Maputaland Adventure
ITINERARY
| Starting point: |
Johannesburg/Pretoria |
| End point: |
Pretoria/Johannesburg |
| Duration: |
10 Days |
| Costing: |
R16000.00 pp for 10 days |
Tour Description
Maputaland, a fascinating area with some of Africa’s older cultural practices, such as the traditional fish drives and traps of the Thonga people, lies in the north-eastern section of Kwazulu-Natal.
It is bordered in the north by Mozambique, in the west it is bound by the Lebombo Mountains, to the east lies the Indian Ocean and, in the south; it ends at Lake St Lucia’s estuary. Maputaland lies at the point of transition between subtropical and tropical zones, making it home to an extraordinary profusion of indigenous plants and animals not found in many other parts of the country.
Pristine beaches lining the coast are the ancient breeding grounds of the once endangered leatherback and loggerhead turtles. The glorious coral reefs swarm with an incredible variety of colourful fishes, and the crystal-clear waterways are filled with hippo and crocodile, while fish eagle and palm nut vulture soar overhead. Maputaland is
synonymous with wildlife, and it is here that you can still hear the voice of ancient Africa.
Adjoining this unspoiled coastline is a patchwork of conservation areas protecting the region’s vegetated dune forests, lake systems, estuaries, swamps, bushveld and forests
The vehicles we use are specifically chosen to be suitable for the area. Some of the areas we travel comprise very thick sand, other is clay surfaces, and still others can comprise a hard surface overlaying a pool of treacherous mud. All of these surfaces can change rapidly under varying conditions. In addition to close-up encounters with wildlife, our adventures also provide a diverse an in-dept encounter with many of the folk who contribute to the land we travel in, to really appreciate the beauty of Africa in all its facets.
This is designed as an adventure trip, and the unexpected can be expected. Be prepared.
Tour summary
Note that although we endeavour to abide by the primary itinerary indicated below, unexpected situations and circumstances beyond our control can result in small (or, occasionally, substantial) changes. This should then be taken as a general guideline.
Day 0: Arrival day (Johannesburg)
Day 1: Utshwayelo – Kosi Bay
Day 2: Utshwayelo – Kosi Bay
Day 3: Thembe Elephant Park – Amanzamnyama Forest
Day 4: Amanzamnyama Forest
Day 5: Amanzamnyama Forest
Day 6: Sodwana Bay
Day 7: St. Lucia – Cape Vidal
Day 8: St. Lucia – Cape Vidal
Day 9: St. Lucia – Cape Vidal – Hluhluwe Nature reserve
Day 10: Return to Johannesburg
Tour costing - R16000.00 pp for 10 days
Kindly refer to the section of this proposal after the detailed tour itinerary for some comments and explanations, as well as details about what is included and excluded.
A deposit of 50% would be required in advance to secure the various bookings en route. We would suggest this be done on confirmation of your booking.
Payments made in foreign currency will be subject to the effective rate of exchange prevailing at the time of transfer.
We supply a copy of our detailed “Terms and Condition” should you indicate your interest in this proposal.
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
Arriving at OR Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) you will be greeted by an Izimbaleko Africa guide. Flights arrival times to be confirmed I advance. You will be transfer to our guesthouse for check-in. You may spend the rest of the day at leisure, catch up on some shopping or sleep.
We have a quick tour briefing before bedding down for the night.
Overnight in Pretoria.
Day 1: Pretoria to Maputaland. (BD)
Departing from Pretoria we head east towards the Maputaland coast. Stop at Pongola for a breakfast. Continuing along Lake Josini, and over the dam wall towards Kosi Bay.
Arriving at our destination it will be time to book in and set up our camp, have a shower and enjoy something cold to drink next to the camp fire.
Day 2: Utshwayelo. (BLD)
Spend the day at the beach and river mouth. Visit the fish kraals and do some spear fishing with the local fishing tribes, snorkel in the mouth and tidal pools, watch the whales and see the dolphins play in the surf. Explore the sometimes totally deserted beach.
Day 3: Thembe Elephant Park/Amanzamnyama. (BLD)
Visit the Thembe Elephant Park for an exiting game drive. Do some shopping in Mangusi. Leave the afternoon for the Amanzamnyama bush camp
Day 4 and 5: Amanzamnyama forest. (BLD)
The bush camp is a beautiful intimate lodge. Accommodation is in bush style Chalets. Each hut have an in suite shower and bush toilet. The lodge serves excellent home cooked meals or a picnic lunch when on a day excursions/activities.
Activities the lodge have to offer.
Turtle tours when in season. October to February.
Boat trip on the see.
Scuba Diving
Horse riding
Cultural activities.
Boating on the lake
Guided walks
Canoeing on the Siyadla River
Day 6: Sodwana Bay. (BLD)
Depart after an early breakfast for Sodwana Bay. Travel the coastal forest 4X4 route. This section of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park includes the pristine beaches of Mabibi, Island Rock Bay, Black Rock and Lake Sibaya witch is the largest fresh water lake in South Africa. Its crystal clear water is home to the second largest population of crocodiles and hippos in the Maputaland area.
Day 7 and 8: The Isimangaliso Wetland Park. (BLD)
Depart the next day to St Lucia and camp at Cape Vidal. Explore the wetland. We visit the Crocodile farm, were you can view snakes do some bird watching visit the cycad gardens and museum. Visit the local craft markets and curio shops and do some shopping in the village. Or hop aboard a river cruise and go hippo and croc hunting. The only shooting allowed is of the photographic variety.
Take long walks on the beach, do some snorkelling, fishing, hiking, bird watching and watch whales from the whale watching tower.
Day 9: Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve. (BLD)
Explore the Hluhluwe and Umfolozi Game Reserve in search of the “Big Five” that makes this one of the most rewarding game viewing parks in Kwazulu Natal.
Day 10: Return to Johannesburg
Return to Johannesburg (OR Tambo Airport) and bid each other farewell or you can extend your South African holiday adventure by joining us on any of our other great packages.
Tour costing – Some comments and details
The tour prices indicated below include the following:
- All accommodation, meals, teas, coffees and soft drinks
- All activities specifically indicated in the itinerary (unless specified “optional” or “own cost”)
- The provision of suitable 4X4 vehicles for the duration of the trip, with appropriately licensed and experienced driver/guides
- Local specialist guides, as required
- Insurance and Emergency evacuation cover (we also insist that guests carry their own comprehensive Travel Insurances)
- Entrance to all National Parks en route
- Cross border charges as required
The following items are not included in the price of this safari package:
- Visas charges for the various countries
- Alcoholic beverages en route and most establishments
- Items of a personal nature
- Curios, etc
- Activities and items not included in the detailed itinerary
Kindly note the following aspects:
- Accommodation and activities are subjected to availability at the time of booking, and, in some cases, depending on other conditions prevailing on arrival.
- It may not always be possible to use the proposed establishment, and in some cases an alternative must be found. Early bookings help prevent variations of this nature
- Lunches provide en route are normally of the picnic variety, due to the unavailability or unsuitable of places to stop along the route
