(Code T16)
10 days—Wildlife & Culture Tour - 10 Days
$3000-6000 USD
pp
Safari summary
The Wildlife and Culture Tour explores the north eastern part of South Africa, in the company of an experienced tour guide. The focus of this South African tour is on the rich diversity of wildlife with which the country is blessed, as well as the traditions and cultures of the peoples who call this part of the world home.
It is an overland tour which starts and ends in Johannesburg. Areas which are visited include the Mpumalanga Highlands, as well as the world renowned Kruger National Park. This National Park is South Africa's primary conservation area. Following the safaris conducted in Kruger, the tour travels through Swaziland to the land inhabited by the proud Zulu nation. The imposing Drakensberg Mountains are the final destination, which is visited before returning to Johannesburg.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | Game drives | |
| Activity level | Easy activity | |
| Best months | All months | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1 Mpumalanga Highlands Guests will be met upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg from where the tour travels east through the coal rich Highveld and the rolling hills of Mpumalanga to the Mpumalanga Panoramic Route. Here visits are made to the Blyde River Gorge dominated by the triplet peaks of the Three Rondavels and Gods Window, a cleft in the edge of the escarpment from where magnificent views of the Lowveld can be enjoyed. God's Window is situated in a patch of indigenous forest where many flowering and aromatic plants flourish. A visit is also made to the historical mining village of Pilgrims Rest. It is one of the most perfect examples in the world, of a mining town born during the excitement of an alluvial gold rush. Gold was discovered here in 1873 and the town was declared a national monument in 1986.Guests will have a gold digging and panning demonstration before traveling on to the overnight destination which will be reached during the late afternoon. Mount Sheba Country Lodge is tucked away amongst the mountains above the historic mining town of Pilgrim's Rest. The forest surrounding Mount Sheba is home to a multitude of small creatures and birds, and has numerous carefully worn exquisite forest paths that reveal the quiet grace of the flora and the fauna. The late afternoon is devoted to rest and relaxation in these tranquil surroundings. Overnight: Mount Sheba Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Kruger
Day 2 Kruger National Park Splendid scenery abound as the tour makes its way to the Shangaan Cultural village where guests are led from the Marula Market by a trained guide who explains how the Shangaan traditionally collect food from their environment, and the way in which traditional farming is conducted. The route leads up to a traditional Shangaan Village which is the residence of a Headman, his wives and his children. In the village some time is devoted to getting some insight into the history and culture of the Shangaan. Upon completion of this South African Culture Tour we travel to the Kruger National Park. Kruger National Park is a short drive from the Cultural Village. The Park is named after the sitting president of the old Transvaal republic who proclaimed the Sabi Reserve in 1897. This reserve was the beginning of the Kruger National Park as it is known today. Approximately two million hectares in extent, the Park is internationally renowned as one of the world's foremost conservation areas. The late afternoon is devoted to a first game drive in search of Africa's Legendary Big Five in an area where many other mammal and bird species grace the African Savannah and give meaning to the words "Spirit of Africa". Overnight: Skukuza Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3
Kruger
Day 3 Kruger National Park A morning safari is conducted by your experienced guide. He will check the sightings of the previous day that have been logged by various groups, since this will increase your chance of seeing a pride of Lion on a recent kill or viewing the imposing White Rhino or the illusive African Wild Dog in an area where it was recently spotted. During the late afternoon guests embark on a night safari with a Kruger Park Ranger. The night safari makes possible sightings of creatures like the Genet, Serval and Aardvark which are rarely seen during the day. The large predators are nocturnal hunters and are in general more active during this period of the day. Overnight: Skukuza Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4
Kruger
Day 4 Kruger National Park The area is a paradise for the wildlife enthusiast with close to one hundred and fifty different mammal species ranging from Brant's climbing Mouse weighing no more than a few grams to the mighty African Elephant which can weigh up to seven thousand kilograms. The identified bird species in the area number more than five hundred and the area is blessed with an abundance of flora. An early morning and late afternoon game drive in the company of your experienced guide affords the opportunity to enjoy the natural treasures of this part of Africa. The unique insight and knowledge of the guide is sure to add to the enjoyment and understanding of the habits and behavior of the different species. Overnight: Skukuza Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5
Day 5 Swaziland The tour makes its way South, passing through Nelspruit, the capital of Mpumalanga province en route to the South African border with Swaziland at Oshoek. The tiny mountain Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the smallest self contained sovereign states in the world. The Swazi are a friendly and colorful people who are renowned for their artistry. Before reaching the overnight destination set in the Ezulwini "Heaven Valley" we visit a local craft market and a Swazi candle maker. Overnight: Reilly's Rock Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6
Day 6 Zululand The Mountain Kingdom of Swaziland gives way to the rolling hills of Zululand as the tour travels south, and into the heart of the area which is home to the proud Zulu nation. Once led by the legendary King Shaka - one of Africa's greatest kings who inspired fear and admiration in the hearts of his enemies and subjects alike. Hluhluwe Game reserve, named after the river which flows through it is set in the rolling hills of Zululand and has played a leading role in the recovery of the White Rhino population from the brink of extinction. The afternoon is devoted to a first game drive in this area where the illusive Nyala and the splendid little red duiker are amongst the grandest antelope which are endemic to the area. Sightings of the black and white rhino are an almost certainty in this area which is home to the largest concentration of these imposing beasts. The bird species in the area number approximately 300 and the reserve is home to all of the Big Five. Overnight: Hilltop Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7
Day 7 Zululand A morning visit is made to the St Lucia Wetland Park which has recently been declared a world heritage sight. A boat trip on this lake which is 40km wide with an average depth of less than 1m brings us in contact with this complex ecosystem with no less than 350 species of bird and a population of more than 700 hippos. The tour then makes its way back to Hluhluwe where a late afternoon game drive is conducted after some time for rest and relaxation. Overnight: Hilltop Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8
Day 8 Zululand A last morning game drive in Hluhluwe is followed by a journey to Shakaland where the culture and traditions of the proud Zulu Nation come under the spotlight. Shakaland is built on the site where the original Zulu clan settled in the 18th century. The village was used in the epic Shaka Zulu film. The cultural experience highlights the traditional accommodation, food preparation and social structures which are traditionally adhered to by the Zulu. It is also a showcase for the traditional dress, weapons and dance of this, South Africa's warrior nation. Overnight: Shakaland Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9
Day 9 Drakensberg Traversing the Natal Midlands, we make our way to the Drakensberg Mountains, named by the early Dutch Settlers for their resemblance to the ridges of a Dragon's Back. The steep ridges of the mountains were formed by the headwater erosion of rivers which separate South Africa's Highveld Plateau from the coastal lowlands. Cathedral Peak is situated in the Central Drakensberg where two rivers, the Mlambonja and the Didima have carved deep valleys across the surrounding area. After some time for lunch and relaxation at this mountain retreat you embark on a guided walk to the Doreen Falls, with fresh air and mountain scenery complimenting the experience. In a cave not far from the falls you can admire the art of San Bushmen, who have graced the cave with their drawings in centuries past. The hike is a pleasant one and not too strenuous, the round trip only about 5km. Overnight: Cathedral Peak Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10
Day 10 Departure A morning spent at leisure in inspiring mountain scenery is followed by a return journey to Johannesburg where guests are then assisted with check in at the airport or alternatively transferred to any location of their choice in either Johannesburg or Pretoria after a memorable South African tour. Overnight: None Meals: Breakfast
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