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Day
1
We set out from Durban
and after a scenic drive we arrive in Underberg
nestled in the foot hills of the majestic Drakensberg
– “the Dragon Mountains”. We transfer to a 4-wheel drive vehicle
to begin our Sani Pass adventure. At the top we take a short walk to the
edge of the escarpment and admire the view over KwaZulu
Natal. Our guide takes us further into Lesotho
through a barren lunar-like landscape where living conditions are extreme
and the people are amongst the poorest in Africa. Before we start the
homeward journey we make a stop at the highest pub in Africa for a warm
drink. Once back at the bottom it is late and there is no time to move
on so overnight at a quiet country hotel:
Day 2
After breakfast pack up and take the scenic route through the “small berg”
to Kamberg
Nature Reserve where take a 3 hour walk to see some of the best, publicly
accessible, bushman paintings in the Drakensberg. As we walk our guide
tells us interesting stories about the history and mythology of the Drakensberg
as well as its geology and ecology. The rest of the day is to relax and
swim in the mountain streams. There are other hikes on offer for the more
energetic. Overnight in a local guest house.
Day 3
Taking a packed breakfast and lunch we head off for a full day hiking
in the nearby Giants
Castle Game Reserve. Famous for excellent day hikes as well as Main
Caves Bushmen (San) paintings and the adjacent museum. Our guide imparts
interesting knowledge and anecdotes on the fauna, flora and ecology of
the region a long the route. The rest of the afternoon is free and we
each explore the beautiful surroundings on our own returning to the lodge
at sunset.
Day 4
A depart from the Drakensberg and take the route to the remote area of
Tugela Ferry.
Our guide offers enlightening information on the cultural history of KwaZulu
Natal, and discusses evocative issues concerning the valley we are
about to visit. On arrival at our host’s musi (traditional homestead)
in the Msinga Tribal area, we will be welcomed and introduced to the extended
family before being shown to our accommodation. After a short rest, a
walk up the hill behind the village and onto the contour path ensures
incredible vistas of the valley and gives us an opportunity to see the
village in the context of the greater area. From here, the locals can
be seen going about their everyday business, giving a good perspective
of their life style.
Having no electricity, these rural folk live by Mother Nature’s
clock, so we need to arrive back at the musi in time to freshen up
before it is dark. Dinner is served at dusk and the rest of the
evening will be spent with the family around the fire, chatting and
maybe telling stories. Bedtime comes early in the valley and we will
soon retire to our sleeping mats in a communal guest hut.
Day 5
After breakfast we take a walking tour of the area with our host as
guide. Our first visit is the musi of the local Sangoma, or
spiritualist, where we learn about her important role in traditional
culture. We will stop in at a number of other imisi en-route to the
river. We continue down to the river where we are almost certain to
encounter women collecting water and doing washing and probably some
young boys fishing. We will see how they grow crops on the fertile
riverbanks.
On our way back we will stop and chat with the numerous interesting people
we encounter, each one adding a little to our experience. Along the way
our guide will point out many useful trees and shrubs used by the Zulus
and will relate other important information regarding the lifestyle and
culture of the community. This is an excellent opportunity to ask the
many questions that you have.
Today is a relaxed day, on “African” time, and we will plan to
be away from the musi for most of the day. Lunch will be a light a
picnic along the way under a shady tree, will have us back at our
host’s musi in time to wash and freshen up before dinner.
Day 6
On leaving the valley we head for the highlands of Zululand,
travelling for several hours before arriving at a trading store where
we are to leave our vehicle. The last few kilometres to Simunye
are covered either on horseback or by ox-wagon, travelling over rugged
terrain and a river or two, reaching the village in the late afternoon.
Simunye is a vastly different Zulu
cultural experience.... as it was in the days when the first white
hunters and explorers penetrated this wild country. We will be shown to
our rooms to freshen up before we assemble at the entrance to the chief’s
musi to be officially welcomed and we return to the main lodge. Before
dinner a group of traditional dancers will entertain us and we may also
be treated to the beautiful sound of Zulu voices harmonising in traditional
song. After dinner guests usually relax around the fire where the conversation
inevitably turns to the changing dynamics of the Zulu culture.
Day 7
The jingle of a Zulu guitar gently awakens us and a maiden will bring
in a tray of hot tea and coffee. We meet at the entrance to the chief’s
musi for a tour. We learn from our Zulu guide about traditional food,
beer making, the traditional dress for men, maidens and married women
and traditional weapons, the importance of cattle and interesting facts
about their lifestyle. Returning to the lodge a large cooked breakfast
is served, pack up and head back up to our vehicle on horseback and by
ox–wagon. Once back at the trading store we bid farewell to our Zulu hosts
and head off for our next destination, Hluhluwe/Umfolozi
Park the oldest Game Reserve in Africa.
Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Park was proclaimed in 1895 for the protection of
the white rhino which was threatened with extinction. Today the park
is home to the largest populations and densities of both black and
white rhino in the world, as well as to all the other members of the
‘Big 5’ and the complete spectrum of antelope that naturally
occurred in this region.
On entering the park there is an immediate awareness of the peace of
the African bush. Civilisation falls away and the smell and sounds
of the bush occupy the senses. The drive to our overnight camp is
our first game viewing experience. On arrival we will have a chance
to unpack, settle in and freshen up. As the sun sets we relax and
enjoying sundowners. When dusk turns to night, new sounds become
apparent and the bush takes on a very different mood. We move our
chairs a little close to the fire.....
Day 8
A full day’s programme starting with early morning tea and coffee
and a light snack before setting off, at dawn, on foot or by vehicle
in search of game. We return to the camp for a well deserved brunch.
After a sumptuous meal we set off on a game drive and although we
will probably see more game and get closer than on foot, the throb
of Africa is not quite so distinct! However, the photos taken will
be wonderful reminders once back at home and a long way, physically
and spiritually, from this place. A light lunch in the early
afternoon, followed by an opportunity to relax and soak up the
experience. A late afternoon game drive should provide more
excellent photographic opportunities.
Day 9
A lazy lie-in is an option this morning before breakfast, after which
we pack up and return to Durban.
Drop off at Beachfront Hotel or Airport.
Enquire
about this Drakensberg - Zululand tour
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