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Safari FAQ

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Here we answer common questions we're typically asked about our Eco Safaris. Please feel free to drop us a line if you don't see your question answered here.

 


WHAT SHOULD I BRING?


Walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, sun block, cameras, binoculars, light clothing and swimming suits in summer and warm clothing and jackets for winter.

WHAT IS THE CLIMATE LIKE IN DURBAN AND AT THULA THULA?

Remember that South Africa, being in the southern hemisphere, has opposite seasons to the northern hemisphere.  Their winter is our summer.  

Summer - November-March
Autumn -  April-May
Winter -    June-August
Spring -    September-October.

The rainy season is from late November through December extending into January. The windy season starts about August and can last right through to January.

Durban and Thula Thula are in the province of KwaZulu Natal (KZN).

The climate in KZN is tourist friendly all year 'round. Sea temperatures around Durban are also relatively stable, averaging 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year, providing for diverse aquatic activities in any season, including diving, fishing, swimming, boating and surfing. Visitors to KZN can look forward to a splendid climate. Durban enjoys warmth and sunshine very occasionally mixed with light, steady rainfall. In Durban the air is heavy with humidity and the subtropical latitude of the city brings with it long, hot summers with rainfall, and very mild winters.

Durban boasts an average of 320 days of sunshine a year. Temperatures range from 60 to 77º F in winter. During the summer months between September and April, temperatures range from 73 to 91ºF.  January is generally Durban’s hottest month, with an average daily temperature of +/- 90ºF. The warm Mozambique current flowing along the coast means wonderfully warm bathing throughout the year, the water seldom falling below 62º F even in the middle of winter. With these conditions, it’s no accident that Durban is considered a tourist destination for South Africans.

Moving inland and further north to Zululand where Thula Thula is, the weather conditions become subtropical to an even greater extent.

Summer at Thula Thula:  October to March.  Hot days, warm nights.
                Temperatures range from 77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit
    
Winter at Thula Thula:  April to August.  Dry season:  generally warm days, cool nights.
            Temperature ranges from 50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit


ARE CHILDREN WELCOME ON THE ECO SAFARI?


Yes.  Children as young as 2 years old are welcome.  

ARE THERE SPECIAL FAMILY RATES?

Yes.  For each child between 2-12 years old sharing accomodations with 2 adults, the cost of the Eco Safari is $896 (plus air fare).

ARE THERE SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN AT THULA THULA?

Generally, younger children would be expected to be supervised by their parents.  However, arrangements can be made for young people 12 years and older to spend extended time with game rangers on bush walks, or, if they wish, volunteering to help with typical duties around the game preserve.  Parents, however, remain fully responsible for their children at all times.   Babysitting for younger children would be occasionally available but should not be counted upon as the primary time spent on the trip.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN FACILITIES AT THULA THULA?

Central living area, Boma (a corral with fire pit for meals and entertainment), viewing deck, wine cellar, curio shop, swimming pool, The Marula Bar, conference center, private lounge with bar and library.

WHAT MAKES TEO’S ECO SAFARI SPECIAL?

The Earth Organization’s Eco Safari is unique.  Lawrence Anthony and his wife, Francoise, are normally in residence at Thula Thula.  The opportunity to meet and spend time with this larger-than-life, modern-day hero - known as “the Indiana Jones of conservation” -  is an inspiring experience.  Participating in TEO’s Eco Safari, attendees are likely to enjoy not only dinners with the Anthony’s, but at least one briefing by Lawrence on endangered species and the exciting and inspiring global activities in which TEO is involved.  Welcome and Farewell celebration dinners, late-morning environmental seminars from experts about what is happening environmentally and what each of us can do to become part of the solution in the daily choices we make, interaction with the local Zulu culture, spectacular gourmet cuisine by a Cordon Bleu chef, luxury accommodations, and the knowledge that a portion of the proceeds from your Eco Safari are tax deductible and are helping to support our other environmental and conservation projects.

WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE INCLUDED IN THE ECO SAFARI TOUR?

See itinerary (this should link to the itinerary page)

ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES I MIGHT ENJOY EXPLORING WHILE AT THULA THULA? 

A game drive in the nearby Hluluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve where they have the Big 5; a round of golf at the nearby, impressive Empageni 18-hole golf course; Whale watching (seasonal from June to October).

WHAT KIND OF ANIMALS CAN I EXPECT TO SEE AT THULA THLA?

Elephant, Cape buffalo, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hyena, crocodile, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, nyala, bushbuck, and a spectacular variety of other indigenous species, great and small.  Birdlife is prolific with over 350 identified species, including raptors.
    

ONCE I KNOW WHICH SAFARI DATES I’D LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN, HOW SOON SHOULD I BOOK MY TOUR BEFOREHAND?

As soon as you can, to ensure you have your place saved.  As we can only take a maximum of 28 people at a time, double occupancy, the Eco Safaris fill up quickly.  So, as soon as you know which date you want to go on, you should at least put a deposit down to hold your reservation.  Your Safari Coordinator will work with you after that to make the necessary financial and travel arrangements.

HOW LONG IS A NORMAL ECO SAFARI?


We have different standard packages or can design something just for you.  Some people leave from and returning to the US, - with 3 days in Durban, and 5 days at Thula Thula. Others may choose to add our 3-day, or 5-day Eco Safari at Thula Thula on to a package of other travel destinations.  We will do our best to accomodate your interests and desires.


CAN AN ECO SAFARI BE TAILORED TO MY GROUPS’ SPECIAL INTERESTS OR THEME?


Yes! We would be happy to work with you to create a special occasion and itinerary for your group as long as there is alignment with our overall environmental educational purposes.


IS AIRFARE INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE TRIP?


No. There are too many variables and preferences connected to airfare, so we leave that to you to handle. We do, however, have travel agents who we would be happy to refer you to, who works closely with us to make travel arrangements.


IS THE EARTH ORGANIZATION A TRAVEL AGENT? 


No.  However, we work closely with our travel agent to ensure that our part of your trip goes smoothly.  We say "our part of your trip" because often attendees will add on other destinations before or after joining us.


WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT CAN GO AT ONE TIME ON THE ECO SAFARI?


We can take up to 28 people at a time to Thula Thula booked at double occupancy.


IF MY GROUP WANTS TO HOLD ONE OR MORE MEETINGS FOR OUR GROUP WHILE ON THE ECO SAFARI, ARE THERE FACILITIES FOR THIS?


Yes! We have a beautiful, separate conference facility which is both comfortable and private that can hold up to 35 people, with a large screen for presentations, tables and chairs which can be arranged in a variety of ways.  Additionally, we provide pads of paper, pens, glasses and water.  For an additional cost, special catering can be arranged.

WHAT ARE THE BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE ECO SAFARI?


Please see our Booking Terms and Conditions page.

 

 
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