Durban’s amazing beaches
We begin our adventure in the city of Durban. It is the second largest and most important port in the Republic of South Africa. It is famous for its own sandy beaches, which are equipped with everything you need. The gentle ocean, warm, clean sand make this place very popular with tourists. Also in Durban there are picturesque bazaars saturated with aromas of spices and local flavor.
Exciting Safari in Hluhluwe Umfolozi
This park is one of the largest reserves in the world. There are collected an impressive number of species of representatives of the animal world. Almost four decades ago, the well-known operation to preserve rhinos started in the park. In those days, these beautiful representatives of the fauna were on the verge of extinction.
As a result of this operation, the park is currently home to more than 20% of the world’s population of unique white and black individuals. The total area of the park is about 96 thousand hectares. It is the fourth largest park in South Africa.
The area, which is protected in the most careful way, is home to about 80 species of animals, among them: hyena dogs, African elephants, predators and many other species.
Also in Khluhluv-Umfolozi you can find more than 300 species of birds. Let’s hope we’re lucky to see most of these amazing savannahs.
The Sparks Life team spent a lot of time traveling through the reserves of Kenya, Namibia. We thoroughly studied this issue and found out how to visit these places. The main purpose of the visit is to take amazing photos and get a portion of strong emotions from tracking down a particular type of fauna. We do not attract aborigines and do not use tourist routes. Only intercoms, vehicles and the required amount of time for searching to get the maximum experience.
The main distinguishing feature of this park is that animals live here in truly natural conditions, while Khluhluve-Umfolozi is available to visitors. There is nothing like a nursery, which is more like a zoo with wild animals in cages. This is a natural, wild habitat, and it depends only on your attentiveness how many species of representatives of the animal world you see. However, we guarantee you vivid and unforgettable impressions that will remain in your memory for a long time.
Saint Lucia Estuari – walking with hippos
It is the largest coastal lagoon in Africa, with an area of about 350 m2 and a depth of about 90 cm. In 1999, the park next to the bay was included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage sites. Nowadays, almost 800 hippos and 1200 Nile crocodiles live here.
In addition, many large and small animals live here – predators, herbivores and a lot of fish species. It is also home to the most impressive settlement of white pelicans in South Africa, which continues to replenish with new individuals.
The city of Saint Lucia is located right in the center of the park. In the evening on the streets it is possible to meet numerous groups of hippos. These animals are the main feature of the city. Sparks guides have already studied all the “secret places” of the appearance of hippos, favorite lawns, where they gradually nibble the grass. You can visit these majestic giants and, if you wish, take pictures with them.
Travel plan
Day 1 – 24.12. 2020.
Arrival in the city of Durban, where you will be met at the airport and accommodated in a hotel. After checking in, we will relax on the beaches, swim in the gentle waters of the Indian Ocean and relax after the flight.
Day 2 – 25.12.2020.
After the morning meal, we will move to Khluhluwe-Umfolozi. After a delicious lunch, we will go on a safari in the National Park, where it is possible to get acquainted with many varieties of wild animals.
After dinner, overnight rest in the camp.
Day 3 – 26.12.2020.
After breakfast we will have another exciting safari in the reserve. Yesterday we watched the world of fauna only in the evening, today we had the opportunity to observe representatives of the animal world right in the morning. If we are lucky, we may well be able to see the hunt of large predators such as a lion or a leopard. It is also possible to watch buffalo or rhino fighting.
The nature of the park is conducive to surprises! In the afternoon, when the heat has subsided somewhat, we will continue our observations.
After dinner, overnight in the camp.
Day 4 – 27.12.2020.
After breakfast we will drive to Saint Lucia. After checking into the hotel, we will rush to explore the area and relax on the ocean beaches. The main entertainment will be in the evening. We will move to a secret place where hippos come to stroll along the streets of St. Lucia. This is a unique sight that can only be seen here. We will admire this dangerous animal from a very close distance, while the hippos peacefully feast on grass, enjoying the evening coolness.
After dinner, overnight rest at the hotel.
Day 5 – 28.12.2020.
On the fifth day of the trip, we will take a boat trip along the lake to see the habitat of hippos from a different angle. Today you will learn a lot, for example, hippos can move very rapidly under water with their eyes open. They also know how to hold their breath for a long period of time (about 5 minutes). Also, be prepared to see the Nile crocodiles, as there are over 1,200 of them.
After a delicious lunch, go for a horseback ride along the ocean and relax on the beach.
After dinner, overnight rest at the hotel.
Day 6 – 29.12.2020.
After breakfast we will return to Durban. In the evening, a transfer will take you to the airport.
If you wish, you can stay for two days to relax on the beautiful local beaches, and then go with Sparks on a New Year’s trip to Cape Town, or fly home.
Dates, prices and travel plan can be specified, changes are possible.
Dates: 24.12.2020. – 29.12.2020.
Included in the price:
- accommodation in a hotel or guest house for two people;
- meals – breakfasts;
- delivery by transfer throughout the trip;
- excursions indicated in the plan;
- entrance to parks.
The price does not include:
- flight to South Africa;
- travel insurance;
- visa;
- meals, except for those noted in the program;
- single occupancy – supplement 350EUR.
We recommend taking with you:
- international passport;
- air tickets;
- sunscreen and headwear;
- sneakers or trekking shoes;
- warm clothes – it can be cool in the evening;
- remedy for mosquito bites.
Additional information:
- the approximate temperature in South Africa is +27 during the day, +22 at night (December);
- the local currency is the South African rand;
- sockets – M;
- mains voltage – 220
Frequently asked questions
As a rule, we work in the high season, and at this time the region is dry and warm, so the likelihood of a severe storm, due to which it will be necessary to postpone the tour, is very small. However, in matters of the weather, you cannot be 100% sure of anything, so in such situations the tour is postponed. In this case, all the details will be discussed with you individually.
Yes, this option is possible. In this case, you are not booking a boat, but only a separate cabin. If there is a sufficient minimum number of people, the tour will take place on the scheduled dates.
Yes, there are special safety recommendations for ships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After each tour, the vessel undergoes a special cleaning. On a yacht, you can minimize contact with other people, besides there is no one «superfluous» there, so no one gets infected during the cruise.
All boats rented by charter companies are insured, however you and all team members will need to take out travel medical insurance (for active sports).
You rent a yacht entirely for your group. You decide among yourself who will be in which cabin. As a rule, cabins do not differ much from each other in terms of space and comfort. If you are not booking a yacht, but a separate cabin, then you can choose from the options that are currently available.
Almost half of all people face this unpleasant phenomenon to one degree or another, but fortunately, there are several simple things that will help you in such a situation. Here they are: Seasickness on a yacht what to do?
The cost of tickets is not included in the tour price, you buy tickets yourself separately. But our experts are ready to help you in this matter. They will advise you on how, where and when it is best to do it.
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