Explore the heart of Rhino Conservation in Zululand

Day 1

Meet at 14:00 in the Ithala Game Reserve campsite to allow enough time to settle in and enjoy a short 4x4 sundowner drive in the Reserve. Ithala is an easy half day’s drive from Gauteng and is unique in the way it gives you a feeling of being in the Natal Drakensberg whilst in the high lying areas and alternatively the Zululand bushveld whilst in the river valleys. That evening the local wildlife will serenade you during the firest of many fine Bhejane dining experiences.

Day 2

Depart after breakfast for an extended 4x4 game drive giving you the opportunity to fully explore Ithala and it’s abundant wildlife including Black and White Rhino. Return late afternoon to look forward to an evening around the campfire.

Day 3 & 4

Venture towards the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park which is the oldest game reserve in Africa. The Reserve was previously used as King Shaka’s private hunting grounds before it was declared a protected area. Our relationship with Conservation Authorities on a pilot project has afforded us the opportunity to camp in a private campsite along the river bank in the heart of the Reserve. We have also been granted permission for controlled access to a 4x4 route inaccessible to the general public. Your experienced Guides will keep you entertained from dusk till dawn, sharing historic and modern conservation facts, including the inception of Operation Rhino which saved the White Rhino from extinction. The reserve is home to the ‘Big 5’ and the game viewing is exceptional. The experience of day trekking in the heart of Black and White Rhino conservation territory gives you an idea of what it’s like to fulfil a Ranger’s shoes. The proceeds of this unique off-road and camping experience go towards rhino protection in the reserve.

Day 5

Depart for the tropical Zululand coastline, where we enter the iSimangaliso Wetland Park a World Heritage Site. Our route takes us over sandy 4x4 terrain around Lake Sibiya, South Africa’s largest freshwater lake where we will be on the constant lookout for hippo and crocodiles as we make our way along the forested coastal dunes. We also get to explore the shores of Lake St Lucia and enjoy a picnic lunch at Charters Creek allowing us to marvel at the incredible scenery and majestic beaches. Mabibi beach will be our campsite for the next two nights.

Day 6

Relax and enjoy the tranquillity and solitude of Mabibi beach with its soft sand and warm, crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Occupy your day with swimming, snorkelling, fishing or whatever you prefer. Depending on the weather conditions, another option (not included in the tour cost) would be a scuba dive accompanied by the dive operators from the nearby Rocktail Bay Lodge. Ending the day with a well-deserved sundowner on the shores of Lake Sibiya.

Day 7

Continue further north along the coast to the Kosi Bay Lake and Estuary System on the Mozambique border. The trip to Kosi Bay Mouth is an unforgettable experience and you will encounter traditional fishing methods that have been used for generations, known as fishing kraals. Our campsite for the next two nights is in the Ndumo Game Reserve which boasts huge natural pans and magnificent birdlife making it a bird watchers paradise.

Day 8

Depart after a scrumptious breakfast for Tembe Elephant Park, winding over sandy 4x4 tracks, keeping a lookout for some of Africa’s biggest tuskers. The reserve is also known for its healthy lion and Black Rhino population. During the afternoon we explore more of the Ndumo Game Reserve driving along narrow tracks through the riverine forests and pans. Bird watchers will be in their element as Ndumo has the highest bird count in South Africa. We return to camp for our last night together in Zululand and, those of you who have never visited the area before, will reflect on a life changing experience.

Day 9

Sadly, after breakfast we bid farewell and depart along the tar road that crosses over the Jozini Dam and reaches the N2 near the town of Mkuze.