SOUTH AFRICA: KWA ZULU NATAL SAFARI + MAURITIUS in Kwa Zulu -Durban

Facilities available

Wheelchair access

Adapted transfer

Description

12 nights

From £3,795 Per person sharing (Flights quoted separately)

Combine South Africa & Mauritius on one of our thrilling accessible wheelchair safari holidays & vacations, which are malaria free & include the Big 5. Visit Hluhluwe Game Reserve in Zululand, an Elephant & Wild Cat sanctuary, Lake St Lucia & Cape Vidal. Then fly to the tropical island of Mauritius, with its clear turquoise waters. All game drives, park fees, accessible hotels & transfers included.

Highlights:

• South Africa & Mauritius
• Malaria Free, Big 5 Safari
• St Lucia & Cape Vidal
• Wheelchair Safari Holidays & Vacations
• Durban & Zululand
• Elephant Interaction
• Mauritius
• Indian ocean beaches
• Wild cat centre 
• Hluhluwe game reserve

Day 1

You will be met at Durban Airport and transferred to the warm North Coast, renowned for its wonderful beaches and warm holiday weather.

Check into your hotel and relax on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Day 2

Today we travel 3-hours from the Durban North Coast to to Hluhluwe National Park, renowned for its outstanding wildlife and check into our lodge situated near the park.

In the afternoon enjoy a game drive with your guide in his closed vehicle in this famous wildlife sanctuary.

Day 3

Today is devoted to game viewing into Hluhluwe National Park, travelling with your guide in his air-conditioned vehicle.

As you will have the services of a private driver/guide throughout your safari, you will have the flexibility of discussing preferred routings and travelling times with him each day. However we recommend setting off early each morning as the camp gates open (05h30 to 06h00 depending on the season), to take advantage of the best game viewing conditions of the day.

One of South Africa’s most beautiful game parks, Hluhluwe is home to all the Big 5 - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino - as well as the subcontinent’s largest population of endangered black rhino, which this park saved from extinction. You can also hope to see many other interesting species including giraffe, hippo, kudu, crocodile, waterbuck, warthog and baboon. With over 300 different bird species, outstanding bird watching is also guaranteed.

After returning to your lodge in the late morning, set out again in the afternoon for another game drive. After a beautiful African sunset, enjoy the balmy evening and pristine stars of the southern hemisphere.

Note: Vehicles are not allowed to drive off-road in any national park in South Africa. If you are tall and remain in your chair for your game drives, please be aware there will be some restrictions on your viewing due to the height of the windows in the accessible vehicle. There are no restrictions if you transfer into one of the regular seats.

Day 4

This morning you will have the unique opportunity to interact with two mature orphaned African Elephants. These powerful yet gentle creatures have been hand reared, but now roam free in a large private game reserve. Each morning they visit the viewing area for a snack of game pellets, where you can get up close to them and learn more about these gentle giants.

We stop for lunch (own account) at Ilala Weavers, where you can see traditional Zulu basket weaving and beading.

In the afternoon we visit a Wild Cat and Cheetah Rehabilitation Centre which cares for animals that have been orphaned or injured in the wild. Here you will see and learn more about some of South Africa's endangered wild cats - including the caracal (lynx), serval and magnificent cheetah.

Day 5

Today we leave Hluhluwe and drive 1-hour to the small town of St Lucia on the KwaZulu Natal northern coast.

Situated inside the Isimangaliso Wetlands, this whole area has been declared a RAMSAR Wetland of international significance because of its great biodiversity and importance as a breeding site for waterbirds. Over 520 different species have been recorded in this vast wetland that is surrounded by mangrove swamps and dense reed beds, with birds ranging from permanent residents to tropical and altitudinal migrants, regional nomads and long-distance migrants. These include a variety of storks, pelicans, flamingos, kingfishers, spoonbills, fish eagles, gulls, herons, terns, ducks and geese.

On arrival enjoy a boat ride on the Lake St Lucia estuary, where you may see hippo, buffalo and crocodiles as well as abundant bird life.

Note: The St Lucia boat has access ramps, but there is no accessible toilet. If you use a power chair, the boat ride needs to be booked when the tide is up.

Day 6

Today we venture further into the Isimangaliso Wetlands and travel to the remote beaches of Cape Vidal Nature Reserve, where you will see thousands of ghost crabs scurrying around for food.

With over a hundred miles of pristine coastline and the tallest forested dunes in Africa, these titanium-rich beaches are an important breeding ground for giant loggerhead and leatherback turtles, who nest and lay their eggs under cover of darkness from November to January, with the hatchlings emerging and running the gauntlet of ghost crabs from February to March.

Pods of dolphins are often seen in these waters and from June to November, you may be fortunate enough to see humpback whales, who migrate from Antarctica to mate and calve in these warm waters. In Cape Vidal Nature Reserve you can also hope to see rhino, waterbuck, kudu, zebra, reedbuck, porcupine and many other smaller animals.

Birdlife too is prolific with habitats ranging from grassland to swamp, sand and coastal lowland forest. There are also a variety of aquatic habitats including rivers, marshes, lagoons, estuaries and the beach. Here you can hope to see Great white pelicans, Marabou storks, Yellow-billed storks, African spoonbills and African fish eagles, whose calls can be heard along the shoreline. Sometimes after a storm, seabirds such as the Yellow-nosed albatross, Giant petrel, Tropicbird, Frigatebird, Sooty tern and Noddy tern are blown closer to shore, allowing for some wonderful close-up sightings.

Day 7

Transfer 3-hours to Durban Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Johannesburg Airport and transferred to your airport hotel.

Check in and relax in your warm African surroundings.

Day 8

You will be transferred today to Johannesburg Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Mauritius Airport and transferred 1-hour to your beach resort.

Check in to your hotel, settle in and relax on this warm tropical Indian Ocean island, surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters and coral reefs.

Days 9 To 12

Enjoy lazy days relaxing on white sandy beaches, and watching people swim and snorkel in the warm turquoise waters that surround the tropical island of Mauritius, which is protected by a pristine coral reef.

If you are able to transfer onto the water, you can view the fish and corals from a glass-bottomed boat. You can also savour delicious Creole cuisine - including fresh seafood.

In the north you can visit beautiful Pamplemousse Gardens,  the excellent museum of Mauritian history at Sugar World and vibrant Grand Baie with its many pubs and restuarants. In the southwest you can visit the stunning Black Rivers Gorges National Park and the seven coloured earth found at Chamarel. In the west you can shop in the capital of Port Louis, where you must expect to bargain vigorously. Rum tastings are also offered in several locations.

Note: If you would like any excusrions, we strongly suggest booking these in advance to be assured of a suitable vehicle.

Day 13

Transfer 1-hour to Mauritius Airport for your flight home.

Information last updated: 30/11/2023 11:11:45