Excursion Nature reserve drive & cape vidal beach bbq tour at Richards Bay

Discover the spectacular wildlife, bird species and flora along the eastern shores of iSimangaliso Wetlands Park during this full-day nature drive with casual BBQ lunch at Cape Vidal.

iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, Game Drive, Africa's Wildlife

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive north along the National Road to St. Lucia, then continue to the Bhangazi Gate of iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. Upon arrival and after a comfort stop, meet your ranger/guide and receive your safety and tour instructions. Afterward, board your open-air, 4WD vehicle and begin your captivating nature drive along the eastern shores of iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, a section of South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Game Reserve, Mapelane Dunes, Zebras, Buffaloes, White Rhinos, Leopards, Elephants, Birdlife

This nature reserve is divided by Mapelane, the highest vegetated dune in South Africa and second-highest in the world. During your nature drive, look for the zebras, kudus, buffaloes, white rhinos, leopards, wildebeests, nyalas, elephants, warthogs, wild dogs, hyenas, and other wildlife and endemic bird species that abound in this beautiful game reserve. In addition, your ranger/guide provides an educational overview of iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.

Mission Rocks, Refreshments

Your game drive continues to Mission Rocks, a rocky beach located approximately 7.4 miles (about 12 kilometres) inside the park. The natural habitat here features a wide array of marine species that make it a valuable contributor to the local biodiversity. Following a refreshment stop at Mission Rocks, re-board your safari vehicle and head to Cape Vidal.

Cape Vidal, Beach Relaxation, Barbecue Lunch

Upon arrival at Cape Vidal, free time is made to relax, unwind, and enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch by the beach. After lunch, re-board your coach and return to the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park gate, then re-board the coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Richards Bay, iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, Mission Rocks, Nature Drive, Zebras, Buffaloes, White Rhinos, Leopards, Elephants, Mission Rocks, Cape Vidal, Beach BBQ

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of off-road driving and a moderate amount of walking for approximately 164 yards (about 150 metres), at times over uneven, bumpy, gravel, sandy, and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and open-air, 4WD safari vehicles. The ride may be rough at times, and guests will experience bumpy, jerking motions. Walking at Cape Vidal Beach is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, cotton safari wear (long-and-short-sleeved shirts and pants) with flat, sturdy, and closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a light, weatherproof jacket, bottled water, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests are not permitted to use cellular phones during the game drives. Guests are not permitted to speak loudly, or stand up on the game drive vehicles, as this disturbs the animals. Smoking is not permitted during the game drives. No food may be taken into the reserve on the open-air, 4WD safari vehicles. Guests are advised not to wear jewellery on this excursion. The open-air, 4WD safari vehicles utilised on this tour are not covered, and guests are therefore exposed to the elements. Swimming is not recommended at Cape Vidal Beach, as it is not a swimming beach, has no lifesavers nor shark nets, and strong riptides. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife and bird sightings are not guaranteed. Due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the game drive, the tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. The driving time between the pier and iSimangaliso Wetlands Park is approximately 1.5 hours in each direction.