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| On safari with Charlie |
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This special tour is led by super-guide Charlie Ratcliffe, and is a journey to some of South Africa's most treasured wildlife reserves and eco- systems. With an emphasis on wildlife, the trip is designed to bring you face to face with nature, to take you to wide open spaces where you can breathe, to introduce you to interesting people and to have you stay in amazing locations.
Day 1 (16 August 2010) - Joburg to Mantobeni Tented Camp
You will be met at Johannesburg Airport by Charlie. Scheduled charter flight to Mantobeni. On arrival at the airstrip, open 4x4 vehicles will transfer you to the lodge. Known for its healthy bio-diversity, the Manyeleti Game Reserve offers an extraordinary African wildlife safari experience and is renowned for its exceptional Big Five game viewing. You will be accompanied by Charlie and an armed ranger on twice daily game viewing drives and bush walks.
Days 2 and 3 (17 & 18 August 2010) - Mantobeni Tented Camp
For the next two days succumb to the natural rhythm of the bush...Your wake up call is followed by coffee before departing on the game drive. Return in time for brunch followed by a bush walk or chill time. The evening game drive departs in the late afternoon and after watching the big orange sun set over the African horizon, your tracker will train a spotlight onto the bush as the nocturnal animals become active. Its a thrill to track a leopard as she gets the scent of a young Impala!
Day 4 (19 August 2010) - Charter flight to Thonga Beach Lodge
After your final game drive and a hearty brunch you will be driven to the airstrip in time for your private charter flight to Thonga Beach Lodge. Be transported from the dry bushveld to the tropical lushness of the Maputuland coast in KwaZulu-Natal. Explore this magical place of coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and sandy beaches. The clear, warm waters offers excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.
Days 5 and 6 (20 & 21 August 2010) - Thonga Beach Lodge
Thonga Beach Lodge is situated on the beach and short drive from Lake Sibaya, Southern Africa’s largest freshwater lake. Daily excursions whether inland, to the lake or out to sea, will be arranged according to your interest : snorkeling, scuba diving, guided walks, kayaking, sundowners on Lake Sibaya
Day 7 (22 Aug 2010) - Fly to andBeyond Phinda Game Reserve
You will be transferred to the airstrip at Thonga, schedule charter fly to andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Arrive in time for the evening game drive into 18 500 hectares (45 711 acres) of prime conservation land. Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge is set deep in the heart of a rare dry sand forest. Stay in eco-sensitive stilted suites.
Days 8 and 9 (23 & 24 August 2010) - Phinda Game Reserve
By now you are beyond wanting to just tick off the Big Five, but have developed a keen sense for the smaller creatures, birds and plants that inhabit the African bush. All along the way Charlie will introduce you to many colourful local personalities who will regale you you with their life stories, or their special passion for an aspect of conservation and wildlife. The Zulu people in this region in particular have a rich culture and history.
Day 10 (25 August 2010) - Depart Phinda to Johannesburg
After your final game drive this morning, you will be taken to the local airstrip to meet your scheduled charter flight directly to Johannesburg.
Costs: ZAR 40 250.00 per person sharing
Value of safari per person : ZAR 49 250.00
SAVING : ZAR 8000.00 per person sharing
Contact us and we'll send you the detailed itinerary
FEEDBACK ABOUT CHARLIE
"Thanks Charlie. It was great fun. For us, a great deal of the enjoyment in a vist like this is learning as much as possible about the people, the history, the flora, the fauna of the area while having some great laughs. You did a GREAT job and we appreciate your attention to details." Martha & Irwin
"Charlie, you were the best. You kept your patience and humour and showed us a wonderful part of the country. A truly memorable week." Sally, John & Erica
"Dear Charlie. What a fantastic, exciting, exhilarating, phenomenal trip we had! Can't thank you enough for every single minute. You have a talent for showing each client, each time, with the enthusiasm and interest you must have had for your first clients. Quite a gift." Bob & Mary, Dan & Carol.
"Charlie, you are truly a great guide. Thanks you for an amazingly educational and fun tour (and thanks for putting up with us!)." Adam & Louise
"Charlie. Thank you so much for all of your help. We feel so lucky to have been blessed with you joining our group. We hope to see you again soon." Elisabeth, Anne, Langley, Hill & Jimmy.
"Dear Charlie. You are terrific! We so enjoyed your informative good nature and great stops. You helped make this one of our best trips (and a great birthday)." Eve, Alex & Jason
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