Rhino Conservation Experience

DESCRIPTION

We believe that travel has the power to transform. Extraordinary experiences transform you, our guest, while your support is the foundation that allows us to leave our world a better place by transforming the land, wildlife, and people of the beautiful places in which we operate.

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with rhino at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve while assisting in the conservation of this endangered species. This adventure allows guests to witness the capture and darting of either a black or a white rhino. A wildlife vet will locate and dart the rhino from the vantage point of a helicopter, while the guests and ground crew will follow in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Once darted, the veterinary team will notch the sleeping animal’s ear for research and security monitoring, as well as insert a microchip into the horn, enabling researchers to correctly identify different rhino on the reserve. Groups of up to eight guests can participate in this conservation initiative and have the never-to-be-repeated opportunity of touching the anaesthetised giant during the notching procedure.

Your accommodation: Bordered by lush valleys and wooded hills, Phinda Zuka Lodge sits in the west of Phinda Private Game Reserve. This intimate, sophisticated lodge offers just four thatched Zululand bush cottages clustered around a busy waterhole where a diversity of wildlife is regularly seen and birdlife flourishes. Each cottage boasts a luxurious ensuite bathroom and comfortable lounge chairs on private verandas allowing for gentle contemplation or even an afternoon siesta. Guest areas include an interactive café-style kitchen, indoor sitting and dining areas, an intimate library with internet access and a swimming pool with an extended wooden deck overlooking the surrounding wilderness.

ITINERARY

DAY 1

• Check in to Phinda Zuka Lodge between 12h00-14h00pm

• After settling in enjoy high tea followed by an exciting evening game drive with sundowner’s served enroute

• Return to the lodge for dinner

• Overnight: Phinda Zuka Lodge Full Board

DAY 2

• Head out today for a memorable rhino conservation experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life

• Be guided by a team of experts as you work together to ensure the survival of the species in Africa

• Your guide will discuss how the day will unfold and what is to be expected.

• Overnight: Phinda Zuka Lodge Full Board

DAY 3

• Set out on an early morning game drive to look for Africa’s Big Five

• Afternoon at leisure to enjoy spa treatments or lounge by the pool

• With sunrise and sunset being the best times to look for game we head into the bush in open vehicles for another exhilarating safari

• Dinner

• Overnight: Phinda Zuka Lodge Full Board

DAY 4

• We depart for our final early morning game drive to seek those animals we may not have yet seen

• Return to the lodge for a buffet breakfast

• Check out 11h00am – please settle any extra expenses you may have incurred during your stay

INCLUDED IN TOUR

• 3 nights Phinda Zuka Lodge Full Board

• All meals

• Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees and refreshments on game drives

• Laundry

• Rhino conservation experience

• 4 safari game drives

• One hour nature walk accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability)

• Emergency medical evacuation insurance

• Complimentary Swarovski Optic binoculars per room during your stay

EXCLUDED FROM TOUR

• Transfers to Phinda Zuka Lodge

• Conservation levies

• Telephone calls

• Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits and cigars

• Any purchase of a personal nature

• Spa treatments

• Any additional activity not on the itinerary

• Gratuities

• Private travel and medical insurance

WHAT TO BRING

• Swimming costume

• Sunscreen & sun hat

• Camera

• Comfortable walking shoes

Please note:

• 12 years and older only

• Subject to availability of the wildlife veterinarian and helicopter pilot. April to September only.

• If less than 6 guests a private vehicle needs to be booked.

• Transfers to Phinda Private Game Reserve from Durban and Surrounds can be arranged at R3500 each way