You will be collected by your private driver from your Umhlanga / Durban hotel (King Shaka Airport if flying in) and head north along the N2 towards the Hluhluwe and Zululand region of Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal. Arrive at the 22 000 hectare Big 5 Manyoni Private Game Reserve gate after 3 hours and shortly after you are welcomed at your lodge set atop a hillside with amazing views.
Check in, freshen up, enjoy some lunch and prepare for your afternoon game drive starting around 3:30 pm (winter) OR 4:30 pm (summer). Home to the ‘Big Five’ as well as many species of mammals, reptiles and birds, prepare for an amazing experience. Using all their senses & experience, your Ranger will seek out the animals and stop for anything of interest, possibly the spoor of hunting lions or a herd of dazzling zebras. Sunset time is enjoyed on a vantage point with some sundowners and snacks, before we change into night mode and using flashlights, search for the secretive nocturnal creatures of the bush like a sleek genet or unforgettable view of a leopard.
Upon returning to the Lodge, a blazing fire and yummy dinner awaits, along with your first night’s sleep in the wild and untamed African bush.
Waking to the morning calls of the birds in the riverbed below your chalet, the day begins with a select cup of coffee and some traditional rusks before embarking on your early morning safari with your guide.
On return to the lodge, an enticing breakfast awaits you in the dining room. Thereafter you can enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace or join your guide for a midday waterhole experience, where you will be taken to our secluded hide and can relax whilst watching an array of animals come down to quench their thirst. Alternatively, you can take some quality time for yourself and be pampered at our Africology spa for an hour or two.
At lunch time you can enjoy a picnic basket around the bird pond, on the main lodge deck or simply relax on your private balcony.
In the afternoon, you will be invited to come and enjoy high tea on the main deck as you overlook the distant Lebombo Mountain Range. Afterwards you will go with your guide to explore some different areas of the reserve on your afternoon drive and will be treated to a magnificent african sunset to remember. On return to the lodge, you will have the opportunity to freshen up before having dinner in our ‘million star’ boma where you will be treated to an exquisite african inspired meal and can pair it with one of our award-winning wines from our cellar.
As the day comes to an end, you can sit around the bonfire and share the exciting stories of the days’ wildlife encounters with the other guests or retire to your chalet to enjoy a sherry on your deck and listen as Africa's night chorus unfolds with distant lion roars, hyeanas whooping, or baboons barking at lurking Leopards in the river bed below.
Your Ranger will awake you with coffee, tea and rusks before heading out into the sunrise to see what has been happening in the dead of night and follow spoor of animals on the move. You will also be lead on foot to discover sights which you would miss from a vehicle. Vervet monkeys, birds in song, this truly is a beautiful way to bring on a new day in South Africa. After your game activity you will return to the lodge to enjoy a delicious, hearty breakfast before checking out late morning.
Your driver will return for your private transfer back down the coastline ending with drop off at either King Shaka International Airport or your Umhlanga / Durban hotel at around 3:00 pm.
