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Split Enz / Coloured vinyl reissues
March 30, 2020 by Paul Sinclairtags: 1970s, 1980s, Crowded House, neil finn, splitz enz
Newly remastered from the original tapes • 180g Coloured vinyl
New Zealand new wave band Split Enz' second and third albums, Mental Notes and Dizrythmia, have been newly remastered and will be reissued as coloured vinyl pressings in May.
The band were formed in 1973 by Tim Finn and Phil Judd, and included various other members over the years, such as Neil Finn and keyboard player Eddie Raynor.
Slightly confusingly, 1976's Mental Notes featured re-recordings of four songs from their debut of the same name (which is why it's called Second Thoughts down under). It was recorded in London as the band were joined in the studio by Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera.
Mental Notes remastered white vinyl comes in a gatefold presentation
The follow-up, Dizrythmia was issued in the following year (1977). The third album was the point where Neil Finn joined his brother in the band (and Phil Judd and Mike Chunn left) and the record is notable for being co-produced by Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick.
Both Mental Notes and Dizrythmia have been newly remastered from the original tapes and are receiving their first vinyl release in three decades. Mental Notes is a gatefold package with the inside gatefold featuring the alternative artwork when it was issued (as Second Thoughts) in Australia and New Zealand.
Both coloured vinyl pressings are released on 22 May 2020 by Demon Records and I'm pleased to say we are making these available via the SDE shop.
Mental Notes (180g White Vinyl) [VINYL]
Amazon fr 19.45 Order
the SDE shop uk 20.00 pre-order
Dizrythmia (180g Red Vinyl) [VINYL]
Mental Notes white vinyl gatefold
1 Late Last Night
2 Walking Down A Road
3 Titus
4 Lovey Dovey
1 Stranger Than Fiction
2 Time For A Change
3 Matinee Idyll
4 The Woman Who Loves You
5 Mental Notes
Dizrythmia 180g red vinyl
1 Bold As Brass
2 My Mistake
3 Parrot Fashion Love
5 Without A Doubt
1 Crosswords
2 Charley
3 Nice To Know
4 Jamboree
53 responses to Split Enz / Coloured vinyl reissues
Cecil Meulenberg says:
Apparently True Colours will be released as a double CD, but still do not know about these:
Never released as an A-side (although it was a B-side), Neil's "Missing Person" is an almost forgotten gem. Tucked away on side 2 of Split Enz's "True Colours" album, it's just been given a remix by Eddie Rayner Music for the album's 40th anniversary edition. If you're in Australia or NZ, you can hear the new version on coloured vinyl, double CD and streaming services. There'll be a slightly longer wait for the other side of the world.
In the meantime, here's Split Enz performing "Missing Person" at the Pinkpop festival, which Crowded House had been due to return to this year. You can also hear Neil playing an acoustic version on his Fangradio broadcast for Monday 23rd March at https://www.neilfinn.com/fangradio
Team NF
Murray Mac says:
The Eddie Rayner CD remasters are excellent and well worth tracking down. I haven't checked them for brickwalling but suspect that he did not brickwall, thank goodness, because they are a pleasure to listen to and are not fatiguing.
He is a hand to be trusted on the controls.
The essential Split Enz release is, in truth, the Rootin' Tootin' Luton Tapes in its 2 CD fan club format. It's often the way that when a band faces its last throw of the dice they come up with something wonderful. The Luton Tapes were that moment. It has edge, a good thing with the Enz, because they aimed for sonic perfection and didn't tolerate any publication of mistakes in their releases. Nil duff notes, bad beats, etc. The Luton Tapes aren't duff, but they don't quite have that Roxy Music Avalon sheen of excellence. At times you can smell the sweat, which is a good thing.
But Warners decided they wanted only a 1CD edition. The Fan Club members got a special 2CD release.
Actually, let's look at that positively: Warner Music wanted a 1 disc version only but fortunately allowed the 2 disc version to be released through the fan club, albeit in limited numbers.
Ralph Chapman's comment has it right about Mental Notes.
Michel Bendichou says:
The coloured vinyl debate.
In theory there is no reason that coloured vinyl should be inferior in terms of audio (looks is another matter) than standard black. Indeed, we have all suffered variances in black too ranging from
– the vinyl quality itself
– to the thickness (remember when the greedy record cos. started making them so thin, they were practically flexi-discs?)
– the pressing quality
And the last is the rub (or not). My experience with coloured is a much higher propensity for lazy/poor pressings. Most recently with Gerry Rafferty and Stealers Wheel Collected on yellow vinyl which was an abortion and from the normally reliable Music On Vinyl.
My advice. Stay away.
Martijn says:
Need Split Enz on CD
Edward Fitzgerald says:
Don't want to be too negative but Colored Vinyl is like Spam.
Reissues on colored vinyl mean ZERO to me.
Paul I really like your interviews (especially re: Tear for Fears) more than I used to enjoy reading LP covers and liner notes (even cd booklets). You dig in and cover more ground.
Until additional songs are offered on colored vinyl Big Audio Dynamite summed it up best in "Just Play Music!":
I don't need to see your face
I don't need no autographs
I can't play your interviews (though Paul I read every word of your interviews)
Can't hear your photographs
You don't need to be profound
In fact don't speak
Just play that sound
Just play that music
Any shot of you interviewing Mick Jones?
Normand says:
Times have changed regarding colored vinyl. There is no comparable with these made in the 70s and so on. Welcome in the 21st century. I have a lot of colored vinyl (Universal, Sundazed, Rhino, Sony) and no complaints. And clear vinyl sounds superior to me. Read this : https://blog.discogs.com/en/true-colors-black-or-colored-vinyl/
John Tempest says:
Very interested in getting a copy of Mental Notes to replace my cassette copy. Are there albums released with a download card!
No download card, I'm afraid.
Some ex-Split Enz members have gotten a new project together, initially called Forenzics (but as there is already a band with that name it may be changed). They have already recorded a new album, and have released a video for a new single called Walking (which is based partially on the original Walking Down a Road).
Check out the video for Walking at this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70jJTeu-06o
Re True Colours 40th Anniversary
Personally, I'd prefer they did something like the box set for Ian Dury's Do It Yourself; one coloured vinyl album of the remix, some extra CDs/DVDs of the remixed album/demos/ extras & a live show, and put 12″x 12″ cards of all the sleeve variations in a slip case to let you choose what one you want to display. I'd rather spend £75/£80 for something like that instead of four different colours of exactly the same thing. If you know someone at Demon, Paul, have a word in their ear.
Paul Taylor, I agree on all your good suggestions. But, if I may, instead of a flat color vinyl record for the 40th Anniversary SDE of "True Colors" I would prefer the inclusion of the original iridescent laser etched geometric pattern featured on both sides the 1980 release of the record. The ever changing bright prism color patterns that popped out of the black vinyl as the record spun around on the turntable was mesmerizing! I'm surprised record companies didn't make more prism laser etched records after that.
Michael, I think only A&M did it. I have etched copies of Styx 'Paradise Theatre album and 'Best Of Times' 7″ single.
I suspect it was probably a labour-intensive process that couldn't be justified commercially on a mass scale. That said I'm sure they could've done something with a limited reissue
I did buckle and ordered both from your shop!
Looking forward to getting them
Simon Taylor says:
I know not relevant to this reissue but worth mentioning for any Enz fans. The history of Split Enz podcast/radio series can be downloaded from Radio New Zealand. All past members interviewed, very detailed and recommended to that who haven't heard before.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/enzology
"Enzology is Radio New Zealand National's ten-part series covering the history of New Zealand's most iconic band – Split Enz. From their beginnings in Auckland as an acoustic ensemble in 1972, to their final concerts as an Australia-based, internationally acclaimed pop band in 1984."
Spiral Scar says:
Many thanks, Simon for that link. I'm going to enjoy that series quite a bit, I'm sure!
Tyrone says:
Thanks so much. This doc series is made so well. Lots of rehearsal tapes, live stuff and studio chatter. Really good!
Glenn Bearup says:
Yes I am also keen to get these new pressings of these classic split enz albums and in particular the very soon to be released 40th anniversary edition of true colours which is my favourite album,I have been a split enz fan since I obtained afew of their songs on compilation music albums and then I set about buying all their albums which I have including the rootin tooting Luton recordings and most of their music videos ,I prefer the 1977 to 1984 albums ,one rarities album that I don't have is the one called -rear enz and would love them to release this again as i have got afew of the songs from it and they are gems and should have been released on their main albums.
Marxisn't says:
Pity we don't have a full program for the Northern Hemisphere on CD and Vinyl. Many have never seen release on these or European shores. The rerecorded Mental Notes (Second Thoughts in Australia) was mostly weaker for Tim's over mannered and somewhat staccato vocals; thus the original Australian release is king. It's probably a licence thing as both of these releases were originally came out through Chrysalis here. A missed opportunity then.
Cécil Meulenberg says:
Any chance these will expanded CD releases as well?
Agree, CDs please!
For anyone who's interested, I've just realised that the 1976 international Mental Notes track listing you show includes 5 songs from the 1975 NZ version (not 4 as you stated, although the fifth may not have been re-recorded), and doesn't not exactly mirror the Second Thoughts track listing. Second Thoughts does not include the song Mental Notes (having only 9 songs in total). Also, I concur with Jon that the interior picture in the gate-fold is not the Second Thoughts cover but, what must have been, an alternate photo taken at the time.
Tim Abbott says:
For clarification the four songs from the original Mental Notes re-recorded for the international version are:
Walking Down A Road
Re-recorded from other earlier versions were:
Lovey Dovey (earlier version is on the Beginning Of The Enz compilation)
Matinee Idyll (previously titled 129 and released as a single, also on Beginning Of The Enz)
Late Last Night (releases as a single – this earlier version hasn't shown up anywhere since, but accompanies the official video on YouTube)
Which leaves Sweet Dreams and The Woman Who Loves You as the only 'new' songs.
I love this band. True Colours was the entry point for me in the 80s. I sought out the other US albums and a couple Tim Finn and Neil Finn albums over the years, but just a couple of years ago, my interest in them just exploded. It was a continuation of enjoying all the Crowded House deluxe editions. Split Enz is a fairly different animal from Crowded House but by Conflicting Emotions and See Ya Round, that line begins to blur quite a bit. The early period took some time and a clearing of expectations to get into but I return to the 70s stuff the most. The talent in this band is enormous. Every album is a keeper. I wish Beginning of the Enz was more than nine tracks! Right now, many of the CDs are damned expensive. I'm glad I jumped when I did and got a sweet deal on both of the 90s box sets with the extra disc of rarities in each. Too many great songs to mention, but "Dirty Creature" "I Hope I Never" "Ghost Girl" "For You" and "Message To My Girl" hit me just right. And "Charlie"… now there's a stirring song. These LPs are very tempting. This is not easy for me to be self-disciplined about spending money on music in light of what's happening now, but I don't indulge in anything else. God, that was honest! When there's a sign that money is not endangered, I think I'll be picking these albums up, and maybe they will all be reissued.
Anyone who has little familiarity with this band, find some video of them on YT, especially to see how they once appeared in their earlier days. Even after the makeup and costumes were phased out, they still remained colorful, adventurous and unique.
AndreasL says:
The 'True Colours' up and coming Australasian release looks excellent and is less than GBP20 here in NZ. It was of course their commmercial breakthrough with 'I Got You' making the UK top 10. Not a dud on this classic.
https://www.jbhifi.co.nz/?q=True%20volours&
I have all nine (ten, if you count The Beginning of the Enz compilation of pre-album recordings) of the original NZ Split Enz albums released on vinyl, but only one on CD, so I'll likely pass on these new ones. I was tempted by the forthcoming June releases of 4 different multi-coloured True Colours vinyl releases though (I would put links to them here, but every time I put links in a post on this site it never gets published). Personally, I like Frenzy the most of the first four NZ release albums. The hard-to-get "lost" album, Rootin' Tootin' Lutin' Tapes is an interesting listen if you can find it (and comes either in a single CD edition, or a double CD that also included demos of songs that ended up on Frenzy). All of the Split Enz albums are worth dipping into, although the last, See Ya Round, is the weakest.
Ben in Colorado says:
Now let's get former Enz Phil Judd's Counting the Beat on CD!
Or did I miss it?
Glimmer says:
Ben in Colorado – If you mean the only album by Phil Judd's Swingers, yes, it was released on CD in Australia. Once as Practical Jokers (the original Australian), and a reissue as Counting the Beat (the U.S. title). There are copies on eBay.
Simon Stokes says:
Chris Marsh was your mouth out with soap :)
Split Enz just got better and better after Neil Finn joined. Check out True Colours if you dont believe me.
Paul not sure I would call them new wave. The first album is definately prog rock. I guess some new wave elements in the next two albums but after that not at all I dont think.
Being a Kiwi I have seen them countless times. Many times before thier first album and when they were so theatrical. It is little wonder that they caught the attention of Roxy Music who they opened for.
Anyone interested should search out the NZ edition of Mental Notes which has a different tracklist than the UK one although as Paul says a number of tracks were re recorded.
I'll be getting these for sure
John Elliott says:
Totally agree with you. The Enz were great before Neil, but became legendary after he joined! :)
The gatefold inner isn't the artwork for Second Thoughts (the image is very similar) but is a replica of the UK release gatefold sleeve.
Shame the far superior original Mental Notes album isn't being reissued. They were all released on CD a few years back, remastered by Eddie Rayner…brickwalled.
Phil's new stuff is on bandcamp. Give it a spin.
Chris Marsh says:
A pity if these don't come out on CD for those of us (still a vast majority) haven't fallen for poppadoms.
I feel about Split Enz almost the way I feel about Roxy Music. One superb, fresh original album, one slightly smoother and slightly less interesting (though still superb) album then a rapid plummet to mediocrity and blandness.
Time and Tide is an amazing album, hardly bland.
Just my view of course:)
I wish they weren't coloured vinyl
Why? It's a myth that there's any appreciable difference in quality with coloured vinyl.
Dizrythmia was my entry point for them. I've got the two studio CD box sets that cover their history from a few years ago, and got the majority of their albums on vinyl. Tossing a coin about these, nice to look at but will they they get played much? That said, at the price they're pretty hard to resist.
They were certainly pioneers, and got ripped off a couple of times by other bands' music videos, mainly Live It Up by Mental as anything, and The Cars "You Might Think" stole heavily from "I Got You".
I'm a big fan so will probably buckle!
Two absolutely incredible albums. Real favourites. I have the original NZ/AU Mental Notes as well as the international version mentioned here (AND also a LP copy of Second Thoughts from NZ for good measure!), and the international version is a shade better than the original, though both are worth tracking down.
Nice! Bought Mental Notes in the late seventies in a charity bin for about 2 Deutschmarks/ 1 Euro. Didn't really understand it at the first listening (I was 13…) but I bought Dizrythmia too which I really really liked. And there was this new but very talented guy in the band……
Not bad. If there's demand for these, then would it be a stretch to reissue the post True Colours albums in the UK/Europe? The last album 'See Ya Round' didn't get a UK release at the time, and the 2006 CD reissues didn't make it here either.
WOW! WOW! WOW! INCREDIBLE! I thought this great music was lost forever. Now, I just hope that « Frenzy », « True Colors », « Corroboree (Waiata) » and « Time and Tide » will receive this kind of vinyl release. Thank you, Demon Records.
Absolutely! "Waiata" is one of my favourite albums with two of the best Neil Finn songs (One Step Ahead & History Never Repeats).
There is a wonderful version of One Step Ahead from 2015, played live with strings: https://youtu.be/UldU5eyIiEU
adam shaw says:
Always loved the track Charley.
Great band , they had an English drummer for while called Mal Green . I worked with a mad New Zealander who introduced me to them . He had all the original Mushroom label versions . IMO the band got better once Neil joined . Corroboree / Waiata is my favorite.
PaulM says:
It's a real shame that the original, and superior Aus / NZ version of Mental Notes is not being reissued as well as it is a minor prog mastepiece. I picked up a vinyl copy of it on a recent trip to Melbourne. Still nice to see these albums getting a re release as both are pretty decent.
RALPH CHAPMAN says:
Exactly what I was thinking in terms of the original version of Mental Notes being superior and a minor prog masterpiece. I discovered it about fifteen years ago after reading a review of it on planetmellotron.com.. An album I go back to over and over. The pseudo-remake had 1/5 the charm and excitement.
True Colours will be reissued as a 40th anniversary edition in June this year in Australia (presumably elsewhere also). Remixed (not remastered) by Eddie Rayner from original tapes. It will be released in 4 coloured vinyl editions – yellow with purple sleeve; orange with blue sleeve; green with red sleeve and blue with yellow sleeve – replicating the original colour combinations.
Mike the Fish says:
Interested in the remix for True Colours!
Alan B says:
There is also an exclusive picture disc version of True Colours available from the Warner Bros Australian Store. Hopefully this and the 4 coloured vinyls will be available in the UK.
Alan B
I can find the picture disc of True Colours on the Warner Bros Australia website. Are you able to provide a Link?
Here's the link to the picture disc.
https://store.warnermusic.com.au/collections/split-enz/products/true-colours-40th-anniversary-mix-store-exclusive-picture-disc
But what about a "laser etched" version of the album?
This version was first released by A&M in the US in 1980, and also released by A&M in Canada, Europe & Japan.
It was ultimately also released by Mushroom in Australia and NZ. At bottom is a link to Discogs showing that version and which shows a promotional sheet mentioning the process. Note that the matrix numbers of that version include the US A&M matrix numbers which likely means they used stampers sent over from the US – the label says "made in Australia" but also mentions it was mastered by MCA in the USA.
I have two American copies of the album, both etched, one with a red cover, and one with a blue cover – one of them is a promo copy, but I don't remember which cover that is.
The etched version was the first version released in the US, and I don't know if a non-etched version was actually ever released, presumably as the album did not sell that well, and never warranted a second pressing.
One of the listings on the Discogs page claims a particular US version is non-etched, but when you look at the pics of the labels, you can see the etching on the vinyl.
It may be that they will not release this in an etched version as this new version is being remixed and would therefore require new vinyl masters, and perhaps no-one is doing this laser etched thingy any more.
After the link to the above-mentioned Aus/NZ version is also a link to the Discogs master page where you can see all cover variations and which ones are etched.
https://www.discogs.com/release/1447222-True-Colours/images
https://www.discogs.com/master/view/81214
Brian K says:
True Colors was reissued (USA) in 1980 & 1984 with standard A&M labels without the etching.
1980: https://www.discogs.com/Split-Enz-True-Colours/release/4189717
Just thought I'd mention it :)
Ah, I didn't look at each and every iteration on that list (sometimes there are just too many!),
but I'm a bit surprised at a 1984 reissue. While "True Colours" was certainly their biggest seller in the US, it's not like they were that big here like they were in practically everywhere else.
I did note that there was also a Canadian audiophile edition, pressed in Japan, seems to be unique to there…
https://www.discogs.com/Split-Enz-True-Colours/release/4668975
Alan Robinson says:
'Mental Notes' is a magnificent album. I have it several times over! 'Dizrhythmia' is more commercial- but if you're after the kind of stuff they did around 'True Colours' then it may be a little difficult to digest!


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Getting to and from Yangshuo from Hong Kong, or other parts of China, is pretty easy…as long as you're not trying to get around during holiday/festival time! There's no train station in Yangshuo. However, hotels and travel agencies can still arrange tickets for travel from Guilin and Nanning.
At the border city of Shenzhen, after immigration, once you've reached the outdoors, walk for about 5 minutes and you will see the railway ticket office on your left hand side. Near to there you will see some different bus companies selling tickets. Make sure to ask each company their price before deciding to purchase a ticket. We were quoted 320rmb for an 11 hour overnight bus ride from Shenzhen to Yangshuo during the holiday, but bargained the price down to 260rmb. The buses were basically all full apart from a couple of seats.
***Goat Note: If someone, anyone, even a security guard, shows you to the bus ticket office, they will be receiving a commission – one that you will be paying.
We arrived in Yangshuo at 5:30am and were dropped off at the "bus station" on Pantao Lu, which is basically just the gas station. From there, it's about a 5-10 minute walk to the Yangshuo Culture House Guesthouse, or, take a taxi to the center of town.
Getting to Guilin from Yangshuo is very easy. Buses run every 15 minutes, it takes about 1 hour to get there and the cost is 18rmb. Catch the bus on Pantao Lu.


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Contact Author - Michael D'Agostino, Danny D'Agostino
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
Do you remember the award-winning 1973 sci-fi movie Soylent Green, starring Charlton Heston? If so, and if you enjoyed the premise behind it, you will be both intrigued and entertained by Beyond Soylent Green 2050, written by Michael and Danny D'agostino. This novel definitely goes beyond that movie, not just in time, but in the not unrealistic ramifications of life in the USA today. If you are a senior citizen in the Soylent Green world of 2050, you most likely won't be alive after the age of 60…unless you have the financial means to buy yourself more time on earth. Instead, you'll most likely find yourself being shipped off to a human recycling plant to be converted into fertilizer for rich people's lawns. But three seniors whose time is up, with the help of "the Sandman," find a way to escape the US of 2050 and head to California, now a separate country. En route, they are joined by a couple of other "California dreaming" travelers, but what this group discovers is that while they might not end up as fertilizer in years to come, California is anything but a dream. Its female president and family live in luxury, work is near impossible to find, and tent people populate the streets of Los Angeles.
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Ruffina Oserio
I found Beyond Soylent Green 2050 by Michael D'Agostino and Danny D'Agostino to be an engaging, realistic narrative with a prophetic message of where the US is headed with its partisan politics and broken government. While readers will encounter compelling and interesting characters, the protagonist of the story is the United States in the year 2050. Technology has evolved and now we have flying cars, state-of-the-art telephones, and gadgets that transform the lives of millions. In 2043, the US isn't what we know today. Global warming has caused a lot of suffering, and after declaring itself to be a sanctuary state in 2018, California has eventually been cut off from the map of the US, becoming a country on its own. The signs of a decadent political landscape started with the squandering of the government coffers, and the suspension of social security and Medicare now pose more complex problems. While a fraction of the population enjoys the benefits of technology, millions wallow in misery. Can the ideals of freedom and equality be a reality in a world where winners live as though the vulnerable never existed?
The narrative is powerful and, although fictional, it echoes so much of contemporary American politics. The themes of climate change, the inequality of equal men, the dichotomy between the working class and politicians are realities that are evident in contemporary politics. There has been a lot of discussion on climate change and readers hear daily of decisions that undermine the welfare of common men. The controversy on the healthcare system is one that has been characteristic of the Trump leadership and it is one of the realities featured in this novel. The prose is captivating and the author's development of the political setting is impeccable. For instance: "Over time, reality bends and distorts ideals. Economic inequities, profound cultural and political differences can destroy any nation. In the wake of these struggles are the underrepresented and the vulnerable. For them, the impact can be considerably harsh." Beyond Soylent Green 2050 is a prophetic novel that warns readers of the world we could be headed toward if we fail to return to the values on which the United States was founded. And the warnings of this painful world are just so clear as we follow the political landscape today.
Ray Simmons
I saw a movie called Soylent Green decades ago. It was a scary sci-fi, but it seemed more than a few steps away from the reality I was living as a young man then. It seemed like a possible world but not a very probable world based on society at the time. This is the frightening difference between Harry Harrison's Soylent Green and Beyond Soylent Green 2050 by the D'Agostino brothers. It is easy to see the future depressing world of Beyond Soylent Green 2050 being created in the politics of America today. A wall around America? No longer a new or unthinkable idea. Social Security failing? One party is already eager to use that money for something else. They just don't know how to do it without shooting themselves in the political foot. Is California going its own way? Some have been discussing that for years. I see the unpleasant world of Beyond Soylent Green 2050 being built brick by brick into the laws, attitudes, and policies of today and it frightens me to death.
Beyond Soylent Green 2050 by Michael and Danny D'Agostino is so possible that it will cause you to lose some sleep. The characters are from our future but they are Americans who could very well be alive today. That is one of the most frightening aspects of this book. The America of Beyond Soylent Green 2050 is recognizable, but just barely. Climate change, pollution, and overcrowding have taken their toll and the shocking part is that we can look around and see it happening today, but no one is proposing real solutions. The plot is fantastic but totally believable. The setting is grim but uncomfortably familiar. This is a great book. Every American should read it or, since this is America, maybe it should just be made into a good movie. Like the first one.


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9 Days | South Africa
Tour idea
9 Days | South AfricaFrom $1100 per person
* One-time special for locals – available for a limited time only *
From R 16250 per person
KwaZulu-Natal is a local secret amongst Africa's safari destinations. Your journey begins in the majestic Drakensberg: Dramatic gorges, endless expanses and lush vegetation inspire nature lovers and amateur photographers alike. Discover fascinating coral reefs, swamps and forests as you experience the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, whose vast ecosystem is home to an array of animal species. Your next stop is the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, where you can spot the Big 5 (lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo and elephant) on an unforgettable safari. At the end of the trip, Durban is ready to welcome you with beautiful beaches, rich South African culture, and exquisite cuisine.
Inclusive: 2 nights in the Montusi Mountain Lodge (Garden Suite, half board), 2 nights in the Serene-Estate Guesthouse (Garden Room, including breakfast), 2 nights in the Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge (full board), 2 nights in The Oyster Box Hotel (Classic Double Room, including breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x dinner and a 60-minute massage)
Exclusive: Flights, car rental, all additional meals and drinks, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park entry fee
Valid from 1 September to 20 December 2020
This tour is great for:
Local Special
Big 5 Safari
Ideal duration: 9 Days
From $1100 per person
Your adventure begins
The amazing Drakensberg mountain range in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Take delight in sunset picnics in the Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
Experience breathtaking views in the Drakensberg region, KwaZulu-Natal
Enjoy beautiful natural landscapes in the Drakensberg region, South Africa
2 Nights in Drakensberg
The ambience of the Drakensberg Mountain Range
If ever there was a landscape that lived up to its airbrushed and hyped reputation, it's the ragged, green stretches of the Drakensberg range's peaks. Meaning 'dragon mountain' in Afrikaans, most of the mountain calls KwaZulu-Natal...
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If ever there was a landscape that lived up to its airbrushed and hyped reputation, it's the ragged, green stretches of the Drakensberg range's peaks. Meaning 'dragon mountain' in Afrikaans, most of the mountain calls KwaZulu-Natal home while forming the natural border between South Africa and the Lesotho kingdom. The mountain's vast, sweeping, basalt summits and sandstone cliffs are part of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg UNESCO World Heritage Site. Summer brings forth dramatic thunderstorms that rage around 3,400m peaks. When the thunder fades, crisp mountain air settles among gorges and valleys. The streams and rivers are ideal for kayaking, tubing, swimming,...
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Stay 2 nights at Montusi Mountain Lodge
Comfort & peace beneath the Drakensberg's Amphitheatre
Built with the philosophy of space, comfort and peace, Montusi Mountain Lodge echoes the special atmosphere that the surrounding Amphitheatre escarpment emits. Uninterrupted views of this majestic bastion can be enjoyed...
Where to stay in Drakensberg
Montusi Mountain Lodge
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Built with the philosophy of space, comfort and peace, Montusi Mountain Lodge echoes the special atmosphere that the surrounding Amphitheatre escarpment emits. Uninterrupted views of this majestic bastion can be enjoyed from every building of this four-star lodge in the Drakensberg.
Only upmarket accommodation that features uninterrupted views of the Drakensberg's Amphitheatre from every building
Built with the philosophy of space, comfort and peace
Located on a 1,000ha conservation estate ideal for hiking and horse riding
Offers luxury accommodation in 10 Garden Suites, 4 Family Suites and 2 Mountain Suites
A beautifully crafted and unusually designed pool with views on to the escarpment
Continue your journey to
Panoramic views of the incredible iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Beware of the thrilling local wildlife that calls iSimangaliso Wetland Park home, KwaZulu-Natal
One of the many crocodiles on view along the river at iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Beautiful sunset views over Isimangaliso Wetland park, KwaZulu-Natal
2 Nights in iSimangaliso Wetland Park
A mosaic of ecosystems on safari at iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Swamps, lakes, coral reefs, beaches, woodlands, wetlands, coastal forest and grassland come together to form the 328,000ha iSimangaliso Wetland Park in Kwazulu-Natal. This mosaic of ecosystems supports an incredibly...
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Swamps, lakes, coral reefs, beaches, woodlands, wetlands, coastal forest and grassland come together to form the 328,000ha iSimangaliso Wetland Park in Kwazulu-Natal. This mosaic of ecosystems supports an incredibly diverse ecosystem containing prolific wildlife and vegetation. Its pristine coastline touches the Mozambican border in the north and brushes against Mapelane Nature Reserve to the south of St Lucia's 60km-wide estuary. The river is littered with basking crocodiles and bobbing hippos. Flocks of pelicans and flamingos paint the area pink and white while fly-fisherman attempt to catch the giant trevally and sea pike. Along the coast, Sodwana Bay's...
Stay 2 nights at Serene-Estate Guesthouse
Staying modern & stylish in St Lucia
At Serene-Estate Guesthouse, striking modern architecture meets natural splendour. This stylish B&B is found on the border of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, an environmentally rich natural World Heritage Site with plenty...
Where to stay in iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Serene-Estate Guesthouse
At Serene-Estate Guesthouse, striking modern architecture meets natural splendour. This stylish B&B is found on the border of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, an environmentally rich natural World Heritage Site with plenty to discover. Enjoy a range of activities in the area and keep an eye out for the hippos that famously wonder St Lucia's streets by starlight.
Extensive room amenities
Salt water pool with deck, guest terrace with roof garden and fish pond overlooking the iSimangaliso Park and a comfortable lounge available
Wildlife may be seen from the guesthouse
Snorkelling, fishing, cultural tours of local villages are also available
Only 45min from the Big 5 Hluhluwe Mfolozi Park and one hour from Richard's Bay
2 Nights in Hluhluwe
Hluhluwe: gateway to Natal's wild wonders
Hluhluwe (roughly pronounced shloo-shloo-wee) lies within the heart of Zululand on South Africa's east coast. Surrounded by bright sugarcane fields and pineapple plantations, the village is located near the banks of the Hluhluwe...
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Hluhluwe (roughly pronounced shloo-shloo-wee) lies within the heart of Zululand on South Africa's east coast. Surrounded by bright sugarcane fields and pineapple plantations, the village is located near the banks of the Hluhluwe River. This town is the gateway to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park—home to the largest population of white rhino on the globe. Deeper inland, the lakes are home to carefree crocodiles, hefty hippos and an array of fish. The unspoilt beaches of St Lucia, Cape Vidal and Sodwana Bay are all easily accessed from Hluhluwe. Dolphins can be seen frolicking in the waves while humpback whales make their slow, annual migration to warm Mozambique waters.
Stay 2 nights at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park's first private facility
As the first private facility within Africa's oldest proclaimed reserve, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge offers four-star luxury while allowing guests to witness the largest population of white rhino in the world. Celebrated...
Where to stay in Hluhluwe
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
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As the first private facility within Africa's oldest proclaimed reserve, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge offers four-star luxury while allowing guests to witness the largest population of white rhino in the world. Celebrated wilderness trails wind their way through the Big 5-strewn plains of the reserve.
The first private facility within Africa's oldest proclaimed reserve – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
A conservation success story, the park is now home to one of the largest population of white rhino in the world
Celebrated wilderness trails snake through the 96,000ha park
The rooms of the lodge are spaced to enhance the view and ensure maximum privacy for each room
An 11-metre infinity lap pool overlooking the bush
Experience the powerful waves at Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal
The Umhlanga Lighthouse is used to guide sailors to shore safely, Kwa-ZuluNatal
The beautiful shores of Uhmhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal
2 Nights in Durban
South Africa's self-styled playground
Durban is South Africa's self-styled 'playground'. Its year-round warm weather, sun-kissed beaches, and temperate cerulean waters encourage visitors to take advantage of KwaZulu-Natal's outdoor lifestyle. The city's diverse...
Discover more about Durban
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Durban is South Africa's self-styled 'playground'. Its year-round warm weather, sun-kissed beaches, and temperate cerulean waters encourage visitors to take advantage of KwaZulu-Natal's outdoor lifestyle. The city's diverse and colourful culture is reflected in its cuisine, architecture, and markets. The 'Surf City' is renowned for its inviting beaches. Tackle the warm waters with a board, kite, snorkel, jet-ski, canoe, or fishing rod. Sun worshippers can stretch out on the golden sand and surrender to the salty breeze, accompanied by the sound of breaker waves and seagull cries. An extensive paved promenade connects the best of the beaches while uShaka...
Stay 2 nights at The Oyster Box Hotel
Umhlanga's ultimate holiday retreat
Not unlike the iconic lighthouse just across the road, The Oyster Box is a coastal beacon of Umhlanga Rocks. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the spa or unwind by the pool with a drink in your hand. There is no wrong...
The Oyster Box Hotel
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Not unlike the iconic lighthouse just across the road, The Oyster Box is a coastal beacon of Umhlanga Rocks. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the spa or unwind by the pool with a drink in your hand. There is no wrong way to have a good time at The Oyster Box.
Fantastic location on the coast of Umhlanga, overlooking the iconic Umhlanga Lighthouse
Close to the King Shaka International Airport and the Durban city centre
Swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers with a sweeping view of the ocean
Well-appointed accommodation, dressed in neutral colours and furnished in a modern-meets-colonial style
Chance to see dolphins from the Ocean Terrace and the Oyster Bar
You've reached the end of your adventure
Your journey mapped out:
Ready to pack your bags for Africa? With just a few details from you, we'll put together your dream holiday!
2 Nights in Drakensberg | South Africa
2 Nights in iSimangaliso Wetland Park | South Africa
2 Nights in Hluhluwe | South Africa
2 Nights in Durban | South Africa
8 Nights in total$1100 per person


The De Havilland Gipsy Moth was the mainstay of the British Flying Clubs from 1925 up until the beginning of the Second World War in 1939. The Gipsy Moth is generally regarded as being a preferable aircraft than the Tiger Moth although a flight in either one is guaranteed to be an unforgettable life experience.
An open sports car gives a "wind in the hair" experience. A Gipsy Moth provides a "wind in the hair" experience at altitude.
The first De Havilland Gipsy Moth was flow personally by Geoffrey De Havilland on 25th February 1925. The first models were designated the DH60X, the "X" meaning Experimental. These first Gipsy Moths were powered by the Cirrus engine which were eight cylinder World War I era engines originally made by Renault. The supply of such surplus engines was not reliable so De Havilland designed and began making their own engine by 1928 and the model number for the aircraft became DH60G, which is the model of the green Gipsy Moth in our pictures.
The De Havilland engine is mounted inverted in the airframe.
The new De Havilland engine was more powerful than its Renault based Cirrus predecessor and was mounted inverted in the airframe of the aircraft. This engine and aircraft proved to be a great joy to fly being predictable and stable, two factors which ensured it would become so popular that it was estimated that 80% of aircraft in British Flying Clubs were Gipsy Moths.
The Gipsy Moth deserved its popularity.
There are not many Gipsy Moths in the world so the fact that the green Gipsy Moth in our pictures is coming up for sale will be important news for those looking for one.
This aircraft was made in 1933 being one of 595 made at the De Havilland Stag Lane works. The aircraft was first used in Switzerland before being transferred back to Britain in 1965 where it has been in the Historic Aircraft Museum at Southend, in Essex up until recently. This aircraft has been made airworthy again and now has a Permit to Fly.
You will find the sale page for this Gipsy Moth if you click here.
The Gipsy Moth is an unforgettable aircraft to fly in. This one must have taken people on simply amazing flights over the Swiss countryside and perhaps into the mountains. The view from a Gipsy Moth is completely unimpeded by glass or perspex windows making the experience all the more memorable. If taking photographs however it is important to keep a firm hold on the camera or it can be quite literally torn out of your hands by the air pressure if you raise the camera above the protection of the windscreen. This green Gipsy Moth is all set to provide unforgettable flight experiences.


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Aaron Sprinkle
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Plays a combination of your favorite Indie songs from a variety of singer songwriters.
Joe Purdy, The Script, Ben Howard, Feist, Fistful Of Mercy, The Civil Wars, Colbi…
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Today, we hear more and more about estate planning. And the more you read the papers, look at direct mail delivered to your door, or listen to the radio, the more you hear about pre-arranging or pre-paying their funeral expenses.
Pre-paying funeral expense helps "get your affairs in order" along with preparing your will, tax planning and obtaining adequate life insurance. It's a responsible part of protecting your family's future.
Pre-paying can reduce the emotional burden of having to make detailed arrangements in a short period of time, at a time of sadness, stress and vulnerability, and so many other decisions and arrangements have to be made.
Revenue Canada has passed special regulations which ensure that the interest on your prepaid funeral accumulates tax free, as long as it is spent on the funeral, unlike funds accumulating in a bank account for that purpose.
You may cancel your prepaid funeral contract at any time and get a refund of your payment plus accumulated interest, less a small cancellation fee.
Funeral decisions made in advance, at a time when everyone is calm and in good health, are more likely to be rational and carefully thought out, than those made in a hurry, at a time of upset and vulnerability.


Along the Rockies and the Pacific coastline, on a small shared island, the United Kingdom and United States turned a small land dispute into a heated, full-fledged confrontation.
Wikimedia CommonsSan Juan Island, where the great Pig War of 1859 took place.
Land disputes were relatively common in North America in the 19th century. With explorers pushing into new territories, boundary disputes between nations were bound to come up. The Oregon Treaty was devised to clear up one such dispute, between America and Britain, along the Rockies and the Pacific coastline, at the border of Oregon and what is now Canada.
The treaty split the land fairly evenly at the 49th parallel west, with one exception. Confusion and disagreement over what constituted the middle of the San Juan Channel led to both countries claiming sovereignty of San Juan Island.
For 13 years, both British and American citizens lived on the island, with little animosity. The British set up the Hudson's Bay Company, a successful salmon curing and sheep ranching company, on the island, while Americans settled on the land and farmed.
It wasn't until 1849 that the boundary dispute started to cause trouble, and it was all set off by a pig.
On June 15, an American farmer named Lyman Cutlar saw the pig eating his potatoes on his land and shot it. It turned out the pig belonged to a British employee of the Hudson's Bay Company, Charles Griffin, who became angry at the news that his animal had been shot by an American. He reported Cutlar's crimes to the British authorities, who threatened to arrest him.
U.S. National Archives /span>Affadavit of Lyman Cutlar.
The other Americans rallied around Cutlar, and devised a petition to bring in U.S. military protection for him. General William S. Harney, a commander of the Department of Oregon with a strong anti-British bias, received this petition and dispatched 66 American soldiers to San Juan Island for Cutlar's protection.
The British, not taking kindly to this show of aggression, retaliated by sending three warships to the area. The result was a brief standoff, with both sides adding more firepower to their side, until there were at least five British warships and over 400 American soldiers with cannons stationed at the ready.
Wikimedia CommonsRemains of a British Camp from the Pig War on San Juan Island.
Once officials in both London and Washington heard about the conflict, they stepped in to intervene. To quickly de-escalate the situation, they limited the number of residents to 100 people on both sides. They also gave the top half to the British and the southern half to the Americans until a formal agreement regarding sovereignty could be reached.
In 1872, Germany officially arbitrated the disagreement, and the land was finally granted to America, but the island is still commemorated as the place where America and the United Kingdom almost resorted to full-fledged war over the death of a pig.
Enjoy this article on the Pig War of 1859? Read about Calvin Graham, World War 2's youngest soldier. Then take a look at 48 snapshots of life in the real Wild West.