Thank you, thank you for bringing Africa up close and personal for us; the beautiful land, the amazing animals, the wonderful native people and their fascinating cultures. You always give me more than I expect. ~ Kay E, Bedford, IN The Zulu cultural walk was one of my highlights because you not only walked their beautiful land, you met the people…saw where they went to school, where they lived, and you learned about their daily life. ~ Tink M, Centerville, OH Every trip we’ve taken with Walking Adventures has exceeded my expectations. I really enjoyed the way the walks and the cultural experiences all came together. ~ Jill S, Vacaville, CA The things you expose us to, seeing how it really is instead of just the main tourist spots. You’re very well organized, yet read the group well, so changes can be made if necessary. Love those walks where we see the countryside and see how they really live. ~ Berta Z, Mission, TX Never a dull moment – the days were filled with exotic sights and sounds, including the native culture/politics, not to mention wild animals. We saw 4 of the Big 5 in one day! ~ John S, Cheney, WA |
Southern Africa Walking Safari 2011 |
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Already Walked for 2011!
After several months of planning, we are excited to present the 2011 edition of one of our most exotic Adventures — the Southern Africa Walking Safari. This is not your average Adventure! Feedback from previous travelers has been exceedingly enthusiastic. The spectacular scenery in the Cape of Good Hope peninsula, the Blyde River Canyon, and Victoria Falls; the unforgettable interactions with the locals, kids and adults alike, throughout the program; and opportunities for close encounters with some of the planet’s largest and wildest animals all unite to leave an Africa-shaped impression in your hearts when you leave this special continent! This tour features one of Dan's TOP 10 Walks! Click here to view a description and slideshow of the Mbonise Zulu Cultural Walk! How to Register |
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Southern Africa Walking Safari |
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DAY 1: SEP 8: ARRIVE CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA (D) Our Southern Africa Walking Safari begins today in Cape Town, birthplace of the nation of South Africa. You’ll be met at the Cape Town airport by a representative of WAI and transferred to our hotel in the heart of this historic city at the southern tip of Africa. This evening we rendezvous for a welcome dinner at our hotel in the shadow of Table Mountain. DAY 2: SEP 9: ACTIVITIES FROM CAPE TOWN (BD) Today's two-part walk begins with a gondola ride to Table Mountain for 360° views from the tabletop vantage point of this legendary mariner's landmark. Spectacular views and the wonderful fynbos foliage of Table Mountain precede an afternoon sightseeing walk through Cape Town's historic district. Our route surveys four centuries of discovery and drama in this region rich in resources but plagued by conflict. DAY 3: SEP 10: ACTIVITIES FROM CAPE TOWN (BD) A stroll through Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens offers another opportunity to marvel at South Africa's floral diversity. The second segment of today's walk climbs first to Cape Point's lighthouse to gaze out over the meeting of the oceans–Atlantic and Indian. Wonderful sea vistas and possible wildlife sightings then mark our trail to neighboring Cape of Good Hope, a beacon to storm-tossed sailors since the days of the Portuguese explorers. DAY 4: SEP 11: ACTIVITIES IN CAPE TOWN (BD) Today's schedule includes a morning visit to Robben Island and an afternoon free to shop, stroll Cape Town, or just relax in anticipation of the next leg of our Adventure. Robben Island has long been a place of incarceration, most recently for opponents of Apartheid. Our visit brings perspective to a tumultuous period in the country's complex history and a growing awareness of the challenges and triumphs of today's South Africa. DAY 5 & 6: SEP 12-13: CAPE TOWN – BONAMANZI GAME RESERVE (BD) A morning flight to Kwazulu Natal takes us to the shores of the Indian Ocean, then a two-night stay at Bonamanzi Game Reserve in Zululand. We explore a small portion of the Reserve on a game walk that offers possible encounters with warthog, impala, zebra, giraffe, ostrich, and a host of beautiful birds. Hippos and crocs are the main event of a two-hour cruise up St. Lucia Estuary, part of South Africa's 3rd largest national park. We'll also have a rare opportunity to experience life in a rural Zulu community firsthand, minus the tourist veneer. Our walk starts at the school and continues in small groups, each with a local Zulu resident anxious to provide visitors with a personalized window into their village. DAY 7: SEP 14: BONAMANZI GAME PARK – PONGOLA GAME RESERVE (BD) Home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and cape buffalo), Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve is best known for its high concentration of rhinos. After bagging today's limit of wildlife memories on our first game drive, we head north to Pongola Game Reserve. Here, we split into two groups and check into Nkwazi and Mvubu Lodges, situated on opposite sides of the lake. Each group will enjoy a walk on their side of the lake, then rendezvous for dinner at Nkwazi Lodge. DAY 8: SEP 15: ACTIVITIES IN PONGOLA (BLD) After a Zululand breakfast, our two groups switch places to participate in a second Pongola walk. A lunch cruise on the Fish Eagle Safari ship is followed by an afternoon of optional activities (fees not included) to include angling for the aptly named African Tiger Fish, tracking rhino with an armed guide, or relaxing in the “Out of Africa” charm of your lodge. DAY 9: SEP 16: PONGOLA – MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, SWAZILAND (BD) We cross into the Kingdom of Swaziland today en route to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Beware of grazing warthogs, ostrich, and impala as you make your way to our primitive beehive huts (bathrooms en suite). Mlilwane offers a wonderful game walk through meadows frequented by zebra, impala, blue wildebeest, and blesbok. The return loop passes a pond where a rookery of blue heron keeps things lively and hippos and crocodiles patrol with regularity. Leaving Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary this morning, a taste of Swazi culture awaits us on a visit to the Umphakatsi Chief's Homestead. The afternoon drive takes us through the mountains of Swaziland towards South Africa's Kruger National Park where we'll stay just outside the park in a private game reserve, our base to explore Kruger tomorrow. DAY 11: SEP 18: ACTIVITIES IN KRUGER NATIONAL PARK (BD) Our day in one of Africa's premier national parks begins with an early morning game drive. Game jeeps will take us through the parks in small groups to search for the Big Five and other magnificent members of the animal kingdom. Following a break for lunch, we'll resume the “hunt,” accompanied by our game rangers, for elephant, giraffe, impala, rhino, and countless other exotic African species. DAY 12: SEP 19: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – BLYDE RIVER CANYON (BD) Looking for a bit more adventure? Join a ranger-led game walk this morning for an up close and personal African game experience. We'll walk in small groups led by rangers on a walk of about 2-3 hours. This is an unforgettable experience, but not without risks! Later this morning, we depart the Kruger area for Blyde River Canyon. In addition to some lovely forest walking, our last African trail offers outstanding views of the Three Rondavels, a stunning rock formation in Blyde River Canyon—the world's third largest canyon system. Following free time for lunch, we'll spend the afternoon exploring local scenic wonders at God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Our route takes us west this morning to Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city. Here we'll explore the history of apartheid in the townships of Soweto and visit the former home of Nelson Mandela, now the Mandela Family Museum. Travelers returning home this evening will be transferred to the Johannesburg airport. After two life-changing weeks exploring Southern Africa, your globe-spanning flight provides time to reflect on the lives we have touched and the intriguing history, culture, and scenery of this region of amazing Africa.
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