KwaZulu Natal Surf Adventure Umhlanga - Maputaland Marine Protected Area - andbeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve 10 Days / 9 Nights Home to spectacular world heritage sites where you have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of legendary Zulu kings, Mahatma Gandhi, view the Nelson Mandela capture site and so very many more. The multitude of warm water golden beaches, uncrowded waves, marine adventures inclusive witnessing the impressive sardine run would as a stand-alone be reason enough to visit Kwazulu Natal. This itinerary however packs even more, Malaria free big 5 game viewing, specialist excursions inclusive birding, walking and photographic to name a few. These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the multitude and varied experiences for you to enjoy on this 9 nights and 10 Day cultural immersion.
Day 1-3: Umhlanga (3 nights) Umhlanga is the ideal hub from which to experience all of the attractions in and around Durban. The tropical weather, uncrowded beaches, lush vegetation and bustling square of restaurants are amongst the reasons this is a must visit holiday destination. It is the perfect location for ocean enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, with activities including diving, swimming, scuba diving, whale watching, dolphin viewing, deep sea fishing and kite boarding. Umhlanga Rocks has a excellent golf course, shopping and so much more. 2
Day 4-6: Maputaland Marine Protected Area (3 nights) Image courtesy of Maputaland Travel Maputaland Marine Protected Area includes Lake Sibaya Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve and Rocktail Bay. Perfectly positioned between the azure shimmer of the Indian Ocean in the east and the ancient Lebombo Mountains in the west, this region has a diverse range of eco systems and resultant plethora of natural splendour. The reserve extends all the way from the northern Mozambican border to Sodwana Bay in the south. This sub-tropical paradise includes immaculate forests and wetlands dotted with lakes and marshes as well as coral reefs and deserted beaches. The local wildlife includes an abundance of bird species, reptiles and freshwater fish, making this an ideal destination for nature-loving travellers. If you are travelling in the summer months, you have the added privilege of watching the huge turtles nest on the beaches. 3
Day 7-9: andbeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve (3 nights) Described as Seven Worlds of Wonder, andbeyond Phinda encompasses an impressive 28 555 hectares (70 560 acres) of prime Big Five wilderness in malaria free KwaZulu-Natal. There are seven distinct habitats from dry sand forest to wetland systems and mountain ranges. Catch a glimpse of the shy suni antelope, track rhino in the bushveld, observe breeding herds of elephant in fever tree forests, hold your breath as a cheetah teaches her cubs to hunt, glide past hippo on the Mzinene River and marvel at the gracious nyala. Phinda is home to more than 3 000 of these rare antelope. Additional activities include: Zulu village tours, Maputaland beach adventures, night turtle drives (seasonal), scuba safaris, an ocean safari, and black rhino tracking on foot. 4
Alternatively, experience the oldest game reserve in Africa, 9600 hectare Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. Home to the Big 5 lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo and the endangered African rhino. Other wildlife species you could encounter include crocodile, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, giraffe, waterbuck and zebra to name a few. If you are a keen birder, there are an abundance including the night eron, Klaas s cuckoo and crested barbets. The park is in recent times renowned for its conservation efforts which resulted in it being lauded for one of the largest populations of white rhino. Interestingly enough this very park is also historically renowned for being the private hunting grounds of King Shaka. We tailor the trip to your every specification and include a highly qualified and personable destination host to accompany you on the trip. Your guide is supported by an office of Adventure Architects who are on hand to make any changes to aspects of your trip allowing you and your loved ones to focus purely on having the very best time in Africa. Making a booking with us means you have a host of passionate, highly qualified people making sure your every experience exceeds expectations from booking to departure back home. escape@escapeexplore.com +27 (0)21 791 0333 I +27 (0)21 789 0142 Noordhoek Farm Village, Cape Town escapeexplore 5