Tour Proposal
01 September 2007
On arrival at Durban airport, look out for our representative. They will be holding a name-board with your surname on it. You will be transferred by private vehicle from the airport to your hotel. This will take approx. 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Welcome gift, champagne and a personal card of welcome will be waiting for you at Zimbali lodge.
Zimbali Lodge is easily the most luxurious beach resort on the Dolphin coast, an elegant and sophisticated hideaway only 40 minutes from Durban. Set in a serene coastal forest reserve of 300 ha, it is home to Bottle-nosed dolphins and a rich birdlife. The hotel is perched on the hill with sweeping views over the wooded valley and lake to the Indian Ocean beyond. The 76 air-conditioned rooms and suites have Afro-eastern inspired architecture and hand carved mahogany furniture. Every room at Zimbali opens onto a private, furnished balcony. Facilities include tennis, walking trails, a breath-taking rim pool and deck, a health and beauty spa as well as its own quiet beach.
The superb Tom Weiskopf course descends from the hotel down the valley to the Indian Ocean. It has two distinct sides, with some holes in open former sugar cane fields and many others cutting through the indigenous forest and coastal wetlands. There are lots of excursions available - to Shakaland, Crocodile Creek, the Zulu Battlefields, Shaka's Rock and Tugela River Adventures. Zimbali Lodge (B)
02 September 2007
This morning you will be collected from Zimbali Lodge and transferred to the Natal Battlefields.
The Battlefields is the collective name for an area of rolling cattle country in rural Zululand where many of the bloody Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer battles were fought in the mid to late 19th century - an enduring story of courage and self-sacrifice, bloodshed and tragedy. To give you a unique perspective on this area's passionate history, we recommend at least a two night stay with a fascinating guided tour to sites such as Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift.
Isandlwana Lodge is perched high on the iNyoni Rock in an unforgettable setting - stylish, romantic and thought-provoking. It was on this rock that the Zulu commander stood to direct the battle of Isandlwana on the 22 Jan 1879. Rob Gerrard, resident historian, or one of his associates, takes guests on battlefield tours that bring the conflict and human drama to life. Walking trails, horse riding, birding and a local Zulu village visit are also on offer. Stylish contemporary bedrooms have private balconies, ideal for drinking in the stunning views over the valley amphitheatre, followed by dinner in the candlelit dining room. An inviting swimming pool is built within the rocks.
Isandlwana Lodge (B,L,D)
03 September 2007
After breakfast you depart on a tour to the battlesite of Isandlwana. You follow the line of advance of the Zulus towards Isandlwana, with a lecture on the background and build up to the Zulu Wars at a view site providing uninterrupted vista's of the surrounding countryside. On the heights overlooking Isandlwana, you stop to take in a Zulu perspective on the Battlefield before a short stop at the small visitor centre. On the Isandlwana battlefield the dramatic story will be unveiled of how the Zulus inflicted on the British the greatest defeat in the history of their colonial warfare.
In the afternoon you head to Rorke's Drift. You will walk around the battlefield hearing exactly where the events and incidents of that incredible British defence took place. A force of 152 British fended off an attack of about 4 000 Zulus, afterwards recognised by the award of 11 Victoria Crosses - the most ever awarded in a single action in the history of the British army. A visit to the excellent site museum at Rorke's Drift will round off the day.
Isandlwana Lodge (B,L,D)
04 September 2007
Today you will be transferred you from the Natal Battlefields area to Phinda Game Reserve in Maputaland.
Phinda Resource Reserve, which means 'the return', is a 15 000ha reserve to the north of Hluhluwe and the St Lucia wetlands. Rich both in game and in stunning scenery, Phinda boats the diversity of seven contrasting ecosystems, including sand forest, mountain bushveld and wetlands. Phinda offers a winning combination of soft adventure, thrilling game-viewing and inspired lodge design. Guests can enjoy game drives, nature walks, birding, rhino tracking, boat cruises, canoeing, and community visits. Wildlife attractions include lion, elephant, cheetah, leopard, rhino, hippo, an abundance of general game, and prolific bird life (with over 400 species recorded). Given the reserves proximity to the Indian Ocean, optional extras include coastal flights, beach excursions and snorkeling. The reserve also offers specialist safaris on leopard research, birding, rhino-darting and bush skills as well as an exhilarating four day three night walking safari using comfortable spacious en suite tents.
Phinda Rock Lodge offers sweeping views across Maputaland's coastal plain. It has an open, relaxed and understated feel to it, which exudes cosmopolitan style whilst simultaneously staying very much in tune with the bush. Each of the 6 chalets is huge with a small indoor sitting area, a bedroom with glorious open views of the bushveld below and the Lebombo mountains, a spacious bathroom with sunken bath, again with stunning view, indoor shower and one of the nicest outdoor showers to be had. It also has its own private plunge pool.
Phinda Rock Lodge (B,L,D)
06 September 2007
Today you have a private road transfer from Phinda Game Reserve to Thonga Beach Lodge in the Coastal Maputaland area.
The Maputaland Marine Reserve stretches 200km from Lake St Lucia, one of the world's finest marine sanctuaries teeming with water birds, crocodiles and hippo, to Kosi Bay near the Mozambican border. Within this, the Kosi Forest Coastal Reserve is an unspoilt wilderness region of pristine golden beaches backed by forested dunes and captivating freshwater lakes. This truly is a magical area, untouched by large-scale tourism development. The intimate lodges practice sustainable tourism with significant local community involvement. Their activities mostly revolve around the ocean and the lakeland system with snorkelling for tropical fish, canoeing and evening excursions in the summer to view the rare giant leatherback turtles as they lay and hatch their eggs (Oct to Feb). This area is also a mecca for keen divers, with spectacular coral formations and a number of magnificent reefs teeming with tropical fish.
Thonga Beach Lodge is an exciting and refreshing wilderness destination on the shores of the secluded Mabibi bay in Coastal Maputaland. Mabibi is a magical place of tranquil swimming bays, sandy beaches, snorkelling reefs, coastal forest and shimmering lakes. The lodge, nestling high in the canopy of the dune forest, offers panoramic ocean views. 11 eco-friendly suites are decorated in a chic Robinson Crusoe style. Activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, bird-watching and sundowner cruises or guided canoe trips on Lake Sibaya. Turtle tracking is again a highlight for summer visitors.
Thonga Beach Lodge (B,L,D)
09 September 2007
Thonga Beach Lodge will transfer you to their airstrip where you board your air charter flight to your next game lodge in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. Please note that the 20 kg luggage allowance will be strictly enforced. Your luggage needs to be in soft bags so that it can be stored in the base or back of the plane.
A safari is nearly always an important part of a holiday in Southern Africa - words cannot describe the thrill of tracking a leopard on the hunt or observing a breeding herd of elephants at a waterhole. The Sabi Sands, the Timbavati and the Manyeleti private game reserves all share an open border with the Kruger so animals move freely.
The vast Timbavati private game reserve supports a great diversity of large and spectacular wildlife - elephant, spotted hyena, giraffe, buffalo, white rhino and lion. Cheetah, wild dog and leopard are also frequently seen moving through the reserve.
These reserves comprise a number of private game lodges, whose owners cooperate in conserving their valuable heritage. Some of the world's finest game lodges are found here, together with some less well-known bush camps. This is an intimate and informative experience. You enjoy game drives in open-vehicle game drives with an experienced ranger and a local Shangaan tracker who work together to give you a deeper understanding of the wildlife and the natural cycles of the bush. Drives are in the early morning and late afternoon when game is most likely to be active. Tracking Africa's big game, the evening safari departs after afternoon tea. After enjoying the bush sunset, the evening holds a sense of anticipation as the rare and elusive nocturnal species begin to hunt. The evening meal is often enjoyed in a 'boma' or even in the bush around an open fire, which many guests feel is a particularly evocative treat. Morning walks are encouraged ensuring that the more fascinating aspects of the fauna and flora are not overlooked. Game walks offer the ultimate, close-to-the-wild experience, and a chance to focus on the smaller bush inhabitants.
Kings Camp is a real 'find' hidden away deep in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. This delightful colonial-styled lodge has 10 air-conditioned thatched suites. Camp facilities include a lounge, bar and swimming pool with a viewing deck overlooking a waterhole. The staff and rangers are passionate about sharing their knowledge of bush and its wildlife. We like it because of its excellent cuisine, great wine cellar and flexible approach to guest's wishes, with bush breakfasts and sleep outs under the African sky on offer.
Kings Camp (B,L,D)
12 September 2007
After a final early morning game drive, you are collected by our representative for your scenic transfer to your country lodge via some of the highlights of the Drakensberg Escarpment region. Depending on what time you get away from the lodge, you will usually visit the scenic Blyde River Canyon, stopping at God's Window, Bourne's Luck Potholes and Three Rondavels along the way, and then you'll explore the historic village of Pilgrims Rest. Time is allowed for shopping for crafts at the various craft vendors along the way. You arrive at your hotel at approx 5.30pm to 6pm.
Cybele Forest Lodge & Spa, originally an old hunting lodge, is surrounded by plantations of timber and fine Arabica coffee. The lodge itself is a charming old farmhouse with a wide veranda where you can sip sundowners and look out over the rolling lawns. The interior is warm, soft and mellow, furnished with antiques, art works and exquisite fabrics - an ideal place to read a book or enjoy a drink before sampling the lodge's superb cuisine which is one of the lodge's hallmarks. The food is classically French with some traditional English touches using the freshest of ingredients.
Accommodation at Cybele takes various forms from attractive garden cottage rooms, more modern luxury rooms, various Paddock and Courtyard suites and the decadent Forest Suite. Each is individually decorated with lots of personal touches and Cybele has worked hard to ensure maximum privacy for all their guests. All have minibars, fireplaces, satellite television, video library, tea/coffee facilities, compliemnetary sherry and air-conditioning. All the suites at Cybele have their own surprisingly large swimming pools and gardens.
Activities at Cybele include walking trails in the 300 acre property, horse-riding from their own stables (for beginners or experienced riders), enjoying the heated swimming pool as well as the well equipped gym and Cybele Spa. Therapy at Cybele is a relaxing coffee and cocktail bar as well as an exclusive gift emporium and art gallery. There's satellite TV here as well as a selection of books and magazines.
The Spa is the latest, and very popular, addition to Cybele Forest Lodge. It comprises two treatment rooms, two beauty therapy rooms, a steam room and spacious showers with multiple, high-pressure jets. There's also a large open-air hydrotherapy bath - which has been fashioned out of natural materials and enclosed in a private-walled courtyard.
We strongly recommend that you pre-book any treatment at the Spa to avoid disappointment. Treatment Menus can be sent to you on request.
Cybele Forest Lodge (B,L,D)
13 September 2007
Today is at leisure for you to either relax at the lodge and enjoy some Spa treatments or to take an optional tour.
The Drakensberg Escarpment offers welcome relaxation after the excitement of a safari. This area of sculpted peaks and deep ravines, tumbling streams and green valleys provides a marked contrast to the sub-tropical bushveld, with scenic mountain passes, relaxing walks, horse riding and golf all on offer. The drive alongside the Blyde River Canyon, a majestic red sandstone gorge with sheer cliffs plunging into waters below, is magnificent. Gentle walking trails connect a series of delicate waterfalls. Nearby is Pilgrim's Rest, a restored mining village that was the epi-centre of the 19th century gold rush, and the town's many preserved houses and museums bring alive this fascinating history of false hopes and dashed dreams. The heart-warming Cheetah Research and Breeding Centre at Hoedspruit, the Museum of Man and the Shangaan cultural village are also well worth a visit.
Cybele Forest Lodge (B,D)
14 September 2007
Today you have a private transfer from your country lodge to the Kruger Airport (KMIA).
Holiday Summary
01 September 2007 | Meet & Durban Airport to Ballito - Transfer | Private transfer per person for 2 |
| Pick Up Durban Airport |
01 September 2007 | Zimbali Lodge | 1 night(s) for 2 |
Luxury Suite x 1 | Status: Quote |
Meal Basis: | Breakfast |
Includes: | Bed & Breakfast, VAT and Tourism levy |
02 September 2007 | Ballito to Natal Battlefields | Private (1-3 pax) for 2 |
10:00 | Pick Up Zimbali Lodge |
02 September 2007 | Isandlwana Lodge | 2 night(s) for 2 |
Deluxe Room x 1 | Status: Quote |
Meal Basis: | Dinner, Bed & Breakfast |
Includes: | Accommodation, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and lunch |
03 September 2007 | Battlefields tour | Full day scheduled tour for 2 |
08:30 | Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift |
Includes: | Guide, vehicle and entrances |
04 September 2007 | Natal Battlefields to Phinda road transfer | Private (1-3 pax) for 2 |
09:30 | Pick Up Isandlwana Lodge |
04 September 2007 | Rock Lodge, Phinda Private Gme Reserve | 2 night(s) for 2 |
Suite x 1 | Status: Quote |
Meal Basis: | Fully Inclusive |
Includes: | Accommodation, three meals, teas & coffees, two game drives in open landrovers, refreshments on the game drives, nature walks (1 hour) accompanied by experienced armed trackers, emergency medical evacuation insurance, laundry, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits. |
06 September 2007 | Phinda Rock to Thonga by road | Private transfer per minibus for 2 |
11:30 | Pick Up Phinda Game Reserve |
06 September 2007 | Thonga Beach Lodge | 3 night(s) for 2 |
Standard Room x 1 | Status: Quote |
Meal Basis: | Full Board & Activities |
Includes: | Fully inclusive of accommodation, 3 meals per day, teas 7 coffees, use of snorkelling equipment, guided walks and canoeing and sundowners on Lake Sibaya. Also includes Tourism levy. |
09 September 2007 | Isibindi Thonga Beach Lodge to Rhino Camp charter (Skukuza) | Seat in Plane (One way) for 2 |
11:00 | Depart Thonga |
12:15 | Arrive Skukuza |
09 September 2007 | Nelair Inter-lodge air charter- Skukuza to Timbavati | Seat in Plane (One way) for 2 |
12:25 | Depart Skukuze |
12:45 | Arrive Kings Camp |
09 September 2007 | Kings Camp | 3 night(s) for 2 |
Suite x 1 | Status: Quote |
Meal Basis: | Fully Inclusive |
Includes: | Full Board - Dinner, lunch and breakfast, accommodation, all meals, teas/coffees, game activities |
12 September 2007 | Eastgate Scenic transfer via Panorama | Private transfer per person for 2 |
10:30 | Pick Up Kings Camp |
12 September 2007 | Cybele Forest Lodge & Spa | 2 night(s) for 2 |
Paddock Suite x 1 | Status: Quote |
Meal Basis: | Dinner, Bed & Breakfast |
Includes: | Dinner, Bed and Breakfast |
14 September 2007 | Eastgate Country Lodge to Kruger Airport transfer | Private transfer per person for 2 |
TBC | |
