Durban (Hluhluwe Imfolozi) Safari & Duma Zulu Cultural Village Day Tour

Description

There is an early start to this exciting Full Day Safari to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve and Emdoneni Wild Cat Project. Just 2h30 up the beautiful North Coast of Kwazulu Natal past quaint coastal villages and rolling hills of sugar cane and you are through the gates and on safari in Big 5 country [lion,elephant,rhino,buffalo,leopard].

As you drive through the gates of South Africa's oldest nature reserve you will feel the wonder and excitement of the African Bush. The reserve is home to a diverse range of wild life including the famed Big Five, black and white rhino and 400 species of birds, some rare and valued by any self respecting 'twitchers'.  Your experienced guide knows the park and the favoured habitat of the animals and will take you on an informed search of the diverse wildlife and Big 5 explaining the different feeding habits and facts of the animals that you discover.

The vegetation changes constantly with the seasons and you move from lush coastal bush to flourishing savannah, with expectation around every bend as you seek out the hidden wonders of this wilderness. Established in 1895 this is the oldest park in South Africa and encompasses over 98 000 hectares of beautiful African landscape. This tour is in a closed vehicle with air-conditioning for your comfort. The temperatures range from 18oC to high 30oC. The Park contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is characterised by hilly topography. The list of animals at the park is long and varied.  Hluhluwe Game Reserve makes up the northern top half of the reserve which is renowned for its diverse variety of bird and animal life. South of Hluhluwe is the Imfolozi Game Reserve which makes up half of the park. These two reserves were joined together to create the largest reserve in KwaZulu Natal.  The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Reserve is noted for its White Rhino conservation. Their Centenary Capture Centre is celebrated for its exceptional research in animal capture, rehabilitation and release as well their approach to sustainable ecotourism in South Africa.

You stop for lunch at Hilltop Camp (own expense) giving you time to refuel and relax. The restaurant is situated at the top of the hill and gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the scenery of the camp and surrounding areas. There is a good chance of spotting animals moving through the bush as you enjoy your meal.

After lunch you continue with a safari through the park as you make your way to DumaZulu Cultural Village. It is located near the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve in the central Zululand. Translated as “Thundering Zulu” DumaZulu is South Africa’s largest Zulu cultural village boasting a large traditional sibaya [Zulu homestead set in a circle] and over 50 Zulu locals who live and work at DumaZulu. This village depicts what Zulu culture was like before modernization and is considered a living museum. The village is laid out in the tradition Zulu design of Zulu beehive huts arranged in a circle around a cattle kraal. Visitors are welcomed by a local DumaZulu tour guide who explains and shares interesting traditions and customs of the Zulu people. The locals display traditional basket-weaving, spear and shield making skills and techniques. This is an ideal time to buy some of the artistic and decorative bead-work from the locals and watch the village Sangoma [medicine man] perform tradition bone throwing. The highlight will be an energetic and impressive Zulu dancing and singing performance.

After the tour we start the two hour scenic journey back to Durban for drop off.

Highlights

• A day safari in the incredible Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserves
• Experience and learn about the wildlife that roams the reserve.
• Lunch looking over the reserve [own account]
• Experience the mighty Zulu culture 

Itinerary

Departure Point: Pickup & drop off service within a 10km radius of Durban.

Departure Time: 6:30am

• Drive up the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal
• Arrive at Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve
• Game drive
• Lunch at Hill Top Camp
• Game drive
• Duma Zulu Cultural Village

Duration: 12 to 14 hrs

Return time:  08:30pm

Operated by: Zulu Safaris 

Important information

Departure/ return location: Pickup & drop off service within a 5km radius of 1st Zulu Safaris office at Gooderson Tropicana Hotel, 85 OR Tambo Parade, Durban
Departure time: 06:30 AM
Return time:  08:30 PM
Wear: Comfortable clothing and shoes, hat, sunscreen, jacket.
Location: Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, DumaZulu Cultural Village, KwaZulu-Natal
Age: All ages welcome
Dates: All year round
Traveller type:  Single or Per Person Sharing.

Operated by: Zulu Safaris