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Trip leader and native South African Russell Crossey invites you on this journey through his country’s social and wildlife conservation history, an epic experience of the stature of James Michener’s powerful novel The Covenant. As in the novel, you’ll travel through the heart of this enthralling region, from the depths of the Indian Ocean’s tropical reefs, where Russell’s British ancestors landed their ships all those years ago, to a foot safari with the big game of Umfolozi, Africa’s oldest game reserve. You’ll also learn about South Africa’s conservation and political history, including the struggle to save the white and black rhinos from extinction and the heroic battles as Boer fought Brit and both fought the Zulus as the nation struggled to define itself. Lastly, you’ll visit the very roof of South Africa, where from the top of the 10,000-foot “Amphitheatre” you can gaze back upon the ground we’ve covered on our monumental journey of the covenant.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Track wildlife on a walking safari in Umfolozi, Africa’s oldest game reserve and home to the legendary “Big Five”
• Gain fascinating insights into modern-day Zulu life as well as its past, learn about South Africa’s political history
• Trek the high peaks of the Drakensberg; swim, snorkel, and beachcomb in World Heritage Site marine reserve

"Having worked for the Kwazulu Natal Parks Service for many years, I was able to form a close association with this region. I climbed the mountains, dived the oceans, and walked with the big game. Whilst breathing the crisp Drakensberg mountain air and listening to roar of lions on a warm Zululand night, a deep and lasting bond was forged between me and this land. I am a native South African and proud of my heritage and tradition and would be honoured to share it with you. Come and join me on this “Zulu footprint” and be as moved by this incredible region as I am." - Russell Crossey

Day 1 - Arrive in Richards Bay, South Africa, and transfer to Umfolozi Trails base camp, in the western section of Umfolozi-Hluhluwe National Park.

Days 2-4 - Walking safari in Umfolozi, home to the “big five” (lion, elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, and leopard). This is also the heart of the Zulu culture.

Day 5 - Take a tour with a rhino capture unit and experience firsthand the daily work of this highly specialized conservation team. Afterward, spend the rest of the day on a leisurely game drive in Hluhluwe, the eastern section of Umfolozi-Hluhluwe National Park.

Days 6-7 - At Rocktail Bay, in the northern reaches of the Great St. Lucia Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just offshore is the Maputaland Marine Reserve, which offers extraordinary diving and snorkeling encounters with huge shoals of fish, dolphins, and whales. You can also take beach walks in search of nesting loggerhead and leatherback turtles.

Day 8 - Transfer to Kwabhekithunga Zulu Cultural Village, where you’ll learn about life in a Zulu village and enjoy a traditional meal and dance performance.

Days 9-10 - At Fugitive’s Drift Lodge, near former battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and a Natural Heritage Site where walks, game drives, fishing, and horseback riding are among the daily offered activities.

Days 11-12 - Drive to the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains at the base of Amphitheatre Peak (9,856'), with a free day to explore the area.

Day 13 - A steep hike brings you to the “Amphitheatre,” at the top of the Drakensberg escarpment, with spectacular mountain views in every direction.

Day 14 - Drive to Johannesburg and visit the apartheid museum.

Day 15 - Sightseeing in nearby Pretoria, including the Voortrekker Monument. Evening flight home.

Photo Credits
Both images: ©MTS Photo File