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14 Day Indian Ocean Big Five [IO/IOU]

Small Group Upgrd Camp Safari Semi Participate

  • Johannesburg
    • -
  • Piet Retief
    • -
  • Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
    • -
  • St. Lucia Wetlands Park
    • -
  • Kosi Bay and surrounds
    • -
  • Maputo
    • -
  • Inhambane
    • -
  • Massingir
    • -
  • Kruger National Park
    • -
  • Johannesburg
St Lucia

Piet Retief

Imfolozi/Hluhluwe National Park

Stop at Limpopo Transfronteir National Park

Inhambane

Itinerary:

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Piet Retief [LD]
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.

DAY 2 & 3: Imfolozi/Hluhluwe [BD]
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.

DAY 4: St. Lucia [BLD]
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.

DAY 5 & 6: Kosi Bay [BLD]
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.

DAY 7: Maputo, Mozambique [BL]
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.

DAY 8 & 9: Inhambane, Mozambique [BL]
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.

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

DAY 11 & 12: Kruger National Park [BD] [BLD]
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.

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

DAY 14: Johannesburg [B]
The tour ends after breakfast this morning. Hope to see you again soon.

Inclusions / Exclusions

Included in the price:
5 nights in lodges/bungalows and 8 nights camping, meals as per itinerary, transport on the tour with 4x4 vehicle, entrance fees, professional guide activities as per itinerary, game drives as per itinerary.

Extra information

Fully Upgraded Camping Safari:
This tour is also available as a Fully Upgraded Camping Safari where 13 nights accommodation in chalets / permanent tented camps of a 3 star standard.

Accommodation:
On the camping safaris, 2 guests per 3-person dome tents, fitted with mosquito nets. Sleeping mattresses are provided. Sleeping bags can be rented at an extra fee of US$ 30 / Euro 25 for the duration of the safari.

Participation: 
Semi-participation Camping Safaris run with a maximum of 10 clients. A guide, who is both driver and cook, will accompany the clients. Clients become part of the experience and participate in the tour. This means, that the participants will be responsible for performing and helping with certain tasks, such as setting up and breaking down of overnight camps (tents, chairs, tables), packing and unpacking the vehicle, assisting with preparation of meals and cleaning dishes. The guide will do the cooking and be responsible for all other organisational duties. This creates an amazing bond between the clients on these safaris.

Local Payment:
On most of our Safaris a local payment needs to be paid to the guide before the tours starts. Your local payment covers on the road expenses such as National Park entrance fees, excursions and activities as well as the use of local guides. This provides your guide with sufficient funds on the road and ensures that your money goes to the African communities directly.

Transport:
Fully equipped Toyota Landcruisers or other appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, windows for game viewing and a music system. An off-road trailer is fitted with a field kitchen. All luggage is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle. 

Spending money:
Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios, tips, alcoholic drinks and additional entertainment. US Dollars are the most practical and convenient currency.

Meals:
All meals are organized by the guide and are prepared by him/her with the help of the group. Meals are nutritious and filling, drawing on fresh local produce where possible. Groceries are bought along the way, this allows clients to have a say in what type of meals are eaten. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.

First Aid: 
Guides are trained in basic first aid and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration. It is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure.

Luggage:
Maximum baggage allowance: 12 kg. This is a stipulated luggage allowance, as an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both the clients and the guide. This does not include photographic equipment and a small daypack. Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not a suitcase. Don't bring too much clothing, as there are washing opportunities along the way. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited.

Insurance:
It is compulsory for all travelers to have insurance covering their personal requirements, medical expenses and personal possessions. This is to be arranged before leaving your home country. Please let us know if you would like us to arrange travel insurance for you - travel@toursa.com.

Visas:
The onus is on the client to organize all visas required to visit Zambia, Namibia and Botswana prior to departure.