Travel through two of Africa’s premier reserves on game drives to observe the country’s most iconic animals in their natural habitats. Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest game reserve and the chances are excellent of seeing the Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and Cape buffalo. It is also home to the Little Five and the birding Big Six, a diversity of animals that are among the most exciting to watch, especially from the comfort of an open-air 4x4 vehicle. The animals roam freely between Kruger and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where you will also venture out on game drives. Sabi Sands has the distinction of being home to the highest, most diverse concentration of wildlife in the South Hemisphere.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
DAY 1: May 16, 2022
Upon disembarkation in Maputo, you will be met and transferred by road to Mdluli Safari Lodge in The Kruger National Park. The drive is approximately 3 hours. A lunch pack will be provided to enjoy en-route.
NOTE: At the Mozambique/South Africa border post, guests will disembark and proceed through South African Immigration and customs control. Please ensure your passport has at least 2 blank pages for any stamps that may be issued. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the entry date.
The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest game reserve. Nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 352 kilometers (20 000 square kilometers) from north to south along the Mozambique border, is given over to an almost indescribable wildlife experience. Certainly, it ranks with the best in Africa and is the flagship of the country’s national parks - rated as the ultimate safari experience.
This is the land of baobabs, fever trees, knob thorns, marula and mopane trees underneath which lurk the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino), the Little Five (buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, ant lion and rhino beetle), the birding Big Six (ground hornbill, kori bustard, lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle, pel’s fishing owl and saddle-bill stork) and more species of mammals than in any other African Game Reserve. Kruger National Park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.
Located inside the south-western region of the Kruger National Park, Mdluli Safari Lodge, with its authentic charm of Siswati tradition and deep-rooted commitment to conservation, offers a luxurious tented experience in the African bush. It was created as part of a sustainable tourism initiative through a partnership between the Mdluli Royal Family and Community and Grovest Corporate Advisory – the pioneers of Section 12J.
The lodge is founded on 4 core pillars, namely a partnership with the Mdluli Community, wildlife conservation and preservation, ecological design, and storytelling which guests to this special place will forever carry with them.
With oversized patios and views into the park, your elevated luxury tent and private patio is both spacious and indulgent. Made of canvas and natural timber materials you will have the true safari feel. Each tent features air conditioning and heating, private indoor and outdoor showers, evening turndown service, golf cart shuttle to and from your tent to the main lodge and more.
Each area of the lodge is designed to create a feeling of being connected to nature, whether indoors or outdoors. The deck, restaurant, boma and oversized infinity swimming pool are cleverly positioned through their open architecture and proximity to the lodge’s fence line to allow you to find your quiet space while a herd of elephant or buffalo amble past to the river that lies adjacent to the fence line.
Later in the day join an exciting game drive in search of the Big 5 as well as numerous other animals.
After your game drive, return to the lodge for traditional cuisine in the lodge dining room or around a roaring boma fire under the stars of the African sky.
DAY 2: May 17, 2022
Hot and cold beverages will be waiting for you after your early morning wake up call. Enjoy a morning game drive showcasing the wildlife and nature of the southern region of Kruger National Park.
Bounded by the Crocodile River in the south and the Sabie River in the north, the southern region is also host to the jagged ridge of the Lebombo Mountains along the border to Mozambique, and the highest point in the park, Khandzalive, in the southwestern. The valleys are home to trees rarely found in other parts of the Kruger Park, such as the Cape chestnut, coral tree and lavender fever-berry. On the whole, there is more game purported to exist in the southern part of the park, so if you don’t make it to the northern reaches of the Kruger National Park, you won’t miss out.
Return to your lodge and enjoy breakfast and some free time to relax in your tent or perhaps around the infinity pool or at the bar where you may spot wildlife roaming by. Elephant, zebra and impala regularly make an appearance.
If you wish to do a guided bush walk, this can be arranged during one of the mornings (included).
Guided bush walks are an incredible way to immerse yourself into the wild and to experience the bush in the most up close and personal way. Feel free to engage with the experienced guides, they are sure to keep you entertained with exceptional knowledge on the Kruger National Park as well as stories about their past experiences, all whilst tracking magnificent animals on foot.
Something that is quite unique to the location of Mdluli Safari Lodge is their exquisite granite rock formation that is located within the property’s perimeters. Take a walk up to the elevated viewpoint and enjoy a complete 360 panoramic view of the magnificent Kruger National Park. This is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of the landscape.
A leisurely lunch can be enjoyed at the lodge. Enjoy some more free time in the afternoon before commencing on your late afternoon game drive. Dinner will be served on your return to the lodge.
DAY 3: May 18, 2022
This morning you will be woken before sunrise. Meet in the reception for hot beverages, before departing with the rising sun on an early morning game drive.
Return to the lodge for a sumptuous breakfast, before packing your belongings.
You will be met at the lodge and transferred overland, through the park, to your next overnight lodge, located in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. The traveling time, without stopping for sightings, will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Nestling in the shade of indigenous riverine trees on the banks of the Msuthlu river lies Sabi Sabi’s Little Bush Camp. Exuding the same warmth and effortless hospitality that characterizes Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp offers unparalleled intimacy and seclusion.
Six luxury suites, each with a private viewing deck and heated spa bath overlooking the riverbed, are decorated in contemporary African design, complete with luxury furnishings, full bathroom en-suite, indoor and outdoor showers and air-conditioning. Thatched roofs, romantic mosquito nets draped over the comfortable beds and beautiful wooden finishes complete the picture of an exclusive safari getaway.
Depending on time of arrival, enjoy lunch on arrival followed by time to freshen up prior to your afternoon 4x4 game drive. Return to the lodge thereafter for a delicious dinner.
DAY 4: May 19, 2022
Hot and cold beverages will be waiting for you after your early morning wake up call. Enjoy a morning game drive showcasing the wildlife and nature of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve conserves 5 000ha (12 500ac) of a habitat that is home to the highest and most diverse concentration of wildlife in the southern hemisphere. Throughout your stay you may see all of Africa’s iconic species – lion leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and zebra – along with a supporting cast of no less intriguing 137 mammal species and over 450 varieties of bird.
Return to your lodge and enjoy breakfast and some free time at the lodge before lunch.
After lunch, enjoy some more free time in the afternoon before commencing on your late afternoon game drive.
Dinner will be served on your return to the lodge.
DAY 5: May 20, 2022
Enjoy one last morning game drive followed by breakfast and check-out formalities. A lodge representative will transfer you to the Skukuza Airport for your flight to Cape Town.
On arrival at the Cape Town International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Cape Town harbor where the ship awaits your arrival.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
10:00am Depart Maputo harbor and transfer overland to Kruger National Park
Lunch box provided to be enjoyed en route
Border crossing from Mozambique to South Africa
2:00pm Approximate arrival time at overnight lodge
Strictly time permitting, enjoy lunch on arrival
4:30pm Depart on an afternoon game drive in 4x4 open vehicles
7:30pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight at Mdluli Safari Lodge
DAY 2
6:30am Early wake up call, and gather in the living area for tea, coffee & biscuits
7:00am Early morning game drive
9:30am Breakfast at the lodge
1:30pm Gather at main lodge for lunch
4:00pm Late afternoon game drive
7:00pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight at Mdluli Safari Lodge
DAY 3
6:30am Early wake up call, gather in the living area for tea, coffee & biscuits
7:00am Early morning game drive
9:30am Breakfast at the lodge followed by check-out formalities
10:30am Depart and transfer through the reserve to Sabi Sands Reserve & Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp
2:00pm Approximate arrival at Lion Sands.
Time permitting, enjoy lunch on arrival followed by check-in formalities
3:30pm Afternoon tea
4:00pm Depart on an afternoon game drive
7:00pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight at Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp
DAY 4
6:30am Early wake up call, gather in the living area for tea, coffee & biscuits
7:00am Early morning game drive
9:30am Breakfast at the lodge
12:30pm Gather at main lodge for lunch
3:30pm Afternoon tea
4:00pm Guests depart on a late afternoon game drive
7:00pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight at Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp
DAY 5 – timings are subject to actual flight details
6:30am Early wake up call, gather in the living area for tea, coffee & biscuits
7:00am Early morning game drive
9:30am Breakfast at the lodge & check-out formalities
10:15am Depart lodge & transfer to Skukuza Airport
10:45am Arrive at Skukuza Airport and check-in
11:40am Fly from Skukuza to Cape Town (flight details TBA and subject to change)
2:25pm Arrive Cape Town Airport & collect luggage
3:00pm Meet your local transportation and transfer to the harbor
3:30pm Approximate arrival at Cape Town harbor
Expected Weather:
May is a transitional month and marks the end of summer. Temperatures are cooling down to typically 12°C/54°F in the morning and 27°C/81°F in the afternoon.
What to Bring:
Sunhat, sunblock, camera, clothing that can be layered, warm jacket as the mornings and evenings can become cool
Local Currency:
ZAR
USD are not accepted at the lodge however most major credit cards are accepted
Electricity:
South Africa’s electrical system is 220/230 volts A/C 50 cycles. Most hotels and lodges have hair dryers and plug adaptors in the bedrooms. If you bring electric appliances, take along an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs.
Outlets in South Africa require a three-pronged adapter plug with 3 round prongs.
Be aware, however, that overnight recharging may not be possible where generator use restricts the availability of electricity.
Luggage information:
Guests are permitted to check-in free of charge one suitcase not weighing more than 20kg/44 lbs per bag. One small carry on is also permitted per person which must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Documents and Visa Requirements
Passports are required to be with guests
A Mozambique visa (for the ship’s arrival into Maputo) is required to have been arranged prior to embarking the vessel. Guests should consult the Mozambique embassy for the latest up to date regulations for their nationality.
As per South African law, upon your arrival in the country, you need to ensure that your passport has at least two full pages open for passport control stamps.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via the Reservations Team at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Hotel addresses:
Mdluli Safari Lodge
Address: Kruger National Park, Hazyview, 1242
Phone: 087 980 5070
Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp
Address: Sabi Park, 1260
Phone: 013 735 5080
Please Note:
•This area is known for Malaria therefore the necessary precautions should be taken in advance
•The contents and order of activities in this program are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice, due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the reserve.
•Whilst this is a safari area, the animals are wild and so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
•During early morning game drives in open vehicles it can be a little cool. We recommend that guests take along a windbreaker.
•During the day, it can get hot. The game drive vehicles may not be covered therefore guests may be exposed to the elements. Guests are therefore advised not to forget their sunhats, sun block, sunglasses, as well as their cameras and binoculars.
•The roads in the game reserve are gravel. There are also inclines and certain parts of the game-drive can be bumpy. Not recommended for guests with back & neck problems or pregnant ladies.
•This program is suitable for guests with walking disabilities, providing that a travel companion or spouse accompanies them. Please also note that confirmation would be strictly subject to availability of handicapped rooms at the time of booking.
•No children under 6 years of age are allowed on safari.
•This program is not fully guided. Local representatives will assist you with your transfers however, the program at the lodge and hotel is run solely and at the discretion by the lodge/hotel staff.
Program Includes for guests:
•2 nights at Mdluli Safari Lodge (luxury tent) including accommodation, activities daily, all meals & 2 x local house drinks only with lunch & dinner
•2 nights at Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp (Luxury Suite) including accommodation, activities daily, all meals & 2 x local house drinks only with lunch & dinner
•Kruger Park Conservation fees
•Lunch box on day 1
•Transport in a luxury air-conditioned coach with A/C and PA system
•Qualified English-speaking driver to accompany on transfers to/from the lodges & airport
•Porterage for maximum 1 piece of luggage per person
•1 x 500 ml bottle of mineral water per person on transfers
•Economy class flight from Skukuza to Cape Town
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any other meals or beverages not mentioned above including Champagne and premium brand spirits & liquor
•Gratuities for drivers, guides, game rangers, trackers & lodge staff
•Personal expenses such as telephone calls; curio shop purchases & laundry
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.