Day 1

Depart from New York (JFK) or Washington Dulles (IAD) for your South African Airways flight to South Africa.

Day 2

On arrival in Johannesburg you will be met for your transfer to your hotel.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at the Protea Hotel Melrose Arch

Day 3

After breakfast you will be met by your driver for your transfer to Johannesburg International Airport for your flight to Durban. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to Simunye Zulu Lodge, just a 2 hour scenic drive from the airport and set in the picturesque Mfule River valley. Here you will experience traditional Zulu dwelling and learn about their history, culture and traditions whilst still enjoying top class hospitality.

Overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at Simunye Zulu Lodge

Day 4

Enjoy learning about the customs and traditions of the Zulu people. Taste Zulu beer and traditionally-cooked meat, be entertained by the village youth who perform Zulu dances and sing traditional Zulu songs. "We are one". Come join us ... become one with us in Africa.

Overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at Simunye Zulu Lodge

Day 5

After breakfast continue your journey to Mkuze, to the legendary Ghost Mountain for your overnight in the perfect setting to experience the call of Africa. Your lodging is the ideal setting from which to explore the abundance of wildlife in this rich and diverse region. There are many activities to enjoy from guided walks to game drives in the nearby reserves or further explore the coastal reserves of the Elephant Coast. Today enjoy a game drive in the Hluhluwe Reserve. The oldest game park in Africa (along with nearby St Lucia), this reserve was proclaimed to prevent the white rhino from becoming extinct. Eighty species of mammal (including the big five) and in excess of 300 species of birds are supported in this 96 000 ha reserve.

Overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at Ghost Mountain Inn

Day 6

Enjoy breakfast and then set out on more exciting adventures to Lake Jozini and Mkuze from your home base. Lake Jozini lies in a dramatic setting at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains and is one of South Africa's largest dams. There are several exquisite gorges which abound with cycads and a wide variety of birds. On the western side of the dam one might see elephant, rhino, hippo and crocodile. The 13 varieties of fish found in the dam include tilapia, catfish, mud fish, carp and the sought after tiger fish. A catch and release policy for the tigers is promoted and anglers are encouraged to retain only one trophy fish each per day, releasing the live smaller ones. Mkuze harbors an astonishing diversity of habitats ranging from the eastern slopes of the Lebombo mountains to stretches of rolling acacia savannah, swamps, woodlands and riverine forest. Wildlife includes black and white rhino, elephant, giraffe, leopard, cheetah, buffalo and a multitude of plains game. The birding is exceptional - 420 species recorded. A walk in the fig forest is an awesome experience for both birder and those interested in nature.

Overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at Ghost Mountain Inn

Day 7

After breakfast you will be met to continue your journey south past rolling hills and lush tropical vegetation to the unspoiled shoreline of Zimbali Coastal Resort. Here you will relax amongst the natural beauty of the KwaZulu Natal province.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at Fairmont Zimbali Resort

Day 8

Zimbali offers a variety of activities from which to choose. From relaxing on the beach to forest walks or scuba diving there is something to suit everybody's taste at this world class resort.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at Fairmont Zimbali Resort

Day 9

Day at leisure to explore the wonders of this coastal resort or even visit the nearby battlefields of Zululand with an accomplished storyteller and historian to relive the drama of yesteryear at Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at Fairmont Zimbali Resort

Day 10

After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Durban International Airport for your flight to Johannesburg Airport and onward flight to the United States.

Day 11

Arrival in the United States at New York JFK or Washington Dulles airports.

Includes

Round trip coach air on South African Airways from New York (JFK) or Washington (IAD) Airport to South Africa OR Tambo International Airport ~ Domestic coach air in South Africa as per the itinerary (Johannesburg – Durban - Johannesburg) ~ Accommodation as per the itinerary ~ Most meals as per the itinerary (8 x breakfast, 4 x dinner) ~ Ground transfers as per the itinerary ~ Scheduled cultural experience, game drive and boat cruise

Excludes

Add on air from other US cities ~ Any meals or services not mentioned above ~ Any items of personal expense - i.e. drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc. ~ Gratuities for rangers/guides/drivers