Hluhluwe/Emdoneni Safari

3 Days/2 Nights

Set in the heart of Hluhluwe is the Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre. Emdoneni is renowned for its efforts in conserving and breeding some of Africa's most endangered cat species. A stone's throw from Emdoneni is Kwa-Zulu Natal's most popular Safari park, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. This Big5 reserve is a pioneer in South African conservation, having brought back the Rhino from the brink of extinction.

Day 1 - We leave Durban and travel along the coast towards St Lucia for a boat river cruise. St Lucia is a World Heritage Site, with some of Africa's most pristine costal and river vegetation. We board a boat and take a slow ride down the St Lucia River. On your trip you will have the opportunity to view Hippo, Crocodile, Fish Eagle and numerous other mammal and bird species. From St Lucia we make our way to Emdoneni Cheetah Rehab Lodge, where we will stay the night. In the late afternoon is a cat feeding and interaction session. Here you will have the chance to learn of Emdoneni's efforts at breeding and returning to the wild, Cheetah, Caracal, Serval and African Wild Cat. Your guide will also feed the cats, where you will witness the amazing agility and jumping ability of the Caracal. The highlight of the afternoon is entering the Cheetah enclosure with tame, hand reared Cheetahs. You will interact with the Cheetahs and have the chance to have your picture taken with these beautiful animals. Dinner will be a buffet at the camp restaurant, a selection of traditional South African and international dishes.

Hluhluwe/Emdoneni Safari

Day 2 - After an early breakfast we make our way to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. Once through the park's gates we go straight into a game drive, on the lookout for the Big5 and other animal species. Sightings of Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo and Giraffe are common inside Hluhluwe-Umfolozi. We will check into Hluhluwe's Hilltop camp, where we will spend the night. After lunch we set out to find and photograph the animals which capture your imagination. Lion, Leopard and Cheetah are all residents of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, finding them is a challenge your safari guide relishes. After a full day's wildlife viewing we return to camp for dinner at the restaurant. A delicious buffet consisting of starters, a number of mains and desserts. (Night drives with the camp guides are available, this will be paid by you to the camp reception).

Safari From Durban

Day 3 - A final buffet breakfast is enjoyed whilst taking in the magnificent views from the vantage point Hilltop camp offers. We will set out for half a day's game drive. In the early morning you will have the opportunity to see nocturnal animals before they retire to sleep for the day. Your guide will take you to the Umfolozi side of the reserve where large herds of Buffalo and Wildebeest are often spotted. There will be a visit to the Centenary Centre for refreshments and to learn of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi's efforts of bringing back the Black and White Rhino from the brink of extinction. We will then leave the park and make our return journey to Durban.