4 Countries, 3 regions, 1 overland! Enjoy nonstop adventures in three African regions where you will enjoy multiple game drives through national parks including Kruger National Park, an enlightening tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, a sunset cruise and a jaunt into a UNESCO World Heritage site desert.
Special Note: 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
Following a leisurely breakfast on board the cruise ship, you will disembark in Walvis Bay, meet your driver and transfer to the Walvis Bay Airport for a private light aircraft flight to Sossusvlei.
On arrival at Sossusvlei’s Geluk Airstrip, a lodge representative will meet the group and transfer you by open game vehicle to your accommodations at Little Kulala Lodge.
Peace and privacy can be found throughout Little Kulala. Similarly, the stark red dunes of the surrounding Sossusvlei landscape entices with its tranquility.
Enjoy lunch on arrival, followed by check-in formalities and time to enjoy your suite and surroundings.
Little Kulala effortlessly embraces its Namib vistas. Your suite’s private pool is ideal for enjoying lazy afternoons, while your rooftop invites private sundowners and suppers. A roll-out bed on your shaded deck is perfect for a siesta or heavenly night’s sleep.?
In the afternoon, you can embark on a nature activity that you will reserve with the lodge staff on site. Those opportunities include:
• Climbing the red sand dunes in the Namib Sand Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Day and night nature drives in Land Cruisers. During winter months, hot water bottles, blankets and lined ponchos are provided on early-morning game drives.
• Birding
• Excursions to Sossusvlei and Sesriem, a hauntingly beautiful area in the Namib Desert that you will assess through a private gate that is off-limits to the general public.
• Scenic sundowner excursions
• Riverbed trails revealing Little Kulala’s “living desert.” Activities focus on geology, astronomy and rehabilitation of the reserve with out-of-camp experiences ranging from fairy-circle dinners to river oasis lunches.
• Self-guided walking trails
• Guided night-time scorpion walks weather permitting
• Cultural evenings around the campfire
• Pre-dinner and fireside discussions by the staff about the area’s geology and rehabilitation process, including
stargazing with a laser pointer when conditions permit
• Quad bikes and fat bikes
• Custom activities on request at an additional cost
• Hot air balloon rides over the desert when available and at an additional cost
Following your afternoon activity, you will return to the lodge for dinner and to spend the evening.
DAY 2
This morning we suggest an early excursion to the Sossusvlei dunes and photogenic Deadvlei. During the course of the day, we recommend either a nature drive, quad bike trail or similar. Enjoy delectable meals at the lodge between adventures.
DAY 3
After one last morning outdoor activity such as biking or a nature drive, you will enjoy breakfast and then check out of Little Kulala and transfer to the airstrip for the scheduled light air flight to Windhoek.
On arrival at Windhoek’s International Airport, you will be met and accompanied on a transfer to the Hilton Hotel or similar. Following check in, you will spend the afternoon at leisure with dinner at the hotel.
DAY 4
Early in the morning, you will transfer from hotel to the airport for check in. A breakfast box will be provided. You will then fly to Kasane, Botswana, with a stop at the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
On arrival at Kasane Airport, a representative will meet the group for the transfer to Chobe Chilwero Lodge.
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a luxurious riverside retreat on the edge of Chobe National Park, an exquisite wilderness home to the world's largest remaining population of elephants. Perched dramatically on a hill high above the Chobe River, the ultra-exclusive camp offers unparalleled panoramic views, taking in the islands and floodplains beyond, stretching as far as Namibia.
With 15 stunning, breezy suites, scattered across lush green lawns and gorgeous reception spaces, Chobe Chilwero is undoubtedly the most luxurious lodge in the area. The lodge has a full-service spa, making this the ideal place for those who prefer their action and adventure served with a healthy dose of pampering. Enjoy a unique opportunity to unwind over a range of indulgent treatments then cool off split-level swimming pool, a remarkable spot that belies its bush surroundings. Further magic awaits in the camp’s dining room, where head chef Phineas presents an extraordinary array of gourmet cuisine encompassing both western and African influences, which has seen Chobe Chilwero renowned as something of a gastronomic destination.
Established in 1967, Chobe National Park is the third-largest conservation area in Botswana, comprising four primary regions, offset by the dazzling, deep-blue waters of the delta: Chobe River Front, Savute Nogatsaa and Linyanti. Designed to take full advantage of its spectacular location, Chobe Chilwero grants guests an unparalleled perspective of the thriving 50,000-strong elephant population that calls the park home – the highest concentration in Africa and just one of many reasons why visitors are captivated by the extraordinary beauty and allure of Chobe.
After checking in and freshening up in the comfort of your suite, you will be served afternoon tea. Optional afternoon activities include a Sunset Chobe River Cruise or Chobe National Park Game drive.
Home to the largest concentration of elephants, the Chobe National Park is one of the world’s leading wildlife destinations. The Chobe River, which forms the park’s northern boundary, provides a permanent source of water for the region’s high volume of wildlife, making the river an important focal point for safari enthusiasts.
You will enjoy the diversity of Chobe National Park’s abundant wildlife on guided 4WD game drives and take in the beauty of the river on boat safaris, while witnessing the herds of game and prolific birdlife along the riverbanks.
Back in camp, you will enjoy dinner.
DAY 5
Enjoy a full day at Chobe Chilwero Lodge, including a morning and afternoon game activity where you may observe Chobe elephants, as well as an abundance of other wildlife.
Enjoy delectable meals and time at leisure in between, perhaps by simply soaking up the African sun or enjoying an optional spa treatment (additional amount).
DAY 6
Following breakfast and check out from the lodge, you will transfer to Victoria Falls. A visa is required as you will cross the border between Botswana and Zimbabwe.
While touring the falls, you will observe it from various perspectives and learn about its history and the formation of the Zambezi River, the source of Victoria Falls. The cobblestone walkways within the rainforest can be slippery and are sloped at times. Rubber-soled walking shoes should be worn, as well as appropriate clothing as you will likely get wet. Due to the terrain and walking more than two miles, this program is not suited for guests who have walking difficulty or who utilize a wheelchair or scooter.
Following the tour of the falls, you will proceed to the Victoria Falls Hotel for an informal lunch before checking in. You will then enjoy free time in your room to freshen up prior to a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Snacks and drinks will be served.
Upon returning to the hotel, you will enjoy dinner in the Royal Livingstone Room.
DAY 7
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the Victoria Falls Airport for the regional direct flight to Kruger National Park.
On arrival at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Lukimbi Safari Lodge, which is located inside Kruger National Park. The lodge has a character of its own – warm, inviting, charmingly imperfect and a little quirky. Bright and richly textured natural fabrics, bold furniture chosen for comfort and artisanal crafted artworks encourage relaxation. You will be encouraged to make yourself completely at home, whether in the lounge, bar, dining room, library or one of the many alcoves. The pool area is a place of serenity right on the bank of the Lwakahle River.
Each of the 14 Classic Suites occupies an elevated position overlooking the bush and has been designed to magnify the view. Private shaded decks, cathedral-style windows, floor-to-ceiling glass in front of great stone bathtubs and open outdoor showers promise ample opportunity to fully appreciate and be at one with the wilderness. Generous open space, 200-thread-count linen, sumptuous feather pillows or microfiber pillows on request, deluxe amenities and an in-room refreshment center invite further relaxation.
In the afternoon, you will embark on an open-vehicle game drive in search of the Big 5 — lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and Cape buffalo. No two 4×4 safaris are ever the same, nor are they possible to predict. It is about being in the right place at the right time with the right people to show you where to look.
Morning safaris begin just before sunrise and return in time for breakfast, while late afternoon safaris depart before sunset and return in time for dinner. No more than 8 people will ride in the open shaded safari vehicle. A maximum of 6 vehicles are out on the reserve at any given time.
The Kruger National Park is a protected sanctuary and as a result visitors are treated to frequent sightings of endangered rhino, both white and black. White rhino now number more than 2 600, representing the largest population in Africa. Although this woodland does not sustain the concentrations of game found on “sweet grasses” sustained in clay soils, you will find giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu, buffalo, white rhino and elephant.
As wildebeest and zebra – preferred prey species of lion – are found in low numbers in this southern region, these apex predators are less common here. This relative scarcity of lions means that cheetah and wild dog are seen in reasonable numbers.
Following the afternoon safari, you will return to the lodge for dinner and to spend the evening.
DAY 8
Enjoy a full day at Lukimbi Safari Lodge, including morning and afternoon game drives and three meals. You will also have time to relax in your suite, lounge around the pool and perhaps opt for a spa treatment.
DAY 9
After an early-morning departure from the lodge, you will transfer to Kruger’s Mpumalanga International Airport. A breakfast box will be available during the journey. You will fly to Richard’s Bay with a stop in Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport. On arrival at Richard’s Bay Airport, you will be met and transferred to the harbor to embark your cruise ship.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations that are beyond our control. All program details, including timings and any flights indicated below, are approximate and are given here for general reference purposes and are 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 - timings are subject to actual flight times
9:45am Disembark the ship in Walvis Bay and meet your driver
10:00am Transfer to Walvis Bay airport to check-in for a flight to Sossusvlei
11:00am Fly to Sossusvlei (flight details TBA and subject to change)
12:00pm Arrive at Geluk Airstrip in Sossusvlei and meet a lodge representative
12:30pm Depart on a 30-minute transfer, depending on animal sightings, to your overnight lodge
1:00pm Check-in on arrival followed by lunch
3:30pm Afternoon tea
4:00pm Afternoon activity such as a nature drive, walk, quad bike or similar
7:00pm Return to camp and freshen up
8:00pm Enjoy dinner at the lodge
Overnight Little Kulala Lodge
Day 2
5:30am Wake-up call
6:00am Light breakfast prior to morning activity
11:00am Return to camp for meal and rest period
3:30pm Afternoon tea
4:00pm Afternoon activity such as a nature drive, walk, quad bike or similar
7:00pm Return to camp and freshen up
8:00pm Enjoy dinner at the lodge
Overnight Little Kulala Lodge
Day 3 - timings are subject to actual flight times
5:30am Wake-up call
6:00am Light breakfast prior to morning activity
11:00am Return to camp for meal and check-out formalities
11:30am Transfer to the airstrip
12:00pm Scheduled light air transfer from Sossusvlei to Windhoek
Flight details TBA and subject to change
1:00pm Arrive at Windhoek Airport
1:30pm Meet a local representative and embark on a short transfer to your hotel
2:00pm Check-in on arrival and spend the afternoon at leisure
7:00pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight Hilton Hotel Windhoek
Day 4 - timings are subject to actual flight times
5:00am Transfer from the hotel to the airport (breakfast box included)
5:30am Check-in for a regional flight to Johannesburg
7:10am Fly from Windhoek to Johannesburg (flight details TBA and subject to change)
9:10am Arrive O.R. Tambo Airport and connect to a flight to Kasane, Botswana
11:50am Fly to Botswana (flight details TBA and subject to change)
1:35pm Arrive at Kasane Airport where a lodge representative will await your arrival
2:00pm Transfer to Chobe Chilwero Lodge
2:30pm Arrive Chobe Chilwero Lodge and check-in
3:00pm Afternoon tea
3:30pm Afternoon game activity
6:30pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Chobe Chilwero Lodge
Day 5
5:30am Wake-up call
6:00am Continental breakfast served at the main lodge
6:30am Embark on a morning game activity
11:00am Brunch at the lodge followed by time at leisure
3:00pm Afternoon tea
3:30pm Afternoon game activity
6:30pm Dinner at the lodge
Overnight Chobe Chilwero Lodge
Day 6
7:00am Breakfast at the lodge followed by check-out
8:00am Transfer to Victoria Falls
10:30am On arrival in Victoria Falls, begin a guided tour
1:00pm Transfer to your overnight hotel
1:30pm Arrive at your overnight hotel, check-in and enjoy lunch
5:30pm Transfer to the Zambezi River jetty and embark on a sunset cruise with drinks and snacks
8:00pm Return to the hotel for dinner
8:30pm Enjoy dinner in the Royal Livingstone Room
Overnight at the Victoria Falls Hotel
Day 7 - timings are subject to actual flight times
7:00am Breakfast at hotel followed by check-out
7:45am Transfer to the Victoria Falls Airport
8:30am Check-in and board a regional flight to Nelspruit
10:30am Fly to Nelspruit (flight details TBA and subject to change)
12:15pm Arrive at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and collect luggage
12:30pm Meet your driver and transfer to Lukimbi Safari Lodge inside Kruger National Park
3:00pm Arrive at Lukimbi Safari Lodge and check-in
3:30pm Afternoon tea
4:00pm Afternoon game drive
7:00pm Dinner at the lodge
Overnight Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Day 8
5:00am Wake-up call
5:30am Coffee and tea at main lodge
6:00am Morning game drive
9:00am Return to lodge for breakfast and free time
1:00pm Lunch at the lodge
4:00pm Afternoon game drive
7:00pm Dinner at the lodge
Overnight Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Day 9 - timings are subject to actual flight times
5:00am Depart Lukimbi Safari Lodge and transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
7:20am Check-in for a flight to Johannesburg
8:20am Fly Johannesburg (flight details TBA and subject to change)
9:15am Arrive at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo Airport and connect to second flight
11:00am Fly to Richards Bay (flight details TBA and subject to change)
12:30pm Arrive at Richard’s Bay Airport and meet your driver
1:00pm Depart Richard’s Bay Airport and transfer to Richard’s Bay harbor
1:30pm Arrive at Richard’s Bay harbor and re-join the ship
PLEASE NOTE
• While this is a safari area, the animals are wild and so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• Smoking or talking on cellphones in not permitted during the game drives.
• Malaria is endemic to the Mpumalanga region of the country, including the Kruger National Park. In the interests of your personal safety, we recommend that precautions be taken. Peaceful Sleep, a mosquito repellent, is available in all rooms and on game-drive vehicles. Please consult your physician for further information on the various antimalarial prophylactics available.
• 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.
• 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 advised to bring sunhats, sunscreen, sunglasses, as well as 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 or neck problems or for those who are pregnant.
• This program is suitable for guests with walking disabilities providing that a travel companion or spouse accompanies them. Confirmation is strictly subject to availability of handicapped rooms at the time of booking.
• As with most of Africa, seasons at Victoria Falls are defined by the high and low water levels, and wet and dry seasons. Historically, the rainy season in this greater region is from November to March/early April, and the dry season from April/May until November. However, these periods of wet and dry do not fall exactly in line with ‘high and low’ river levels.
• This program is not fully guided however a local escort will accompany the group throughout. The program at the lodge and hotel is run solely and at the discretion by the lodge/hotel staff.
Expected Weather
Weather is quite warm in February in Sossusvlei. The average high during this season is between 97.9°F (36.6°C) and 87.5°F (30.8°C).
The average temperature in Chobe National Park in February ranges from a high of 87°F (31°C) to a low of 67°F (20°C).
The average temperature in Victoria Falls in February ranges from a high of 85°F (30°C) to a low of 66°F (19°C).
Daytime temperatures in Kruger NP (SA) remain in the high 20's (67°F ) and can sometimes rise into the mid-30's (95°F). February sees the last of the summer rainfall and the occasional late afternoon thundershower can occur. The evening temperatures are usually mild.
What to Bring
Clothing should be cool and comfortable. Casual clothing can be worn throughout. Sweaters and heavier jackets are required for winter mornings and evenings. Muted colors such as greens, browns and khaki are the most suitable on safari. Long sleeves and long trousers are also advised for mornings and evenings due to mosquitoes. Sturdy and comfortable shoes are essential. Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats are essential. Binoculars and cameras are a must as are chargers, electricity converters and mosquito repellant. You may wish to bring a bathing suit.
Local Currency
All extras can be paid with Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards. Namibia dollar and SA Rand are accepted in Namibia; U.S. dollars are accepted in Botswana and Victoria Falls; SA Rand only is accepted in South Africa. Small change will be given in the local currency. Diners Cards are not accepted.
Electricity
Electricity in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana have power plugs and sockets that are of type C, D and G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Outlets in South Africa require a three-pronged adapter plug with 3 round prongs. We recommend bringing an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs. However, overnight recharging may not be possible where generator use restricts the availability of electricity.
Flights – subject to change
• Private light aircraft transfer from Walvis Bay to Sosssusvlei (Geluk Airstrip) – Day 1
• Scheduled light aircraft transfer from Sosssusvlei (Geluk Airstrip) to Windhoek Airport – Day 3
• Economy-class regional flights Windhoek to Johannesburg to Kasane – Day 4
• Economy-class regional flight from Victoria Falls to Kruger – Day 7
• Economy-class regional flights from Kruger to Johannesburg to Richards Bay – Day 9
Luggage
Due to the nature of the light aircraft flights taken for this program, only 1 soft-sided bag of maximum 15 kg (33 lbs.) is allowed per person. This includes hand luggage, cameras and POC or CPAP machines. No wheels, frames or rigid structures can be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft. Only soft sided bags will be accepted.
Little Kulala offers complimentary laundry service
Chobe Chilwero Lodge (TBA)
Lukimbi offers laundry service at a cost
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 Reservations at OCI 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 Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements
On this program guests will visit 4 countries. It is imperative that guests have at least 8 blank and unused pages in their passport for any stamps or visas that may be issued when arriving or leaving a country during this program.
Day 4 - Guests will travel by air from Namibia to Botswana via South Africa. A passport with at least six months of validity remaining is required to enter Botswana. U.S. citizens are permitted stays up to 90 days total within a 12-month period without a visa. Guests will be in transit through Johannesburg. A passport with six months validity is required for most nationalities.
Day 6 - Guests will travel by road from Botswana into Zimbabwe. U.S. citizens require a single-entry visa to visit Zimbabwe. If you are traveling to Zimbabwe for tourism, business or transit, you may obtain a visa at the airports or other border ports-of-entry. At the time this program was created, the government of Zimbabwe charges a fee of USD $30.00 – $75 for a single-entry visa depending on your nationality. Applicants can pay for the visa service fee with a credit card. The majority of our guests would fall under category B requiring a visa but guests should check with their local Zimbabwe embassy for full clarification.
Day 7 – Guests will fly from Zimbabwe to South Africa
A passport with at least six months of validity remaining is required.
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.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time or incorrect names on flight tickets will result in either denial of travel or ticket re-purchase and guests will be responsible for any fees incurred.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. It is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination they are visiting including during their land programs.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.
Hotels
Little Kulala Lodge
Address: Sesriem, Namibia
Phone: 011 257 5000
Hilton Hotel
Address: Rev Michael Scott St, Windhoek, Namibia
Phone: +264 61 296 2929
Chobe Chilwero Lodge
Address: Chobe National Park, Kasane
Phone: +27 11 438 4650
Victoria Falls Hotel
Address: 1 Mallet Dr, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Phone: +263 8677 000376
Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Address: Southern part of the Kruger National Park, Malelane, 1320
Phone: 013 735 8000
Program Includes for guests
• 2 nights at Little Kulala Lodge in a suite including accommodation, all meals, local drinks and local activities
• 1 night at the Hilton Hotel Windhoek in a standard room, with dinner, bed and breakfast
• 2 nights at Chobe Chilwero Lodge in a standard room, on a full-board basis including accommodation, game drives and three meals daily and two local beverages with meals
• 1 night at the Victoria Falls Hotel in a Stable Wing room including dinner, bed and breakfast
• 2 nights at Lukimbi Safari Lodge in a Classic Suite including accommodation, two game drives, three meals and 2 local beverages per meal
• Private light aircraft transfer from Walvis Bay to Sosssusvlei (Geluk Airstrip) – Day 1
• Scheduled light aircraft transfer from Sosssusvlei (Geluk Airstrip) to Windhoek Airport – Day 3
• Economy-class regional flights Windhoek to Johannesburg to Kasane – Day 4
• Economy-class regional flight from Victoria Falls to Kruger – Day 7
• Economy-class regional flights from Kruger to Johannesburg to Richards Bay – Day 9
• Transfers as indicated in the itinerary in air-conditioned vehicles and English-speaking drivers
• Meet and Greet at O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg on Days 4 and 9
• Light lunch at Victoria Falls Hotel including two local beverages and gratuity – Day 6
• Sunset cruise including beverages on Zambezi River – Day 6
• Airport and lodge luggage porterage
• Economy-class flights per the program itinerary (direct flights not guaranteed)
• Local escort to accompany the group throughout the journey (not a guide)
Program Excludes for guests:
• Items of personal nature
• Any extras at overnight establishments including premium brand drinks and additional drinks
• Gratuities to drivers, guides, game rangers and trackers, lodge staff
• Visa fees
• Vaccine fees if required
• Excess or overweight luggage fees on flights
Please note: Overland 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, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs. 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.
Please note: All overland 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. 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. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
