HIGHLIGHTS:
·
3-Day Drakensberg Hike
·
4 x 4 Driving
Skills
·
Game Reserves
·
Snake and
Reptile Course
·
National Parks
·
Firearm Skills
·
African Culture
·
River Guiding
Skills
·
Bush Walking
·
Abseiling
This
course is designed for those who want to combine a very active holiday
with a learning experience. Because of mass tourism nowadays it is often
difficult to find a product that truly caters for the fit and adventurous
who are prepared to take a few risks. The amount of knowledge one wishes
to absorb on this course is up to the individual as the subject matter
is vast. We will have a few lectures and an examination afterwards.
However, the level of fitness required is not negotiable. This is a
tough course and we will not jeopardise others’ enjoyment for the sake
of the unprepared. This course is not recommended for anyone over the
age of 45 years.
DAY
1: JHB – DRAKENSBERG (HUT)
Leaving
the DRIFTERS JOHANNESBURG INN at 09h00, we head eastward via Harrismith
to our first stop overlooking the magnificent Sterkfontein Dam. After a brief discussion on the Vaal/Tugela
water scheme, we continue to Retiefklip where we cover some of the more
recent history of South Africa. Our camp tonight will be at the base
of the mountain and we will prepare for the following days of hiking.D
DAY
2 - 4: DRAKENSBERG HIKING (camping)
We begin our 3-day hike into the
natural wilderness area of the Berg.
Each day we cover approx. 15KM with steep gradients, and clients
need to be fit, as once started there is only one way out. Sleeping at night is in caves and each participant must carry his
share of the supplies. Topics
covered on the hike will include mountain fauna and flora, mountain
leadership, and general hiking techniques.
On day 4 we return to the campsite for a welcome shower.
DAY
5: DOLPHIN COAST (HOTEL)
An
early start, we head directly to the coastal town of Umdloti. We will
spend a night at the DRIFTERS DOLPHIN COAST INN and will cover various
aspects of coastal ecology and marine biology. B L D
DAY
6 -7: ZULULAND BUSH CAMP (camping)
Leaving
the coast, we begin our journey through the hills of rural Zululand
to the DRIFTERS ZULULAND CAMP. Situated
in a private reserve bordering False Bay, this Inn provides the ideal
base for exploring the diversity of Zululand.
The two days will be spent visiting Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve,
walking in False Bay National Park, visiting a Zulu village, and generally
learning about the local fauna and flora. B L D
DAY
8-9: SWAZILAND (camping)
Travelling
north, we enter the Kingdom of the Swazi where we spend a full day on
the Great Usutu River learning the guiding skills of kayaking and rafting. We camp for the two nights. B L D
DAY
10: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK (camping)
Leaving
Swaziland, we enter the Kruger Park, home to some of Africa’s most incredible
wildlife. Our entire day will
be spent viewing animals in their natural environment.
Tonight we camp in one of the parks restcamps, where we may have
the option of a night drive (own expense). B L D
DAY
11: HAZYVIEW (HUT)
After
an early morning game drive in the park, we exit and travel the short
distance to the DRIFTERS HAZYVIEW INN.
The afternoon will be spent studying birds and butterflies in
the sub-tropical riverine forest surrounding the Inn. /// B L D
DAY
12 – 15: BALULE GAME RESERVE (camping)
These
last days of the course will be spent in the bushveld of Balule, a private
game reserve bordering the Kruger Park.
This is “Big 5” country, and our time here will be spent learning
about spoor, trees, birds and many other aspects of nature. We
will visit the Swadini Reptile Park for an indepth course on reptiles,
and will conduct lessons in firearms, 4x4 driving, abseiling and other
interesting subjects necessary for field guiding.
It
is here also that we conduct the final exam, which will cover all of
the subjects learned during the course. B L D
DAY
16: JOHANNESBURG
Today
we head back to Johannesburg via the Bourkes Luck Potholes, Blyde River
Canyon and Pilgrims Rest. We
arrive in the evening, far healthier and wiser for the experience. B
DEPARTURES
This course departs from Johannesburg in Jan, Apr,
Oct and Dec on a Monday during
2004.
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
Subject covered in the course will give
a very good insight into life in the bush, and participants will be
issued with a certificate after successful completion of the course.
Malaria precautions are necessary, as are certain essential items
of equipment, i.e. backpack and well-worn, comfortable walking shoes.
Price includes transport ex Johannesburg, food, accommodation, park
entry fees and professional instructor. Price does not include soft
drinks, alcohol and meals whilst in transit.
