Big 5 Designer Tour

Really want to see KwaZulu-Natal?

Then consider this ‘BIG 5’ DESIGNER TOUR

I’m not talking about a BIG 5 Safari Tour but rather taking in 5 to 7 top destinations in KZN in 5 to 7 days or more! Time is always relative but when you’re on holiday and touring …. who cares! Obviously, there is a large selection of wonderful accommodation to choose from and I’ll book places according to your budget and availability. Tell me what you would like and I’ll organize the tour of your dreams.

Midlands Meander - babbling stream — Midland Meander – babbling stream

Day 1:

After breakfast we head off into the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal and spend the morning visiting a few places of interest on the famous Meander route. These include the Nelson Mandela capture site, Piggly Wiggly shopping corner, Tsonga shoes and Michaelhouse school.

We stop for a light lunch with a cold beer at the Nottingham Road brewery. Wandering down the road between Rosetta and the Kamberg, we head towards the ever present Drakensberg mountains stopping off to see some Bushman art, a taste of what’s to come in the morning.

Overnight at Cleopatras Mountain Farmhouse,the 1st of the big 5. Set in a most beautifully scenic spot there’s time for a short walk before sun-downers on their patio at the dam and then, the 7 course dinner that they are famous for. Visitors come from far and wide world over to experience their fare.

Cave outlook — Outlook from Bushman Painting Caves

Day 2:

After breakfast we travel up to Giants Castle in the Drakensberg and take in an easy hike to the Main Cave, where the most magnificent collection of Bushman Art is located, a sight to behold. The best collection of such art yet discovered. A qualified guide walks us through. After a few hours of soaking up the wonders of the mountains we enjoy a light lunch at the National parks camp.

On the way back to Nottingham Road we visit the Crane Foundation Centre in the wetlands. Here we observe what’s being done to look after these precious, endangered birds one of which, the blue crane, is the national bird of South Africa.

A slow drive takes us through the Kamberg, which has some of the best trout fishing waters in KZN onto the 2nd of our big 5, Hartford House in Mooi River.

Hartford House is a magnificent establishment in set on the Summerhill Stud farm, home to some of the top race horses not only in South Africa but in the world. The resident chef is one of the very best in SA. There will once again be time for a stroll around the grounds and estate to build up a good appetite!

Day 3:

After a leisurely breakfast in that beautiful environment we continue our travels touring into the Champagne Valley in the central Drakensberg. This is a very popular holiday destination for South Africans and it is very obvious why. A simply stunning part of our world!

After a tea/coffee break in one of the many places on offer we drive through Winterton to Spioenkop, a site of historic importance in the Anglo-Boer war. A tour of the site is given by the resident expert guide.

We overnight at Spioenkop Lodge the 3rd of our big 5.

Day 4:

Now we have some options.

We could continue on to what some would say is like being on “the top of the world”, to the Wild Horses Lodge set on the Lesotho side of Sterkfontein dam. Breathtaking views and peace all round.

Or we could go through Ladysmith to the Nambiti Hills Game Reserve arriving in time for the afternoon game drive. Exciting stuff! Incredible viewing! Sun-downers in a superb environment and dinner around the fire in typical South African fashion, a braai. These wonderful establishments are 4th or 5th on our tour itinerary.

Day 5:

After an early morning game drive and breakfast we head off to the famous Battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu Wars fought on 22nd January 1879.

Isandlwana is the site of the great Zulu victory and Rorkes Drift is the site of the amazing defense by the 139 soldiers based at that hospital and mission station. Victoria Crosses were awarded to eleven of these brave soldiers, the most ever. We also visit Fugitives Drift and the slaying site of the Prince Imperial. Commentary is given both on site and en route.

We stay over at the Fugitives Drift Lodge, a world famous establishment and yet another big 5 spot for good reason.

After a great few days out in the country we travel through some wonderful scenery in rural Zululand and KwaZulu-Natal and on to the next big 5 spot, Sandals Guest House in Umhlanga Rocks, a beautiful seaside resort.

This suggested and highly recommended outing can be customized to accommodate any requests in terms of stay overs and length of time. A truly fantastic lifetime experience!

KwaZulu-Natal Bush Safari

Longing to see the BIG 5? Then this KwaZulu-Natal Bush Safari is a must, visiting the Hluhluwe and iMfolosi Game Reserves in KwaZulu-Natal

Duration: One day or extended if required.
Trips to one of our many parks or game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal can be done in a day but it is often better to spend at least one night and perhaps even two to experience a KwaZulu-Natal Bush Safari to its full. Nothing can be more enjoyable than…

To experience a night and a very early morning game drive is a truly unique experience.
To watch the sunrise or sunset in the stillness of the African bush is simply a stunning event.
To sit round a fire enjoying a barbeque or a ‘braai’, as it’s known locally, with a beer or glass of good South African wine is fantastic.

And then, of course, chatting about the sightings in the bush, rounds off the day.

The Bush_Solitary leopard — Solitary Leopard

Having been an Honorary Ranger some years ago assisting our National Parks in a variety of ways I’ve had many such experiences and they never cease to amaze me.

An unforgettable experience awaits you on the KwaZulu-Natal Bush Safari – The Big 5!

Nothing quite beats the unbelievable excitement of driving around a corner and being confronted by one of the BIG Five. That kind of memory never goes away. The smell of the bush and the beast, the stillness or the roar gets the adrenalin going, always.

The privilege of being in the middle of a breeding herd of elephant slipping quietly but quickly by, downwind of a herd of buffalo lifting their snouts testing for any potential danger, to stare at a solitary leopard lazing and posing in a tree, to witness a wild dog pack lock on to and run down an antelope and reduce it to horns and hooves in minutes and then move on again as perpetual hunters and runners do, swopping the lead all the time. That’s what the KwaZulu-Natal Bush Safari is all about!

Every day in the bush is a good day!

Please contact me for more information on the KwaZulu-Natal Bush Safari Tour. Should you have more than one day available, this tour can be tailor made to include a trip to the Wetlands World Heritage Tour.

Interested?

Please fill in this contact form and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Iain Schouten
Tel: +27 31 716 8232
Cell: +27 79 649 3690

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Midlands Meander

This full day country tour will take you inland to the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. Thousands of local and foreign visitors ‘do’ the Midlands Meander annually, taking in the spectacular country scenery of rolling hills and waterfalls. The Midlands is the largest art and craft tourism area in SA and so a special attraction of this tour is being able to stop off at any of the many arts and crafts studios along the way. All of these attractions make up the quaint kind of country living offered by the Midlands.

Heading out west from Durban these are some of the highlights of the trip:

Pietermaritzburg

Pietermaritzburg is the second largest city in the province and is the capital of KwaZulu-Natal. A Victorian style of architecture is very evident and this city is home to many quaint antique shops, markets, restaurants, art galleries and museums. The annual Dusi Canoe Marathon starts here and it is also the beginning or ending point of the world famous annual Comrades Marathon between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. This Marathon annually attracts about 15 000 participants.

Howick Falls

Leaving Pietermaritzburg we head on to Howick and stop at the world famous Howick Falls which is 95 m (310 ft) high.

Nelson Mandela Capture site

Visiting this sculpture of Nelson Mandela at the Nelson Mandela Capture site is one of the highlights of the Midlands Meander tour. This powerful memorial marks the place where Nelson Mandela, was captured on August 5, 1962. He had been on the run for 17 months and his capture marked the beginning of his 27 years in captivity.

A small museum exhibits old photographs and traces Madiba’s political path through the years.

The sculpture is truly amazing! As you walk nearer and nearer to the sculpture, Mandela’s face appears from the jagged steel rods. Artist, Marco Cianfanelli designed the rods so that each of the 50 rods line up to create the illusion of a flat image, the face of South Africa’s beloved, Nelson Mandela.

Michaelhouse School

Michaelhouse, was founded in 1896 and is one of the leading South African boarding schools for senior boys, with an international reputation. It is beautifully situated in the Midlands and the school is marked by its distinctive architecture.

Caversham

In the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, is the historical Caversham Mill. The Caversham Mill Restaurant is first class and a great place to stop for lunch. Sitting in the restaurant, on the deck, or on the lawns, you’ll enjoy a feast for you eyes with the tumbling waterfall and the wheel of the old mill. The setting is spectacular, overlooking the Lions and Impafana Rivers.

Rawdons Hotel and Country Estate

This is another possible lunch or tea stop over, beautifully situated in a lush garden. The hotel has a thriving independent brewery which can be enjoyed in the famous Rawdons pub.

Gowrie Estate

Another lunch/tea venue, idyllically set overlooking a classic golf course.

Arts and crafts

'Groundcover' - for fine handcrafted leather — ‘Groundcover’ – for fine handcrafted leather

A highlight of this trip is being able to stop off at various arts and crafts centers. As many of these art studios are on working farms you may also get the opportunity to meet some of the artists themselves.

Altogether you’re promised a wonderful day out, soaking all the beauty that is offered by the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal.

Contact Me to find out more…

Iain Schouten
Tel: +27 31 716 8232
Cell: +27 79 649 3690

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Rural Zulu Cultural Tour

Experience the traditional Zulu way of life with a fascinating full one day tour to the PheZulu Cultural Village, in the Valley of a Thousand Hills.

PheZulu Cultural Village

Traveling for about 30 minutes to the west of Durban we arrive at PheZulu Safari Park, set in the magnificent Valley of a Thousand Hills. The Valley of a Thousand Hills is a very apt name with rolling hills visible for as far as the eye can see. There are several attractions in the Village, giving one a feel for the traditional way of life.

PheZulu Safari Park

Scoutie with some Phezulu folk from the Gasa clan

At the PheZulu village, the Gasa clan give you, the visitor a taste and feel for the rhythm of Africa. Have a look inside the traditional beehive shaped thatched huts and learn about the various artifacts, rituals and beliefs of the fascinating Zulu culture.

A highlight of this day tour is the Zulu dancing with dancers dressed to the hilt in traditional clothing. The dancing is really impressive!

Crocodile and Snake Park

Cultural rural Zulu tour — Snake and crocodile

Phezulu boasts a Crocodile and Snake Park with a knowledgeable guide to share some interesting facts with you. You can even have a hands-on experience with Cleo a 3.2m long Burmese python weighing 42 kilograms.

Game Drive (optional extra)

An optional game drive is available from the Crocodile and Snake Park. This game drive gives incredible views of the surrounding valleys and you can learn a bit about the medicinal plants in the area.

Latest sightings on this trip include Blesbok, Impala, Wildebeest, Zebra, Giraffe, Bush Buck, Duiker and Bush Pig.

Time for Lunch! (optional extra)

Somewhere between all this activity you’ll no doubt have built up an appetite. Fancy a Crocodile Steak or a traditional Zulu meal? Or perhaps a less adventurous meal of toasted sandwiches and burgers? If your time allows, sit down for a relaxing meal at The Boma Restaurant.

Curio Shop

The curio shop is very well stocked with every African artifact imaginable. There is a wide selection of:

• Stone Carvings
• Wood Carvings
• Ostrich Eggs
• Pottery
• African Jewellery
• African Beadwork
• Zulu Spears and Shields
• Large Format Prints and Paintings

You’ll definitely find a beautiful memento of your trip to the PheZulu Cultural village.

After a full and exciting day, we leave the beautiful Valley of a Thousand Hills on the scenic route back to your accommodation, ‘on roads less traveled’.

Keen for a taste of traditional Zulu Culture? Contact me to find out more…

Iain Schouten
Tel: +27 31 716 8232
Cell: +27 79 649 3690

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Wetlands World Heritage Tour

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

On this full day Wetlands World Heritage Tour we drive up the Eastern Shores of KwaZulu-Natal to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a site unparalleled in the world by its beauty and eco-diversity. In 1999 this Park was declared South Africa’s first World Heritage Site.

Formerly known as the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, this Park is one of the most outstanding natural wetland and coastal sites of Africa. The Park covers an area of 239,566 ha, and includes a wide range of beautiful marine, coastal, wetland, estuarine, and terrestrial environments. Long sandy beaches, coral reefs, coastal dunes, lake systems, swamps, as well as large papyrus and reed wetlands are all part of this natural environment. Being a protected site and unspoiled by people, these wetlands provide a suitable habitat for a wide range of animal and plant species.

Some of the Wetland treasures include:

100 species of coral
8 interlinking ecosystems as well as the last major swamp forests left in South Africa.
3 major lake systems made up of Kosi Bay, Lake St Lucia and Lake Sibayi.
the highest density of black rhino in the world
nesting turtles
flamingos
the highest number of frog species in Southern Africa
526 bird species
110 butterfly species
over 2,000 flowering plants
all 5 of South Africa’s surviving mangrove tree species
25,000 year-old coastal dunes

Game viewing, bird watching and even whale watching in season are all part of what this Wetlands World Heritage site has to offer visitors. In the Zulu language iSimangaliso means ‘a miracle’, a fitting name for this beautiful part of our province.

Mating Crocodiles
It is very seldom that one sees crocodiles mating but I had the amazing experience of witnessing this on a recent trip.

Contact me to come on this tour ‘on roads less traveled’ for a once in a lifetime nature experience. If you have more than one day available I could design a tour to continue north to include the Big 5 Safari Tour.

Iain Schouten
Tel:+27 (031) 716 8232
Cell:+27 (0) 82 841 3593

or fill in this Contact Form and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

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