Day 3: An Introduction to Birding, Ranger Rifle Training, and a Sleep Out in the Wild

Today, you will put what you learned from the previous day into practice, on an early morning game drive. You will also be introduced to birding: learning about bird physiology, behavior and breeding. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to take part in a bird ringing exercise, which involves netting and recording measurements, and ringing the bird for monitoring purposes, before releasing it.

After a fun-filled morning, you will head back to the lodge to tuck into a hearty breakfast before setting off for another bush walk to focus on fine-tuning your awareness skills when walking through the wilderness. Learn how to carry a rifle, followed by practical ranger rifle training, and then participate in a thrilling simulation of a lion charge and the drills that need to take place. Enjoy a delectable lunch back at the lodge, and the opportunity to unwind, before a late afternoon/evening game drive that focuses on tracking and viewing nocturnal wildlife.

The drive then culminates in a bush dinner and an exciting sleep out in the wild. You will be protected by guards throughout your night’s stay.

Accommodation: Phinda Zuka Lodge

Day 4: Walking Safari and Tracking, Craft Gin and Tonics and Food Paring

Wake up early and head into the bush for an exhilarating walking safari, where all the elements that you have learnt over the last two days are put into practice. From your sleep out camp, you will be given instructions on how to navigate back to the lodge, and as you make your way, your identification skills on birds and trees will be called upon. You will be under the guidance of your ranger at all times, and should any fresh elephant, buffalo or rhino tracks be encountered along the way, your group will conduct a tracking exercise, using the skills learned earlier in the week, so as to be able to view these animals on foot.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and look forward to an evening game drive, with a stop in the wilderness that focuses on hospitality. Enjoy a private, craft gin and tonic and food pairing, craft beer and biltong paring, or wine and cheese tasting.

Accommodation: Phinda Zuka Lodge

Day 5: Community Trip, a Traditional Craft Market Followed by Enjoyable Afternoon Safari

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore a local community just outside of the reserve. Gain insight, and contribute towards, some of the projects that the Africa Foundation (this operator's community development partner) is undertaking. Interact with members of the community and gain knowledge and perspective into their everyday life.

You will also have the opportunity learn about the Zulu culture during your outing. Spend the morning at Nkomo Primary School, where you can sit in on the children’s morning assembly. Afterwards, assist in preparing lunch meals for children at the OVC Centre (Orphans and Vulnerable Children Centre), and help serve meals. Interact with a classroom of kids, and present a short presentation to the children, which is in line with their school curriculum. The outline will be provided to you and will cover elements that relate to geography, history and life orientation. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the community and visit a traditional craft market, and then a local clinic.

Head back to the lodge for tea and then an exciting evening game drive ahead.

Accommodation: Phinda Zuka Lodge