Phinda Private Game Reserve encompasses an impressive 56,800 acres of prime wilderness in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Showcasing one of the continent's finest game-viewing experiences, Phinda features Africa's wildlife at its best. Often described as the "Seven Worlds of Wonder," with its seven distinct habitats, Phinda is home to an abundance of wildlife from the largest lion to the smallest antelope. This fully inclusive program promises to be an unforgettable experience.
DAY 1: May 17, 2022
Upon disembarkation in Richard’s Bay, you will be met by an English-speaking representative who will accompany you on your road transfer to Phinda Private Game Reserve.
Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in the lush Maputaland region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site – Phinda comprises seven distinct habitats which shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species.
Phinda Forest Lodge is cradled in a maze of ancient vegetation. Each air-conditioned suite provides serene, reflective spaces to watch the secrets of the forest unfold. Tiny suni and red duiker graze among the vines and massive tree trunks, and a short walk to the main guest area could easily become a close encounter with a graceful nyala or an agile impala.
On arrival at the main entrance gate, you will be met by game rangers who will transfer you to Forest Lodge in 4-wheel drive open vehicles.
On arrival enjoy lunch, followed by check-in. Gather for afternoon tea before departing on an afternoon game drive.
Sundowners and light snacks will be served at a clearing in the bush following your game drive with the possibility of viewing several nocturnal wildlife species before returning to the lodge for dinner.
DAY 2: May 18 and
DAY 3: May 19, 2022
These days mirror each other.
The day begins with an early morning wake-up call. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served in the lounge area.
Depart from the lodge on an early morning game-drive in open 4x4 vehicles, accompanied by your rangers & trackers.
Return to the lodge for breakfast followed by time at leisure to relax around the lodge.
The lodge includes a rim-flow swimming pool at the edge of the forest, an interactive kitchen, Safari Shop, traditional boma for open-air dining and in-room massage treatments. Optional (additional cost) activities may be available and are bookable only through the lodge while you are there. These include Zulu village tours, Maputaland beach adventures, night turtle drives (seasonal), scuba safaris, an ocean safari, black rhino tracking on foot as well as specialist safaris such as birding, photographic, rhino notching, tracking, walking, family and private safaris.
Lunch will be served at the lodge followed by more free time.
Gather for afternoon tea before departing on an afternoon game drive.
Sundowners and light snacks will be served at a clearing in the bush following your game drive with the possibility of viewing several nocturnal wildlife species before returning to the lodge for dinner.
DAY 4: May 20, 2022
After enjoying breakfast, check-out and bid the staff farewell. Thereafter transfer to the main entrance where you will board your vehicle for the road transfer to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport. Travelling time is approximately 4.5 hours.
On arrival at the airport, check-in and board the flight to Cape Town.
On arrival at Cape Town Airport, you are met after luggage claim and transferred to the harbour where you will re-board the ship.
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
10:30am Disembark in Richard’s Bay and transfer by road to Phinda Private Game Reserve
1:00pm Upon arrival at the main entrance gate of the reserve, guests are met by rangers & transferred to Lodge in 4-wheel drive open vehicles
1:30pm Enjoy lunch on arrival (time permitting)
After lunch, fill out registration cards and indemnity forms followed by time to enjoy your suite and your surroundings
3:00pm Afternoon high tea will be served
3:30pm Guests depart on a late afternoon game drive in 4x4 open vehicles, in search of Africa’s Big Five. After dark, spotlights are used. Sundowner drinks and light snacks will be served in the bush.
6:30pm Guests return to the lodge
7:30pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight at Phinda Forest Lodge
DAY 2 AND DAY 3
5:30am Early wake up call, and gather in the living area for tea, coffee & biscuits
6:00am Early morning game drive
9:00am Breakfast at the lodge
1:00pm Lunch served at the lodge
3:00 Afternoon high tea will be served
3:30pm Guests depart on a late afternoon game drive
6:30pm Guests return to the lodge
7:00pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight at Phinda Forest Lodge
DAY 4
7:00am Breakfast at the lodge followed by check-out formalities
8:30am Depart Phinda in 4x4 open vehicles & transfer to the main entrance gate
Board your transfer vehicle and transfer to Durban’s Airport (packed lunch en-route)
1:00pm Arrival at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport – check-in for flight to Cape Town
2:40pm Flight Durban to Cape Town (flight details TBA and subject to change)
4:50pm On arrival at Cape Town Airport, meet up with your driver
5:30pm Depart Cape Town Airport and transfer to the harbor
6:00pm Approximate arrival time at Cape Town harbor to re-board the ship
Expected Weather:
South Africa’s seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Midwinter is in June and midsummer in December and January. The climate varies from region to region but is generally mild throughout the year.
This time of the year is considered the end of summer and the average temperature during the day ranges from 25C-35C (77-95 F)
What to Bring:
Sunhat, sunblock, camera, clothing that can be layered, something warm as the early mornings and evenings can be cool, swimwear
Local Currency:
ZAR
USD are not accepted at the lodge however major credit cards are accepted
Electricity:
South Africa’s electrical system is 220/230 volts A/C 50 cycles.
If you bring electric equipment, take along an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs. Be aware, however, that overnight recharging may not be possible where generator use restricts the availability of electricity.
Luggage information:
Guests are permitted to bring free of charge 1 suitcase not weighing more than 20 kg/ 44 lbs. One small carry on is also permitted and it must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you
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.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A valid passport is required. Two consecutive blank pages are required for entry into South Africa.
Please Note:
•This is a malaria free area
•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 Phinda Private Game Reserve.
•During early morning game drives in open vehicles it can be a little cool. We recommend that guests take along a windbreaker.
•Guests are therefore advised not to forget their sunhats, sun block, sunglasses, as well as their cameras and binoculars.
•Please note that the game drive vehicles traverse over uneven terrain and that the game-drives can be “bumpy”. This tour is therefore not recommended for guests with back- & neck problems.
•Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
•Passports are required to be with guests.
Program Includes for guests:
•3 nights at Phinda Forest Lodge (suite) including accommodation, game drives, all meals and local beverages during meals and afternoon game drive
•Conservation park fees
•Lunch box on day 4
•Transport in a luxury air-conditioned coach with A/C and PA system
•Qualified English-speaking Tour guide to accompany on transfers to/from the lodge
•Porterage for maximum 1 piece of luggage per person
•1 x 500 ml bottle of mineral water per person on transfers
•Economy class flight between Durban and Cape Town
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any other meals and drinks 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
•Excess or overweight luggage fees
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.