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South Africa

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Camping Tours / Wildlife Training Courses / Victoria Falls

14 Day Indian Ocean Big 5 Safari

A small group semi-participation camping safari from Johannesburg to Johannesburg through South Africa and Mozambique

Highlights
Kwz-Zulu Natal Battlefields, Amazing beaches of Mozambique and KwaZulu/Natal, Big Five game viewing at Umfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park.

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Piet Retief LD
The tour departs from Johannesburg airport. Please note that the daily departure times are subject to change due to seasonal changes, as well as unforeseen circumstances. Your guide will confirm daily departure times the evening before.Our tours starts in Johannesburg, the bustling capital of South Africa; and then we head south-east for the Kwa-Zulu Natal battlefields to the small, historical town of Piet Retief. Situated in South Eastern corner of Mpumalanga, Piet Retief is surrounded by beautiful plantations of Bluegum and Wattle trees.
Distance: 320 km
Accommodation: Overnight in Piet Retief - Guest House/Lodge (rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 2 & 3: Umfolozi/Hluhluwe, South Africa BD
An early morning departure, we head through the Battlefields of Kwa-Zulu Natal to the game reserve of Hluhluwe/Umfolozi. As the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950s and 60s, the Park became world renowned for its white rhino conservation. Other areas of focus for which Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is famed include wilderness trails which origionated in Imfolozi in the 1950s and its renowned Game Capture unit recently upgraded into the Centenary Capture Centre, a bench mark for animal capture and sustainable utilization throughout Africa.
The Park covers some 96 000 ha and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora.On Day 3 we enter the park for a game drive through 'Big 5' country. After a memorable drive we head back to our accommodation.
Distance: 215 km
Accommodation: Overnight in Hluhluwe - Camping (tents with communal bathrooms)

DAY 4: St. Lucia, South Africa BLD
After breakfast, we leave the lodge and take a short drive back through the game reserve for the last animal sightings for a while.
Leaving the park we head to St. Lucia, a world heritage sight. Isimangaliso (The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) - declared a World Heritage Site in late 1999 - is an aggregation of numerous, singular natural wonders deemed crucial to the future of the global community. Each offers its own unique features and activities for those in love with the Great Outdoors. The rest of the day is free to explore the area or take a relaxing boat cruise on the lake. Spectacular views of the ocean and lake- system are complemented by likely sightings of leopard, antelope, hippo, crocodile and bush pig. Birding delights are guaranteed!
Distance: 100 km
Accommodation: Overnight in St. Lucia - Guest House (rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 5 & 6: Kosi Bay, South Africa BLD
Today we head north to Kosi Bay. Kosi Bay often described as the last outpost of untouched African paradise, pristine beauty as God had originally created. Age old traditions passed down by generations of tribal existence still continue to this day in untainted originality. Ancient fishing kraals erected and tendered by the resourceful Tonga people provide sustainable catches that do not deplete the fish population. Kosi Bay was described by one of the first scientists to explore this region as "A wonderful aquarium and the most gorgeous aviary". Kosi Bay's pristine wealth of beauty and natural resources has to be seen with the physical eye to be fully appreciated. Enjoy the next day relaxing at the beach or take part in some of the exciting optional activities offered at the lodge.
Distance: 200 km
Accommodation: Kosi Bay Lodge Camping (tents with communal bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

DAY 7: Maputo, Mozambique BL
After breakfast we cross the border into Mozambique. We reach the capital just after lunch and will conduct a short tour of this vibrant city. Maputo (previously Lourenzo Marques) is the sprawling capital of Mozambique. Several rivers meet the sea in Maputo and two islands (Inhaca and Portuguese Island) lie just off the coast. Highlights of the city of Maputo include Maputo's most important landmark is the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceiao (Our Lady of Conception) which was the nucleus of the original settlement. Another imposing building is the Central Railway Station, an enormous structure looking more like a palace for kings, than a siding for commuters.
Distance: 250 km
Accommodation: Hotel Cardoso (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

DAY 8 & 9: Inhambane, Mozambique BL
Today we carry on north, leaving bustling Maputo and we head to the coastal town of Inhambane. Here we spend the day exploring the rock pools and the beach. Relax and soak up the last bit of Mozambique sunshine. Inhambane is an ancient trading port. We visit the Mercardo (market) famous for vegetables and fish. Catch a Dhow and take a lazy cruise across the bay for lunch and a 'cerveja' (beer) in the town of Maxixe or visit the old Catholic church in Inhambane.
Distance: 450 km
Accommodation: Barra Reef Resort Camping (tents, with communal bathrooms)

DAY 10: Limpopo Transfrontier Park, Mozambique BL
After breakfast we leave the paradise of Xai-Xai behind us and drive in a north-westerly direction to wards Massingir.
Distance: 350 km
Accommodation: Machampane Camp (Tents, with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 11 & 12: Kruger National Park, South Africa BD, BLD
An early morning getaway takes us back into South Africa through the Giriyondo gate into the world-renowned Kruger National Park - South Africa's most famous and biggest game reserve. Kruger National Park has nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled diversity of life forms that fuses with historical and archaeological sights - this is real Africa. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Truly the flagship of the South African National Parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. The following day we depart the camp at sunrise for a full day of game viewing in the park with the chance of spotting the 'Big 5' again, whilst making our way to one of the southern camps. Our last night in the park will be enjoyed around the campfire and typical South African Braai (BBQ)
Distance: Day 1: 180 km
Day 2: 70 km
Accommodation: Kruger National Park Camp(tents, with communal bathrooms)

DAY 13: Johannesburg, South Africa B
Today we depart for Johannesburg, where you have the evening at leisure.
Distance: 450 km
Accommodation: Airport Game Lodge (Room, with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 14: Tour ends B
The tour ends after breakfast this morning. Hope to see you again soon.

Meal Key: B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner

Group Size Minimum: 4 people, Maximum 10 people

2009 Per Person Rate: US$ 1625.00. Single supplement: US$ 140.00. Local Payment: ZAR 1 200.00
Included in the price
5 nights in lodges/bungalows and 8 nights camping, meals as per itinerary, transport on the tour with 4x4 vehicle, entrance fees, professional guide activities as per itinerary, game drives as per itinerary.

2009 Per Person Upgraded Rate: US$ 1915.00. Single supplement: US$ 400.00. Local Payment: ZAR 1 200.00
Included in theUpgraded price
13 nights in lodges/bungalows, meals as per itinerary (meals are prepared by the guide at the campsite), transport on the tour with 4x4 vehicle, entrance fees, professional guide activities as per itinerary, game drives as per itinerary.

Departure Dates 2009: May: 14, June: 4, 18, July: 09, August: 13, September: 10, October: 08, 22, November: 12, December: 17

Scuba Diving can be incorporated in this tour at the following dive sites:

Kosi Bay
Diving opened in this area in 1993 after 25 years of war. Today, it is an extension of South Africa in terms of diving, offering brilliant reef dives. A new deep dive called The Pinnacle, is renowned for its sharks, and 'Bass City' is home to 'Bert', a huge Potato Bass.
Inhambane
Numerous reefs range from 9m to 30m in depth, 1km to 17km offshore
Commonly spotted aquatic species include blue spotted stingrays, electric rays, moray eels, sand sharks, stone & scorpion fish, Moorish idols, barracuda, bull rays and leatherback turtles
A vast amount of schooling fish including fusiliers, cardinals, squirrels, sweet lips and goatfish
Home to a healthy shark population with white & black tips and leopards commonly seen in-shore whilst hammerheads, tigers and zambezis and whites can be occasionally spotted on the far reefs.
Manta and whale shark population, which can be seen all year round, as close as 1km offshore
Sightings tend to increase in late October through to April.
Further attractions are the all year round sightings of porpoises and dolphins.

Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers can be arranged on request
Standard Room, Airport Lodge (Johannesburg) = From R270 pp Sharing (BB), From R350 pp Single (BB)
Complimentary Airport Transfers

Transport
Operator uses Toyota Landcruisers or appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, windows for game viewing and a music system. An off-road trailer is fitted with a field kitchen. All luggage is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle.
Spending money
Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios, and additional entertainment. US Dollars, Pound Sterling and South African Rand (ZAR) are the most practical and convenient currencies. There are automatic teller machines (ATM's) available in Mozambique and South Africa to draw money. Foreign exchange into the local currency is possible in most large cities through which we pass.
International credit cards and travelers cheques are widely accepted.
First Aid:
Our guides are trained in basic first aid and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration, although it is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure.
Luggage:
Maximum baggage allowance: 12 kg. Jenman Safaris stipulates this luggage allowance, as an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both the clients and the guide. This does not include photographic equipment and a small daypack. Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not a suitcase. Don't bring too much clothing, as there are washing opportunities along the way. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited.
Insurance:
It is compulsory for all travelers to have insurance covering their personal requirements, medical expenses and personal possessions. This is to be arranged before leaving home.
Visas:
The onus is on the client to organize all visas required for clients to visit South Africa and Mozambique.

Information on areas visited

South Africa
Situated on the tip of the African continent, South Africa has often been described as a world in one country. It has a wealth of natural beauty, pristine wilderness areas, warm and friendly people, cosmopolitan cities and excellent infrastructure - making South Africa a favourite safari destination.

Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park
Founded in 1895 Hluhluwe Umfolozi National Park is the oldest game reserve in South Africa and covers 96000 hectares. Located in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu Natal the park is one of the most popular "big five" wildlife safari and tour destinations.
Since the time that Zulu kings hunted and enact the first conservation laws a lot changed in the park but it never lost his attraction.
During the 1960's operation rhino took place and successfully relocated white rhinos to havens in South Africa and abroad. Today the reserve habits at least a fifth of the world's black and white rhino population. Due to its rich diversity of tree and plant life over 300 species of birds and a large variety of game can be found. Viewings hides enable visitors to see the big five (lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard), giraffes, hippos, wild dogs, cheetahs, nyalas, jackals, zebras and many more wandering through pans or drinking at waterholes. You can explore the park via auto trails, day walks, game drives, boat tours or wilderness trails for which the park is seen as a bench mark throughout Africa. The Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park is able to offer his guests such an unforgettable experience because it has one of the best conservation teams in the world.
Your stay is perfect by a wide range of accommodations, from bush camps to luxury lodges.

Kwa-Zulu Natal Battlefields
Witness to decisive events in the annals of three imperious, yet vastly disparate nations, our Kingdom of the Zulu's easily accessible Battlefields exude power and unmistakable presence...infusing the visitor with an inescapable sense of momentous occasion.
It was among the picturesque hills and rock formations of this sweeping landscape that fearless, spear-wielding footsoldiers of the all-conquering Zulu kings first encountered the rampant British Empire's sophisticated fire- power... and where each faced the unfamiliar guerilla-warfare tactics of the Boer - descendants of the west European settlers who five generations earlier had claimed divine right to this 'Promised Land'.
Prophetically, the Zulu also believed the bountiful terrain between fabled Drakensberg Mountains and golden Indian Ocean beaches to be their own 'Heaven on Earth'. Seventy years of bitter and merciless head-on confrontation proved as pivotal to South Africa's geo-political evolution as the wars that forged modern Europe and established the freedom, identity and boundaries of North America.
Perhaps the most influential British leader of all time first came to public attention amid the heat of battle on KwaZulu-Natal soil... while ambush dealt a fatal blow to the continuation of an historic west European dynasty. The legacy of our Zulu Kingdom's critical, blood-soaked conflicts today lives peacefully-reconciled in this fascinating region's myriad Battlefield Sites, Historic Towns, National Monuments and Museums - and in HQs of the British regiments that make 'pilgrimage' to these fields of bravery and supreme sacrifice. While knowledgeable, friendly and accredited local guides guarantee hour upon hour of captivating company, it is possible to 'escape' the clutches of history - hunting, fishing, game drives and the entire gamut of adventure sports are but a handful of the exciting 'diversions' equally guaranteed to catapult you back into the 'here and now'.
All at the Battlefields Route Association welcome you to our slice of the inimitable Kingdom of the Zulu, and look forward to sharing with you our insights, enthusiasm and know-how... plus a truly memorable South African experience!

St. Lucia
A very special slice of Africa, the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park offers ecotourists some of the most diverse wildlife and outdoor experiences imaginable. Besides Lake St Lucia - a unique, 38 000 ha expanse of lake, islands and estuary - the park incorporates an astonishing variety of habitats ranging from the Ubombo mountains to grasslands, forests, wetlands, mangroves and vegetated dunes, with magnificent beaches and coral reefs. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park stretches along the Zululand coast from Mapelane in the south to Sodwana in the north.
From Mapelane the park stretches northwards, incorporating St Lucia Game and Marine Reserves, False Bay park, Cape Vidal, Sodwana Bay,

Mkuzi Game Reserve and the Maputaland Marine Reserve.
The 260 000 ha park is internationally recognised and a World Heritage Site.
This diversity gives rise to a multiplicity of fauna and flora, unrivalled anywhere in South Africa. It supports an abundance of Nile crocodile and hippo, as well as rhino (both black and white), elephant, buffalo, giraffe, waterbuck, kudu, nyala, impala, duiker and reedbuck, amongst a host of other species. While swimming in the lake is prohibited due to the presence of crocodile, recreational options abound. You can dive on coral reefs or walk for miles along golden beaches; explore great dunes and wander through magical coastal forests; or roam across grassy plains as the wind carries the whistling calls of reedbuck on the alert. You can try your hand at canoeing while enjoying a wilderness trail, and if snorkeling, angling or boating take your fancy, this is the place to indulge yourself. Migrant whales cavorting along the coast, leatherback and loggerhead turtles, nesting on the beaches at night in summer, add to the park's special attractions.

Kosi Bay:
In the far North Eastern corner of KwaZulu-Natal lies one of natures last frontiers - Kosi Bay part of the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park - the first natural World Heritage Site in South Africa to be accorded this distinction. Unique in its people, resources, ecology, culture Kosi Bay epitomises the incredible splendour of untouched Africa at its most pristine. Kosi Bay often described as the last outpost of untouched African paradise, pristine beauty as God had originally created. Age old traditions passed down by generations of tribal existence still continue to this day in untainted originality. Ancient fishing kraals erected and tendered by the resourceful Tonga people provide sustainable catches that do not deplete the fish population. Kosi Bay was described by one of the first scientists to explore this region as "A wonderful aquarium and the most gorgeous aviary". Kosi Bay's pristine wealth of beauty and natural resources has to be seen with the physical eye to be fully appreciated

Kruger National Park
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park of nearly 2 million hectares, SANParks - Kruger National Park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.
Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Man's interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries - from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - is very evident in the Kruger National Park. These treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park and are conserved along with the park's natural assets.

Mozambique
Compared to other Southern African countries, Mozambique has considerably lower numbers of wildlife. This is due to Mozambique's civil upheaval, during which large-scale organised poaching systematically removed almost all big game from the bush. Mozambicans were unfortunately reduced to hunter-gatherer status and in some areas even locusts and ants were harvested almost to extinction. Birdlife has recovered to some extent but only the most remote areas offer the chance to view African wildlife, including the Big Five - but it must be on foot and with experienced guides.
Maputo Elephant Reserve is home to about 400 elephants, which migrate between South Africa and Mozambique. The birdlife is varied and abundant, but infrastructure is minimal and roads are poor. Camping is an option at either Ponta Milibangalala or Ponta Dobela, but the water in the wells there needs to be purified before drinking.
Reserva do Niassa is a remote area that has provided refuge to around 12,000 elephant and the last of Mozambique's buffalo, sable and roan herds. Independent visitors are not encouraged, as this area is currently being redeveloped, however, it is possible to go into the area with a game guard ranger. The nearby Jurege River proved excellent game viewing (though it is dry from June to December).
Although the Bazaruto Archipelago consists of five islands (in size order: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue), only Bazaruto and surrounding reefs are officially within a National Park. These waters are home to over 80% of all marine fish families of the Indo-Pacific. Resident Minke and Southern right whales abound in this area, alongside common, spinner and bottlenose dolphins and the highly threatened dugong.

Maputo
Maputo (previously Lourenzo Marques) is the sprawling capital of Mozambique, with a population of about two million people and a large harbour. Several rivers meet the sea Maputo and two islands (Inhaca and Portuguese Island) lie just off the coast.
In 1898 central authority for the country was transferred from Mozambique Island to Lourenzo Marques and the city quickly became established as the trade and industry centre and as a port to serve the gold fields of South Africa. In the early days transport riders made the perilous journey with ox and wagons, but when the rail link was constructed, transport became safer and more profitable.
Under Portuguese influence, Lourenzo Marques became one of Africa's most beautiful and fashionable cities with an impressive skyline of tall buildings and a cosmopolitan Portuguese/African atmosphere. Places like the Polana Hotel buzzed with the chatter of socialites and the nightclubs thumped until the early hours.
But the war in the 1970s and 1980s changed all that. When peace finally came, the once proud city was in terrible disrepair. Thousands of immigrants crowded the buildings, litter lay everywhere and major services including water and electricity were out of commission. Today the city is slowly recreating some of its former glory. The rich and famous are once more hanging out at the five-star Polana Hotel, with its grand view over the harbour, its tea gardens and its old-fashioned Victorian lift.
Maputo's most important landmark is the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceiao (Our Lady of Conception) which was the nucleus of the original settlement. Another imposing building is the Central Railway Station, an enormous structure looking more like a palace for kings, than a siding for commuters. There are also some excellent - and fantastically expensive - restaurants where you can enjoy beers and peri-peri prawns. The infamous Fere de Populare has dozens of bars and discos where Mozambicans dance well into the night to seductive Latino beats. These places are lots of fun and quite safe, but men seldom escape without at least one proposition from the many prostitutes.
A regular ferry service takes visitors from Maputo's fishing harbour to Inhaca Island to see the fascinating maritime museum, historic lighthouse and to have lunch or overnight at the hotel. Other visitors head south into the swamplands of the 236,000-hectare Maputo Elephant Reserve where rolling green hills meet the sea. Crocs, hippos, side-striped jackals, antelope and up to 200 elephants are found here. The area is currently being restored and there are plans to introduce more animals, and open lodges in the future. Visitors fly in directly to the airport.

Inhambane
When Vasco da Gama rounded Africa in the late 1400s he pulled into the beautiful protected bay of Inhambane to replenish stocks and to explore. He took an immediate liking to the place and its people and named it Terra de Boa Gente or 'Land of the Gentle People'. It took another 40 years before the Portuguese established a trading post and settlement and sadly the friendly people of Inhambane were rewarded by lives of slavery. Thousands were removed through this inhumane practice, which continued well into the last century.
Inhambane, which is one of the oldest settlements on the East Coast, was an important port. Although large ships seldom call here any longer, it still has the largest fleet of working dhows in the country. In the old quarter of town is the 170 year old Cathedral of our Lady of Conception where a rusted (and somewhat perilous) ladder leads to the top of the spire, offering grand views of town and harbour.
You should also take in the old governor's house on the waterfront, the fascinating railway station (it has a workshop filled with old stream trains and memorabilia and men clanking away on old machinery) and the mercado which sells a colourful array of spices, prawns, fishes, vegetables and cashew nuts. You can also take a dhow trip across the harbour to Maxixe.