Wildlife & Warriors – DURBAN (6 Days/Post-Tour)

Day 1 – Tuesday Durban / Mkhuze (Dinner)

06h45 Early morning departure from your hotel immediately after breakfast. Travel along the Elephant Coast of KwaZulu Natal to St Lucia which is located at the southern extremity of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site. Here you embark on an estuarine boat trip which provides an opportunity to view crocodiles, hippo and numerous bird species, including the elusive African Fish Eagle, in their natural habitat. Continue to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve for an afternoon of game viewing. The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve covers a combined area of 90 000ha and it was here that the white rhino was saved from extinction. Evening arrival at your hotel in time for dinner before retiring for the day.
Overnight: Ghost Mountain Inn
Fish Eagle Road, Mkuze, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
Tel: +27 35 573 1025

Day 2 – Wednesday Zululand (Breakfast, Dinner)

Enjoy a morning at leisure to relax or embark on one of the optional morning activities on offer from the lodge. Later in the day, embark on an afternoon scenic drive up the Ubombo Mountains, offering views over Lake Jozini. At the summit and as the setting sun transforms the sky into a tapestry of colours, stop for sundowners. The drive will be combined with a visit to a local and authentic Zulu homestead for a glimpse into Zulu life in today’s world. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight at Ghost Mountain Inn
Fish Eagle Road, Mkuze, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
Tel: +27 35 573 1025

Day 3 – Thursday Zululand / Swaziland (Breakfast)

09h00 After breakfast, travel to the Royal Kingdom of Swaziland. This tiny mountainous kingdom is filled with bygone African traditions and culture and offers beautiful scenery and attractions such as game reserves and art & craft outlets to name a few. Travel via Big Bend and visit the Swazi Candle Factory where each candle is made and finished by hand using the age-old technique "millefiore". No two are the same and the range boasts an astonishing array of patterns, shapes and designs. After spending some time at the craft markets arrive at your hotel located in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley.
Dinner is to your own arrangements. The hotel has two on-site restaurants to choose from.
Overnight at Royal Swazi Spa
Old Mbabane/Manzini Main Road, Ezulwini Valley, Royal Kingdom of Swaziland
Tel: +00 268 2 416 4000

Day 4 – Friday Swaziland / Hazyview (Breakfast, Lunch)

09h00 This morning the tour continues through Swaziland. En route you will stop at the Ngwenya Glass Works to see master craftsmen create beautiful sculptures and artwork from molten glass. At the Jeppe’s Reef border, enjoy a showcase of the traditional Swazi culture followed by traditional lunch at the Matsamo Cultural Village. Continue the journey to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun – Mpumalanga, and your hotel. Arrive in the late afternoon followed by dinner.
Overnight Perry’s Bridge Hollow
R40, Main Road, White River, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Tel: +27 13 751 3088

Day 5 - Saturday Hazyview / Kruger National Park / Hazyview (Breakfast, Dinner)

05h30 Early morning transfer to the Kruger National Park for a morning open vehicle safari through the Kruger National Park. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. At nearly 2 million hectares, the reserve is the flagship of South African National Parks and is home to an impressive number of flora and fauna. 12h30 Return to your hotel in the afternoon and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. You will have the option to return to the Kruger National Park to absorb the tranquil beauty of an evening safari (additional charge).
Overnight Perry’s Bridge Hollow
R40, Main Road, White River, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Tel: +27 13 751 3088

Day 6 – Sunday Hazyview / Johannesburg (Breakfast)

08h00 Breakfast and check-out of the hotel. Depart Hazyview and travel to Johannesburg via the magnificent Panorama Route. The most spectacular stretch of the Panorama Route is the Blyde River Canyon. From many well-positioned vantage points one has a view of the 33 km long gorge, which starts at "Bourke's Luck Potholes" and ends at the "Three Rondavels". Time and weather permitting, stop at God’s Window.
Late afternoon arrival in Johannesburg. The tour ends with drop-off at your hotel or at O.R. Tambo International Airport for your onward flight arrangements (flight must depart no earlier than 20h00 from international departures).

End of Services

INFORMATION FOR TRAVELLERS TO SOUTH AFRICA

Visa Requirements:

• Every person travelling to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport and where necessary a visa
• Multiple visa’s are advised for visitors who intend travelling to South Africa's neighbouring countries and back into South Africa
•Valid international health certificates are also required.

Malaria:

• Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal
• The risk of contracting the disease is very rare, provided that you take the standard precautions
• Malaria tablets, a good insect repellent, particularly in the evening, long- sleeved shirts, mosquito nets (whilst sleeping) and mosquito coils are advisable precautions.

Safety and Security:

As South Africa is a developing country, unfortunately crime does exist, and a few basic precautions are necessary when visiting South Africa:
• Store all valuables in the hotels safe if your room does not have one
• When walking in cities, avoid obvious displays of wealth and do not carry large sums of money
• Public transport, although not as advanced as first world countries, is available in South Africa, so there is no need to hitch-hike
• If driving, do not pick up hitch-hickers and ensure that your car doors are locked at all times.

Driving in South Africa:

• A valid driver's permit is required to rent a car in South Africa and all drivers must carry a valid driver's licence at all times of driving
• The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory and driving while talking on a mobile phone is illegal - a hands free kit must be used
• Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited and strict fines apply
• Speed limits are 120kmph on the open road, 100kmph on smaller roads and between 60 and 80kmph in towns and residential areas

Electricity:

• South Africa’s electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz.
• Most plugs have three round pins and adapters may be purchased

Official Languages:

• South Africa has 11 official languages, with English being the most universally spoken and written.
• Others are isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiNdebele, Afrikaans, siSwati, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Tshivenda and Xitsonga

Currency

• The South African currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R. One hundred cents makes up one R1 (one Rand).
• Notes issued R200, R100, R50, R20, R10, Coins R5, R2, R1, 50c 20c, 10c & 5c.

Meal Cost Guideline:

For meals that are not included in the tour, a rough guide of costs are as follows:
• Light lunch for two including a couple of drinks, about R300.00
• Dinner of 2 courses including a bottle of wine, about R500.00
• A beer costs about R15, bottle of reasonable wine about R130, bottle of water (500ml) about R15, glass of wine about R25
It is customary to add between 10 and 15% as a service charge to the final total of your meal bill. Should you experience really bad service, a chat with the manager is in order (and no tip).

Emergency contact details:

Ilios Travel Cape Town (H/O): 021-535 5994 / 081 708 2825
Jodie Bird (Escorted Touring Coordinator): 021-534 5994 / 081 708 2825
Ilios Travel Port Elizabeth: 082-440 5811
Ilios Travel Jhb: 081 711 2024
Ilios Travel Durban: 082 051 2820