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This impact safari focuses on predators (particularly the spotted kind!), offering an unparalleled opportunity of seeing these big cats in the wild. Monitoring is a key activity in the process of better understanding these secretive cats and you will gain behind the scenes access to researchers to find out how their findings are directly contributing to the conservation of predators in Africa.
A few of the many incredible things you'll see and experience while on this journey.
Day 1: Arrival - Johannesburg, South Africa
On arrival in Johannesburg, connect to your domestic flight to Richards Bay, where you will transfer by road to Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Based in Zululand, this area renowned for its incredible biodiversity and home to the Big 5, African wild dogs, cheetahs, as well as large numbers of all the more common African animals. Explore this exciting reserve with twice daily game drives and bush walks.
Days 2-3: Rhino Sands Safari Camp
During your stay, you will team up with Wildlife Act's KZN Leopard survey team, an invaluable project aimed at improving our knowledge of Africa's most elusive predator. Start your morning with a bush walk to collect valuable camera trap information, which records the movements and population density of the leopards. That afternoon, you will head out on an Endangered Species Monitoring session, which involves keeping track of animal movement patterns, habitat utilisation, population demographics, snaring and poaching incidents and more. Supporting projects like this is vital - the more we know about these animals, the better we can conserve them.
Days 4-7: Phinda Mountain Lodge
On day 4, you will transfer by road to your next destination, Phinda Private Game Reserve. With its seven distinct habitats, Phinda is often described as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’ and the reserve is particularly well known for close-up sightings of the elegant yet elusive cheetah. Spend four exciting nights on safari here and learn as much as you can about these speedy cats and their conservation status from their expert rangers. Head out into the local community to learn more about the Zulu tribe, their culture and fascinating customs, beliefs and traditions. Slip into the nocturnal world of Africa's predators, making use of special infra red technology to understand more about their overnight activity and movements.
Days 4-7: Optional activities at Phinda Mountain Lodge
Due to their proximity to the Indian ocean, Phinda offer a number of marine safari options, including beach days, scuba diving and sea turtle nesting adventures, as well as the opportunity to explore Maputuland and the World Heritage Site of iSimangaliso Wetland Park (extra cost). For those seeking a more intimate nature experience, sleep under the stars around a fire out in the middle of the bush (extra cost).
Days 8-10: Londolozi Founders Camp
From Zululand you head north to the famous Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, an area famous for it's leopard sightings. A dynasty that has spanned four decades, Londolozi's leopard study has resulted in a depth and knowledge of this species that is unsurpassed in Africa. This safari experience offers a unique opportunity to spend time with an animal that is rarely seen elsewhere, and regale in fascinating stories told by the rangers around the fire at night.
Day 11: Departure- Johannesburg, South Africa
After a wonderful 10 days on safari focusing on spotted cats, it will be time to head home. Fly by light aircraft from Londolozi to Johannesburg and connect directly with onward international flights home.
This Impact Safari experience includes:
Head out on a bush walk to collect camera trap data in alignment with the long term Leopard Survey of the province. Partake in an Endangered Species Monitoring session and learn more about the Cheetah Expansion Program. Enjoy a rare Night Eye Experience - using high definition infra red technology to learn more about the nocturnal activities of Africa's predators.
We've carefully selected local projects that are doing amazing work for conservation in the area. You can add a visit on to your itinerary which will automatically include a direct donation to their work. Note: Some of these projects may already be included in your itinerary!
