Rhino in South Africa

8 Days

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL TRIPS ARE SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19 TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS. WE WILL BE BACK AND TOURING AS SOON AS THE SITUATION CHANGES. STAY SAFE AND LOOK AFTER EACH OTHER DURING THESE DIFFICULT TIMES.

The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Sadly, the wildlife here faces constant attack from poachers and therefore requires teams of counter-poaching units to patrol and protect the vast area from such threats.

Ticking off the Big Five is part of the experience but the main focus is to allow wildlife-lovers the chance to gain a hands-on experience of conservation. You also get a chance to give back. Your contribution to the tour enables further conservation efforts throughout the region.

Embark on an 8 day South African safari that directly gives back to conservation and local communities. You will be hosted by an elite member of the Dyck Advisory Group’s Counter Poaching Team who will guide you through some hands-on conservation activities that can only be experienced with Where Wild Things Roam Travel.

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On this 8 day tour you will be visiting Kruger National Park as you enjoy some incredible wildlife experiences. Begin your time in South Africa on a safari game drive and visit a local community and school.

Get involved with some hands-on experiences unlike any other experienced in South Africa with counter-poaching units, vets and professionals who work to ensure the safety of the wildlife in the region.

Highlights include:

  • Kruger National Park Game Drives
  • Community Tour & School Visit
  • Helicopter Flight through Kruger to spot rhino
  • Rhino Conservation, Tagging and Data Collection
  • Baobab Tree Planting
  • Manyeleti Game Drive
  • Blyde River Canyon Cruise
Day 1 :
Day 1

<p>Arrive into Johannesburg and transit to your flight out to Kruger National Park. Upon arrival at Hoedspruit airport at you are joined by your tour leader from Dyck Advisory Group Conservation Trust (DAGCT) who will be with you for the duration of the tour. After a short drive to Pezulu Tree House Lodge you have the afternoon to relax and unwind from your flight.</p><p></p><p>At the evening dinner you will be introduced to the Where Wild Things Roam Travel concept in South Africa with an introduction to Dyck Advisory Group Conservation Trust and informative presentation on their conservation efforts. Now is the time to ask any questions you may have about the tour.</p>

Day 2 :
Day 2

<p>After breakfast at the lodge you set off early with an exciting open vehicle game drive for the day in Kruger National Park. Kruger National Park is well-known for its boundless opportunities to spot the famous African Big Five - Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and of course Lion. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The area of Kruger National Park you will explore is adjacent to DAGCT’s area of operation in Mozambique. The safari will be carried out by a specialised guide to explain and answer all topics related to the bush, wildlife and conservation. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>A lunch pit-stop is enjoyed in Kruger National Park before continuing with the afternoon game drive. As the sun goes down, enjoy sundowners before heading back for dinner at the lodge.</p>

Day 3 :
Day 3

<p>Head back into Kruger National Park for a full day of game viewing. The day provides for a good overall experience at a relaxed pace. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>You will experience South Africa's natural beauty, capture boastful wildlife photographs and have amazing African wildlife encounters. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Lunch is enjoyed inside the park at one of the rest camps before taking an afternoon game drive through the park. As dusk arrives, you will return to the lodge for dinner.</p>

Day 4 :
Day 4

<p>After two exhilarating days experiencing the bush and wildlife, enjoy breakfast at the lodge before heading off to Welverdiend for a day interacting with the local community and school. Based on the doorstep of Kruger National Park, the community is well known for its poacher syndicates and activity. Your time in the community is two-fold. As you enjoy their traditions and culture, the members will also enjoy learning from you and the importance of tourism to the area.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>During the day you will meet with local elders and community leaders who will talk on culture and history and be entertained by traditional dancers. For those people interested, there is also the opportunity to visit the Shangoma (witch doctor). For a real taste of the local way of life, a traditional lunch is enjoyed in the community followed by the opportunity to pick up a few gifts of unique handicrafts including beaded jewellery and wooden carvings.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>In the afternoon you will visit the local primary school, spend some time with the school children and donate a large amount of school stationery which has been pre-purchased in preparation for the visit (included in your tour price). Feel free to bring donations of your own but we do recommend that you stick to school supplies for the children.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Return to the lodge for sundowners on the deck, dinner and a magical evening under the stars in the boma.</p>

Day 6 :
Day 5

<p>Today is very exciting as you will spend time gaining an insight into the conservation efforts being made to protect the diverse wildlife of the Greater Kruger National Park and get a first-hand experience out in the field assisting with rhino conservation.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Jump in the helicopter to get a birds eye view as you help spot rhino and collect valuable data to be recorded. Accompanied by the chief vet and rangers, you will locate a rhino and take part in de-horning the sedated animal. The vet will explain why de-horning is happening as a last resort to help protect the rhino.</p><p></p><p>Return to the lodge for dinner and reflect on your day.</p>

Day 7 :
Day 6

<p>After breakfast head out to take part in the Baobab Tree Planting activity. The Baobab tree is a strange looking tree that grows in low-lying areas in Africa and Australia. It can grow to enormous sizes and carbon dating indicates that they may live to be 3,000 years old. When bare of leaves, the spreading branches of the Baobab look like roots sticking up into the air, rather as if it had been planted upside-down.</p><p></p><p>An old Baobab tree can create its own ecosystem, as it supports the life of countless creatures, from the largest of mammals to the thousands of tiny creatures scurrying in and out of its crevices. Birds nest in its branches; baboons devour the fruit; bush babies and fruit bats drink the nectar and pollinate the flowers, and elephants have been known to chop down and consume a whole tree.</p><p></p><p>By planting a Baobab tree, you are leaving a legacy. You will receive GPS location co-ordinates of your licensed tree detailed on a certificate. </p><p></p><p>Return to the lodge for lunch before enjoying an afternoon game drive in Manyeleti. The 23,000 hectare Manyeleti Private Game reserve is located between the Timbavati and Sabi Sands Game Reserves and borders the world-famous Kruger National Park. In this pristine bush area, you can be sure to experience the best of South Africa far away from mainstream tourist areas. Manyeleti is one of those very few remaining 'secret places'.</p><p></p><p>Enjoy sundowners as the South African sun sets before heading back to the lodge for dinner.</p>

Day 8 :
Day 7

<p>Today is your last day in the African bush. It is now you can reflect on the past week’s activities of enjoying the wildlife, seeing the communities that are a part of that and the </p><p>conservation work that helps protect the wildlife. Relax for the morning around the lodge.</p><p></p><p>Enjoy lunch at the lodge before heading out to Blyde River Canyon for a cruise with sunset sundowners. Marvel at the splendour of the third largest Canyon in the world, unquestionably being the largest ‘green canyon’ due to its lush subtropical foliage. Here, an abundance of wildlife will keep you distracted while learning more about the natural history of the Blyde Canyon as the sun sets and you enjoy sundowner drinks.</p><p></p><p>The Blyde River canyon supports a large diversity of life, including numerous fish and antelope species as well as Hippos and Crocodiles, primate species and a diversity of birdlife such as the African Fish Eagle, African Finfoot and much more.</p><p></p><p>Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening to look back on the week of experiences you have had.</p>

Day 9 :
Day 8

<p>After breakfast, depart Pezulu and transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight to Johannesburg, departing 11:20am. You arrive in Johannesburg at 12:20pm and connect to your international flight home or choose to stay on in Johannesburg.</p>

Includes

  • Round trip flights Johannesburg to Hoedspruit
  • 7 nights’ accommodation at Pezulu Tree House Lodge
  • All meals and alcoholic beverages as per itinerary
  • All activities as per itinerary
  • All transportation through itinerary
  • A USB with photographs from the tour

Excludes

  • Airfares to Johannesburg are additional and can be arranged to suit your travel plans.
  • Any costs incurred at the hotels outside of those included in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance

Pezulu Tree House Lodge

Pezulu is a small, exclusive, unique Tree House Game Lodge situated near Kruger National Park in South Africa. The Tree Houses are all situated in a tranquil bush setting. Every unit has a spacious balcony where you can view herds of animals passing below or view a giraffe eye to eye. Blending in beautifully with the African bush, solid wooden walkways lead high into your private tree house. All tree houses have an en-suite with an outdoor shower and/or a bath overlooking the bush. Each Treehouse is supplied with running (hot) water, electricity, tea and coffee facilities, electronic safes, overhead fans, heaters and mosquito nets. They are far away from each other and hidden from view to ensure privacy. All meals and alcoholic drinks are included in your stay.

Transport from and to the airport is in an air-conditioned minibus. While engaging in game viewing and activities, guests will be in an open air 4WD. Water stations will be available in the vehicle to re-fill your re-usable water bottle supplied.

While every care has been taken to ensure the prices and availability of this tour is locked in, we do sometimes experience fluctuations and changes from our suppliers and ground operators. While every effort will be made to ensure this has no impact on the overall cost of your trip, if this can not be done, you will be notified immediately with options.

Please note that we are working in remote destinations and sometimes changes to the itinerary are unavoidable. While we endeavour to ensure we stick to the set itinerary, changes may occur prior to travel and while on location.

Also note that wildlife is never guaranteed nor predictable. We are travelling during times of high probability of wildlife experiences, however this is never 100% guaranteed.

FLIGHTS

Flights are NOT included with this package. Please discuss with us the timing requirements for arrival and departure from Johannesburg if you are organising your own flights. If you wish us to book flights, we are able to arrange this also.

PRICING

All prices are quoted in Australian Dollars. Typically, prices are based on two passengers travelling together. Solo traveller supplements may be applicable. Special offer pricing has already been applied to the website pricing displayed, unless it is stated otherwise.

PASSPORTS & VISAS

Passports must have a validity of at least 6 months or longer than your intended stay overseas. Visas to some countries are required for Australian Passport holders. Visas can be purchased on arrival in most countries, but please note, for entry into certain countries a visa must be applied for online prior to travel. Some visa fees are payable in US Dollars cash only. Some countries have a requirement making it necessary to have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Please check with us regarding visa requirements.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN

Travelling with children under 18 years of age through certain countries may require further documentation in addition to their valid passport. As requirements can change, please check with us.

HEALTH & FITNESS

Please consult your GP or Travel Doctor for up-to-date medical advice. A minimum level of fitness is required to be able to participate on a Where Wild Things Roam Travel tour. In addition, some tours may require you to disclose your body weight. Please check with us to ensure that you can meet the relevant requirements.

LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS

Luggage restrictions may apply to your tour where safari vehicles or light aircrafts are utilised. Please check your trip dossier for detail on this and what is suggested to pack.

BOOKING

A non-refundable deposit of 25% per person is required within seven days of booking confirmation along with a signed Booking Form. Some tours and arrangements may impose a higher non-refundable deposit – please check at time of booking. Payment of deposit and a signed Booking Form represents acceptance of Where Wild Things Roam Travel Terms & Conditions by the client. Final balance of payment must be received no later than 60 days prior to departure.

LATE BOOKINGS

Bookings made within 30 days of travel from Australia will require full payment immediately.

AMENDMENT FEE

An amendment fee of AU$50 will be levied to cover communication and administration costs for any changes to bookings. This is in addition to any airline and operator fees.

ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

We can organise additional arrangements such as hotels and car hire not forming part of a package. Just ask us at the time of booking.

CANCELLATIONS

Cancellations must be received in writing and will take effect from the date received by Where Wild Things Roam Travel. The following cancellation charges will apply to the tour costs.

  • More than 60 days before departure: Deposit only
  • 60-49 days before departure: 40%
  • 48-31 days before departure: 60%
  • 30-0 days before departure: 100%

These charges can vary subject to the trading terms of our suppliers as some do impose higher cancellation fees on certain tours. The non-issuing of an invoice or non-payment of deposit will not exempt clients from these cancellation and administration fees. We regret we can make no exception to the charges and strongly recommend that comprehensive travel insurance is taken out at time of booking to cover cancellation fees.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend that a comprehensive travel insurance policy be taken out at time of paying the deposit. Where Wild Things Roam Travel will NOT accept responsibility for loss of deposit/full payment, loss or damage to baggage and personal items, personal illness or injury, medical expenses, cancellation or curtailment of your trip.

TRAVEL SAFETY

For the latest government advice on travel safety and security, please visit and register your holiday on www.smartraveller.gov.au

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING PRICES

Much care has gone into the composition of itineraries and prices, however circumstances beyond our control such as currency devaluation, fuel or air fare surcharges, imposition of new or amended Government charges (i.e VAT) may necessitate an increase in cost. Where Wild Things Roam Travel cannot be held responsible for these changes. Should this occur at any time until departure date, you will be notified as soon as possible, and regardless of deposit or total payment having been made, any increase is to be paid by the client. If such increase is unacceptable, the client may cancel the booking, though, in so doing, is still liable to pay any cancellation charges imposed by our suppliers. While every effort has been made to ensure prices are accurate, please use the brochure as a guideline only, as rates are subject to change.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY

Where Wild Things Roam Travel uses local ground operators in Africa. The standards of accommodation and other services are based on various factors, which are generally accepted as indicated as a certain class. However, we do not represent or guarantee that standard, class or fitness for purpose of the accommodation or service. Where Wild Things Roam Travel does not accept any liability of whatever nature for the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of those airlines, local operators, shipping companies, hoteliers or other persons providing services in connection with your tour pursuant to a contract between them and yourselves and over whom we have no direct and exclusive control. We do not accept liability for any injury, damage, loss, delay, change of itinerary when required, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by events which are beyond our control, or which are not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part including, but not limited to war, civil disturbances, fire, floods, unusually severe weather, acts of God, acts of Government or of any other authorities, accidents to, or failure of, machinery or equipment, or industrial action (whether or not involving our employees and even though such actions may be settled by acceding to demands of a labour group).

From $6,099.00
/ Adult
  • 8 Days
  • Rhino Conservation