14-day Indian Ocean BIG FIVE

Encompassing game viewing and sun, sea and sand, this 14-day 14-day Indian Ocean BIG FIVE safari takes us through the historic Kwa-Zulu Natal Battlefields, the amazing beaches of Mozambique, Big Five game viewing at Umfolozi/ Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park - the flagship of the South African National Parks.

Highlights:  KwaZulu Natal Battlefields, Amazing beaches of Mozambique and KwaZulu Natal, Big Five game viewing at Umfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park.
Group Size: maximum 10 people
Type of Safari: Semi -participation
Vehicle: 4x4 Land Cruiser
Accommodation: Two options available.

2010 Price: Two accommodation options are available:

• Standard:             8 nights camping + 5 nights accommodated - USD$1590 pp sharing*
• Accommodated: 13 nights accommodated - USD$1825 pp sharing*

Local Payment: ZAR 1200

Includes:  accommodation as per itinerary, meals as per itinerary, transport on the tour with 4x4 vehicle, entrance fees, professional guide activities as per itinerary, game drives as per itinerary.

Day 1 - Piet Retief, South Africa
Our tours starts in Johannesburg, the bustling capital of South Africa; and then we head south-east for the Kwa-Zulu Natal battlefields to the small, historical town of Piet Retief. Situated in South Eastern corner of Mpumalanga, Piet Retief is surrounded by beautiful plantations of Bluegum and Wattle trees. [LD]

Days 2 and 3 - Umfolozi/Hluhluwe, South Africa
An early morning departure, we head through the Battlefields of Kwa-Zulu Natal to the game reserve of Hluhluwe/Umfolozi. As the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950s and 60s, the Park became world renowned for its white rhino conservation. Other areas of focus for which Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is famed include wilderness trails which origionated in Imfolozi in the 1950s and its renowned Game Capture unit recently upgraded into the Centenary Capture Centre, a bench mark for animal capture and sustainable utilization throughout Africa.   The Park covers some 96 000 ha and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora.On Day 3 we enter the park for a game drive through ‘Big 5' country. After a memorable drive we head back to our accommodation. [BD]

Day 4 - St Lucia, South Africa
After breakfast, we leave the lodge and take a short drive back through the game reserve for the last animal sightings for a while.  Leaving the park we head to St. Lucia, a world heritage sight. Isimangaliso (The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) - declared a World Heritage Site in late 1999 - is an aggregation of numerous, singular natural wonders deemed crucial to the future of the global community. Each offers its own unique features and activities for those in love with the Great Outdoors. The rest of the day is free to explore the area or take a relaxing boat cruise on the lake. Spectacular views of the ocean and lake- system are complemented by likely sightings of leopard, antelope, hippo, crocodile and bush pig. Birding delights are guaranteed! [BLD]

Days 5 and 6 - Kosi Bay, South Africa
Today we head north to Kosi Bay. Kosi Bay often described as the last outpost of untouched African paradise, pristine beauty as God had originally created. Age old traditions passed down by generations of tribal existence still continue to this day in untainted originality. Ancient fishing kraals erected and tendered by the resourceful Tonga people provide sustainable catches that do not deplete the fish population. Kosi Bay was described by one of the first scientists to explore this region as "A wonderful aquarium and the most gorgeous aviary". Kosi Bay's pristine wealth of beauty and natural resources has to be seen with the physical eye to be fully appreciated. Enjoy the next day relaxing at the beach or take part in some of the exciting optional activities offered at the lodge. [BLD]

Day 7 - Maputo, Mozambique
After breakfast we cross the border into Mozambique. We reach the capital just after lunch and will conduct a short tour of this vibrant city. Maputo (previously Lourenzo Marques) is the sprawling capital of Mozambique. Several rivers meet the sea in Maputo and two islands (Inhaca and Portuguese Island) lie just off the coast. Highlights of the city of Maputo include Maputo's most important landmark is the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceiao (Our Lady of Conception) which was the nucleus of the original settlement. Another imposing building is the Central Railway Station, an enormous structure looking more like a palace for kings, than a siding for commuters. [BL]

Days 8 and 9 - Inhambane, Mozambique
Today we carry on north, leaving bustling Maputo and we head to the coastal town of Inhambane. Here we spend the day exploring the rock pools and the beach. Relax and soak up the last bit of Mozambique sunshine. Inhambane is an ancient trading port. We visit the Mercardo (market) famous for vegetables and fish. Catch a Dhow and take a lazy cruise across the bay for lunch and a ‘cerveja' (beer) in the town of Maxixe or visit the old Catholic church in Inhambane. [BL]

Day 10 - Limpopo Transfrontier Park, Mozambique
After breakfast we leave the paradise of Xai-Xai behind us and drive in a north-westerly direction to wards Massingir. [BL]

Days 11 and 12 - Kruger National Park, South Africa
An early morning getaway takes us back into South Africa through the Giriyondo gate into the world-renowned Kruger National Park - South Africa's most famous and biggest game reserve. Kruger National Park has nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled diversity of life forms that fuses with historical and archaeological sights - this is real Africa. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Truly the flagship of the South African National Parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. [BD] [BLD]

Day 13 - Johannesburg
Today we depart for Johannesburg, where you have the evening at leisure. [B]

Day 14 - End of tour
The tour ends after breakfast this morning. Hope to see you again soon. [B]