Bush skills & Zulu homestay, South Africa
| country: | South Africa |
| location: | KwaZulu Natal, South Africa wildlife reserves |
| departures: | 2008: 16 Nov |
| price: | From £1795 - £1895 (15 days) including flights from the UK, plus Z2000 local payment. This trip can also be booked without flights |
the amazing things you'll be doing
A unique opportunity to learn bush skills in Umfolozi Game Reserve - the oldest game reserve in Africa - and to enjoy an authentic experience of community life in a traditional Zulu village. Explore some of the most stunning wetland scenery to be found in Africa.
Learning bush skills: Umfolozi is a tropical wilderness of undulating, bush-covered hills between two branches of the great Mfolozi River. Famous for its ambitious rhino conservation programme, the reserve is arguably the best place in Africa to see both black and white rhino, as well as the 'big five'.
We spend 3 days learning how to identify and interpret the wildlife and many natural signs around us, as well as wildlife photography, bush survival and camping skills. Putting knowledge gained into practice is an important element of the course, so day we will head out with our expert guides on game walks and drives, with nights around the campfire, sharing our experiences.
World Heritage wetlands & Zulu homestay: The World Heritage proclaimed Greater St. Lucia Park's complex eco-system combines coastal dunes, sub-tropical forests, grassy plains and wetlands. We'll explore the lake systems, including two estuary-linked lakes of St Lucia and Kosi, on foot, boat and canoe and may have the chance to go whale watching in season (optional). Finally we spend two nights as guests in a rural Zulu village, during which time we hope to meet the local herbalist and spiritual healer. Nothing is contrived for tourists so our programme is totally dependant on what is happening in the community at the time as the local people go about their daily routines.
Price includes 4nts camp, 3nts lodge, 3nts chalet, 2nts village hut; 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 11 dinners. Transport is by Minibus/Boat/On foot. Group size approx 12-16 plus Tour Leader, park staff and village leaders.
Learning bush skills: Umfolozi is a tropical wilderness of undulating, bush-covered hills between two branches of the great Mfolozi River. Famous for its ambitious rhino conservation programme, the reserve is arguably the best place in Africa to see both black and white rhino, as well as the 'big five'.
We spend 3 days learning how to identify and interpret the wildlife and many natural signs around us, as well as wildlife photography, bush survival and camping skills. Putting knowledge gained into practice is an important element of the course, so day we will head out with our expert guides on game walks and drives, with nights around the campfire, sharing our experiences.
World Heritage wetlands & Zulu homestay: The World Heritage proclaimed Greater St. Lucia Park's complex eco-system combines coastal dunes, sub-tropical forests, grassy plains and wetlands. We'll explore the lake systems, including two estuary-linked lakes of St Lucia and Kosi, on foot, boat and canoe and may have the chance to go whale watching in season (optional). Finally we spend two nights as guests in a rural Zulu village, during which time we hope to meet the local herbalist and spiritual healer. Nothing is contrived for tourists so our programme is totally dependant on what is happening in the community at the time as the local people go about their daily routines.
Price includes 4nts camp, 3nts lodge, 3nts chalet, 2nts village hut; 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 11 dinners. Transport is by Minibus/Boat/On foot. Group size approx 12-16 plus Tour Leader, park staff and village leaders.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Fly London/Durban |
| Day 2: | Arrive Durban; drive Umfolozi Game Reserve |
| Day 3-5: | Bush skills course in Umfolozi |
| Day 6: | Drive Kosi Lake System |
| Day 7: | Boat and hike to Kwadapha |
| Day 8: | At leisure; optional forest walks/ swimming |
| Day 9: | Boat/hike to 3rd Lake camp |
| Day 10: | Visit Tembe Elephant Park; drive Ndumo Game Reserve |
| Day 11: | Game drive; drive Lake St Lucia |
| Day 12: | Optional whale watching tour; drive Ekuthuleni Zulu homestay |
| Day 13: | Cultural programme in Ekutheleni |
| Day 14: | Drive Durban; fly London |
| Day 15: | Arrive London |
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.how this holiday makes a difference
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On this fascinating, in-depth exploration of the KwaZulu Natal region of South Africa, we’ll really get a real taste for this fascinating region; its wildlife and people. Though the tour does not include volunteer work, it supports the educational work of KwaZulu Natal Wildlife through our stay in Umfolozi, as well as a variety of community based tourism initiatives, enabling local people to directly benefit from tourism.
As well as the above, we support a variety of charities and projects worldwide which support vulnerable communities and habitats including Friends of Conservation, Hope Worldwide and Send A Cow. We are also actively engaged with UK travel industry bodies which promote best practice in responsible tourism, such as Tourism Concern, The Travel Foundation and AITO. Our commitment to responsible tourism is not limited to our overseas operation and we have measures to ensure our UK office operates according to our responsible tourism policy. Carbon offsets for all flights booked with us are included in the tour cost. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |