Coastal Ecology

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrive in Durban and Transfer to Albizia Camp

   All meals included

   On arrival in Durban, we head straight up to the north of the province to Albizia Camp where we will settle in and go through a safety and orientation briefing.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Environmental Awareness, Snake Talk and Bush Walk

   All meals included

   Today we start our Environmental Awareness Programme covering the many facets of conservation and wildlife management of game and game reserves in Africa. We will have a snake talk – an interpretative talk about the various species of scorpions, spiders and snakes found in South Africa. We will go through basic species identification, venom types and first-aid protocols. This will be followed by an interpretative walk. We will learn basic bush skills and tracking. While we are in the field we start our camera trap study. We'll set a little competition to see which group finds the most animals by placing the camera traps in the best positions!

3. 3

   Day 3

   Pineapple Farm and Elephant Interaction

   All meals included

   A visit to a pineapple farm is an immersion into the world of tropical agriculture. Surrounded by rows of neatly arranged pineapple plants, the farm is a verdant landscape dotted with the spiky tops of these unique fruits. The Elephant Interaction Programme is designed to offer a close and ethical encounter with these magnificent creatures. Set in a natural environment, this programme focuses on educating participants about elephant behaviour, conservation, and the importance of responsible tourism.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Sodwana Bay – beach clean-up and culture

   All meals included

   Today we’ll visit the students of a poorly funded rural private school and learn about their school life and home life. After that we’ll go to the beach where we split into teams and comb the beach for any debris washed up on the shoreline. We spend time together with local children, playing football and other sports which is a great way of getting to know them.

5. 5

   Day 5

   Full day game drive in Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park

   All meals included

   Set in the heart of Zululand, this is the oldest game reserve in Africa where Zulu kings such as Dingiswayo and Shaka hunted and put in place the first conservation laws and where today the "big five" of African legend stalk the verdant savannah. Today we will head out for a full-day game drive to see the wildlife in its habitat! The park was established in 1895, and game viewing is the prime attraction. Viewing hides overlook waterholes enabling visitors to see animals at close range. The Park covers some 96,000 ha and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora. Hluhluwe is characterised by hilly topography, and this northern section of the park is noted for its wide variety of both bird and animal life. As the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950s and 60s, the Park became world-renowned for its white rhino conservation.

6. 6

   Day 6

   St Lucia Estuary – Boat Cruise

   All meals included

   A two-hour boat cruise on the Estuary gives us the opportunity for close-up encounters with hippos, crocodiles and the many bird, mammal and plant species that make this a World Heritage Site.

7. 7

   Day 7

   Kosi Bay

   All meals included

   Today, we continue with our water-based theme as we transfer to Kosi Bay. Kosi Bay is a tropical paradise of crystal-clear blue water and marshland, raffia, wild date palm trees, sycamore fig forest and mangrove swamps that combine to provide a home for approximately 250 species of birds. Bushbuck, duiker and monkeys inhabit the forested parts whilst hippos and crocodiles bask in and around the lakes further inland and fish teem beneath their surfaces. Humpback whales can be seen off the beaches in winter on their northerly migration to calve in Mozambique and in December and January both Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles come onto the beaches to lay their eggs. We have an evening briefing and relax and settle into our beautiful surroundings.

8. 8

   Day 8

   Kosi Bay Hike

   All meals included

   After breakfast we head down to the forests and the lakes on a guided hike to really explore the ecosystems that make this a World Heritage Site. Spend the day learning how the coastal system combines with the lakes and tidal estuarine environment and into the coastal dune forest.

9. 9

   Day 9

   Kosi Bay Mouth

   All meals included

   Kosi Bay Mouth, located in KwaZulu-Natal within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is where a chain of coastal lakes meets the Indian Ocean near Mozambique. It is known for its clear waters, sandy beaches, and rich biodiversity, including fish, birds, hippos, and crocodiles. A key cultural feature is the traditional fish traps built by the Thonga people, reflecting sustainable local practices. The area is protected for its ecological importance, making it one of South Africa’s most pristine coastal environments. The guides will take us to the rock pools and explore the rocky shores ecology. They support diverse marine life such as crabs, mussels, algae, and small fish adapted to harsh conditions. These shores play an important role in coastal ecosystems, providing habitat, protecting the coastline, and contributing to the region’s rich biodiversity.

10. 10

    Day 10

    Depart South Africa

    All meals included

    We transfer to Durban Airport for our return flight home, with time for last-minute souvenir shopping if schedules allow.

Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.