by far.
Pierre and his team provide us with a fantastic holiday and I strongly recommend them to those who want to see the best, with the best at a very reasonable cost.
My husband, my thirteen year old grandson and I just returned from an absolutely glorious exploration of South Africa.
Our trip from the time we landed in Johannesburg and departed from Cape Town was 23 days packed full of adventures. From Soweto to game safaris to Victoria falls on to whale watching and visiting schools and homesteads way back in the bush we were cared for, transported and wined and dined by our guides Pierre, Tony and Mike who had exceptional knowledge and skill. Beside their knowledge, we were constantly amazed at their ability to see and identify birds and animals in the bush or even as we drove along roads at highway speeds.
Our accommodations were always lovely and in ideal locations and settings. We stayed in a 2 bedroom log cottage by the sea, a tented lodge in Kruger National Park, an outstanding guest house on the ocean where we could whale watch from our balconies and an European style mansion in Cape Town. Because all the places were small and intimate we got to spend time with South Africans which certainly enhanced our experience. Meals were a varied experience from in the lodges to interesting but lovely restaurants and even, BBQ's cooked by our wonderful guide, Pierre. Food was plentiful, excellent and we were encouraged to order way more than we could eat. Our grandson loved this as he tried every exotic food on the menu.
Our guides Pierre, Tony and Mike, besides being unbelievably knowledgeable and informative, are wonderful company. One example is the day that Mike, a history expert, drove us to one of the Zulu-British battlefields, sat us in canvass chairs under an African tree and with props reenacted the battle. We were sure that 20,000 Zulu warriors would crest the hill at any moment.
Since I am not the easiest client to deal with as I ask too many questions and want to be involved in all decision making, I can testify to the patience and attention to details that this company provides. Having a 13 year old traveling with you can present other parameters but Pierre and Company were just incredible with our grandson making sure that he was always included, engaged and excited.
I am sure that you can tell that this is an absolute rave review. I cannot wait to travel again with Pierre and company next time to Namibia and Botswana.
8
Client:
Debbie Jones - from United States
Trip:
currently unavailable
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
We returned last week from our first trip to Africa.
I have to say, that after months of anticipation, this trip was everything we expected, and more. I would highly recommend this safari operator for anyone planning a trip to Africa.
Pierre and Mike went out of their way to make sure that each person on the tour was happy and comfortable.
We intended this to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but, since we have come home, we have been talking about planning another trip as soon as time and money allow!
The wildlife was amazing, as was the scenery at Victoria Falls. We really could not pick just one favorite thing about the trip, it was all wonderful.
Just got back from 20 nights in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Pierre couldn't have put together a more perfect itinerary.
Four nights at A'Zambezi Lodge enjoyed the Walk With Lions, Elephant Ride Safari, Helicopter Tour of Victoria Falls, Day Trip to Botswana (Chobie)and had fun at the market. The lodge was beautiful with a friendly staff and excellent food. Returned back to Johannesburg to meet Pierre and head to Greater Kruger with stops such as waterfalls and God's Window. Timbavati reserve was teaming with wildlife and we stayed at Gomo Gomo. Another beautiful lodge with great staff and great food.
Our ranger, Trevor was fantastic at spotting and tracking animals and birds. We go so close to so many different animals it seemed like something out of a wildlife show. Trevor and Pierre's humor made the game drives and meals even more enjoyable. We spent one night in Kruger National Park where we finally spotted the infamous Bushbabies. Yes, they really do exist! Then on to Pongola where we stayed at Mvubu. Beautiful accodomations with world class views. It was here that we caught tiger fish and spotted the rhinos. Great place. Swaziland was a great experience for two nights to see how tribes really live. The entertainment, tour, food and people were again the best.
Sadly, we had to leave our beloved Pierre and fly from Durban to George where we met the other guide Pierre had arranged to show us around the Cape Town area. Mike....what a nice guy! Always working hard to meet our needs and please us. We spent 3 nights in Wilderness at Shinning Waters BB where Ann made sure we were comfortable. Beautiful home with ocean views in each room. Visited National Park, kids went Bungy Jumping, took a little hike and rode the ostriches! Great fun! Last three nights were spent in Cape Town at Blackheath Lodge. John and Antony were wonderful hosts. The home was very nice with good location. We spent our time at the Waterfront, on Table Mountain, Cape Good Hope and touring around the city.
While I was not to sure about booking a trip for my family and my husbands parents and being able to meet everyone's needs, Pierre put me at ease with his many e-mails, phone calls and listening to the endless list of things we wanted to do and see. I could have never put such a wonderful trip together myself. Pierre kept my mother in law fed and happy....a feat in itself, listened to my son's never ending stories and tolerated my daughters simple minded questions like "how did those rocks get there?" and "why is the car driving backwards?"
If you are looking for a tour company who knows their way around South Africa, Pierre will provide the trip of your dreams for a a personalized, helpful and exciting experience
We had a great couple of days in Kwa-Zulu Natal. We wanted a customised tour to fill three spare days and this safari came up trumps.
Pierre was great, meeting us at Durban and arranging every aspect of the safari and the battle field tour we had wanted to cover on our brief stay in KZN.
We would thouroughly recommend this safari operator. The Guest House, owned by Pierre in Dundee was really comfortable and we were made very welcome by Pierre and his wife Karen - great
