Kosi Lakes & Maputaland “At it’s Very Best”

The Kosi lake system lies in the far north-eastern corner of South Africa and only a few kilometres south of Mozambique. It is an area of pristine nature and is revered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 332 000 hectare iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the custodian of this unique area and manages a vast area stretching from

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Mhapelane, a little south of St. Lucia, right up to the Mozambique border. The Park consists of varying zones including vast stretches of beach, three major lake systems, eight interlinking ecosystems, 700 year-old fishing traditions, most of South Africa’s remaining swamp forests, Africa’s largest estuarine system, 526 bird species and 25 000 year-old vegetated coastal dunes – among the highest in the world. Phew…Add to this some of the southernmost coral reefs in the world and any nature enthusiast will definitely want this on their bucket list. I mean, anyone with the slightest bit of adventure in them will wallow in the delights that a nature experience of this magnitude offers.

The road north from Hluhluwe to Kosi is a delightful drive through pineapple fields, community areas, and plantations with numerous turnoffs to game reserves and lodges along the route. The last town on route is Manguzi which is the business centre of the area, and it’s a busy place with shops, street markets, vendors and people everywhere going about their daily business.

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Our destination was Amangwane Camp located about 22km from town and as close as one can get to the Mozambique border. This is a tented camp and is aptly called a “tented bush camp” by the owner, Tony who has taken the original name from the landowners. The name relates back to their ancestry and their relationship with the fish traps and fishing on the Maputaland coast. Amangwane is also as close as one can get to Kosi Mouth. It is an awesome drive down a sandy 4×4 track to the mouth as the road follows the shoreline of the estuary all the way down to the parking at the estuary mouth and the miles of open beaches.

The camp has permanent on-suite tents with twin single beds, mozzie nets, shower, toilet and basin. All bedding and bath towels are supplied and the communal lapa area is a great meeting point at the beginning and end of each day. The serviced kitchen is fully equipped and there is a braai area to be enjoyed. Birds abound at the camp with Nightjars and even Bushbabys lulling you to sleep and during the day we see and hear birds including Purple Crested Louries, Coucals, Black Eyed Bulbuls, and many more.

There is something for everyone here with loads of activities on offer. These include lake cruises, Raffia forest walks, birding, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, turtle tracking in season. It is also a short walk from the camp to the “viewpoint” overlooking the fish traps in the Kosi estuary mouth.

Take a break, take a road trip and come and experience this unspoilt corner of South Africa with its balmy beach weather all year-round.

“So Much More Fun”
“So Much More to Do”

More information can be found at http://www.amangwanecamp.co.za

Lakes, Elephants & Beaches – Self-Drive or Guided – 6 Days Amangwane Camp – Kosi Mouth & Tembe Elephant Park

Get the real feel of Africa as we explore Northern Zululand and Maputaland. Wildlife, Beaches and Oceans. This is “Africa at it’s Very Best” including a 1-day Safari Experience, Unique iSimangaliso World Heritage Site as well as exciting optional daily excursions in some of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas

DAY 1
Arrive Amangwane Camp at Kosi Mouth

Amangwane Camp is located in the far north eastern corner of South Africa with direct access to the pristine beaches and lakes of the Kosi Bay area. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site, manages and protects the fauna & flora of this large undisturbed coastal and marine reserve. The camp is only 4.5km from the Kosi border gate into southern Mozambique.
Overnight Amangwane

DAY 2,3,4
Kosi/Amangwane Activities and Excursions

Explore the pristine Kosi lake system on a 3 hour lake cruise viewing Hippos, Crocs and the magnificent birdlife.
Experience and undertand the old tradition of the Kosi fish traps.
Snorkeling and kayaking in the estuary.
Turtle tracking in season.
Walking through magnificent fern forests and seeing the rare Palm Nut Vultures.
Community visits and local school interaction is also encouraged as the camp is located within a large
community area.
Overnight Amangwane

DAY 5
Tembe Elephant Park

Depart Amangwane after breakfast for Tembe Elephant Park where you will board an open game viewer and go in search of some of the biggest Tuskers left roaming in Africa. Wonderful viewing from the Mahlasela Hide also allow for an authentic wildlife experience. This is a half-day excursion with a packed lunch. Tembe is a 50-minute drive from Amangwane.
Overnight Amangwane

DAY 6
Depart Amangwane Camp

Breakfast, pack and depart for the next leg of your tour.
OR extend onto the next leg of your Southern African experience…

BON VOYAGE…

Note: for those who would like to do some scuba diving on some of the southernmost coral reefs in the world we can extend from Day 5 and head off to this pristine diving location. Add 2 extra nights and expect to do 2 dives per day while at this location.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

 

 

 

Terms & Conditions Apply:

All tours are quoted in ZA Rands and subject to change without notice until full payment of tour price is received
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required within 48hrs of making this booking to secure
The 2nd 50% deposit is due 4 weeks before arrival, unless otherwise stated
Cancellation 0 – 7 days prior forfeit 100% of accommodation total
For bookings made less than 30 days prior to stay, full payment must be received within 48 hours after which your booking will be confirmed.  All accommodation must be prepaid.
For bookings made 7 days before check in, we require payment in full, on the day of confirming the booking
Deposits are non-refundable
All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions and conduct rules of the resorts and airline concerned
Tony shall not be liable to any guest for any injury, loss, accident, delay caused by any act, omission or incident whatsoever involving the resort, lodge or operator concerned
By confirming and paying for your reservation, it is understood that you have read and accepted our terms and conditions
Date changes requested within 3 weeks prior to travel date will be subject to an administration fee of R500 and subject to accommodation being available for the new dates requested
All pricing and itineraries subject to final confirmation
Tony acts as agents for the numerous accommodation suppliers on the itineraries and does not take responsibility for changes to the respective lodges offerings
Tony or any of their employees do not accept responsibility for any losses or inconveniences by whatever cause including power failures or acts of God
Parents are to supervise their children at all times, especially around swimming pools, rivers and the ocean.
Tony is not liable for any errors or omissions

*This tour is also offered as a fully guided tour. Minimum 4 guests for this guided option*

 

 

What to Pack

Clothing

Sun hat
Golf-shirts and/or T-shirts – preferably with a sleeve to protect your shoulders from the sun
Long-sleeved cotton shirts
Shorts and/or skirts
Long trousers/slacks
Good closed walking shoes and a pair of (preferably closed) sandals
Swimming costume
Lightweight jersey for summer
Warm jersey or fleece for winter
Light rain gear or jacket for summer & winter

Equipment/Other

Good quality sunglasses
Personal toiletries (basic amenities are supplied by most establishments)
Insect repellent for body application, e.g. Tabard
Basic medical kit – aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and antihistamine cream
Malaria tablets (if applicable)
Moisturising cream and suntan lotion
Antihistamine tablets if you suffer from any allergies
Torch, binoculars & camera equipment including spare batteries, chargers, flash cards, memory sticks
Adaptor for charging appliances
Dive card and log book (if applicable)
International driver’s license if applicable
Visas, tickets, passports, money, credit cards, travel insurance details and any other relevant documents

Lakes, Elephants & Beaches – Self-Drive or Guided – 6 Days Amangwane Camp – Kosi Mouth & Tembe Elephant Park

Get the real feel of Africa as we explore Northern Zululand and Maputaland. Wildlife, Beaches and Oceans. This is “Africa at it’s Very Best” including a 1-day Safari Experience, Unique iSimangaliso World Heritage Site as well as exciting optional daily excursions in some of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas

DAY 1
Arrive Amangwane Camp at Kosi Mouth

Amangwane Camp is located in the far north eastern corner of South Africa with direct access to the pristine beaches and lakes of the Kosi Bay area. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site, manages and protects the fauna & flora of this large undisturbed coastal and marine reserve. The camp is only 4.5km from the Kosi border gate into southern Mozambique.
Overnight Amangwane

DAY 2,3,4
Kosi/Amangwane Activities and Excursions

Explore the pristine Kosi lake system on a 3 hour lake cruise viewing Hippos, Crocs and the magnificent birdlife.
Experience and undertand the old tradition of the Kosi fish traps.
Snorkeling and kayaking in the estuary.
Turtle tracking in season.
Walking through magnificent fern forests and seeing the rare Palm Nut Vultures.
Community visits and local school interaction is also encouraged as the camp is located within a large
community area.
Overnight Amangwane

DAY 5
Tembe Elephant Park

Depart Amangwane after breakfast for Tembe Elephant Park where you will board an open game viewer and go in search of some of the biggest Tuskers left roaming in Africa. Wonderful viewing from the Mahlasela Hide also allow for an authentic wildlife experience. This is a half-day excursion with a packed lunch. Tembe is a 50-minute drive from Amangwane.
Overnight Amangwane

DAY 6
Depart Amangwane Camp

Breakfast, pack and depart for the next leg of your tour.
OR extend onto the next leg of your Southern African experience…

BON VOYAGE…

Note: for those who would like to do some scuba diving on some of the southernmost coral reefs in the world we can extend from Day 5 and head off to this pristine diving location. Add 2 extra nights and expect to do 2 dives per day while at this location.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Terms & Conditions Apply:

All tours are quoted in ZA Rands and subject to change without notice until full payment of tour price is received
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required within 48hrs of making this booking to secure
The 2nd 50% deposit is due 4 weeks before arrival, unless otherwise stated
Cancellation 0 – 7 days prior forfeit 100% of accommodation total
For bookings made less than 30 days prior to stay, full payment must be received within 48 hours after which your booking will be confirmed.  All accommodation must be prepaid.
For bookings made 7 days before check in, we require payment in full, on the day of confirming the booking
Deposits are non-refundable
All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions and conduct rules of the resorts and airline concerned
Tony shall not be liable to any guest for any injury, loss, accident, delay caused by any act, omission or incident whatsoever involving the resort, lodge or operator concerned
By confirming and paying for your reservation, it is understood that you have read and accepted our terms and conditions
Date changes requested within 3 weeks prior to travel date will be subject to an administration fee of R500 and subject to accommodation being available for the new dates requested
All pricing and itineraries subject to final confirmation
Tony acts as agents for the numerous accommodation suppliers on the itineraries and does not take responsibility for changes to the respective lodges offerings
Tony or any of their employees do not accept responsibility for any losses or inconveniences by whatever cause including power failures or acts of God
Parents are to supervise their children at all times, especially around swimming pools, rivers and the ocean.
Tony is not liable for any errors or omissions

*This tour is also offered as a fully guided tour. Minimum 4 guests for this guided option*

 

 

What to Pack

Clothing

Sun hat
Golf-shirts and/or T-shirts – preferably with a sleeve to protect your shoulders from the sun
Long-sleeved cotton shirts
Shorts and/or skirts
Long trousers/slacks
Good closed walking shoes and a pair of (preferably closed) sandals
Swimming costume
Lightweight jersey for summer
Warm jersey or fleece for winter
Light rain gear or jacket for summer & winter

Equipment/Other

Good quality sunglasses
Personal toiletries (basic amenities are supplied by most establishments)
Insect repellent for body application, e.g. Tabard
Basic medical kit – aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and antihistamine cream
Malaria tablets (if applicable)
Moisturising cream and suntan lotion
Antihistamine tablets if you suffer from any allergies
Torch, binoculars & camera equipment including spare batteries, chargers, flash cards, memory sticks
Adaptor for charging appliances
Dive card and log book (if applicable)
International driver’s license if applicable
Visas, tickets, passports, money, credit cards, travel insurance details and any other relevant documents

Lakes & Beaches – Self-Drive or Guided – 5 Days Kosi Experience

Get the real feel of Africa as we explore Northern Zululand and Maputaland. Wildlife, Beaches and Oceans. This is “Africa at it’s Very Best” in the Unique iSimangaliso World Heritage Site as well as exciting optional daily excursions in some of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas

DAY 1
Arrive Amangwane Camp at Kosi Mouth

Amangwane Camp is located in the far northeastern corner of South Africa with direct access to the pristine beaches and lakes of the Kosi Bay area. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site, manages and protects the fauna & flora of this large undisturbed coastal and marine reserve. The camp is only 4.5km from the Kosi border gate into southern Mozambique.
Overnight Amangwane

 

DAY 2,3,4
Kosi/Amangwane Activities and Excursions

Explore the pristine Kosi lake system on a 3-hour lake cruise viewing Hippos, Crocs, and the magnificent birdlife.
Experience and understand the old tradition of the Kosi fish traps.
Snorkeling and kayaking in the estuary.
Turtle tracking in season.
Walking through magnificent fern forests and seeing the rare Palm Nut Vultures.
Community visits and local school interaction is also encouraged as the camp is located within a large
community area.
Overnight Amangwane

DAY 5
Depart Amangwane Camp

Breakfast, pack and depart for the next leg of your tour.
OR extend onto the next leg of your Southern African experience…

BON VOYAGE…

Note: for those who would like to do some scuba diving on some of the southernmost coral reefs in the world we can extend from Day 5 and head off to this pristine diving location. Add 2 extra nights and expect to do 2 dives per day while at this location.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Terms & Conditions Apply:

All tours are quoted in ZA Rands and subject to change without notice until full payment of tour price is received
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required within 48hrs of making this booking to secure
The 2nd 50% deposit is due 4 weeks before arrival unless otherwise stated
Cancellation 0 – 7 days prior forfeit 100% of the accommodation total
For bookings made less than 30 days prior to stay, full payment must be received within 48 hours after which your booking will be confirmed.  All accommodation must be prepaid.
For bookings made 7 days before check-in, we require payment in full, on the day of confirming the booking
Deposits are non-refundable
All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions and conduct rules of the resorts and airline concerned
Tony shall not be liable to any guest for any injury, loss, accident, delay caused by any act, omission or incident whatsoever involving the resort, lodge or operator concerned
By confirming and paying for your reservation, it is understood that you have read and accepted our terms and conditions
Date changes requested within 3 weeks prior to travel date will be subject to an administration fee of R500 and subject to accommodation being available for the new dates requested
All pricing and itineraries subject to final confirmation
Tony acts as agents for the numerous accommodation suppliers on the itineraries and does not take responsibility for changes to the respective lodge’s offerings
Tony or any of their employees do not accept responsibility for any losses or inconveniences by whatever cause including power failures or acts of God
Parents are to supervise their children at all times, especially around swimming pools, rivers, and the ocean.
Tony is not liable for any errors or omissions

*This tour is also offered as a fully guided tour. Minimum 4 guests for this guided option*

 

 

What to Pack

Clothing

Sun hat
Golf-shirts and/or T-shirts – preferably with a sleeve to protect your shoulders from the sun
Long-sleeved cotton shirts
Shorts and/or skirts
Long trousers/slacks
Good closed walking shoes and a pair of (preferably closed) sandals
Swimming costume
Lightweight jersey for summer
Warm jersey or fleece for winter
Light rain gear or jacket for summer & winter

Equipment/Other

Good quality sunglasses
Personal toiletries (basic amenities are supplied by most establishments)
Insect repellent for body application, e.g. Tabard
Basic medical kit – aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and antihistamine cream
Malaria tablets (if applicable)
Moisturising cream and suntan lotion
Antihistamine tablets if you suffer from any allergies
Torch, binoculars & camera equipment including spare batteries, chargers, flash cards, memory sticks
Adaptor for charging appliances
Dive card and log book (if applicable)
International driver’s license if applicable
Visas, tickets, passports, money, credit cards, travel insurance details and any other relevant documents

Lakes, Big5 & Beaches – Self-Drive or Guided – 7 Days

Get the real feel of Africa as we explore Northern Zululand and Maputaland. Wildlife, Beaches & Oceans. This is “Africa at it’s Very Best” including Big5 Safari Experiences, Unique iSimangaliso World Heritage Site as well as exciting optional daily excursions in some of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas

DAY 1
Arrive King Shaka International Airport in Durban – overnight St.Lucia guesthouse

Arrive King Shaka Airport and transfer by road to St. Lucia. Settle in and orientation for your KZN tour and dinner at a restaurant of your choice. This private property offers up-market and tastefully decorated accommodation bordering iSimangaliso Wetland Park, ensuring privacy and comfort with easy access to restaurants, supermarkets and the rest of the town.
St.Lucia offers lake cruises, visits to the iSimangaliso Eastern Shores and snorkel at Cape Vidal, safaris in iMfolozi and Hluhluwe game reserves and Whale watching trips in season.

DAY 2
iMfolozi Game Reserve Safari

Early morning departure for iMfolozi Game Reserve. This is a Big5 reserve and is proud to be the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa. It was also the hunting ground of King Skaka and his Zulu warriors.
Spend a full day on safari in an open game viewer and enjoy lunch at one of the spectacular picnic sites deep in the African bush.
Overnight St.Lucia

DAY 3
Lake Cruise and afternoon drive through Eastern Shores to Cape Vidal

After breakfast head down to the lake shore and board your boat for a 2 hour cruise on the St. Lucia lakes where you will experience Hippos, Crocodiles and birdlife. Lunch and then head off via the Eastern Shores of iSimangaliso to Cape Vidal. Enjoy more African game as well as the beaches at Cape Vidal.
Overnight St. Lucia

DAY 4
Amangwane Camp – Kosi Mouth

Depart after breakfast on a scenic drive further into the heart of Zululand and on to the Maputaland coast. The road meanders through large community areas where one gets an idea of what rural life is like in Africa. Lunch on-route and we arrive mid-afternoon at Amangwane Camp located in the far northeastern corner of South Africa with direct access to the pristine beaches and lakes of the Kosi Bay area. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site, manages and protects the fauna & flora of this large undisturbed coastal and marine reserve.
Overnight Amangwane

 

DAY 5, 6
Kosi/Amangwane Activities and Excursions

Days are spent exploring the lake system, experiencing the old tradition of the fish traps, snorkeling in the estuary, kayaking, turtle tracking in season, walking through magnificent fern forests and seeing the rare Palm Nut Vultures, boat cruises on the lakes viewing Hippos, Crocs and the magnificent birdlife. Community visits and local school interaction is also encouraged as the camp is located within a large community area.

 

 

DAY 7
Breakfast, pack and depart for KSIA and your flight home OR extend onto the next leg of your Southern African experience…

BON VOYAGE…

Note: for those who would like to do some scuba diving on some of the southernmost coral reefs in the world we can extend from Day 9 and head off to this pristine diving location. Add 2 extra nights and expect to do 2 dives per day while at this location.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Terms & Conditions Apply:

All tours are quoted in ZA Rands and subject to change without notice until full payment of tour price is received
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required within 48hrs of making this booking to secure
The 2nd 50% deposit is due 4 weeks before arrival, unless otherwise stated
Cancellation 0 – 7 days prior forfeit 100% of accommodation total
For bookings made less than 30 days prior to stay, full payment must be received within 48 hours after which your booking will be confirmed.  All accommodation must be prepaid.
For bookings made 7 days before check in, we require payment in full, on the day of confirming the booking
Deposits are non-refundable
All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions and conduct rules of the resorts and airline concerned
Tony shall not be liable to any guest for any injury, loss, accident, delay caused by any act, omission or incident whatsoever involving the resort, lodge or operator concerned
By confirming and paying for your reservation, it is understood that you have read and accepted our terms and conditions
Date changes requested within 3 weeks prior to travel date will be subject to an administration fee of R500 and subject to accommodation being available for the new dates requested
All pricing and itineraries subject to final confirmation
Tony acts as agents for the numerous accommodation suppliers on the itineraries and does not take responsibility for changes to the respective lodges offerings
Tony or any of their employees do not accept responsibility for any losses or inconveniences by whatever cause including power failures or acts of God
Parents are to supervise their children at all times, especially around swimming pools, rivers and the ocean.
Tony is not liable for any errors or omissions

*This tour is also offered as a fully guided tour. Minimum 4 guests for this guided option*

 

 

What to Pack

Clothing

Sun hat
Golf-shirts and/or T-shirts – preferably with a sleeve to protect your shoulders from the sun
Long-sleeved cotton shirts
Shorts and/or skirts
Long trousers/slacks
Good closed walking shoes and a pair of (preferably closed) sandals
Swimming costume
Lightweight jersey for summer
Warm jersey or fleece for winter
Light rain gear or jacket for summer & winter

Equipment/Other

Good quality sunglasses
Personal toiletries (basic amenities are supplied by most establishments)
Insect repellent for body application, e.g. Tabard
Basic medical kit – aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and antihistamine cream
Malaria tablets (if applicable)
Moisturising cream and suntan lotion
Antihistamine tablets if you suffer from any allergies
Torch, binoculars & camera equipment including spare batteries, chargers, flash cards, memory sticks
Adaptor for charging appliances
Dive card and log book (if applicable)
International driver’s license if applicable
Visas, tickets, passports, money, credit cards, travel insurance details and any other relevant documents

“Whales & Turtles” – Kwa-Zulu Natal Explorer – Self-Drive or Guided – 7 Days

This seasonal tour showcases KZN St Lucia & Kosi Mouth in the iSimangaliso World Heritage Site is a SEASONAL TOUR highlighting 2 PHENOMENOL experiences…Whale migration & Turtle Tracking.
Humpback Whales migrate north towards the equator each year to calve and experiencing this is a MUST.
Leatherback & Loggerhead Turtles frequent the northern reaches of the Maputaland coast each year to lay their eggs on the untouched beaches. In February each year we are witness to the eggs hatching and the baby turtles heading frantically to the sea before predators can catch them.
NOTE: It must be remembered that these experiences are natural occurrences and cannot be guaranteed as they are not staged events. Guests need to bear this in mind with respect to these happenings evolving naturally in Nature.

Seasonal Tour: November to February

DAY 1
St Lucia- Accommodation Includes: Bed & Breakfast & select pre-booked tours

Arrive King Shaka Airport north of Durban. Collect car hire and self-drive to St Lucia on the Zululand coast. This is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Durban. You will be met by your hosts. Settle in and orientation for your St Lucia experience and dinner in town at a restaurant of your choice.
DAY 2, 3
St Lucia – Accommodation Includes: Bed & Breakfast,
Morning Whale Watching on Day 2 & Day 3

ST LUCIA borders onto the iSIMANGALISO Wetland Park which is South Africa’s 1st World Heritage Site and comprises 332000 ha of pristine wetland park bordering onto the coast and the warm INDIAN OCEAN.
Early morning boat launch and head out to sea to view these graceful giants of the ocean as they migrate north in early summer and then in late summer, with their calves in tow they head south again towards the frigid waters of the Antarctic and their abundant feeding grounds. After the tour guests are welcome to arrange activities suited to themselves such as an afternoon game drive on lake cruise.

DAY 4, 5, 6
Kosi Mouth – Accommodation Includes: Bed & Breakfast & select pre-booked tours

Depart ST LUCIA for a 3-hour drive further north to Amangwane Camp at Kosi Mouth for the next leg of your Whale & Turtle Tour. The road meanders through large community areas where one gets an idea of what rural life is like in Africa. Lunch on-route and we arrive mid-afternoon at Amangwane Camp located in the far north eastern corner of South Africa with direct access to the pristine beaches and lakes of the Kosi Bay area.

Cape Vidal Beach

Turtle tours are nocturnal experiences and your guide will drive you to isolated where turtles are able to lay their eggs in peace and lay largely undisturbed until hatching time a few months later. We will spend 2 evenings enjoying this experience departing mid-afternoon each day.
After breakfast each day you are able to spend the morning at leisure experiencing the Kosi lakes and beaches, snorkel or just totally chill in the balmy beach climate at Kosi Mouth.

DAY 7 – BON VOYAGE…

Depart from KSIA or extend to join one of our other exciting Southern African options

*This tour is also offered as a fully guided tour. Minimum 4 guests for this guided option*

Terms & Conditions Apply:

All tours are quoted in ZA Rands and subject to change without notice until full payment of tour price is received
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required within 48hrs of making this booking to secure
The 2nd 50% deposit is due 4 weeks before arrival, unless otherwise stated
Cancellation 0 – 7 days prior forfeit 100% of accommodation total
For bookings made less than 30 days prior to stay, full payment must be received within 48 hours where after Tony will confirm your reservation.  All accommodation must be prepaid.
For bookings made 7 days before check-in, we require payment in full, on the day of confirming the booking
Deposits are non-refundable
All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions and conduct rules of the resorts and airline concerned
Tony shall not be liable to any guest for any injury, loss, accident, delay caused by any act, omission or incident whatsoever involving the resort, lodge or operator concerned
By confirming and paying for your reservation, it is understood that you have read and accepted our terms and conditions
Date changes requested within 3 weeks prior to travel date will be subject to an administration fee of R500 and subject to accommodation being available for the new dates requested
All pricing and itineraries subject to final confirmation
Tony acts as agents for the numerous accommodation suppliers on the itineraries and does not take responsibility for changes to the respective lodges offerings
Tony or any of its employees do not accept responsibility for any losses or inconveniences by whatever cause including power failures or acts of God
Parents are to supervise their children at all times, especially around swimming pools, rivers and the ocean.
Tony is not liable for any errors or omissions

What to Pack

Clothing

Sun hat
Golf-shirts and/or T-shirts – preferably with a sleeve to protect your shoulders from the sun
Long-sleeved cotton shirts
Shorts and/or skirts
Long trousers/slacks
Good closed walking shoes and a pair of (preferably closed) sandals
Swimming costume
Lightweight jersey for summer
Warm jersey or fleece for winter
Light rain gear or jacket for summer & winter

Equipment/Other

Good quality sunglasses
Personal toiletries (basic amenities are supplied by most establishments)
Insect repellent for body application, e.g. Tabard
Basic medical kit – aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and antihistamine cream
Malaria tablets (if applicable)
Moisturising cream and suntan lotion
Antihistamine tablets if you suffer from any allergies
Torch, binoculars & camera equipment including spare batteries, chargers, flashcards, memory sticks
Dive card and logbook (if applicable)
Visas, tickets, passports, money, credit cards, travel insurance details and any other relevant documents

Maputaland Magic – Self-Drive or Guided

Get the real feel of Africa as we explore Northern Zululand and Maputaland. Wildlife, Beaches and Oceans. This is “Africa at it’s Very Best” including Big5 Safari Experiences, Unique iSimangaliso World Heritage Site as well as exciting optional daily excursions in some of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas

Note: for those who would like to do some scuba diving on some of the southernmost coral reefs in the world we can extend from Day 9 and head off to this pristine diving location. Add 2 extra nights and expect to do 2 dives per day while at this location.

DAY 1
Arrive King Shaka International Airport in Durban – overnight St.Lucia guesthouse

Arrive King Shaka Airport and transfer by road to St. Lucia. Settle in and orientation for your KZN tour and dinner with your hosts. This private property offers up-market and tastefully decorated accommodation bordering iSimangaliso Wetland Park, ensuring privacy and comfort with easy access to restaurants, supermarkets and the rest of the town.
St.Lucia offers lake cruises, visits to the iSimangaliso Eastern Shores and snorkel at Cape Vidal, safaris in iMfolozi and Hluhluwe game reserves and Whale watching trips in season.

DAY 2
iMfolozi Game Reserve Safari

Early morning departure for iMfolozi Game Reserve. This is a Big5 reserve and is proud to be the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa. It was also the hunting ground of King Skaka and his Zulu warriors.
Spend a full day on safari in an open game viewer and enjoy lunch at one of the spectacular picnic sites deep in the African bush.
Overnight St.Lucia

DAY 3
Lake Cruise and afternoon drive through Eastern Shores to Cape Vidal

After breakfast head down to the lake shore and board your boat for a 2 hour cruise on the St. Lucia lakes where you will experience Hippos, Crocodiles and birdlife. Lunch and then head off via the Eastern Shores of iSimangaliso to Cape Vidal. Enjoy more African game as well as the beaches at Cape Vidal.
Overnight St. Lucia

DAY 4
Amangwane Camp – Kosi Mouth

Depart after breakfast on a scenic drive further into the heart of Zululand and on to the Maputaland coast. The road meanders through large community areas where one gets an idea of what rural life is like in Africa. Lunch on-route and we arrive mid-afternoon at Amangwane Camp located in the far north-eastern corner of South Africa with direct access to the pristine beaches and lakes of the Kosi Bay area. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site, manages and protects the fauna & flora of this large undisturbed coastal and marine reserve.
Overnight Amangwane

DAY 5, 6, 7
Kosi/Amangwane Activities and Excursions

Days are spent exploring the lake system, experiencing the old tradition of the fish traps, snorkeling in the estuary, kayaking, turtle

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tracking in season, walking through magnificent fern forests and seeing the rare Palm Nut Vultures, boat cruises on the lakes viewing Hippos, Crocs and the magnificent birdlife. Community visits and local school interaction is also encouraged as the camp is located within a large community area.

DAY 8
Tembe Elephant Park

Depart Amangwane for Tembe Elephant Park where some of Africa’s last great Tuskers roam. This is a 3-hour game drive experience. Thereafter we begin heading south again via Jozini and overnight near Hluhluwe Game Reserve.

DAY 9
This is your last breakfast in the Zululand bush. Depart to Ballito on the Dolphin Coast for the last night. Ballito offers shopping, restaurants and beautiful beaches and is conveniently located only 20 km from the airport.

Overnight Ballito guesthouse

DAY 10
Breakfast, pack and depart for KSIA and your flight home OR extend onto the next leg of your Southern African experience…

BON VOYAGE…

Note: for those who would like to do some scuba diving on some of the southernmost coral reefs in the world we can extend from Day 9 and head off to this pristine diving location. Add 2 extra nights and expect to do 2 dives per day while at this location.

Greed on the High Seas

CRY our Beloved Oceans…

Fish numbers on the brink of collapse are again highlighted by the WWF…and then we hear of Operation Phakisa which plans to grow the fishing industry in our bordering oceans of South Africa.
Mozambique has recently made the news and has now permitted fleets of Chinese fishing vessels to exploit its coastal waters while it also has placed a moratorium of prawn harvesting for numerous months. China admits its ocean resources are running low and is now looking at new areas which can be harvested. Conservationists are very concerned about the impact of overfishing and governments inability to control fishing regulations.

What more can I say?  And how much of this is still “under wraps” and will never be explained or justified or published. Read on and CRY for our oceans…

Ocean fish numbers on ‘brink of collapse’ – WWF

Oslo – The amount of fish in the oceans has halved since 1970, in a plunge to the “brink of collapse” caused by over-fishing and other threats, the WWF conservation group said on Wednesday.
Populations of some commercial fish stocks, such as a group including tuna, mackerel and bonito, had fallen by almost 75%, according to a study by the WWF and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).
The analysis said it tracked 5 829 populations of 1 234 species, such as seals, turtles and dolphins and sharks. It said the ZSL data sets were almost twice as large as past studies.
“This report suggests that billions of animals have been lost from the world’s oceans in my lifetime alone,” Ken Norris, director of science at the ZSL, said in a statement. “This is a terrible and dangerous legacy to leave to our grandchildren.”
Later this month, governments are due to adopt new UN sustainable development goals, including ending over-fishing and destructive fishing practices by 2020 and restoring stocks “in the shortest time feasible”.
Closing fishing grounds and cracking down on illegal fishing gives stocks a chance to recover, Lambertini said. Some grounds, such as those off Fiji, have been revived by stronger protection.
World marine fish catches dipped to 79.7 million tonnes in 2012 from 82.6 million in 2011, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Safeguarding the oceans can help economic growth, curb poverty and raise food security, it says.

See the link here

Operation Phakisa

At the same time South Africa is in the process of mainstreaming its operation Phakisa, which sets out to unlock the economic potential of the country’s oceans.
At the launch President Jacob Zuma said the government chose the ocean economy with good reason. “South Africa is uniquely bordered by the ocean on three sides – east, south and west. With the inclusion of Prince Edward and Marion Islands in the southern ocean, the coastline is approximately 3 924km long,” he told the delegates at the launch of the initiative.
“The ocean has a potential to contribute to the GDP up to R177bn. The ocean also has a potential to contribute between eight hundred and one million direct jobs,” Zuma said.
South Africa’s oceans contributed around R54bn to the country’s GDP in 2010 and accounted for approximately 316 000 jobs.
See the link here

Yu Yi celebrates its first foray into Mozambique

China’s fishing industry has celebrated the landing at a port in Shenzhen of its first haul of seafood caught in Mozambique.
The return to port of six vessels owned by the Yu Yi Industry Co. – carrying 359 tons of crustaceans and fish – was marked with a major ceremony overseen by corporate executives and Communist Party officials.
“We will reform our local industrial companies by expanding into new promising industries like distant-water fisheries,” he said at the ceremony, while admiring a line-up of grouper, lobster, and porgy from Mozambique.
Also at the ceremony, Yu Yi Chairman Zhang Zhiming said that with domestic catches falling in recent years, China’s fishing effort was best expended abroad.
“Offshore fishing resources are falling,” Zhang said. “Now is the time for us to expand.”

See the link here

Sardine Run South Africa…and Whale Migration

Photo Credit – Offshore Africa

During June and July each year one of the most amazing spectacles of nature plays out along our east coast. From the Transkei “Wild Coast” and right up into southern Kwa Zulu Natal the “Sardine Run” draws ocean lovers from all over the world to come and experience this phenomenon.
Added to this is the Humpback Whale migration as well. It cannot get better for an ocean experience to match or beat all others.
Tony offer complete packages over this period including accommodation, daily boat excursions and much more. You will be based in Port St Johns which lies at the mouth of the mighty Umzimvubu River.

Photo Credit – Offshore Africa

SARDINE RUN PACKAGE DETAILS BELOW:
Non Divers are also accommodated at the same rates and can enjoy all of the experiences except actual scuba diving…

Accommodation is d/b/b at Port St Johns River Lodge
Excursions are run by Offshore Africa
We can happily assist with transport to and from Durban
We offer accommodation at our guesthouse in Ballito for guests wishing to spend time on our Dolphin Coast

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Sardine Run Package Includes: –

• ***** night accommodation. Port St John’s River Lodge is dinner,

  

  Credit – Offshore Africa

  bed & breakfast.

• ***** ocean days (weather permitting)
• Cylinder / air
• Weights / belt
• Packed boat refreshments
• Diver permit to dive within Pondoland marine protected area
• Full and exclusive to Offshore Africa aerial support (spotting) with our gyro copter & pilot

Excludes:-

Credit – Offshore Africa

• Drinks / items of a personal nature
• Meals – where specified above
• Transfers – can be arranged at an additional charge
• Dive gear rental – MUST be pre-booked.
• Additional chargeable land- based activities i.e. guided hikes / afternoon gyrocopter flight
• Diver / travel insurance
• Airfares / taxes
• Passports / visas
• Gratuities for staff

NOTES

• Whilst we offer a shorter stay, clients must remember that we are

  

  Credit – Offshore Africa

  dealing with Nature and it is winter season, which means that we do encounter cold fronts and some days could be shorter than others due to adverse weather/ocean conditions. We cannot offer any guarantee of any kind

• Transfers can be arranged from King Shaka international airport (Durban) or Umtata airport ex Johannesburg with domestic airline SA Airlink (airline code UTT)
• Dive gear rental MUST be pre-booked as we carry limited stock
• Divers MUST produce their dive cards or logbook prior to the 1^st day of ocean launching
• Once a booking is confirmed, Offshore Africa will issue a booking invoice asking for a 20% non-refundable deposit. The booking is NOT secured until the deposit payment (in full) has been received
• Offshore Africa will not issue a refund due to weather/sea-sickness/days not done/a client making a decision to have a day off during their trip
• Port St Johns River Lodge offer double, twin bed, single & 3-4 people sharing options

  

  Photo Credit – Offshore Africa

*Want to stay on and enjoy a little more of SUNNY SOUTH AFRICA…?

Extensions are also available to other tourism highlights ie:
Imfolozi/ Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Sodwana Bay
Isimangaliso Wetland Park including Cape Vidal and St Lucia
Anglo Zulu..Anglo Boer Battlefields
Ukahlamba Drakensberg
Cape Town, Namibia, Mozambique

Tourism in South Africa…Really…?

As we all know, and agree that South Africa is blessed with some of the most bountiful tourism experiences, BUT, what is going on in the country? Rioting, and striking every day in most provinces.

Businesses in KZN are being held to ransom by “tender mafia” who probably don’t want to work but happy to intimidate the workers with physical violence. I mean these workers just want to earn an honest buck and feed, clothe and educate their children. This has now been experienced in Ballito/Salt Rock where work on a suburban optic-fibre installation has literally ground to a halt. Prior to this a R2.4 billion development in Umhlanga Rocks was held to ransom by one of these “business forums” and all work ground to a halt for close on two weeks. Port Elizabeth municipal workers litter the street and torch dustbins in their city. Alongside this we hear and read regularly of hospitals being trashed and brought to their knees by the workers. These are same people who rely on the well-being of their family and themselves being dealt with at these institutions. Am I missing something…?

And so it goes on.  Entrances to the town of George blockaded. Trucks set alight at Mooi River toll plaza. Township rioting in the Western Cape. The N2 between Empangeni and Hluhluwe a no-go zone due to violent protests and blockading of the road. Violent protests at Manguzi in northern KZN. This leaves commuters stranded, supplies running out in supermarkets, children unable to get to school, emergency services interrupted and lives at stake. Well we all know the implications and long-term effects.

Where am I going with this rant? I visited Tourism Indaba in May and once again all the attendees and exhibitors are flaunting their product, planning strategies to grow their businesses, creating new connections and opportunities. British Airways have also put so much faith in a growing inbound market that they have announced a direct flight from LHR (London Heathrow) to KSIA (King Shaka International Airport in Durban) to be launched from October this year. And we need to support this bold initiative by supporting BA. I spent the best part of last year working in Northern Kwa Zulu Natal and experienced first-hand the volume of internationals visiting. Most of these are also self-drive visitors booking months in advance and looking forward to a wonderful South African experience. Many of them also travel with children and while on holiday remind us of our good road networks, our wonderful weather and ease of access to most areas they visit. This inbound tourist market is now being seriously jeopardized by this unrest.

The tourism sector directly contributed 2,9% to South African gross domestic product (GDP) in 2016, according to the latest release of Stats SA’s annual Tourism Satellite Account for South Africa report. This, however, is not going to last should this unnecessary and uncurbed crime and violence continue. The same communities who are directly affected are often the first to feel the brunt of job losses through these actions and get caught up in a vicious cycle of unemployment due to businesses closing or retrenching. They are the first to feel the despair when they take a loved one to a hospital only to find there are no services available. They are the first to have to come home as proud parents unable to put food on the table for their children due to actions mostly out of their control. They are the first to miss work due to no public transport. Yes, they are the first to suffer the dire consequences of these actions.

Unemployment is now at its highest. Education is at its lowest. Inflation is on the rise. Consumer confidence is at a low. Fuel prices are on the rise. Come on South Africa. We should all be striving for a common cause. Ethics, employment, resourcefulness, peace, honesty, common respect and decency is all it takes and WE ALL have it in us to achieve this. Let’s use our diverse skills to rid the country of the scourge of crime and disrespect and work towards what it should and can once again be…South Africa…The Rainbow Nation.