One often gets asked how to market to agents across the globe about your product and what you have to offer clients travelling to Africa. Indaba in Durban South Africa is one of these platforms used to meet directly with travel agents. Being the largest tourism trade show on the African continent many agents from across the globe attend to meet up with local operators. This year was no different with many new agents from different parts of the world heading to Durban.
Another platform used is agent FAM (familiarization) trips where they can join local operators on a short tour to experience life on the road with the local operators. This year we did a post Indaba FAM trip from Durban to Johannesburg with 4 agents from Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

Starting off on a fresh Sunday morning myself (Dirk) and Zandre meet up with our 4 agents and headed up the coast from Durban towards Zululand. On route we stopped off for lunch close to the beach and then a 2 hour boat cruise to view hippo and crocodiles with heritage tours based in the small town of St Lucia. This was a first for all on the truck and was a really interesting experience with hippos mating (a first for myself and Zandre).

After the boat cruise we headed further north to Hluhluwe and Zululand Lodge for the next 2 nights. Arriving at the lodge we where greeted with the sounds of the African bush as the sun was setting. After a hearty meal we all retired to the comfort of the wonderful permanent tents to fall asleep to the call of hyena’s and leopards rasping off in the distance.

After a very early breakfast it was time to visit one of the oldest proclaimed game reserves in Africa being the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game reserve which opened its doors to the public in 1895. This game reserve has been a key park in the conservation of Rhino which at the time where on the endangered list. After entering the park we were very privileged to have some amazing sightings of Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo together with some nice general game sightings. Stopping off at Hilltop camp for some brunch and a short break we all enjoyed the views overlooking the reserve.

Heading out after brunch we had more sightings of buffalo and elephant on route back to the gate. A short cultural experience was enjoyed by all as we learnt more about the Zulu culture from our local guide.
Returning to the lodge Zandre and the agents went out for a walk to look for some of the over 450 bird species found in the area as well as the shy Nyala’s that call this property home. Another wonderful meal was had by all before retiring to the fire pit to discuss the days experience with a glass of red wine.

The next day it was time to head North to Swaziland/eSwatini for a night at Hawane. On route we stopped off at the candle factory and curio market for lunch and a little shop. Arriving at Hawane we all disappeared to our rooms for a little free time before meeting up for dinner at the restaurant. An early night was on order after a long days drive through the majestically hills of eSwatini.

After a relaxed breakfast it was time to jump back in the truck and head to the Greater Kruger area and Makuwa Safari Lodge our last port of call. On arrival at Makuwa Charel and Zandre headed out on a game walk to find the buffalo that call this little paradise home. Dinner! Wow! The food presentation and quality was outstanding and all marvelled at what came out of the kitchen that evening.

Early breakfast and in to the world renowned Kruger National park for a full day game drive in search of the cats. Unfortunately none were found but again an amazing experience was had by all with some great sightings of general game and some nice tuskers (big elephant bulls).

Returning to the lodge we once again had a scrumptious dinner supplied by Charel and Mich the managers at Makuwa. Our last evening together was spent around the fire chatting about the experience had by all over the last 5 days. Our last breakfast together was enjoyed by all and then we had to leave and head back to reality and Johannesburg.
Many thanks to the agents that joined myself and Zandre on this short but factual experience of travelling with Sunway Safaris.