African Experience
2 Weeks, 2 Worlds, 2 Adventures
Day 1 A visit to the crocodile and snake park with the Zulu Experience including Zulu dancing, warriors and a chance to explore a Zulu house
2 Weeks, 2 Worlds, 2 Adventures
Days 2,3 & 4 Safari in the heart of Zululand Usually you can choose whether you stay at either Hilltop or Mpila camp accommodation. Hilltop Camp is a solid wall �normal “ room with bathroom in the North of the park. See below
2 Weeks, 2 Worlds, 2 Adventures
Mpila camp is tented /canvas walled accommodation with bathroom, in the middle of the park, closer to the animals and more of an African Safari experience!
2 Weeks, 2 Worlds, 2 Adventures
Days 2 Hippos & Crocs The tour departs from Durban heading northward along the coast to northern KwaZulu-Natal. The first stop is the town of St Lucia and the estuary inside the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. There you will board a river boat for a 2 hours guided tour of the estuary. The local guide will inform you of the reserves history and its incredible wildlife. The iSimangaliso Wetlands Park was declared South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site in 1999. Previously known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, the UNESCO site dates back over 120 years. Established in 1895 the reserve is considered South Africa's third largest park with its’ unique ecosystem spanning over 280km of near pristine coastline and 328 000 hectares of magnificent scenery. The protected area is home to one of the largest population of hippopotami in SA as well as an estimated 1000 crocodiles. Isimagaliso has a wealth of plant, bird and animal life, including lion, zebra, African elephant, leopard, giraffe, black and southern white rhino and fish eagles. After the boat tour, you will travel to the HluhluweImfolozi Game Reserve.
2 Weeks, 2 Worlds, 2 Adventures
Day 3 The Big Five & Wild Cats The day starts early with a closed vehicle morning safari. The guide will show you more of the park and hopefully see more wildlife which are active in the early hours of the morning. After a hearty breakfast at the camp the tour will continue with the safari experience in the closed vehicle making our way to the exit. After Hluhluwe Imfolozi Reserve the tour will visit the local market in the town of Hluhluwe. You will be given time to shop before moving onto Emdoneni Wild Cat Project and Lodge. There you will have time to settle into your chalets, have a drink by the bar or swim in the pool before the Wild Cat Project guided tour. A buffet dinner is served at the lodge. Emdoneni Cat Project offers a guided tour about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species. The aim of the Emdoneni Cat Project is to care for the various wild cat species which have been orphaned or injured in the wild and need care and rehabilitation. Emdoneni’s guided tour offers visitors a unique and exciting opportunity to literally get up close and personal with their magnificent cat species. There are four species of wild cats at Emdoneni; African Wildcat, Caracal, Cheetah and Serval. This once in a lifetime opportunity can be enjoyed whilst being educated on a tour. This activity is very popular!
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Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve set in the heart of Zululand where Africa’s Big 5 (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhinoceros) roam the flourishing savannah. Established in 1895 this is the oldest park in South Africa and encompasses over 98 000 hectares of beautiful African landscape. This tour is in a closed vehicle. The Park contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is characterised by hilly topography. The list of animals at the park is long and varied. Hluhluwe Game Reserve makes up the northern top half of the reserve which is renowned for its diverse variety of bird and animal life. South of Hluhluwe is the Imfolozi Game Reserve which makes up half of the park. These two reserves were joined together to create the largest reserve in KwaZulu Natal. The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Reserve is noted for its White Rhino conservation. Their Centenary Capture Centre is celebrated for its exceptional research in animal capture, rehabilitation and release as well their approach to sustainable ecotourism in South Africa. When entering the National park, your experienced guide will drive slowly through the park on route to Hilltop Camp or Mpila Camp. After settling in you will embark on a 3 hour Open-Vehicle Safari during sunset with the local guide. After the drive dinner is served at the camp.
2 Weeks, 2 Worlds, 2 Adventures
Day 4 Shakaland & Dlinza Forest
After a big breakfast at the lodge, the tour heads to Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village. Next stop is the main attraction Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village. The Kings Royal Homestead was built for the movie SHAKA ZULU in the 1980’s. It is a lifestyle replica of Shaka’s Royal Homestead which now serves as a living museum for tourists and schools. The two-hour guided tour gives visitors an insight into Zulu Culture before colonisation and modernization. This includes an opportunity to taste authentic Zulu beer and culminates with a show of spectacular Zulu dancing. We then travel to Dlinza Forest for a scenic easy walk along the high raised board walks which make their way through the beautiful reserve. The reserve is home to small duiker, monkeys and a wide variety of bird life. From there the tour returns to Durban to drop you off at your hotel.
2 Weeks, 2 Worlds, 2 Adventures
Day 5 Relax & AIDS Centre Time to relax after three days of safari. Swim in the pool, laze on a lounger or just sleep in- this morning is all yours! After lunch we will check out the plant nursery and Woza Moya shop in the heart of Hillcrest. Ladies and gentlemen create beautiful traditional crafts for this shop, run by an ex school art teacher.
 
2 Weeks, 2 Worlds, 2 Adventures
Day 6 Black Church /White Church A day of contrasts. In the morning we will visit the Hope Centre, right in the middle of the sugar cane fields and far away from life as we know it. This is a loud and lively church where you will be welcomed with open arms! We will return to Umhlanga for lunch and a walk on the beach before trying out the not quite so lively, but probably as loud Grace Church, Umhlanga
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Day 7 Visit the Hope centre or Children’s school in PMB Your chance to make a difference! Depending on what the community need we will either spend the day at the Hope Centre or in a pre school in PMB You might be painting a wall, digging the garden or playing with the children. We will know closer to the time what is needed and provide help accordingly!
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Day 8 Visit LIV Village A visit to LIV village to see how this 83 acre farm in the Cottonlands community started in Amoati, the largest informal settlement in KZN. They have a choir, soccer teams, life skills training, a pre school, 96 homes, a school, a church and a multi purpose sports hall. They will give us a guided tour and we may be able to visit the local area too, time allowing
2 Weeks, 2 Worlds, 2 Adventures
Day 9 The Markets Meet and greet the local traders at the Bead Market, the Bovine head Market, Mooti Market Music Bridge Market, Berea station Market, Brook Street, Impepho, the Herb market and Victoria Market. There are 6000 street vendors and 460000 commuters. To appreciate the diversity and success of the markets today, the historical significance of the Warwick area is important. Steeped in racial discrimination, the Warwick area was neglected and abandoned by the apartheid government. It was initially Indian indentured labourers who began trading on the street sidewalks in this area, and for example, built the beautiful Badsha Peer Shrine which remains an iconic piece of architecture in Brook Street. With the gradual influx of black African traders into the area, Warwick became a central hub of commerce and trading activity despite constant harassment by the apartheid police, the "blackjacks". It was only in the late 1980s that traders were given recognition for their economic contribution and granted permission to remain in specifically allocated trading locations on the streets. Since then trader committees have been established to work alongside the Municipality and various sector support organizations to create and maintain an effective informal trading location benefiting the traders and the 70, 000 – 100, 000 people who depend on these vendors’ income. This tour is an initiative of the local traders to showcase their merchandise and the endemic and vibrant energy of their markets. These tours are made possible through the assistance of the NGO Asiye eTafuleni, and demonstrate how local informal traders can be successfully incorporated into urban spaces, benefiting not only the traders and their livelihood, but the local tourism industry as well.
2 Weeks, 2 Worlds, 2 Adventures
Day 11 uShaka The largest Aquarium in Africa, this is an underwater adventure- with dolphin, seal and penguin shows, shark dives, ray feeds and so much more! You can try out the black mamba slides, or just lie by the pool. If you are keen, then you can swim in the snorkel lagoon, safe from the sharks and up close and personal with hundreds of beautiful fish! With turtles, brindle bass and endangered penguins, every display is designed to represent the natural habitat and tells a story of the phantom ship.
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Day 12 Shongweni Established in 1998 this twelve stall market is now 150 strong and does the best Brunches for miles around! Whether you come for coffee or cantaloupe, trousers or teapots, this is a very sharp contrast to the Warwick vendors who we met down in Durban. This afternoon we will relax again by the pool , perhaps pleasant stroll to see some bird life.
2 Weeks, 2 Worlds, 2 Adventures
Day 13 Tala
Your last safari before you leave. This time there are no predators so you are almost guaranteed to get up close to a rhino. You can even swim in the rock pools (with a warthog if you are lucky!) Tala Private Game Reserve is a malaria-free wildlife sanctuary located in the hills of a peaceful farming community, close to the bustling city of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This game reserve near Durban is home to more than 380 bird species, as well as big game like Rhino, Kudu, Hippo, Giraffe and the rare Sable antelope. Plant species found in this area include the Fiery Aloe, the imposing Euphorbia and fragrant Wild Sage. The landscapes at this game reserve near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, are characterized by a mix of acacia thornveld, open grassland and sensitive wetland, providing exceptional game and bird viewing opportunities. In this picture perfect setting, guests are able to escape from the hurried pace of modern life, to a place devoid of stress and crowds.
2 Weeks, 2 Worlds, 2 Adventures
Day 14 Oyster Box The Palm court award winning restaurant where we will take our high tea before you catch your planes. Inspired by The Oyster Box’s original, architecture with four magnificent tole and ceramic chandeliers purchased from the Savoy Hotel in London, natural sunlight and towering Palms, The Palm Court is the venue for the legendary High Tea each afternoon. High Tea is a lengthy, leisurely affair with live piano music providing a welcome addition to the occasion. All pastries and baked goods are prepared on the property by our wonderful pastry team. The high tea table is a visual and taste spectacle of sumptuous treats, with everything from freshly baked scones, pastries, quiches and cakes, to finger sandwiches and savouries.
2 Weeks, 2 Worlds, 2 Adventures
Please note that this information is given as a guide only! Depending on the day you arrive we may need to change the order of events and activities, but we will do all of the above, although possibly / probably not in that order! Your stay will be in a range of 3,4 and 5 star accommodation. We usually stay a few nights at the Amazulu palace (right) and where possible, stay on location in a game park ( below). There may not be television at some residencies. Wifi is sometimes available, but may not be at all accommodation. Depending on when you book, will determine the actual accommodation. We try to source rooms with swimming pool access.
2 Weeks, 2 Worlds, 2 Adventures
Any questions or requests, please call Catherine on 0798 3332 179, or email MrsCHealey@gmail.com
2 Weeks, 2 Worlds, 2 Adventures