South Africa 44 Kruger National Park is world- famous for offering a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. It stretches 350 kilometres from north to south and is virtually unrivalled in its diversity of life forms, with 300 species of tree, 49 fi sh species, 33 amphibian species, 114 reptile species, 507 bird species and 147 mammal species! The park is divided into the busier, southern sector with several tarred road circuits and the quieter northern sector around Pafuri where there are far fewer visitors. Pafuri HIGH Pafuri is in the far reaches of northern Kruger. This is the ancestral home of the Makuleke people and is the most diverse and scenically attractive part of the Kruger. We recommend it because it's quiet and beautiful. It has 20 stunning tented rooms overlooking the Luvuvhu River where elephant, nyala, common waterbuck and bushbuck all come to drink. The Pafuri area is about the best in Kruger for walking. Why not consider taking a 3- night walking trail from here with a naturalist guide? Jock Safari Lodge MID Jocks is situated within Kruger in its own private concession and has stunning views over the Mitomeni and Biyamiti Rivers. Air- conditioned suites, a beautiful swimming pool and a spa all complement the game drives and walks that are offered here. River Lodge HIGH This is a luxurious retreat in the Sabi Sand area, adjoining Kruger's southern reaches. The lodge has 18 thatched bedrooms, there are two swimming pools, observation decks, a secluded bird hide, hammocks and a spa. Nkambeni Tented Camp MID Nkambeni is a large tented lodge just inside Kruger's Numbi Gate. It has a full range of facilities including a lovely swimming pool to cool off in after game- viewing and beautiful gardens rich with the sound of birds. Other private lodges The Kruger is bordered by some of the world's best private reserves and top private camps in addition to the ones that we describe above. Others include Sabi Sabi, Londolozi, Singita and Ulusaba. They all offer outstanding game- viewing in exclusive surroundings combined with the ultimate in food, service and personal pampering. Any of these can be incorporated into your tailor- made itinerary - just ask us for more details. South Africa is an enormous country with a simply staggering array of different habitats and wildlife. The most popular destinations include the wonderful winelands of Cape Town and the Garden Route, the tropical hills and pristine coast of Kwazulu- Natal, Kruger National Park and the north-eastern highveld, and the Drakensberg Mountains and historic battlefi elds. We love it because of the huge amount of wildlife - if you go once, you're likely to want to return! Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982 Kruger National Park

KwaZulu- Natal The rolling hills of the Zulu homelands are covered with bright green sugar- cane plantations and interspersed with some great game reserves, including Hluhluwe- Umfolozi Nature Game Reserve and Phinda. The turbulent history of the Zulus is entwined with the arrival of the Dutch and British settlers and few people remain untouched by the tales of bravery shown in the battles throughout the region. A highlight for many British visitors is the site of the infamous Battle of Rourke's Drift. Along the coast are white sand beaches, wetlands, mangrove swamps and coral reefs, epitomised by the wild and totally unspoilt Maputaland Coast in the north. Hluhluwe- Umfolozi Hluhluwe- Umfolozi Nature Game Reserve is home to both black and white rhino and all the major plains game. It is a wonderful reserve in which to enjoy self- driven game- viewing, and there are resident naturalists who ( at additional cost) accompany morning and afternoon game drives. Walking safaris are also available and the birdlife is superb. Hilltop Camp MID This is the only camp within the park itself. It is comfortable with 20 twin rooms under thatch and has commanding views of the surrounding reserve. Kosi Forest Lodge MID The lodge is set in a beautiful sand forest on the banks of Kosi Lake. The thatched bush suites, some with open- air bathrooms, are carefully positioned for privacy and intimacy. The lodge accommodates 16 people, offers fi ne cuisine and caters for a host of estuarine, beach and wilderness activities. Phinda Private Game Reserve Phinda is a private reserve located in the lush rolling hills of northern KwaZulu- Natal, bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. It shelters an extraordinary diversity of wildlife within no less than seven ecosystems. Giant leatherback and loggerhead turtles lay their eggs on the pristine beaches, whilst freshwater lakes and river fl oodplains are the domain of Nile crocodiles, hippos, pelicans and fl amingos. The savannah is home to over 380 bird species and much of Africa's plains game. Meanwhile, the marine diversity off the Sodwana coast is said to rival Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Phinda properties HIGH Accommodation at Phinda is in four private and exclusive lodges - Forest Lodge, Mountain Lodge, Rock Lodge, Zuka Lodge and Vlei Lodge. All the lodges have experienced rangers and Zulu trackers who offer excellent game- viewing in open four- wheel drives. You can also experience the thrill of tracking black rhino on foot, scuba diving on the world's southern- most coral reefs and perhaps seeing whale sharks from the air. Drakensberg Mountains The Drakensberg Mountains World Heritage Site is known locally as uKhahlamba ( the Barrier of Spears). This mountain fortress comprises massive basalt cliffs and soaring sandstone buttresses which separate KwaZulu- Natal from the tiny Kingdom of Lesotho. It is a beautiful area of endemic and threatened species and around 35,000 San rock art images. It is great for birdwatching, wildlife viewing and hiking too! Didima Camp MID Didima has been themed around the art of the San people. Surrounded by mountains, the camp is sheltered by the Cathedral Peak valley. There is a central restaurant, bar and lounge area, pool and tennis courts. Activities include local walking trails, swimming in mountain streams and, of course, enjoying the beautiful scenery. AFRICA | SOUTH AFRICA Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com45 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Cape Town Day 2 Cape Town, 2- nights, Portswood Hotel. Soak up the bustling and vibrant atmosphere, and perhaps visit Robben Island ( B) Day 4 Oudtshoorn, 1- night. Queens Hotel. Drive through the mountains or through the winelands to this Karoo town ( B) Day 5 Knysna, 3- nights. Knysna Log Inn. Walk in the forests and past mountain streams, and enjoy wonderful sea vistas ( B) Day 8 Lalibela Game Reserve, 2- nights. Tree Top Lodge. Game- viewing in open vehicles to look for the Cape's wildlife ( BLD) Day 10 Depart for the UK ( B) Day 11 Arrive home Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 2295 ( Jan - Mar), £ 1999 ( Apr), £ 1899 ( May - Aug), £ 2095 ( Sept), £ 2249 ( Oct - Dec), £ 2649 ( mid - end Dec) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights hotel accommodation, guided activities Departure dates Daily, throughout the year CAPE TOWN & GARDEN ROUTE SELF- DRIVE This is a classic self- drive itinerary through some of South Africa's most beautiful scenery and staying in some lovely places. There is plenty of opportunity to see wildlife and birds, and even, at the right time of year, whales. TAILOR- MADE