Bush, Beach and Berg Adventure
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SafariKZN, with Mark’s 30 years exploring KwaZulu Natal, partners with African Insight Academy, known for educational field trips hosting nearly 20,000 students in that time. Together, they offer a unique South African wildlife conservation adventure: an outdoor education program focused on self, others, and the natural world. This fulfills Mark’s ambition to encourage younger generations to visit KwaZulu Natal.
The adventure explores Zululand and two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Drakensberg Mountains and iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Zululand boasts diverse habitats and iconic African wildlife, including free-roaming elephants. The Drakensberg features the highest mountain range in Southern Africa and ancient San rock art. iSimangaliso (“miracle” in Zulu) encompasses a wide range of pristine environments.
A stop in the battlefields region offers a chance to visit Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, sites of the Zulu War of 1879, places steeped in history.
An optional two-night add-on includes a stay in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, home to Africa’s ‘Big 5’ (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo) and endangered species like African wild dogs and cheetah, plus a variety of other species.
Drakensberg – Zululand – Kosi Bay
11 Days of Transformative Wilderness Education
DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS
Nature’s Grand Cathedral
Cathkin Valley, in the Central Drakensberg of KwaZulu-Natal, offers the perfect landscape for outdoor education. African Insight Academy has crafted a programme of challenging, enriching activities that are safe for all ages and span three domains: self, others, and the natural world.
ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES
Cave Hike and Sleepover:
Experience the ancient tradition of cave dwelling in the magnificent Drakensberg. Sleep in caves used by ancestors for thousands of years, connecting you to humanity’s shared history while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
PLUS ANY THREE OF:
- Canopy Tour: Glide between platforms on Africa’s first elevated rock face walkway, experiencing the indigenous forest from a bird’s-eye view among 150+ species of birds.
- Via Ferrata: Navigate challenging climbing routes with steel cables, rungs, and ladders fixed to rock faces. Work as a group to conquer peaks using this safe alternative to traditional climbing.
- Falcon Ridge Bird of Prey Centre: Witness magnificent rehabilitated birds of prey in spectacular flight demonstrations against the backdrop of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains.
- Dragon Rock Reptile and Nature Education Centre: Engage with wildlife education specialists passionate about reptiles and conservation, creating awareness about these misunderstood creatures and their vital role in our ecosystems.
KWAZULU NATAL BATTLEFIELD
Battle of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift
Step into history with our educational battlefield tour. KwaZulu-Natal’s battlefields offer profound insights into South Africa’s past, from the Voortrekkers’ arrival in 1837 to the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910.
The Battle of Isandlwana (January 22, 1879):
Witness the site of the most devastating defeat suffered by the British Imperial Army at the hands of an indigenous force. Here, Zulu warriors armed with traditional weapons demonstrated exceptional strategic acumen, overwhelming British forces and challenging assumptions about Western military superiority.
The Battle of Rorke’s Drift:
Experience the location where approximately 150 British and colonial troops defended a mission station against roughly 4,000 Zulu warriors. Their extraordinary bravery resulted in 11 Victoria Crosses—the highest number ever awarded for a single engagement.
PONGOLA GAME RESERVE
Adventure in the Heart of Wildlife Paradise
Explore Africa’s oldest game reserve, home to Lake Jozini and the Lebombo mountain range—the beginning of the Great East African Rift Valley. The reserve hosts 80 mammal species including both rhino species, elephants, buffalo, hyena, leopard, giraffe, zebra, and numerous antelope species.
Accommodation: Purpose-built traditional tented safari camp with comfortable 2-bed safari tents furnished with beds and lighting.
DAILY ACTIVITIES:
- Educational Bushwalks: Explore the interconnectedness of nature through geology, geography, biology, and ecology.
- Bush Skills and Craft: Learn survival skills, tracking, and traditional plant uses.
- Wildlife Monitoring: Use radio tracking devices and trail cameras to study animal movements.
- Game Drives: Observe wildlife behavior during day and night safaris.
- Conservation Service-Learning: Engage in hands-on conservation projects.
- Authentic Cultural Experience: Visit the Gumbi community for insight into traditional and contemporary Zulu life.
ISIMANGALISO WETLANDS PARK
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Discover South Africa’s third-largest protected area, spanning 280 km of coastline with dazzling white beaches, wetlands, freshwater and saltwater lakes, and unique terrestrial habitats. The Kosi Bay system in the northern section features four interconnected lakes with meandering channels, wetlands, raffia palm forests, and mangrove swamps.
ACTIVITIES:
- Kosi Three Lakes Boat Cruise: Experience the diversity of this pristine lake system.
- Canoe Safari: Paddle among traditional fish traps and into the first lake.
- Snorkelling: Explore “the aquarium”—rock pools and estuary teeming with marine life.
- Fish Traps: Learn about the 700-year-old tradition of woven traps and palisade fish kraals from local Thonga fishermen.
ROUTE MAP
HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK (Optional Add On)
Here in the heart of Zululand you have the chance of encountering all of Africa’s iconic wildlife including lions, cheetah and wild dogs. Once the hunting ground of Zulu King’s the park covering nearly 100,000 hectares, is the largest dedicated wildlife area under conservation in the province.
Accommodation: Traditional rondavels (round cottages with thatched roofs) each containing two comfortable beds. The camp is situated within the Hilltop section of the park commanding magnificent views.
DAILY ACTIVITIES:
- Morning and afternoon safari game drives.
PRICING
COST PER PERSON: On Application
Includes:
- Accommodation on a shared basis
- All meals (except lunches on days 1 & 11)
- All Transport
- All entrance fees, activities, and excursions as per the itinerary
- 1 free group leader per 10 paying participants (T&Cs apply)
Excludes:
- Travel/Cancellation Insurance
- Flights and visas
STANDARD TERMS OF BUSINESS APPLY
Discover. Explore. Conserve.
Book your Wildlife Conservation Adventure today
Through our experience and flexibility itineraries can be tweaked and bespoke, tailor-made tours created.
SERVICE EXCELLENCE ACCREDITATIONS
African Insight has specialized in educational field trips for international groups for over 25 years, offering safe and impactful experiences led by expert facilitators.
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| British Standards Institute BS8848 health and safety accreditation | Southern Africa Tourism Insurance Brokers seal of approval |
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| Underwritten by Lloyd’s of London | Financial Bonding |