Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Monday: Durban to Bushlands
We leave Durban at around 07h30 from your backpacker and head north on the national road that cuts a path through the sugar cane fields for most of the way until we reach Isinkwe Backpacker located in the indigenous coastal sand forest. It's excellent base from which to explore the many famous and unspoilt wildlife destinations of the Elephant Coast Tourism Region. The camp abounds with resident birdlife and other small animals to be seen throughout the day.
Later the evening you will have the option to go on a Guided Nature Night Walk. An enjoyable early evening walk before dinner in search of the small nocturnal wildlife that is find on the property. Our knowledgeable field guides will lead you on a 3km walk in the indigenous bushveld woodland and Sand Forest, telling you more about the small interesting trees, plants, insects, reptiles and small nocturnal mammals that occur here naturally. Walk with us and learn more about our star attraction the Greater Bushbaby!
Overnight in Bushlands.
Day 2 - Tuesday: Hluhluwe / Imfolozi National Park
Early morning rise around 05h00 so we can enter the Hluhluwe / Imfolozi National Park gates at sunrise . We spend the day in the park, which is over 96 000 hectares of stunningly beautiful landscape, a rich compound of misty forests, grass covered hills, dense thickets, expansive and diverse woodlands and enchanting rivers. It has the distinction of being the oldest formally protected area in Africa, and has a long and interesting history.
We travel in an open Land Rover, spotting wildlife with the help of your qualified field guide, known as a "Big Five Reserve" the park boasts Black Rhino, leopard, lion, buffalo and elephant as well as blue wildebeest, hippo, crocodile, warthog, hyena, wild dog, giraffe, zebra and many species of antelope.
Included are coffee, tea and muffins for breakfast plus a hearty lunch and refreshing beverages. We return back to Isinkwe Backpackers Bushcamp in the late afternoon , where we can refresh ourselves in the swimming pool and a cold beer followed by a gin & tonic as the sun sets over the bushveld. Dinner is once again served from the outdoor kitchen and another evening can be enjoyed around the camp fire sharing stories of your wildlife sightings.
This is an optional activity and can be booked at reception the day before.
Overnight in Bushlands.
Day 3 - Wednesday: Bushlands
Here is a day to relax in the bushcamp or around the pool or you could choose to visit Dumazulu Cultural Village.
Over 50 Zulu residents form part of a "living museum" and carry out age old manufacturing traditions which include spear, shield and clay pot making, basket weaving, beadwork and Sangoma bone throwing. The sound of stamping feet and beating drums fill the air as you are entertained by Zulu dancers and warriors.
Shows mostly run daily at 8:15 am, 11:00 am and 3:15 pm. Cost is R95-00 per person and show runs for 1 1/2 hours.
Overnight in Bushlands.
Day 4 -Thursday: Hippo & Croc Kayaking
After breakfasts you will will be collected from the backpackers at around 11am and your journey will continue further on to St Lucia. You'll have some time to settle in, before your Hippo and Croc Kayaking safari.
This guided kayak safari takes place on the St Lucia Estuary, where the tidal waters are home to a large variety of fauna and flora. Paddle around the mangrove-covered islands and spot basking crocodiles and fishing water-birds. Hear the cry of the fish eagle and view hippos resting in the waters or browsing on the grassy sandbanks.
A great trip for people keen to see wetland bird-life or just to enjoy being in nature; this trip is a fairly non-strenuous flat-water paddle suitable for both experienced and novice paddlers.
Over night in St Lucia
Day 5 - Friday: Whale Watching
Whale watching Adventure, a tour with renowned skipper and specialized Marine Mammal Guide ,Danie Bennett to see humpback whales from as close as 50m's! Danie is the only permit holder to take you boat -based- whale -watching in St Lucia.
We will definitely encounter many Indian Ocean creatures like dolphins, whale sharks, turtles and maybe hump back whales, ( June to December )
Over night in St Lucia
Day 6 - Saturday: St Lucia Wetlands Park
Today you'll depart on a full day trip to the St Lucia Wetlands Park. This excursion includes a boat ride on the famous St. Lucia Wetlands estuary, game viewing in the Mfabeni Game Reserve en route to Cape Vidal. After a quick stop at Mission rocks, you will enjoy lunch at Cape Vidal, and have an opportunity to swim and snorkel in the small protected bay. (Snorkeling is dependant on weather & ocean conditions) This tour touches on the highlights of St.Lucia Wetlands Park.
Coffee, tea and muffins for breakfast, lunch and beverages are included.
This is an optional activity and can be booked at reception the day before.
Over night in St Lucia
Day 7 - Sunday: Return to Durban
Today you can have a lazy breakfast before the bus picks you up at 12:45 and transfers you back to Durban to arrive there around 17h30 .
