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| Viewing: A week in Zululand |
Package ID: 1821 |
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| A week in Zululand |
We take you into the heart of Zululand, home of the legendary King Shaka, the battlefields and some amazing wildlife.
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DAY 1: DURBAN
Your guide will collect you from the airport or your hotel in Durban. In the Sunshine City we spend the day 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 artefacts 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-IMFOLOZI
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:
After breakfast we head back to either Johannesburg or Durban, where we drop you off at the airport or your hotel.
INCLUDED:
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:
Accommodation before and after the tour, flights, lunches, drinks and curios, SPA treatments, travel insurance, required inoculations and malaria medications, visas (if required).
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