June 8-11  - This morning we depart St Lucia for the oldest game park in South Africa and home of the rhino.  Enroute we will stop to enjoy a cultural experience with a visit to the Khulu Zulu Village. Learn about the friendly Khulu people and get some great photos with them.

Check into our fabulous lodge followed by a briefing from the staff and lunch.   This afternoon depart on your first afternoon game drive in search of the ‘Big 5’ – elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo.

Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park is the jewel in the crown of the KwaZulu Natal game reserves. Proclaimed in 1895, it is also the oldest game reserve in Africa. Initially, two separate reserves, they were joined to create a single 94 000 hectare reserve which is home to one-fifth of the world's black and white rhino population. It was here that the internationally acclaimed Operation Rhino started in the 1960s, successfully capturing and relocating white rhino to havens within South Africa and abroad. The Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park was the first reserve to introduce walking safaris and its Wilderness Trails are internationally renowned. Visitors can also look forward to visiting a traditional Zulu village, enjoying a horse riding safari, and spotting the world-renowned Big Five as well as a wide variety of bird species.

Overnight: Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge - Established to protect the previously endangered white rhino, , Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve is a triumph of conservation efforts. Celebrate this legacy in exclusive luxury at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge - the only private lodge in the reserve - offering exceptional safari experiences in the heart of Big 5 territory. 18 well appointed, air-conditioned rooms nestle on a ridge, each with their own private deck giving expansive and uninterrupted views of the reserve. Please read how this lodge supports wildlife and communities at www.isibindifoundation.org.

Activities include – Game Drives. Twice daily game drives at sunrise and sunset are conducted to explore the magnificent hills and valleys of the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park.   Nothing is predictable in the bush; therefore, each safari offers a potentially new and unique experience. Our rangers will share their wealth of bush experience, which involves the identification of animals, trees, grasses, insects and birds. The medicinal uses of plants and local folk lore is also discussed as well as looking for the ever fascinating Big 5! Drives are in open high game viewers with professional guides with a wealth of knowledge on the ecosystems and all creatures here great and small. Sundowners include one glass of wine, cocktail or beer with snacks.

Fully Inclusive -  Rhino Ridge rates include park fees, accommodation, meals, game drives and Mpembeni Community Walk.  Walking Safari available at additional cost.  See their website for all activities at www.rhinoridge.co.za/experience/bushtrails

Jun 11-15  Marine Life and Beach Time... Thonga Beach Lodge, Maputaland Marine Protected Area 

Today we depart Rhino Ridge for the beautiful Thonga Beach Lodge. Transfer time approximately 4 hours.
Maputaland Marine Protected Area
Set on South Africa’s northeastern coast, the UNESCO-listed Maputaland Marine Protected Area or Elephant Coast falls within the awe-inspiring iSimangaliso Wetland Park and comprises three protected areas: Lake Sibaya Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, and Rocktail Bay. Extending all the way from the northern Mozambican border to Sodwana Bay in the south, it encompasses forests, wetlands, lakes, marshes, and coral reefs near glorious, deserted golden-sand beaches. Local wildlife includes large numbers of leatherback turtles, numerous bird species, and many species of freshwater fish.

Overnight: Thonga Beach Lodge  (3 nights)       https://www.thongabeachlodge.co.zaThonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the Maputuland Coast, KwaZulu-Natal. This boutique luxury lodge by the prestigious &Beyond brand, is the ideal place to discover one of Africa’s last unspoiled wilderness beaches. It is a magical place of coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer South Africa’s best snorkeling and excellent off-shore SCUBA diving and birding opportunities. Delicious cuisine is enjoyed al fresco on the dining deck or beach deck overlooking the sea. It's an ideal choice for divers or anyone who wants to relax..."A civilized distance from civilization."  Our past AFS group didn't want to leave this glorious place.

Activities include - Sundowners at Lake Sibaya - A leisurely drive along the lake shore looking for Hippo's, Birds and Crocodiles, then surrounded by the magical sounds of dusk settle with a drink to watch the sunset over the lake.

Cultural Tours - Daily tours are on offer to visit the local rural Community of Mabibi.  This includes a visit to the clinic and the school, as well as a homestead visit.  Bring some goodies for the kids.  Optional is to include a visit to the local Sangoma (witch doctor), which may incur a $10 cost.

Forest Walk - Daily guided walks through the indigenous dune forest, where our local guides share their knowledge of the flora and fauna.

Thonga Beach Dining -Enjoy alfresco dining at the deck under the huge milkwood trees.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling - Daily guided snorkeling is done a 5-minute walk away from the Lodge at low tide in our beautiful rock pools.  Guided snorkeling is included in the rate. Also, sea kayaking is included.

SCUBA diving at Mabibi is phenomenal.  Our professional lodge diving team can accommodate enthusiasts, from the beginner to the veteran.  For those who don't dive, we have an Open Ocean Experience.  The warm Indian Ocean supports a myriad of fish and marine life.
Scuba Diving and ocean experience are at an extra cost.

Ocean Experience -  Open Ocean Experience.  An exciting boat launch through the surf in front of the lodge takes you beyond the breakers to a world of dolphins, whales and many other creatures.  The warm Indian Ocean supports a myriad of fish and marine life.  Guests can sometimes swim with dolphins or whale sharks or snorkel with Manta rays and giant turtles.
Ocean Experience is an extra charge. Details to come and headcount later. Don't miss this fabulous whale watching experience

Spa - Relax with a soothing treatment in the Sea Spa

Thonga rates include accommodation, meals, guided snorkeling and use of snorkeling equipment, guided forest walks, kayaking, sundowners at Lake Sibaya, and cultural tours to Mabibi Community.

Jun 15 -  Depart for airport     B

After breakfast, we depart resort around 11 AM. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Durban. Transfer time around 3.5 hours. Please ensure that your flights home are not before 6:30 PM! Some may choose to extend this trip, adding a night to explore Durban or fly to Cape Town.