Safari Holidays for Disabled Travellers
12 Days of Wonder and Wildlife
Close Encounters is committed to the ideal of inclusive travel and has arranged this exciting 12-day safari holiday which is suitable for mobility impaired, blind and deaf travellers, as well as families and older holidaymakers. The holiday is centred on Durban, but includes 4 nights at the renowned Umfolozi / Hluhluwe Game Reserve and 2 nights at the village of St. Lucia, adjoining the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Accessible Safari Holiday in South Africa
DAY 1
A warm welcome awaits you at Durban International airport where you will be met by your friendly hosts.
You will be transferred in air conditioned vehicles through Durban, Africa’s exciting seaside paradise to your 5 star lodge.
This lodge is the premier lodge with luxurious facilities and 30 acres of private botanical gardens, 18 ponds, waterways and prolific birdlife.
Located in the rolling hills of KwaZulu Natal and near the Valley of a Thousand Hills this is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and be enchanted by the scenery after your exertions of a long flight.
The beautiful gardens are an oasis of peace and serenity with indigenous and exotic plants and provide the ideal backdrop to achieve the desired levels of relaxation for all who visit.
Soak up the spirit of our special slice of Africa while enjoying refreshments on the Tuscan Terrance which overlooks a pond. (Overnight - 5 star Lodge Durban)
DAY 2
Today we spend relaxing and soaking up an unique and enchanting atmosphere. Enjoy walks through the 30 acres of gardens incorporating artworks, sculptures, a magnifificent Japanese garden, cycad gardens, ponds and meandering pathways leading to waterfalls.
Soak up your first day in Africa by spoiling yourself at the Health Spa with its special invigorating and holistic treatment range. In addition, you can soak up the African sun next to the large full accessible rock swimming pool. (Overnight - 5 star Lodge Durban)
DAY 3
This day holds much excitement as we explore The Golden Mile along the Durban Beachfront with its wonderful mix of cultures, nationalities, stunning beaches, flea markets, restaurants and places of interest. You will visit an exciting attraction Ushaka Marine World Africa’s largest aquarium with its seal and dolphin stadium and aquariums where you can touch a starfish and feel the skin of a sea cucumber with the help of a trained guide.
Be fascinated by sharks, sea snakes, sting rays and stone fish in different magnificent aquariums. There are snorkeling pools with over one thousand fish and diving pools where you may dive with an qualified diver and watch the sting rays swim by. We have lunch along the Village Walk with its numerous shops and restaurants before heading back to your Lodge for much needed rest from the days excitement. (Overnight - 5 star Lodge Durban)
DAY 4
A unique and captivating day begins. We head for Umhlanga a prime up-market beach resort with protected beaches, restaurants and many other attractions.
Umhlanga is home to The Sharks Board where we enjoy an informative, entertaining and eye opening audio and visual of sharks and their history. For those who would like a adventure of a difference we head for the beach where one can relax, swim and unwind and enjoy the views of the warm Indian ocean all along the beachfront with its numerous restaurants. (Overnight - 5 star Lodge Durban)
DAY 5
Today we head out for the great African safari to the Umfolozi / Hluhluwe Game Reserve situated in the largest and most spectacular ecotourism region in South Africa.(3 hours drive from Durban) Established in 1895 Hluhluwe / Umfolozi is the home of The Big Five and Operation Rhino. It became world renowned for saving the white rhino from extinction. This is where we will be spending the next four days.
You will be sure to spot elephant, buffalo, giraffe, warthog, zebra, impala and wildebeest and many other species during your visit here. The park is also home animals such as Lion, Leopard and Wild Dog. Enjoy a peaceful and safe ambience with Africa and its wildlife in your luxurious, air-conditioned vehicle with your experienced Game Ranger and your host. All meals during your stay is at the Mpunyane Restaurant where you will be captivated by excellent service and world class cuisine. There is also the relaxing Uzavolo Bar Lounge which lends itself to discussions of the days experiences. (Overnight - 4 star lodge Umfolozi / Hluhluwe Game Reserve)
DAY 6, 7 & 8
These are the days where the spirit of Africa touches your soul. We embark on leisurely extended game drives to all areas of the Park. There is much to explore! Your experienced ranger will help you spot and identify many species of bird and animal life. (The Elephant Coast has more than 500 species of birdlife recorded). With a little assistance most people will be able to distinguish the more common families of birds in no time at all. Look out for the abundant animal life such as black rhino, nyala, kudu, hippo, crocodile, waterbuck, reedbuck, red duiker, baboons, monkeys, hyena, wildebeest, giraffe and often to be seen elephant and buffalo You may also see lion, cheetah, wild dog and other predators. (Overnight - 4 star lodge Umfolozi / Hluhluwe Game Reserve)
Optional Activities-Day 8
Elephant Interaction
A unique and wonderful experience in the heart of Zululand where you get close and interact with these powerful but gentle creatures. Guests seeking deeper meaning to their visit can have close contact and interaction with wildlife. Although little can match the thrill of seeing wild elephants in Hluhluwe Game Reserve, guests are also afforded an opportunity of close contact with 2 mature elephant that were orphaned and hand reared but are now free to range in a private game reserve that is over 2 500 hectares. These two elephant come up to visit the viewing area each morning, for a welcome snack of game pellets. Here you will be able to interact with them in well controlled situations and also enjoy suburb interpretation of the elephant species, which is enlightening and clearly shows the care and concern that is shown.
Visit to Cat and Cheetah Rehabilitation Centre
Join us for an up close and personal tour and learn more about South Africa's endangered wild cat species. Come and be mesmerized by the beauty of the Caracal (Lynx), enchanted by the playful Serval, astonished by the speed and agility of the Cheetah and delighted by the African Wildcat. View and photograph these amazing animals at this Centre. There are educational tours daily, with feedings during the afternoon tour and an informative talk about the animals The aim of this Centre is to care for the cats which have been orphaned or injured in the wild and are in need of care and rehabilitation.
DAY 9
Today will be a special excursion: You will visit numerous eco/cultural activities available in the area. Visit the ancient World Heritage Site at False Bay, the largest estuarine system formed in Africa formed 140 million years ago. Other attractions include Ilala Weavers with its restaurant where you will enjoy lunch and curio shops featuring traditional Zulu basket weaving and beading.
Today's adventures include a visit to Dumazulu Traditional Zulu Village where you will learn of the African Zulu Tribe as you visit its cultural village. Be spellbound by the energetic Zulu Dancing with its awesome rhythm of drumbeats and African dancing!
We then set off for St Lucia, a picturesque village situated within a nature reserve and which is surrounded by 5 distinct ecosystems and iSimangaliso Wetland Park. (Overnight - 4 star Lodge, St Lucia)
Day 10
St Lucia offers the day visitor an endless wealth of possibilities with its shops, curio and African-ware flea markets, pubs, restaurants, boat trips, and a lovely interpretation centre explaining the ecology of the World Natural Heritage Site.
You will spot crocodiles, hippos and abundant birdlife from the shoreline and on your boat trip which offers great opportunity for special and unique photography. (Overnight - 4 star Lodge, St Lucia)
DAY 11
Time to set off for the journey back to Durban and enroute we visit Gateway Theatre of Shopping the largest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere. Here you may enjoy the South African shopping experience, eat at one of the numerous up market restaurants, watch a show at the magnificent IMAX Theatre or watch the surfers at The Wave Pool before returning to your place of accommodation . (Overnight - 4 star Lodge Lodge Durban)
DAY 12
Prepare for your flight and transfer to Durban International Airport
If you have any questions about this holiday or its suitability for your needs, please feel free to email us or call on 0844 415 0155
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