Luxury Wheelchair friendly, but suitable for all travellers, Big 5 Safari in Umfolozi /Hluhluwe Game Reserve, South Africa, combined with stunning coastlines and close wildlife interaction in Zululand. Starts and ends in Durban
Wheelchair friendly but suitable for all travelers.
Day 1 A warm welcome awaits you at Durban International airport where you will be met by your friendly hosts. You will be transferred in fully accessible, air conditioned vehicles through Durban, Africa’s exciting seaside paradise to the 5 star Makaranga Garden Lodge. This lodge is the premier lodge in South Africa catering for people with physical disabilities and on e of the few resorts in the world providing wheelchair users with the opportunity to enjoy luxurious facilities and 30 acres of private botanical gardens. This lodge has been designed to be totally wheelchair friendly with 18 ponds, waterways and prolific birdlife and sleeping facilities for carers.
There is even a swimming pool with full access for wheelchair users. Located in the rolling hills of KwaZulu Natal and near the Valley of a Thousand Hills this is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and be enchanted by the scenery after your exertions of a long flight.
The beautiful gardens are an oasis of peace and serenity with indigenous and exotic plants and provide the ideal backdrop to achieve the desired levels of relaxation for all who visit. Soak up the spirit of our special slice of Africa while enjoying refreshments on the Tuscan Terrance which overlooks a pond.(B)(5 Star Lodge)
Day 2 Today we spend relaxing at the Lodge and soaking up its unique and enchanting atmosphere. Enjoy walks through the 30 acres of gardens incorporating artworks, sculptures, a magnificent Japanese garden, cycad gardens, ponds and meandering pathways leading to waterfalls.Soak up your first day in Africa by spoiling yourself at the Health Spa with its special invigorating and holistic treatment range. In addition,you can soak up the African sun next to the large full accessible rock swimming pool. (B)(5 Star Lodge)
Day 3 This day holds much excitement as we explore The Golden Mile along the Durban Beachfront with its wonderful mix of cultures, nationalities, stunning beaches, flea markets, restaurants and places of interest. You will visit an exciting attraction Ushaka Marine World Africa’s largest aquarium with its seal and dolphin stadium and aquariums where you can touch a starfish and feel the skin of a sea cucumber.
Be fascinated by sharks, sea snakes, sting rays and stone fish in different magnificent aquariums. There are snorkeling pools with over one thousand fish and diving pools where you may dive with an qualified diver and watch the stingrays swim by. We have lunch along the Village Walk with its numerous shops and restaurants before heading back to the Lodge. (B)(5 star Lodge)
Day 4 Today we head out for the great African safari to the Umfolozi /Hluhluwe Game Reserve situated in the largest and most spectacular ecotourism region inSouth Africa.(3 hours drive from Durban) Established in 1895 Hluhluwe/ Umfolozi is the home of The Big Five and Operation Rhino. It became world renowned for saving the white rhino from extinction.
The Lodge which is situated high on the edge of a forested slope where it commands breathtaking views of Zululand's hills and valleys. After settling in at your comfortable spacious and completely accessible thatched chalet which for your convienience also has a fully equipped kitchen, we introduce you to the magical experience of Zululand and this magnificent 100 000 hectares of Africa.
You will be sure to spot elephant, buffalo, giraffe, warthog, zebra, impala and wildebeest and many other species during your visit here. The park is also home animals such as Lion, Leopard and Wild Dog. Enjoy a peaceful and safe ambience with Africa and its wildlife in your luxurious, air-conditioned vehicle with your experienced Game Ranger and your host. All meals during your stay is at the Mpunyane Restaurant where you will be captivated by excellent service and world class cuisine. There is also the relaxing Uzavolo Bar Lounge which lends itself to discussions of the days experiences. (B) (4 star Lodge)
Day 5 and 6 These are the days where the spirit of Africa touches your soul. We embark on leisurely extended game drives to all areas of the Park. There is much to explore! Fot those who are keen photographers this is the perfect time to capture unique photos.Your experienced ranger will help you spot and identify many species of bird and animal life. (The Elephant Coast has more than 500 species of birdlife recorded). With a little assistance most people will be able to distinguish the more common families of birds in no time at all. Look out for the abundant animal life such as black rhino, nyala, kudu, hippo, crocodile, waterbuck, reedbuck, red duiker, baboons, monkeys, hyena, wildebeest, giraffe and often to be seen elephant and buffalo You may also see lion, cheetah, wild dog and other predators. (B)(4 star Lodge)
Day 7 Today we experience the magic of the Elephant Interaction where two wild elephants that are called in every morning by their guide. One can feed,touch and interact with these powerful and amazing animals. A visit to local Cheetah Centre follows where you will meet and touch with various wildcats such as Serval,African Wild Cat and Cheetah.(B)(4star Lodge)
Day 8 Today will be a special excursion: You will visit numerous eco/cultural activities available in the area. Visit the ancient World Heritage Site at False Bay, the largest estuarine system formed in Africa formed 140 million years ago. Other attractions include Ilala Weavers with its restaurant where you will enjoy lunch and curio shops featuring traditional Zulu basket weaving and beading. Today's adventures include a visit to Dumazulu Traditional Zulu Village where you will learn of the African Zulu Tribe as you visit its cultural village. Be spellbound by the energetic Zulu Dancing with its awesome rhythm of drumbeats and African dancing! We then set off for St Lucia, a picturesque village situated within a nature reserve and which is surrounded by 5 distinct ecosystems and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site (St Lucia 4 star Lodge)
Day 9 St Lucia offers the day visitor an endless wealth of possibilities with its shops, curio and African-ware flea markets, pubs, restaurants, boat trips, and a lovely interpretation centre explaining the ecology of the World Natural Heritage Site. You will spot crocodiles, hippos and abundant birdlife from the shoreline and on your boat trip which offers great opportunity for special and unique photography. (B) (B)(4 star Lodge)
Day 10 Time to set off for the journey back to Durban and enroute we visit Gateway Theatre of Shopping the largest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere. Here you may enjoy the South African shopping experience, eat at one of the numerous up market restaurants, watch a show at the magnificent IMAX Theatre or watch the surfers at The Wave Pool before returning to your place of accommodation for the night. Alternatively return straight to your Lodge to spoil yourself with treatments at the Health Spaor to explore the magnificent gardens. (B)(5 star Lodge)
Day 11 Time to prepare for your flight and transfer to Durban International Airport (B)
Included All accommodation four nights 5 star lodge and 6 nights 4 star lodge. All accessible transport and transfers. Vehicle is minibus with hyraulic lift in the rear. Personal game ranger and guide/driver.This ranger has 15 years experience of Hluhluwe Game Reserve and knows exactly where to find the wildlife. All meals as indicated. All safaris and activities as indicated except for St Lucia hippo spotting boat ride(Optional)(This boat is fully accessible with lift) Itineraries are flexible. We ensure your holiday will be relaxed and enjoyable and offer highly personalised individual attention. We supply extras such as shower chairs free of charge. This safari and holiday suitable for all travelers,honeymoon couples,familys with children and able travelers. Discount prices for 3 or more guests available
Not Included Visas airflights insurance refreshments and drinks St Lucia hippo spotting boat ride(Optional)
