Travel to South Africa: South Africa Bush and Beach Safari

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South Africa Bush and Beach Safari

			DAYS: 9 GRADE: I-II define PRICE: From $3895 per person (Includes Local Air) HIGHLIGHTS: Private game reserves near Kruger National Park Maputaland Coastal Forest and Marine Reserves Zulu culture KwaZulu Natal ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges Deluxe Camp MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Experience South Africa's varied natural habitats and rich culture on this unique combination of wildlife, beach, and interactions with the Zulu people. Our journey takes you to private reserves where native trackers find herds of matriarchal elephants and prides of lions basking in the sun. Discover the Indian Ocean's deserted beaches and hear the rhythmic pounding of the feet of Impis, the traditional Zulu warrior.

DAYS 1-3 :  KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SABI SAND RESERVE
Fly from the Kruger airport to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a private reserve forming part of the 2.2 million hectare Greater Kruger National Park. Your base is Elephant Plains Lodge, a small lodge hosting a maximum of 22 guests. Join a game ranger and a Shangaan tracker in search of elephant, leopard, lion, zebra, buffalo, wild dog, and cheetah. Game drives are in open vehicles allowing unobstructed views of wildlife and night drives with spotlights offer chances to catch a glimpse of nocturnal species. At night retire to comfortable, stylish rooms and personal attention from the local staff. Evenings are a special time at Elephant Plains, often spent with a drink in hand watching the sun set over the vast wilderness. Overnight in a luxury room at Elephant Plains Lodge. [BLD]

South African is home to more than 90% of the world's white rhino population and 74% of Africa's total rhino population, largely due to intensive conservation management programs run by the reserves.

DAYS 4-6 :  GREATER ST. LUCIA
After an early morning game drive, transfer by light aircraft to the Maputaland Coastal Forest Reserve and Rocktail Bay Lodge near the shores of the Indian Ocean. Situated offshore from Rocktail Bay is the Maputaland Marine Reserve, which offers extraordinary diving and snorkeling encounters with huge shoals of fish, dolphins and whales. Within walking distance to the warm Indian Ocean and nestled in the forest canopy, Rocktail offers perhaps the most private beach experience in South Africa, with nearly 40 kilometres of pristine coastline where you can walk alone for hours. Listen to singing birds in the early morning, and be soothed by the sound of the ocean and the peeping of tree frogs at night. Accommodation is in 11 tree-house chalets each with a private balcony and an outdoor shower in the forest. The main area of the lodge has an inviting lounge and meals are often enjoyed under a huge Natal Mahogany tree. From mid-October to mid-March leatherback and loggerhead turtle nest here, and you'll have the opportunity to take a night drive with local rangers to monitor turtle nesting habits and behavior. Overnight three nights at Rocktail Bay Lodge. [BLD]

	The proud Zulu remember the days of the Impi, when warriors trained to outrun a horse and walk up to 50 miles in a day

DAYS 7-8 :  THANDA GAME RESERVE
Depart Rocktail Bay this morning for the drive north to the Thanda Game Reserve. In a game area rich with wildlife including rhino, lion, elephant, impala, warthog and buffalo, Thanda prides itself on combining fantastic game viewing with insight into the local Zulu culture. Through traditional Impi dances and village visits see the ambition and enthusiasm of the children as well as the incredible effort that is being put into recording and sharing Zulu history and traditions. Sample Zulu food at the lodge, and listen to Zulu songs that will stay with you long after your departure. Overnight at Thanda Tented Camp. [BLD]

DAY 9 :  END OF SAFARI OR BEGIN EXTENSION
After an early morning game drive and breakfast transfer to Richards Bay Airport in time for your onward flights.  Recommended extensions include the KwaZulu Natal Battlefields or Cape Town and environs. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Lyndsay Harshman 1(800)345-4453