Overview: Two 'must visit" popular Wildlife areas in Zululand are the Umfolozi and Mkuze Game Reserves. The reserves have a great diversity of natural habitats including mountains, savannah, swamps, acacia, wetlands, riverine forest and woodlands.

These are wild animal protected areas with stunning views and exciting close range experiences with the animals in their natural habitat, that will stir your senses and recharge your batteries.

The reserves offer fantastic viewing of wildlife, including the "Big Five" (Elephant, Rhino, Leopard, Lion and Buffalo) and Cheetah, Wild Dogs, Zebra and many other species of wild animals. The reserves have the largest population of both Black and White Rhino in the world. An added attraction is the abundance of birdlife. The much sought after Martial Eagle frequents these reserves.

Visitors may view animals in their natural habitat at close range from viewing hides overlooking waterholes and pans. Larger mammals may be viewed and photographed from the safety of these hides.

Night drives are offered, giving visitors the opportunity to see some of the nocturnal animals and birds.

Additional information : All tours are flexible and can be part of a customised package tour to include other interests such as Zulu Culture, Birding, Zululand Outback Tours and Battlefields. Length of tours can be shortened or extended to suit your requirements.

Visitors are advised to take precautions gainst malaria when visiting Northern Zululand areas.

Price of 3 Day tour below : R5900 per person

A 3 Day tour of Zululand Game Reserves:

Day 1: Our first stop, after leaving your pick-up point in Durban is Eshowe, the traditional capital of Zululand. Here we purchase some foodstuffs and refreshments for the self-catering establishment at Mpila Camp in the Umfolozi game Reserve. After leaving Eshowe we pass through sugarcane fields, citrus farms and scenic rolling hills dotted with Zulu dwellings, and up into the the highlands of Melmoth. We soon bypass the small town of Melmoth, which means that we are about 45 minutes away from the Western gate of Umfolozi Game Reserve.

After entering the game reserve gate you will become increasingly aware of the Zululand bush as civilisation disappears, and with a heightened sense of anticipation your hand reaches for your binoculars or camera as you scan the surrounding bush for the wildlife, whose domain we have now well and truly entered, and must be respected as such.

At Mpila camp we settle in and have a lunch break, after which we go on an afternoon game drive along a different route to the morning route, and return at dusk to Mpila Camp for a sundowner before supper. Those with some energy left may choose to go on a night game drive to observe some of the nocturnal wildlife. These night drives are arranged through the Game Reserve personnel.

Expect to hear the roar of lions and other wild animal sounds in the surrounding Zululand bush, before you drift off to sleep at the end of day 1.

Day 2 : We awaken early, eager and excited with prospect of seeing more wild animals. After breakfast we pack up and depart for Mkuze Game Reserve, our second wildlife destination of the tour. A number of short stops are made along the way, whilst driving out of Umfolozi Game Reserve, to allow you to observe and photograph animals, or birds.

We call in at the town of Mkuze to purchase foodstuffs and refreshments for the self-catering Safari Tented Camp at the Game Reserve. On arrival we settle in to the tented accommodation and place any perishable foodstuffs into the refrigerators provided, and also ensure that any other food is kept out of reach of the Vervet monkeys who delight in snatching whatever is available when your back is turned.

After lunch we proceed on a game drive to view and photograph a variety of wild animals. We spend the latter part of the afternoon at the viewing hides overlooking the waterholes and pans, where you are likely to see Elephant, Rhino, Crocodiles, Cheetah, Warthogs and a variety of antelope. Mkuze Game Reserve is a birders paradise where even the most avid birders may find some new species to add to their lists.

At sunset we return to camp and enjoy a sundowner whilst discussing the events of the day, then its time for supper, perhaps in the form of a South African braai (barbecue).

As in Umfolozi Game Reserve, night game drives are available here and bookings should be made during the day at the camp office.

Day 3 : You will marvel at the chorus of bird sounds and the sight of small game within the camp surrounds as you awaken early on the last day of your tour.

The smell of coffee being brewed and breakfast being prepared in the kitchen reaches your taste buds. Its time for a bite to eat before packing up in preparation for your return to Durban.

On our way out of the game reserve you will still have a chance to view and photograph some animals and birds, before reaching the exit gate.

We make our way back to your pick-up point which we reach in the afternoon of day 3.

Things to bring : Comfortable clothing, Camera, binoculars (optional) Flashlight, Insect repellent, Hat, Towels, soap and toiletries.

Inclusions : Sleeping accommodation, Registered guide, Transport, Entry fees, Public liability and Passenger liability Insurances.

Exclusions : Food & drinks for self-catering establishments, Flights, alcoholic beverages, Night Game Drives, Personal travel and medical insurance, private telephone calls, Laundry.

Cancellation policy : Cancellations between a week and 48hrs prior to departure date : 50% of the total amount plus admin fees.

Cancellations less than 48hrs prior to departure date, or no-show : 100% of the total amount.