Tour in the Drakensberg and Zululand
A wildlife, nature and cultural spectacle
Day
1
We set out from Durban
and after a scenic drive we arrive in Underberg
nestled in the foot hills of the majestic Drakensberg
– “the Dragon Mountains”. We transfer to a 4-wheel drive vehicle to begin
our Sani Pass adventure.
At the top we take a short walk to the edge of the escarpment and admire the
view over KwaZulu
Natal. Our guide takes us further into Lesotho
through a barren lunar-like landscape where living conditions are extreme and
the people are amongst the poorest in Africa. Before we start the homeward journey
we make a stop at the highest pub in Africa for a warm drink. Once back at the
bottom it is late and there is no time to move on so overnight at a quiet country
hotel:
Day 2
After breakfast pack up and take the scenic route through the “small berg” to
Kamberg Nature Reserve where take
a 3 hour walk to see some of the best, publicly accessible, bushman paintings
in the Drakensberg. As we walk our guide tells us interesting stories about
the history and mythology of the Drakensberg as well as its geology and ecology.
The rest of the day is to relax and swim in the mountain streams. There are
other hikes on offer for the more energetic. Overnight in a local guest house.
Day 3
Taking a packed breakfast and lunch we head off for a full day hiking in the
nearby Giants
Castle Game Reserve. Famous for excellent day hikes as well as Main Caves
Bushmen (San) paintings and the adjacent museum. Our guide imparts interesting
knowledge and anecdotes on the fauna, flora and ecology of the region a long
the route. The rest of the afternoon is free and we each explore the beautiful
surroundings on our own returning to the lodge at sunset.
Day 4
A depart from the Drakensberg
and take the route to the remote area of Tugela
Ferry. Our guide offers enlightening information on the cultural history
of KwaZulu Natal,
and discusses evocative issues concerning the valley we are about to visit.
On arrival at our host’s musi (traditional homestead) in the Msinga Tribal area,
we will be welcomed and introduced to the extended family before being shown
to our accommodation. After a short rest, a walk up the hill behind the village
and onto the contour path ensures incredible vistas of the valley and gives
us an opportunity to see the village in the context of the greater area. From
here, the locals can be seen going about their everyday business, giving a good
perspective of their life style.
Having no electricity, these rural folk live by Mother Nature’s
clock, so we need to arrive back at the musi in time to freshen up
before it is dark. Dinner is served at dusk and the rest of the
evening will be spent with the family around the fire, chatting and
maybe telling stories. Bedtime comes early in the valley and we will
soon retire to our sleeping mats in a communal guest hut.
Day 5
After breakfast we take a walking tour of the area with our host as
guide. Our first visit is the musi of the local Sangoma, or
spiritualist, where we learn about her important role in traditional
culture. We will stop in at a number of other imisi en-route to the
river. We continue down to the river where we are almost certain to
encounter women collecting water and doing washing and probably some
young boys fishing. We will see how they grow crops on the fertile
riverbanks.
On our way back we will stop and chat with the numerous interesting people we
encounter, each one adding a little to our experience. Along the way our guide
will point out many useful trees and shrubs used by the Zulus
and will relate other important information regarding the lifestyle and culture
of the community. This is an excellent opportunity to ask the many questions
that you have.
Today is a relaxed day, on “African” time, and we will plan to
be away from the musi for most of the day. Lunch will be a light a
picnic along the way under a shady tree, will have us back at our
host’s musi in time to wash and freshen up before dinner.
Day 6
On leaving the valley we head for the highlands of Zululand,
travelling for several hours before arriving at a trading store where we are
to leave our vehicle. The last few kilometres to Simunye
are covered either on horseback or by ox-wagon, travelling over rugged terrain
and a river or two, reaching the village in the late afternoon.
Simunye is a vastly different Zulu cultural experience.... as it was
in the days when the first white hunters and explorers penetrated
this wild country. We will be shown to our rooms to freshen up
before we assemble at the entrance to the chief’s musi to be
officially welcomed and we return to the main lodge. Before dinner a
group of traditional dancers will entertain us and we may also be
treated to the beautiful sound of Zulu voices harmonising in
traditional song. After dinner guests usually relax around the fire
where the conversation inevitably turns to the changing dynamics of
the Zulu culture.
Day 7
The jingle of a Zulu guitar gently awakens us and a maiden will bring in a tray
of hot tea and coffee. We meet at the entrance to the chief’s musi for a tour.
We learn from our Zulu guide about traditional food, beer making, the traditional
dress for men, maidens and married women and traditional weapons, the importance
of cattle and interesting facts about their lifestyle. Returning to the lodge
a large cooked breakfast is served, pack up and head back up to our vehicle
on horseback and by ox–wagon. Once back at the trading store we bid farewell
to our Zulu hosts and head off for our next destination, Hluhluwe/Umfolozi
Park the oldest Game Reserve in Africa.
Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Park was proclaimed in 1895 for the protection of
the white rhino which was threatened with extinction. Today the park
is home to the largest populations and densities of both black and
white rhino in the world, as well as to all the other members of the
‘Big 5’ and the complete spectrum of antelope that naturally
occurred in this region.
On entering the park there is an immediate awareness of the peace of
the African bush. Civilisation falls away and the smell and sounds
of the bush occupy the senses. The drive to our overnight camp is
our first game viewing experience. On arrival we will have a chance
to unpack, settle in and freshen up. As the sun sets we relax and
enjoying sundowners. When dusk turns to night, new sounds become
apparent and the bush takes on a very different mood. We move our
chairs a little close to the fire.....
Day 8
A full day’s programme starting with early morning tea and coffee
and a light snack before setting off, at dawn, on foot or by vehicle
in search of game. We return to the camp for a well deserved brunch.
After a sumptuous meal we set off on a game drive and although we
will probably see more game and get closer than on foot, the throb
of Africa is not quite so distinct! However, the photos taken will
be wonderful reminders once back at home and a long way, physically
and spiritually, from this place. A light lunch in the early
afternoon, followed by an opportunity to relax and soak up the
experience. A late afternoon game drive should provide more
excellent photographic opportunities.
Day 9
A lazy lie-in is an option this morning before breakfast, after
which we pack up and return to Durban.
Drop off at Beachfront Hotel or Airport.
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