Zulu Dawn Tour Itinerary - Kumuka Worldwide

Zulu Dawn Tour Itinerary
REF: AFL9
VERSION: 9

Duration:	10 days - Johannesburg to Durban
Countries Visited:	South Africa - Swaziland
Age Guide:	18-75 years
Max Group Size:	10
Transport:	Air-Conditioned Minibus, Safari Vehicle and on Foot
Accommodation:	Hotels/Lodges (9 Nights)
What's Included:	Meals - 9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 4 Dinners - Fully Escorted Tour - Local English Speaking Driver/Guide - All Activities, Sightseeing and Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary - All Tolls and Taxes - Airport Transfers
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	South Africa - Dullstroom - Blyde River Canyon - God's Window - Bourke's Potholes - Thornybush Game Reserve - Game Drives - Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre - Shangana Cultural Experience - Kruger National Park - Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve - St Lucia - Estuary Cruise - Shakaland - Zulu Cultural Experience - Durban - Swaziland - Ezulwini Valley
Optional Highlights:	South Africa - Nature Walk in Thornybush Game Reserve - Swaziland
Meeting Point:	You will be collected from OR Tambo International Airport and transferred to your hotel The Airport Grand Hotel 100 North Rand Road Bardene Boksburg Johannesburg South Africa Tel: + 27 11 823 1843 Fax: + 27 11 823 2194 Please contact Kumuka or your travel agent if you would like to book pre tour accommodation at this hotel.
Introduction:	This tour travels from Johannesburg to the heart of South Africa's game viewing country. See the chasm of Blyde River Canyon, Thornibush and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserves. Visit Kruger National Park, complete with its Big Five animals and array of landscapes and habitats. This tour is full of variety - spend time learning about Zulu culture, experience the St Lucia wetlands, visit an endangered species centre and then finish your tour in the beach side city of Durban. Wildlife, scenery, culture and coast, this tour gives you a wonderful introduction to the beauty of South Africa.
Day 1:	Johannesburg. Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, clear customs & immigration. Meet & greet by our local representative who will assist you to your transfer. Transfer to your hotel close to the airport, with the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 2:	Johannesburg to Blyde River Canyon. Breakfast is at your hotel. Meet your driver-guide and transfer to Dullstroom on the Mpumalanga Highveld. Continue via Lydenburg and Pilgrims Rest to Graskop. Travel along the Panorama route: take in the sights of God’s Window and Bourke’s Potholes before arriving at Blyde River Canyon. Time to explore the scenic beauty of Blyde River Canyon environs At leisure
Day 3:	Blyde River Canyon to Thornybush Game Reserve. After breakfast travel through the Abel Erasmus Pass to the Lowveld and your lodge in the Thornybush Game Reserve Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge Afternoon game viewing safari drive in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Game drives will continue into the early evening in order to view the nocturnal animals as well Dinner at lodge
Day 4:	Thornybush Game Reserve. Early morning wake up call for your dawn game viewing safari drive in open 4x4 safari vehicles Return to lodge for leisurely breakfast At leisure – optional nature walk with rangers for the adventurous! Lunch at lodge Afternoon game viewing safari drive in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Game drives will continue into the early evening in order to view the nocturnal animals as well Dinner at lodge
Day 5:	Thornybush Game Reserve to Hazyview. Early morning wake up call for your dawn game viewing safari drive in open 4x4 safari vehicles Return to lodge for breakfast Meet your driver-guide again and proceed to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. The centre has established itself as one of the leading private research and breeding facilities for endangered species in the country. Governed by a progressive and modern management approach, it concerns itself with the breeding and maintenance of several endangered indigenous wildlife species in southern Africa. The centre places particular emphasis on the breeding and maintenance of cheetah in captivity. The excellent condition of these animals and the premises on which they are maintained, reflect the attention to detail, which is the hallmark of this facility. Your tour begins with a video presentation, provides the opportunity to view cheetah, African Wild dog, Ground Hornbills and many other rare and endangered species in their natural habitat. You’ll also see the fascinating vulture restaurant. Continue southwards to your hotel in the Hazyview area. Have some time to relax at your hotel after shopping at the various farm and roadside stalls in Hazyview. In the evening enjoy the Shangana Cultural experience. “The magnificent Evening Festival has been heralded as one of the country’s finest traditional events. As the sun sets behind the mountains, drums beat and a torch-lit procession arrives at Chief Soshangana’s kraal, where choirs and dancers tell the story of the Shangaan people. The chief’s family serves a feast and festivities continue until long after the stars have risen in the African sky.”
Day 6:	Hazyview, Kruger National Park and Swaziland. Enter the Kruger National Park and travel south through the park while doing game viewing from your air-conditioned vehicle. Exit the Kruger National Park at the Malelane Gate and proceed to Jeppe’s Reef borderpost with the Mountain Kingdom of Swaziland. Travel via the Piggs Peak pass to your hotel in the Ezulwini Valley. Visit to the Ngwenya Glass Factory (time permitting)
Day 7:	Swaziland to Hluhluwe. After breakfast travel through the towns of Mbabane & Manzini before continuing southward. Visit to the famous Swazi Candle factory. Enter South Africa again at the Golela borderpost and travel to your hotel in Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal Dinner at hotel
Day 8:	Hluhluwe to St Lucia. Early morning game viewing safari drive in open 4x4 safari vehicles in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve Travel south to St Lucia – part of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site. Board your boat for a cruise on the St Lucia estuary – view the crocodiles and hippos but also the prolific birdlife Have some leisure time in St Lucia The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 9:	St Lucia, Shakaland and Durban. Travel to Shakaland close to Eshowe for your Zulu cultural experience & lunch. Experience the culture, customs and traditions of the proud Zulu nation and learn about their history. Enjoy a traditional lunch at Shakaland before travelling south to Durban Bid farewell to your driver-guide. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 10:	Durban. Transfer to Durban airport for your flight. Note: it could be a good idea to spend an additional day or two in Durban or on the South Coast. You could visit Ushaka Marine Park in Durban during your stay or just relax for a day on one of the many beautiful beaches. No accommodation is included on Day 10
Finishing Information:	At the end of your tour you will be transferred to Durban Airport. DURBAN Southern Sun North Beach 83/91 Snell Parade Durban Tel: + 27 31 332 7361 Fax: + 27 31 337 4058 Please ask Kumuka or your travel agent if you would like post tour accommodation booking at this hotel.
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible, but please note that Africa does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Africa can vary dramatically; however we always try to use the best facilities available. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Pre Departure Meeting:	Note that there is no pre departure meeting for this tour. Please bring the following items on Day 1: 1. Passport 2. Vaccination Certificate 3. Travel Voucher 4. Insurance Policy
Travel Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. It is also very important that your insurance policy is relevant to the Kumuka style of travel. Kumuka offers a specially negotiated insurance policy specifically tailored to adventure travel. As well as providing substantial cover for medical emergency, cancellation and curtailment, personal luggage, money and valuables and legal expenses, this insurance will also provide cover for the adventure activities you may choose to undertake whilst on tour. Please call us on the Kumuka freephone number 0800 068 8855 (UK only), or on 1300 667 277 in Australia, for further information. No client will be allowed on tours without suitable insurance. If you have already arranged insurance elsewhere, please be aware that many of the optional activities such as bungy jumping or water rafting may not be covered on your policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. At the start of your tour you will be asked to present your original policy document and complete an insurance information form. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. Please note: you will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.
Visas:	Many nationalities are able to obtain visas at the local borders or point of entry. It is important that you obtain the appropriate information about your visas before you embark on your Africa trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides you with visa information. Please also consult your relevant embassy for all details on whether to obtain visas in advance or locally. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS FOR THEIR TOUR. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
Medical Information and Vaccinations:	Vaccinations: You must have an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination if arriving from certain countries. Compulsory Inoculations: Yellow Fever if you are arriving from an infected area. Please refer to your GP or Immunization Clinic. Strongly Recommended: Diphtheria, Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Meningitis, Hepatitis A & B, Yellow Fever. These may vary from country to country, please consult your GP or local Travel Clinic. We also recommend: - A dental check-up prior to travelling. - That you know your blood group in case of emergency. - That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Malaria:	Anti-malaria tablets are essential. Get professional advice from your GP or Travel Clinic about types of tablets, as resistant strains exist. These tablets may need to be taken at least 1 week before travelling to Africa, during your travels and sometimes for 4 weeks after leaving a malaria area. DO NOT forget to follow your prescribed routine. DO NOT CHANGE THE ROUTINE, once prescribed by your Doctor. As there is considerable resistance in parts of Africa, the only effective prevention is to NOT get bitten. Dusk till dawn is the time when mosquito's bite therefore, always protect your self with repellents and long clothing during this time. Malaria is the most common serious ailment that affects our clients; do not expose yourself to unnecessary risk.
Security:	Do not take unnecessary valuables with you. A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money. DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in Africa, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft. Kumuka vehicles have secure doors but it is never foolish to be cautious.
Money:	We suggest passengers budget for between US$200-300 per week for meals, personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware there may be days when you will spend virtually nothing at all and others when you will exceed your budget. Your money should be taken in a combination of Cash and Travellers Cheques (we suggest ¼ Travellers Cheques and ¾ US Dollars cash). These should be carried in a mixture of denominations. In some cases your crew will recommend you only change a small amount of money at one time. Please note that we are advising passengers to take a limited number of US$100 and US$50 notes to Africa. This is due to recent cases of counterfeit bank notes. Cash is generally easier to exchange, however it is safer to carry some traveller’s cheques in case of theft or loss. Travellers must produce their sales advice slip and their passport or a photocopy of their passport when cashing travellers cheques. Credit Cards are not acceptable in many places and should only be relied upon in capital cities Please note Scottish Pound notes are NOT accepted in Africa. Please do NOT rely on using ATM’s. They are not widely available or reliable though this situation is slowly changing.
Tipping and Bargaining:	For many tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment. Sales and service taxes are imposed in some restaurants and bars. Bargaining is also expected and in all markets prices are inflated to accommodate such a practice. Rule of thumb is to cut the offer in half and work upwards. This can sometimes be hard work but do not let yourself be intimidated by stallholders, you can always say no and walk away.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take?· The best rule for packing is to limit your self to a weight limit of 15 KGs. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your crew at the Pre Departure Meeting. A frameless or internally framed backpack or light case is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards traveller’s cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. The roads in the game parks are very dusty it is a good idea to pack your clothes in plastic bags inside your bag to protect them from dust. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many lodges there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible. Contrary to expectations it does get cold in Africa. Southern Africa, particularly South Africa and Namibia get quite cold at night between June and August. Mount Kilimanjaro will be cold at night all year round, due to the extreme altitude. You will need to bring your warmest clothes. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes/CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen. NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Climate Information:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
Time:	For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com
Language:	English is widely spoken in the countries we visit in Africa but you might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Food:	Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs or allergies can also be catered for however the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs. Please note we will attempt to provide for these special requests, however they cannot be guaranteed - please ensure the tour leader is aware of any special requests.
Photography:	Africa has some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in the world. To capture these scenes you will need to bring a camera with a good zoom lens. For game photography, a 200mm lens or higher is recommended. Tripods tend to be bulky and cumbersome and a versatile beanbag is a good substitute. Print film is available in most of Africa, however quality may fluctuate and your choice will be limited to 100 or 400 ASA. Therefore, if you intend using black and white or slide film it is better to stock up before you leave - as a guideline, most people use approximately one to two rolls of 36 per week. Filters and other accessories should also be obtained prior to departure. We do not recommend that you develop your film whilst in East Africa, as the standards vary considerably and are often unreliable. Important – Protect your camera from the elements, particularly dust, as getting your camera repaired will be impossible in most places. Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:	If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you.
Optional Activities:	Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Whereas, Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party.
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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