70 F O R R E S E R V A T I O N S C A L L U S O N 0845 130 6982 Zulu Kingdom Self-drive 11 days London to London Days 1 to 3. Drakensberg Mountains [B (day 3 only)] Fly overnight via Johannesburg to Durban and collect your hire car before driving off to the Drakensberg Mountains for a 2-night stop. Classic Lodge Option: Didima Camp evokes the atmosphere of Bushman culture within the magnificent mountain setting of Cathedral Peak valley. Enjoy walks and drives in this mountain paradise with its sparkling rivers, cascading waterfalls, caves, grasslands, forests and wide variety of bird and animal life. Premier Lodge Option: Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, a gourmet getaway, is surrounded by Giants Castle Nature Reserve, on the edge of a trout filled dam, aside Little Mooi River. Walking, swimming in mountain streams, trout fishing, birdwatching, horse riding and excursions to local bushman paintings are just some of the activities enjoyed on the farm and in the area. Days 4 & 5. Zululand Battlefields [B, D (L on day 5)] Today you head into the interior of KwaZulu Natal, passing through some magnificent scenery to the site of the Zulu battlefields. On your full day battlefields tour you will learn in gripping detail of the bravery and mobility of the Zulu army that defeated the British, on the ‘Day of the Dead Moon’. Listen at sunset to the famous story of Rorke’s Drift, where 100 British soldiers were attacked by 4,000 Zulu warriors, winning more Victoria Crosses than in any other battle in history. Classic Lodge Option: Babanango Valley Lodge and its nine luxury rooms is set in a 4,000 hectares near Rorke's Drift surrounded by mountains. Premier Lodge Option: Fugitive’s Drift Lodge has luxury en-suite cottages with private verandas affording views over the plains flanking Buffalo River Gorge. It has shady well established gardens and a spectacular swimming pool. Fishing, horse riding and guided walks are all available. Days 6 & 7. KwaZulu Natal [B, D] Continue on to either Hluhluwe Game Reserve or Phinda Private Game Reserve where you spend two nights. Classic Lodge Option: Hilltop Camp which has commanding views of the surrounding reserve, has twenty twin rooms under thatch, together with a restaurant, bar and lounge. The reserve is hilly and is noted for its wonderful variety of birds and mammals including both Black, and White Rhino, giraffe, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo and Elephant. Whilst it is a wonderful reserve in which to enjoy selfdriven game-viewing, there are resident naturalists who take morning and afternoon game drives. Walking safaris are also available. Premier Lodge Option: Phinda Forest Lodge or Phinda Mountain Lodge offer game-viewing in open 4-wheel drives, tracking Black Rhino on foot, scuba diving on the world's southernmost coral reefs and perhaps seeing Whale Sharks from the air. Phinda has an extraordinary range of wildlife and no less than seven ecosytems. Giant Leatherback, and Loggerhead Turtles lay their eggs on the pristine beaches, freshwater lakes and river floodplains are the domain of Nile Crocodiles and Hippos, pelicans and flamingos, whilst the savannah is home to Africa's 'Big Five' and a host of magnificent birds. You may like to consider upgrading your stay to Rock Lodge or Vlei Lodge where each suite has its own private plunge pool. Ask us for details! Driving in South Africa Self-driving in South Africa couldn’t be easier. The spacious roads are in good condition, sign-posting is good, and most importantly you drive on the left! Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore South Africa’s nooks and crannies as you please. You can stop off for great photo opportunities, or stretch your legs along the way. The vehicles We offer a full range of vehicles from comfortable sedans to spacious people carriers and 4-wheel drives. There is always plenty of room for your luggage, the cars are modern, generally have powered steering and air-conditioning and all are in tip-top condition. Insurance Fully comprehensive insurance is always included with your hire car, as is a detailed ‘Route Digest’ which contains daily point-by-point directions, points of interest along the way, and useful tips. Your peace of mind When you arrive to pick-up your vehicle we can arrange for one of our local representatives to discuss your holiday route and answer any questions that you may have. We always make sure that you have plenty of time to drive from one destination to your next (with plenty of time to see things along the way!) and that you will never have to drive at night. Roadside support We provide roadside support but can arrange for you to have free mobile phone rental – all you do is pay for calls you may make. Sunrise in the Drakensberg Rocktail Bay Lodge, Maputaland

S E E U S O N T H E W E B AT wildlifeworldwide.com 71 Africa / South Africa Days 8 to 10. Maputaland Coast [B, L, D] Make your way north to the Maputaland Coast where you spend your final three nights. Classic Lodge Option: Rocktail Bay Lodge is tucked into the Coastal Forest Reserve, between Sodwana Bay and Kosi Bay. It is an intimate lodge nestled into the forest canopy. From here you can enjoy walks along unspoilt white sandy beaches exploring the rock pools and the marine reserve. In summer (December to February), the area is home to Leatherback, and Loggerhead Turtles which come ashore to lay their eggs - during this time there are nightly excursions to analyse and record their activity on behalf of the KwaZulu Natal Nature Conservation Service. Snorkelling, fishing and scuba diving are also possible. Premier Lodge Option: Thonga Beach Lodge is set above a secluded bay, nestled amongst coastal dune forest with sweeping views of the beach below. The lodge offers luxurious accommodation and mouth-watering meals. The crystal clear, warm waters offer South Africa’s best snorkelling and one of South Africa’s best scuba diving sites. Days 11 & 12. Homeward [B (day 11 only)] Drive to Richard’s Bay, drop-off your car and fly home via Johannesburg arriving in on day 12. Secrets of Limpopo Self-drive 11 days London to London Days 1 to 3. Marataba [B, (day 3 only) L, D (days 2 & 3 only)] Depart UK on the overnight flight to Johannesburg. On arrival you pick-up your hire car and make your way to Limpopo Province and the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains where you spend two nights at Marataba, a 23,000 hectare concession in Marakele National Park. Surrounded by breathtaking views, and evocative of ancient African remains, Marataba comprises twelve well appointed tented suites. During your stay here, you will enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the Park. Africa’s ‘Big Five’ are all here as are Roan Antelope, Sable and Mountain Reedbuck. More than 400 species of bird have been recorded here and this malaria-free wilderness is also home to the world's largest breeding colony of the endangered Cape Vulture. Days 4 to 6. Mashatu [B, L, D] Following breakfast make your way to Pont Drift, leave your vehicle and cross into Botswana where you will be met and transferred to Mashatu Game Reserve for three nights at Mashatu Tent Camp. Nestled in the remote northern area of the reserve, Mashatu Tent Camp is an idyllic getaway with eight luxurious twin tents each with en-suite facilities. In addition to the game drives you can enjoy the area on foot, horseback and even on mountain bikes – all with expert guiding. Mashatu is home to Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Giraffe, Eland, Ostrich, and Kori Bustard. Along the river courses, huge Mashatu trees provide shade for Impala, Blue Wildebeest, and Burchell’s Zebra, whilst at night, Bat-eared Fox, African Wildcat and Leopard search for prey. Days 7 to 9. Pafuri [B, L, D] After morning game-viewing return to Pont Drift, collect you car and make your way to Pafuri in the northern sector of Kruger National Park. This area is the ancestral home of the Makuleke people and is perhaps the most diverse and scenically attractive part of the Kruger. The 20 tented rooms at Makuleke Pafuri Camp all look out over the Luvuvhu River and from your verandah you may see Elephant, Nyala, Common Waterbuck and Bushbuck coming to drink. Activities here include game drives (day and night) and walking safaris all with expert naturalists. One of the most important aspects of this area is its palaeo-anthropological history, with its plethora of evidence of early human ancestors stretching back some two million years, through the Stone Age and into the Iron Age about 400 years ago when the Thulamela dynasty ruled in this area. Throughout the concession, there is evidence of its human inhabitants, in the form of rock paintings and artefacts. Should you prefer to stay in one of the other wonderful private reserves further south such as Londolozi, Sabi Sabi, Singita, King’s Camp, Motswari or Mbali then please do ask us to tailor the itinerary for you. Days 10 & 11. Homeward [B, L (day 9 only)] After morning game-viewing make your way to Phalaborwa and drop off your hire car. Connect with your overnight flight home via Johannesburg. Pafuri Camp, Kruger Marsh Harrier Classic Option Cost per person: Jan & Feb, Apr to 18 Jul, Oct & Nov £2,250 1 to 20 Mar, 19 Aug to Sep £2,195 21 to 31 Mar, 19 Jul to 18 Aug £2,395 Premier Option Cost per person: 7 to 30 Jan, Apr £2,895 Feb 1 to 20 Mar, 1 to 18 Aug £3,195 21 to 31 Mar £3,495 May to 18 Jul £2,695 19 to 31 Jul, 19 Aug to Sep £2,995 Oct to 14 Dec £3,395 Single supplement: Available on request What is included: Flights, transfers, meals as indicated & guided activities Accommodation: Safari lodges Departure dates: Daily, throughout the year Cost per person: Jan & Feb, 1 to 15 Apr £2,895 1 to 20 Mar £2,995 21 to 31 Mar £3,195 16 Apr to 30 Jun £2,595 Jul to 18 Aug £2,695 19 Aug to 15 Sep £2,795 16 Sep to 14 Dec £3,095 Single supplement: Available on request What is included: Flights, car rental, meals as indicated & guided activities Accommodation: Safari lodges Departure dates: Daily, throughout the year