This page was updated on: 29 January 2008

Accompanying persons programme and social events

SOCIAL EVENTS

These will include Game Viewing trips (hopefully with sightings of some of the Big Five – Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino and Buffalo!), a Welcoming Reception on Monday 14^th April, a Barbeque on Tuesday 15^th April and a Symposium “Bush Banquet” out in the wilds of the Park on Thursday 17^th April.  Further details will be provided at a later stage.

ACCOMPANYING PERSONS PROGRAMME   

ISTA – 15 to 17 APRIL 2008

DAY TOURS AVAILABLE

 SWAZILAND TOUR

 Swaziland has earned a deserved reputation for great arts and crafts shopping, with stunning scenery en route.  This tour offers a stunning scenic drive over the Maguga Dam Wall where you will be able to catch a glimpse of the Banana leaf dancers.  It also includes Nsangwine Rock Art which provides an opportunity to learn about the origins of the Swazi people from Bushman paintings in a rock shelter dramatically perched above the scenic Komati River.  At Ngwenya Glass you can watch highly skilled glass blowers at work and shop for items all handmade from recycled glass.  Lunch will be enjoyed at Mantenga Lodge.  Mantenga Craft Centre offers 18 shops to choose from and thereafter you will visit an authentic Swazi Market. 

 Minimum number of pax: 6

Pick-up time              :  07:00

Return                         :  17:00          

Price per person       :  R750.00

Price includes            :  Transportation, breakfast pack, lunch and all entrance fees

Price excludes           :  Meals not specified, drinks, tips and all other extras of a personal nature.

NB:  Please confirm with your local authorities whether a visa for Swaziland and/or a re-entry visa to South Africa is required.

 ELEPHANT INTERACTION

 It is an overall educational experience leaving you with a better understanding and appreciation for these wise creatures. Enjoy the thrill and privilege meeting Africa’s gentle giants. 

 Minimum number of pax:  10

Maximum number of pax: 30

Pick up time               :  06:00

Return                         :  10:00          

Price per person       :  R680.00

Price includes            : Breakfast packs, transportation, entrance fees, interaction experience. 

Price excludes           : Meals not specified, drinks, tips and all other extras of a personal nature          

 ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI

 Enjoy the thrill and privilege of sitting on top of one of Africa’s giants.  Gently amble across the bush getting closer than usual to other wild-life such as antelope, zebra and giraffe who will continue grazing as you make your way across the conservancy.  This is an unrivalled wildlife experience atop one of the earth’s ancient creatures and offers the excitement of trekking through riverbeds, passing waterholes, crossing rocky outcrops and enjoying the spectacular Lowveld bush. 

Minimum number of pax:  2

Maximum number of pax: 5

Pick up time               :  06:00

Return                         :  10:00          

Price per person       :  R910.00

Price includes            : Breakfast packs, transportation, entrance fees, interaction experience and elephant ride.      

Price excludes           : Meals not specified, drinks, tips and all other extras of a personal nature          

 PANORAMIC ROUTE

 Weather permitting, this tour provides the opportunity to visit most of the well known sites of the Panorama Route.  The most spectacular stretch of the Panorama Route is the Blyde River Canyon. From many well-positioned vantage points one has a view of the 33 km long gorge, which starts at "Bourkes Luck Potholes" and ends at the "Three Rondavels". The Potholes are very impressive rock formations that were shaped millions of years ago by erosion. The bizarre swirl holes developed when the once rapid river carried masses of sand and debris.  Other attractions include God’s Window, The Pinnacle, Pilgrims Rest and the waterfalls.

 Minimum number of pax: 4

Pick up time               :  07:30

Return                         :  17:30          

Price per person       :  R960.00     

Price includes            :  Transportation, lunch and all entrance fees.

Price excludes           :  Meals not specified, drinks, tips and all other extras of a personal nature

 ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TOUR

You will be picked up from Berg-en-Dal and be taken to different rehabilitation centers where wild animals are bred in captivity and released into the wild.  Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre provides a safe haven for creatures both large and small. It is one of the leading rehabilitation centers in South Africa and numerous breeding programs have been established here, contributing extensively to the conservation of many of the countries most threatened and fragile species. 

Minimum number of pax: 4

Pick up time               :  06:30          

Return                         :  17:30

Price per person       :  R1035.00

Price includes            :  Transportation, lunch and entrance fees.

Price excludes           :  Meals not specified, drinks, tips and all other extras of a personal nature         

CULTURAL VILLAGE SHANGANE

 The traditional village lies midway between the Blyde River Canyon and the southern Kruger National Park. Here you will be able to share the way of life of the Shangaan people. The picturesque village is set in the shade of ancient trees in a reserve of forest and grassland.  A bustling African market village forms the centre of Shangana, where local craftspeople make and trade their craft. Shangana has been created and built by local Shangaan people, and forms a place of great pride and a way of preserving a rich heritage for tourists, and an example of South Africa's great cultural diversity.

 Minimum number of pax: 4

Pick up time               :  09:30

Return                         :  17:00          

Price per person       :  R750.00     

Price includes            :  Transportation, lunch, village tour plus performance       

Price excludes           :  Meals not specified, drinks, tips and all other extras of a personal nature

 MATSAMO CULTURAL PARK

 The people residing in the various rural villages around Matsamo is predominantly Swazi in custom, tradition and language with a strong Sotho influence and has a well preserved and rich cultural heritage. They are part of the Shongwe clan, once a strong independent group with its own paramount King who in the time of King Mswati II swore allegiance to the Swazi King and helped defend the territory against intruders from the North. You will enjoy going on a guided tour through the villages, be treated to folk dance and other cultural performing arts and enjoy food and refreshments in the village or in the restaurants.

 Minimum number of pax: 4

Pick up time               :  06:30 or at 11:30  

Return                         :  12:00 or at 16:30

Price per person       :  R575.00

Price includes           :  Transportation, breakfast , village tour plus performance.       

Price excludes           :  Meals not specified, drinks, tips and all other extras of a personal nature

GAME WALKS AND GAME DRIVES

 The Kruger National Park offers its visitors an up close and personal nature experience.  The walk itself is relaxed and experienced, professional and armed guides act as trail leaders and interpret the natural surroundings at regular intervals, and use their knowledge of the bush to explain natural wonders. The game drive will provide the opportunity to search for the big five (Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino) outside normal gate opening times. 

 GAME WALKS:

Minimum number of pax:  4

Maximum number of pax: 8

Pick up time               :  05:00

Return                         :  08:00          

Price per person       :  R255.00     

Price includes            :  Professional guided walk 

Price excludes           :  Drinks, tips and all other extras of a personal nature    

GAME DRIVES: 

Minimum number of pax: 2

Pick up time               : 05:00 or at 17:00

Return                         : 08:00 or at 20:00

Price per person       : R140.00      

Price includes            : Game drive in open (safari) vehicle with professional guide

Price excludes           : Drinks, tips and all other extras of a personal nature    

NB:  Please note the game walks and game drives should be booked well in advance.  On-site bookings can be done at reception depending on availability and is not guaranteed.

Further details are provided on the website:

http://www.agritoursandtravel.com/ista.html