HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK & ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK - Days 1, 2 & 3
Upon arrival in Durban, we head up the North Coast, past Stanger, over the Thukela River and directly to Bonamanzi Game Park, deep in the heart of Zululand. Here, we check in to Lalapanzi Camp for a 3-night stay in comfortable 3-star chalets. Bonamanzi is located within a 4 000 hectare privately owned wildlife reserve, abounding in big game, and boasting some 340 listed bird species. The Hluhluwe River flows through the park, hence the name “Bonamanzi”, which literally translated means “Look - water!” Our days at Bonamanzi are devoted to exploring nearby game reserves and scenic wonders of the region.
Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, synonymous with rhino conservation and translocation is among the oldest proclaimed wildlife refuges in South Africa, and is now a conservation island, surrounded by human habitation and agricultural areas. The area was originally reserved as the exclusive hunting ground of Zulu Royalty, dating back to the 1820’s and the reign of Shaka Zulu, making this the first conscious conservation effort in Zululand. The park now boasts all of the ‘Big 5’, and has one of the the highest white rhino populations in the world. The topography of Imfolozi Game Reserve ranges from the Imfolozi River floodplain to undulating grassland which extends into Acacia savannah and woodland. It is one of the world's top spots for viewing nyala, and is a prime birding destination - home to 340 bird species. We explore the park, spending quality time on game drives, quietly watching nature at work and learning about the dynamics of natural ecosystems.
The isiMangaliso Wetland Park is South Africa's third-largest protected area, encompassing 280 km of coastline, from the Mozambican border in the north to Mapelane, south of the St. Lucia estuary. The park was proclaimed a world heritage site because of its rich biodiversity and great variety of ecosystems, ranging from coral reefs and sandy beaches, to subtropical dune forests, savannah and wetlands. Animals occurring in the park include elephant, leopard, black and white rhino, buffalo, and in the ocean, a variety of marine life, including four turtle species. The park is also home to 1,200 Nile crocodiles and 800 hippopotami. We explore the area, and take a leisurely boat cruise enjoying what this unique and multi-faceted sanctuary has to offer.
MKUZE - Days 4 & 5
We head northward to Mkuze Game Reserve, where we check into the chalets in the unfenced Mantuma Camp. This reserve was proclaimed in 1912, and comprises 40 000ha in extent. This perennial favourite with nature lovers, forms part of the Greater isiMangaliso Wetland Park and is home to the “big 5”. Prolific herds of Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Impala and Nyala can be seen as well as Kudu, Eland and the little Suni Antelope. Many bird species have been recorded here, and several bird-hides can be visited. During our stay here we explore the many tracks and waterholes in the reserve, taking our time to observe interesting wildlife behaviour.
There is no restaurant in the camp, so your guide will prepare meals, including alfresco lunches and a braai under the stars. The quiet nights in the bush are special, with the night sounds of Africa lulling us to sleep.
ITHALA GAME RESERVE - Days 6 & 7
We head inland along the course of the Phongolo River to Pongola, the centre of a massive irrigation-farming district. We now leave the sub tropical areas, and ascend the hilly grasslands of the hinterland. By late afternoon we reach Ithala Game Reserve, home for the next two nights. We stay in spacious bungalows at the award-winning Ntshondwe Camp, which subtly blends into the natural vegetation on the slopes of the Ngotshe Mountains. The visitor centre has an excellent restaurant and an open game viewing deck which overlooks a small pan.
We take our own vehicle on Ithala’s tracks and trails to enjoy its lush valleys, rolling grassy hills and endless vistas. There are opportunities to stop at viewpoints, and take short strolls at the wooded picnic sites. The abundant bird life along the river adds plenty of interest to the nature enthusiast. The reserve contains most of the commonly encountered savannah and grassland game, with elephant, buffalo and white rhino having been re-introduced. Ithala’s topography extends over lowveld and densely vegetated riverine valleys, to high-lying grassland plateaux, ridges and cliff faces. Giraffe are so numerous that they have been selected as Ithala's logo. The absence of lion makes for a relaxed air among prey species such as zebra, blue wildebeest and a wide variety of antelope. In the late afternoon your guide will be leading nature walks around the camp area highlighting local plants, trees and bird life. Evening drives in an open vehicle are offered as an optional extra by the Park, for a chance to encounter some interesting nocturnal wildlife.
ZULU CULTURE & THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS - Day 8
We maintain the relaxed tempo of the tour, and head south for Shakaland via Vryheid, the largest town in northern KZN with its interesting mix of Zulu, German, Afrikaans and English cultures. We descend from the high country of the interior, passing by numerous cultural and historical sites, deeply steeped in myth and legend. These include ‘Emakhosini’ (the Valley of the Kings), the site of Dingane’s royal residence at uMgungundlovu and that of Cetshwayo at Ondini. In the early afternoon, we arrive at Shakaland, with its focal point of Zulu culture. The lodge was constructed on the set of the epic movies “Shaka Zulu” and “John Ross”, and here we find many opportunities to learn more about the proud Zulu people, their traditions and folklore.
ESHOWE - Day 9
After breakfast we leave Shakaland, and head for Eshowe - the oldest town of European settlement in Zululand. An attraction here is the mystical Dlinza Forest - steeped in myth and legend. The name ’Dhlinza’ means ‘Place of Meditation’, aptly named for its peace and solitude. Depending on our flight schedule, we may have time to visit the aerial boardwalk which takes us high into the forest canopy where many endemic bird species roost and nest. We take our leave of ‘The Kingdom of the Zulus’ and head for King Shaka International Airport for our outward flight.
As always, Landscape staff will be on hand to see you safely to your doorstep.
