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

72 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 Cape Town & Garden Route Self-drive 14 days London to London Days 1 to 4. Cape Town [B days 3 & 4 only] Depart UK on an overnight flight to Cape Town. On arrival you transfer to the Radisson Waterfront Hotel for three nights. Enjoy an excursion to Cape Point Nature Reserve. Days 5 to 6. Paarl, Cape Winelands [B, D] Your hire car will be delivered to your hotel before you depart for Paarl in the Cape Winelands for two nights at Roggeland Country House. An eighteenth-century Cape Dutch masterpiece surrounded by the Drakenstein Mountains and extensive vineyards, the farmhouse of Roggeland is a national monument, featuring a variety of original features. Exposed Yellowwood beam and reed ceilings, thatch, antique furniture and art all make this a wonderful place to stay. Days 7 & 8. Grootbos Nature Reserve [B, L, D] Continue to Gaansbai today, to the Grootbos Nature Reserve for two nights. Each suite has its own secluded balcony from which you can admire the sunsets over the ocean or start the day in tune with the forest birds. Whale-watching is excellent here between July and November when Southern Right Whales come into the bays. Grootbos Nature Reserve is famous for the ‘fynbos’ ecosystem. Days 9 & 10. Knysna [B] Continue along the Garden Route to Knysna for two nights at Belvidere Manor on the edge of the lagoon. Knysna is a great base from which to explore Featherbed Nature Reserve, the Lagoon for prolific birdlife, Tsitsikamma Forest and the surrounding coastline as well as Cango Caves and the nearby ostrich farms. Days 11 & 12. Shamwari Game Reserve [B, L (Day 12 only), D] Make your way along the scenic coastline to Port Elizabeth where you drop-off your car. Transfer to Shamwari Game Reserve where you spend two nights at Bayethe Tented Lodge. Steeped in settler history, this 20,000 hectare reserve boasts five eco-systems and a tremendous variety of wildlife. Morning and evening game drives are the order of the day here. Days 13 & 14. Homeward [B (Day 13 only)] Return to Port Elizabeth for your overnight flight home via Johannesburg. Arrive home on day 14. Family Friendly & Malaria Free Self-drive! 14 days London to London Days 1 to 5. Cape Town [B (days 3 - 5 only)] Fly overnight to Cape Town where you collect your car and drive to Les Cascades de Bantry Bay for four nights. Les Cascades is perched on the hillside below Lion's Head in the most exclusive bay on the Atlantic seaboard. Days 6 to 9. Plettenberg Bay [B] Make your way along the stunning coastline to Plettenberg Bay and Hog Hollow for a 4-night stop. Set in a private nature reserve on the edge of the Tsitsikamma Forest, the rooms have panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains. Nearby attractions include fabulous walks in the surrounding countryside, breathtaking beaches, Knysna and the Featherbed Nature Reserve, the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe train and a variety of water-based activities such as canoeing, boating trips, snorkelling and fishing. (In June only we make use of Mallard River Lodge.) Days 10 to 12. Lalibela Game Reserve [B, L, D] Continue along the coast via Port Elizabeth to Lalibela Private Game Reserve for three nights. Game drives in open vehicles offer great photographic opportunities - Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Spotted Hyena, Hippo, Giraffe, Burchell’s Zebra, White Rhino, Blue Duiker and Rock Hyrax are all resident here as are numerous species of antelope. On night-time safaris you may see Bat-eared Fox, Aardvark, Black-backed Jackal and Aardwolf. Days 13 & 14. Homeward [B (day 13 only)] Drop off your car Port Elizabeth for your homeward flight via Johannesburg. Arrive in on day 14. Cost per person: Jan to 20 Mar £3,295 21 to 31 Mar £3,495 Apr, Sep £3,095 May & Jun £2,495 1 to 18 Jul £2,595 19 Jul to 31 Aug £2,695 Oct £3,395 Nov to 14 Dec, 25 to 24 Dec £3,495 15 to 24 Dec £3,895 Single supplement: Available on request What is included: Flights, transfers, meals as indicated & guided activities Accommodation: Safari lodges & hotel Departure dates: Daily, throughout the year Privately guided safaris in South Africa For the last couple of years we have been working with Patrick Cardwell, a highly experienced guide, for private safaris throughout the country from two nights to two or three week trips. We have had nothing but rave reviews! Patrick's interests embrace all aspects of the environment from the geological origins of habitats to the stunning night skies that make Africa so special! Patrick has a wonderfully enthusiastic way of putting this across. For your ultimate safari experience, we can arrange for Patrick to be your personal guide and accompany you for either all, or part of your holiday as required. Patrick’s knowledge is unsurpassed and to have him as your personal guide is surely an opportunity not to be missed! Humpback Whale Knysna Cost per person (based on 4 people travelling): Jan to 20 Mar, Apr, 19 Jul to Sep £2,550 21 to 31 Mar, Oct to 14 Dec, 25 to 31 Dec £2,695 May, 1 to 18 Jul £2,395 Jun £2,195 15 to 24 Dec £3,095 Single supplement: Available on request What is included: Flights, meals as indicated, car rental & some guided activities Accommodation: Hotels & lodges Departure dates: Daily, throughout the year