Family Wildlife & Conservation Safari: Hluhluwe
DYU7D

7 NIGHTS

FROM $1,821

International flights quoted separately

Do you have a budding botanist or butterfly catcher in the family? Is your teen a big-hearted animal lover, passionate about wildlife & the natural world? If so, this conservation week is perfect for families - offering tracking, bush survival skills, big-5 game drives & animal disection. Experience close cheetah, elephant & crocodile encounters and have a whole lot of fun!

HIGHLIGHTS

Family Safari South Africa Track Wildlife Conservation Course Cheetah

• Environmental Awareness Course	• Learn to Track	• Lake St Lucia Wetlands	• Crocodile Centre
• Hluhluwe Game Reserve	• Reptiles	• Zulu Village	• Feed Elephants
• Cheetah Sanctuary	• Durban Beaches

Day 1

You will be met at Richards Bay Airport and transferred 1.5-hours to your lodge near Hluhluwe in Zululand, renowned for its outstanding wildlife.

Check in, settle in and relax as you enjoy the sunset and a roaring campfire before dinner.

Day 2

Today your guide will introduce you to the basic principals of conservation and ecology, including a 3.5-hour interpretive walk through the lodge grounds and neighbouring Khuleni Game Park.

You will learn about the tracks and spoor of animals such as wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, nyala, red duiker, grey duiker and the rare suni. You will also see how mammals, birds, insects and trees interact to form our incredible ecosystem.

Once back at camp we learn to set up camp, including how to chose the best site and avoid dangerous wildlife and pitching tents. You will be shown orientation techniques and learn basic bush survival skills.

After dinner, grab your torch for an evening bush walk to learn about nocturnal specis such as bush babies, chameleons, scorpions, owls and mongoose. At a secluded spot we turn off our torches and appreciate Africa's night skies - unspoilt by light pollution.

Day 3

Today we visit the St Lucia Isimangaliso Wetlands, an area that has been declared a World Heritage site because of its unique biodiversity and importance to marine conservation.

Enjoy a 2-hour river cruise on the estuary where you may see pelicans, fish eagles, hippos and crocodiles. With over 500 different species in the region, bird watching is also outstanding.

Afterwards we mountain bike along the beach and through the forest to the Crocodile Centre to learn more about their conservation.

Day 4

This morning your guide will teach you about Reptiles - the snakes, scorpions, spiders and other venomous species of Hluhluwe. You will learn about fang structures, venom types and basic first aid useful in emergencies - and learn that, whilst some of these animals are deadly, they rarely attack without provocation. There is also the optional opportunity of handling a boa!

There is also a practical hands-on workshop where you can watch a professional dissection of an antelope, seeing how all the organs fit together.

In the afternoon we visit a rural Zulu Village. We stop at a homestead, the local school and beer hall. We may also have the opportunity to visit a traditional healer ("witchdoctor").

Day 5

This morning we visit Bayala Lodge for the chance to touch and feed a family of African Elephants. Hear about the conservation strategoes that help protect these gentle goants and the ecosystem they inhabit.

We stop at Ilala Weavers to give you the opportunity of supporting this local community by buying some of their beautiful crafts, before continuing to the Cheetah Sanctuary. Here you can see these magnificent creatures up close, whilst talking to their handlers. It is also a good opportunity to view lesser known small wild cats such as the African wildcat, serval and caracal.

In the evening swap stories around the campfire, after what has been a fascinating week!

Day 6

Today transfer 3-hours through the sugar cane plantations of the Indian Ocean seaboard to Durban.

You will be dropped off at your hotel on the Durban North Coast, renowned for its wonderful beaches and reliably warm holiday weather all year round. Check in and relax in lush sub-tropical surroundings on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Day 7

At leisure to relax on the warm golden beaches of the KwaZulu Natal Durban North Coast.

Many optional activities are available such a Durban City tour, a visit to Ushaka Marine World, or a marine cruise to search for dolphins, turtles, sharks, whales (in season) and other fascinating sea life. Championship golf, horse riding, quad biking and deep sea game fishing is also available.

Day 8

Transfer 30-minutes to Durban Airport for your flight home.

Family Wildlife & Conservation Safari: Hluhluwe DYU7D

Family Wildlife & Conservation Safari: Hluhluwe
DYU7D