And better yet, know that the money you spend on this excursion will benefit conservation efforts in the areas that you visit. This all inclusive trip will take you through seven different African ecosystems, from bushveld to subtropical. Stay in Ithala, Hluhluwe/Umfolozi, St. Lucia, and Phinda Game Reserves. Journey by vehicle, foot, and Cessna aircraft if you choose. Swim in the Indian Ocean and stare at the Southern Hemisphere canopy of stars from around the campfire while listening to lions roar in the night. A feast for the senses!

Here's Your Itinerary

May 10, Saturday - Arrive in Johannesburg to be greeted by our host Bob Masson to be transported to his beautiful Somerset Guest House. Rest up in the morning, relax, a scrumptious brunch provided. Later that evening, dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant.
May 11, Sunday - Spend the day at De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre. A private tour in their open top safari vehicle, with breakfast and lunch provided there. A unique opportunity that is not offered to the general public. Spend this evening in DeWildt's private Guest Lodge.
May 12, Monday - Fly from Johannesburg to KwaZulu Natal to begin the bush portion of your safari. Start in the European city of Durban on the Indian Ocean and drive to St. Lucia Reserve to stay in beach cottages at Cape Vidal. We will have lunch and take a cruise on the lake to view hippo and crocodile. View wildlife, snorkle in the warm coral reefs, and watch the sunrise over the ocean. Seafood Paella for dinner (no heads or eyes!)

May 13, Tuesday - Depart for Zululand and drive to the Munyawaneni Bush Lodge in the Hluhluwe section of the game reserve. This lodge is overlooking the Hluhluwe River. Some people may instead spend this night in the nearby Hlatikhulu Bush Camp at Umfolozi Game Reserve. Go on a day drive and a morning and afternoon hike with a private ranger.

May 14, Wednesday - Again at Munyawaneni Bush Lodge in Umfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Reserve with a game drive and hikes with private armed ranger. On this night we will get the unique opportunity to join our WAC funded researchers for the Umfolozi TB Lion Relocation Project on a call-up. This is how field vets and researchers catch lions in the wild, by baiting them and broadcasting a tape of hyenas on a kill from large speakers and laying in wait... You will never experience something like this except on Discovery Channel!

May 15, Thursday - Depart Umfolozi Reserve and drive to lunch at Dumazulu Cultural Village, traditional tribal dancing and dining. Arrive at Ithala Game Reserve where we stay the night at Ntshondwe Camp. Boma dinner outdoors with a braai (bar-b-que) or dinner and vegitarian meal in the Boma. We will go on a night drive this evening to see the nocturnal side of wildlife in Africa. Leopards, genets, and bushbabies!

May 16, Friday - Drive on to the exclusive Phinda Mountain Lodge. This reserve's lodges are listed in the Luxury Hotels of the World. Exquisite meals and a day and night drive scheduled.


May 17, Saturday - Another day and night at fantastic Phinda Mountain Lodge. Day and night drives included. Optional addition of taking a spectacular flight on a small Cessna 208 over the Reserve and it's seven ecosystems, including St. Lucia estuary and the Indian Ocean to look for whales. Boma dinners, or possibly a surprise dinner in the bush with armed guards to protect us from the wildlife!
May 18, Sunday - A dawn game drive from Phinda's Lodges. A full day to lounge around before the long trip home tomorrow. Another night drive and exquisite dinner for our last night in Africa!
May 19, Monday - Depart Phinda directly from their small airstrip for a Cessna flight back to Johannesburg after early morning game drives and breakfast. Arrive back in Johannesburg airport to make connections for international flights home. If there is a long layover, Bob Masson of the Somerset Guest House (who welcomed you the first night) will come and fetch you to rest at the Guest House during your layover that day and then return you for your flight out.

How To Go!

$2800 per person/double occupancy.
Add $375 for single supplement. (We may be able to pair you up with another same-sex single if you would like.)

This is all inclusive for land only. Everything will be covered except your international airfare. Including: All meals, lodging, transfers, domestic flights, camp and reserve fees, taxes, and tips. All you bring is money for souvenirs!

25% is required to reserve (non-refundable): $600 pp for doubles/$660 for singles. The balance is due by March 10, 2003. Check or credit card are acceptable.

You will be picked up and dropped off at Johannesburg Airport in South Africa (arriving May 10, departing May 19). Special arrangements can be made if you would like to take a side trip. Contact us for more information.

We recommend going through our travel agent Gloria at Classic Travel so that we can hopefully secure a group rate. You can e-mail her or call her at 1-800-631-9242, tell her it's for the Wild About Cats Safari 2003 and where you are coming from. She has a Virgin Atlantic air package with layover halfway in London (nice day tour there if you would like) for around $1300 from most major U.S. cities. You will need to book it soon. You can also contact your own local travel agent, but contact us for exact dates and times of travel.

Also, South African Airways has ticket auctions that you can register for. Bargains can be had here, but tickets must be bought very close to the travel date. Check it out!

Thank you to Jeremy Williamson of Far & Wild Safaris for his support and assistance in organizing these trips of a lifetime.

African Journal 1996
African Journal 1998