Walking safaris through the Manyoni Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal (home to the Mavela Lodge) give visitors an incredible opportunity to experience the raw magic of the African bushveld – the smell of the warm grasses, the toasty comfort of the sunshine on your face, and the sounds of the wild. But, they also give you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of seeing some of South Africa’s most impressive wildlife species in their natural habitat.
The reserve is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as wild dog, hyena, giraffe, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest and kudu. There are more than 400 species of birds that call this home too, making it a bird-watchers paradise. Walking safaris with an experience guide allow you to share their habitat with them in a very special way, while always maintaining and safe distance. Take exquisite photographs or simply drink in the tranquillity.
Because these safaris are on foot, they allow you to take in the surrounds and their beauty in a very personal, serene and immediate way. However, for guests that also want to experience the guided game drives, these are conducted in the early morning and evening. Additional activities here include interacting with elephants, which is a particularly touching and memorable experience.
The Manyoni Private Game Reserve in the Mkuze Valley Lowveld covers an amazing 23 000 hectares of the South African countryside. It is only about 3.5 hours from Durban and the King Shaka International Airport.
Zulu Croc Reptile park in Hluhluwe offers a two hour croc and snake experience - you will be up close and personal with the creatures and will be able to touch and feel them.
The manager of the park also gives daily demonstrations and talks on snakes; both handling and interacting with venomous species such as boomslangs and puff adders. You will be able to watch the crocs and feeding times with the Park manager once again answering any questions you might have on these scary reptiles!
Snake Shows and Croc feedings at 10h00 or 15h00 (Bookings essential) For more that 10 people we are willing to adapt our times and we do night shows on request.
Directions: Take the Hluhluwe/Sodwana offramp on the N2 and head towards Hluhluwe town. Follow the signs for Sodwana / False Bay and travel about 15km down this road. Zulu Croc is on the left hand side.
DUMAZULU TRADITIONAL VILLAGE
DumaZulu Traditional Village presents something special to its guests. Experience the traditions and language of the Zulu people, learn and interact with a living culture, one of our planet’s most indigenous cultures.
A visit to our Cultural Village is an experience of a lifetime. Discover the Zulu way of life and watch the pulsating traditional dancing with the taste of Zulu beer on your lips and the drumbeat of the Zulus echoing in your ears. Not only is DumaZulu a cultural enriching experiencing for guests where they are afforded the opportunity to learn more about the rich variety of African cultures, but it also allows the local community to continue practicing their traditional ways of living and earn profits from selling curios.
All products and produce sold on the property are made from natural products and are sourced from the land - 100 % green. The cultural shows are performed daily at 08:15 and 15:15. Enjoy the 11:00 show followed by a traditionally cooked Zulu lunch.