Travel to South Africa: The Earth Organization Eco Safari Adventure

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The Earth Organization Eco Safari Adventure

			DAYS: 9 GRADE: I define PRICE: From $6095 per person (Includes Local Air) HIGHLIGHTS: Specialist safari guided by The Earth Organization donor group conservation community service Big 5 safari ACCOMMODATIONS: Deluxe Camp MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Your Eco Safari host from The Earth Organization ensures every aspect of your trip is rewarding. Seamlessly braided into the trip are three late morning briefings where youll learn about endangered species and other pivotal conservation and environmental issues and solutions.  Each traveler returns with a personalized action plan of what they can do in their home, office or school to perpetuate principles embraced during this exceptional trip.

On one day, we work in the local Zulu community, bringing in needed supplies to the villagers. Each trip is unique: perhaps we will paint a room in the orphanage, or help children plant trees in the area, or educate villagers on the importance of caring for their environment and the local wildlife. These activities provide a richly gratifying and meaningful travel experience that you will treasure forever.  At night, delighting in the superb cuisine of Cordon Bleu chef, Francoise Anthony, and after the drumbeats and bonfires have died, you'll luxuriate in the softly-lit comfort of your five star accommodations.

But more important than all the amenities in the world is the knowledge that a portion of your safari fee will be used to help protect endangered species, educate underprivileged children, expand lands dedicated to wildlife protection, rehabilitate traumatized elephants, and fund environmental curriculum programs in the United States.

The cost of this trip includes a $500 tax deductible donation to The Earth Organization.

Wildlife at Thula Thula includes leopard as well as elephants, rhino, and numerous other species.

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE THULA THULA EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Your Eco Safari Host will greet you when you arrive at Richards Bay Airport. The drive to Thula Thula is just 45 minutes on good tarmac roads. Relax over lunch on the lodge verandah before unpacking in your luxurious tented room. Set out on an exciting two hour game drive into the dense forest area of the reserve, with professional rangers by your side. Enjoy a welcome celebration dinner around the fire surrounded by candlelight, with an authentic Zulu choir.  Nestle into the luxurious comfort of your four-poster bed while you listen to the sounds of wildlife around you. Overnight Thula Thula Luxury Tented Camp. [LD]

DAY 2 :  THULA THULA EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Awake to the extraordinary songs of an amazing variety of birds.  Before a delectable breakfast, enjoy an  early morning game drive with a stop for coffee and biscuits on the river bend where Zulu King Shaka and his father had their historic meeting.  Meet Lawrence Anthony* and, in the late morning, enjoy a fascinating briefing about problems and solutions related to endangered species.  After a leisurely lunch on the verandah, take some time to enjoy the amenities and camaraderie of new friends.  Relax by the pool, read a book in a hammock, or enjoy a massage (on own account).  After your evening game drive, join your fellow travelers for cocktails and a traditional South African braai (BBQ) under the stars. Overnight Thula Thula Luxury Tented Camp. [BLD] *when in residence

	Lawrence Anthony with a Zulu Chief after concluding negotiations to extend the reserve.

DAY 3 :  THULA THULA EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Explore the African bushveld on foot, guided by your game ranger. Youll get up close and personal with the wildlife and plant species, learning basics of tracking and how to recognize the varieties of animal spoor. In the late morning, meet with The Earth Organization staff for a short briefing on conservation issues of today.  After a tantalizing lunch, travel to nearby Buchanana Zulu village and visit with the highly revered Inyanga (medicine man) to have your future divined. Youll be amazed at how accurate he can be!  Game drive into the night and see the nocturnal animals going about their lives.  Chat about the days events this evening over traditional South African cuisine under the southern hemispheres star-filled sky. Overnight Thula Thula Luxury Tented Camp. [BLD]

Time with Zulu kids is always a highlight on our safaris.

DAY 4 :  THULA THULA EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
During your morning game drive, the staff will transfer your luggage to your 5-star accommodations at the Thula Thula Elephant Safari Lodge. You'll be sipping coffee at the highest point on the reserve overlooking the grandeur of Thula Thula.  Spend the day with Zulu villagers while you take part in a community service project with The Earth Organization to help a local school or orphanage.  At dinner, savor the culinary art of our Cordon Bleu chef, with distinctive wines and heavenly desserts, while you are enchanted by true-life stories of extraordinary African adventures. Overnight Thula Thula Elephant Safari Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  THULA THULA EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Explore the flora and fauna of the subtropical grassland area of the reserve. In the late morning, meet with The Earth Organization staff to learn how we can each be more a part of the solution in protecting this beautiful planet and its wildlife.  Youll come away with your own personalized action plan to implement when you arrive home.  4 course, poolside lunch while you watch the Vervet monkeys playing in the nearby trees!  Afternoon game drive to the reserves savannah: new species and eco systems! Tonight we have cocktail hour at the Marula Elephant Bar, followed by a Farewell Dinner with a performance by local Zulu warrior dancers. Overnight Thula Thula Elephant Safari Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 6 :  THORNYBUSH NATURE RESERVE, GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Depart Thula Thula after a hearty breakfast and drive back to Richards Bay for the flights to Hoedspruit (via Johannesburg). Upon arrival you will be met by a ranger from Thornybush Game Lodge and drive through the private reserve to your five star lodge in time for a late lunch. Thornybush Lodge is situated in the private Thornybush Game Reserve, which forms part of the 2.2 million hectare Greater Kruger National Park.  Just 20 rooms are set along the Monwana River, where animals often stroll by grazing or to get a drink. This afternoon explore this Big Five reserve on an extensive game drive, stopping en route for sundowners before continuing on a night drive in search of elusive creatures. Overnight Thornybush Game Lodge. [BLD]

	Learn about cheetah conservation and see them in the wild at Thornybush Reserve.

DAY 7 :  THORNYBUSH NATURE RESERVE, GREAT KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. Shortly after tea and rusks, you depart in your open Land Rover with your experienced Rangers and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor.  After an exhilarating hunt for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, and tracking down whatever you find, you will stop somewhere out in the bush for a break of coffee & tea. Time to stretch your legs whilst having your sunglasses cleaned & indulge in cool towels in summer, and hot towels in winter. In winter, stay warm on the vehicle with hot water bottles & warm blankets. Return to the lodge for brunch then drive out of the reserve to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. 

The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre focuses on the conservation of rare, vulnerable or endangered animals. Cheetah Conservation is one of our core disciplines. The center is actively involved in the breeding of endangered, vulnerable or rare animal species; the education of learners, students and the general public in conservation and conservation activities; eco-tourism; the release and establishment of captive-bred cheetahs back into the wild; the treatment and rehabilitation of wild animals that are brought to the Centre. Following an introductory presentation on the Centre, climb into open safari vehicles with experienced guides and visit the various enclosures to view cheetah, wild dog, lions, the black-footed cat, African wild cat, ground hornbills, sable antelope and other indigenous endangered species while learning about the conservation efforts. Return to Thornybush Game Reserve in the late afternoon. Overnight Thornybush Game Lodge. [BLD]

All of the big 5, including elephants, are found on game drives at Thornybush Reserve.

DAY 8 :  THORNYBUSH NATURE RESERVE, GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
This morning you may choose to go out on the early morning game drive. After a sumptuous breakfast you will set out on a bush walk accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker.  The local Shangaan trackers will enthrall you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with tales of traditional folklore. This afternoons game drive will focus on the creatures you have yet to see so far on this adventure. Overnight Thornybush Game Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 9 :  THORNYBUSH NATURE RESERVE, GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy your last leisurely breakfast in the African wilderness before being transferred to the Hoedspruit Airport to meet your departing flights home or onwards to an extension to Victoria Falls, Cape Town or anywhere else in Africa you wish to explore! [B]

Note: Please contact us directly for other custom extensions to the core Thula Thula Eco-Safari itinerary.

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Julia Nesbitt 1(800)345-4453