Swaziland Malalotja NR Blesbok

Overview   Special Offer, 15% off ZAR 19900.00! Pay 25% deposit three months before tour departure date.

Its ancient history of submersion below the sea, and location at the meeting of tropical and subtropical climatic zones, has lent a rare ecological diversity and beauty to the Greater St Lucia Wetlands. Its Zulu name “iSimangaliso”, means “magical”. It is this magical ecosystem - of pristine natural islands, a lake and an estuary surrounded by forested sand dunes, grassy plains and dense coastal forests, and incorporating rich coral reefs, sun speckled beaches, wetlands, grasslands and coastal forests - that is the origin of hippos like no others in the world.

One of these was Huberta, who in 1928 became a celebrity in South Africa and abroad, as she zig zagged her way across 1,600 kilometres, crossing more than 200 rivers, railway lines, main streets and suburbs, with the press and curious onlookers in tow. In April 1931, her adventurous life ended in a hail of bullets.  Recently, in April 2008, a hippo, named Sandy by bemused villagers, and who has a similar penchant for going on a ramble, appeared in St Lucia village.

Still within the St Lucia Wetlands, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi game reserve has fought a protracted battle for 60 years against poachers, to save the white rhino from the brink of extinction. Spotting a rhino there is a unique and precious experience. It now has the most numerous black and white rhino population in the world, besides other species of the Big 5.

Crossing the border into Swaziland, it seems that in some respects time has stood still.  Swaziland is steeped in tradition, folklore and ritual.  In this scenic kingdom,, Mswati III, still participates in an annual, sacred, secret rite which ends  in his eating the first fruits of the harvest.  The Queen Mother is also honoured, spectacularly, every year by maidens and women who assemble at the royal kraal, perform traditional dancing and singing and gather reeds to refurbish the kraal.

Itinerary for This Tour

Day 1   (Mon - 08-June-2009 )

Day 2   (Tue - 09-June-2009 )

Clients’ chosen, certified, diamonds, cut to precision to reflect light and fire, can be set in expertly crafted, gold jewellery while they wait. Also on site is probably the biggest selection of quality African arts, crafts and curios in South Africa as well as semi-precious stones and silver jewelry. It is a true treasure trove, with exquisite things in every nook and cranny and display cases reaching to the high ceilings.

From here we shall go to Montecasino, one of Johannesburg’s premier attractions, with theatres, restaurants, shops and a casino all inside a modern, secure complex where guests can walk around freely and choose a suitable place for the evening meal from the many available. Breakfast included.

Day 3   (Wed - 10-June-2009 )

Depart for flight to Manzini airport Swaziland where we will visit the well known Swazi craft market near the capital Mbabane and the Mantenga cultural village for a wonderful exhibition of Swazi culture, dance and song, and will visit the Mantenga Falls afterwards. Stay at four star accommodation that night. Breakfast included

Day 4   (Thu - 11-June-2009 )

Drive via Big Bend and Golela in luxury air conditioned coach to northern Zululand, this will take about six hours including stopping for lunch, to sight see, and cross border at Golela. Check in to four star lodge adjacent to the St Lucia (iSimangaliso) Wetlands Park, Breakfast included

Day 5   (Fri - 12-June-2009 )

Morning and evening game drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi  Big 5  game park, one of SA’s oldest game reserves, historically the preserve of the Zulu king and world famous for the preservation of the rhino, Breakfast included

Day 6   (Sat - 13-June-2009 )

Optional Activities: