Situated in the Western Cape, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, resting at the foot of the Warmwaterberg Mountains, pays homage to the San people who trekked this earth in the heart of South Africa's Little Karoo. Sanbona, often referred to as the 'Arizona of Southern Africa' and the spirit of the San people, invites you to stay and explore a special wilderness, offering five star accommodation surrounded by ancient volcanic mountains and endless vistas. Wildlife that may be viewed on the reserve includes lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, white rhino, brown hyena, black-backed jackal, cheetah, hippopotamus, giraffe, springbok, zebra, eland and many more.
Please note: Participants in this program should schedule their flights to depart from Cape Town, South Africa
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding a South African visa. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain appropriate visa documents prior to cruising. Please note that two consecutive blank pages are compulsory for entry into S. Africa.
DAY 1 - CAPE TOWN / SANBONA
The local Silversea representative is on hand once you have completed all disembarkation formalities. Meeting you at the pier is a local English-speaking tour guide who will accompany you on your transfer to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. The travelling time is approximately 3 - 3 ½ hours to the main entrance gate through small towns, vineyards and orchards.
Upon arrival at the lodge take care of check-in formalities and enjoy lunch before relaxing in the comfort of your spacious suite.
Sundowner evening drives offer spectacular displays of light as the evening sun sets over the Little Karoo. Join a late afternoon nature drive accompanied by qualified rangers in comfortable open Landcruisers.
After dinner, gaze up at the "Milky Way" and try to spot the "Southern Cross" & "Orion's Belt" before retiring for the night. With the absence of artificial light, the stargazing at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is phenomenal and amongst the best in Southern Africa.
Overnight at the Dwyka Tented Camp
DAY 3 - SANBONA
Spend the day at the Lodge, enjoying the cuisine and embarking on early morning and late afternoon game drives that continue after nightfall.
After an early morning wake up call, gather with fellow travelers for tea, coffee and pastries before departing on a nature drive. Early morning is the best opportunity to see those animals that have been active overnight and are looking for deep shade in which to rest.
During the drive, various species of plants, animals, big game and birds can be seen. Wildlife that may be viewed on the reserve includes lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, white rhino, brown hyena, black-backed jackal, cheetah, hippopotamus, giraffe, springbok, zebra, eland, kuku, red harbeest, black wildebeest, grey rhebok, common duiker, steenbok, klipspringer, grysbok, ostrich and riverine rabbit.
Return to the lodge for breakfast, and enjoy some time at leisure before lunch is served. Relax in the comfort of your room, or join your ranger on a guided nature walk.
Sanbona has about 600 species of plants and it is intriguing to know that various species are flowering at different times throughout the year. There are various floral kingdoms that make up the Reserve, which include Acacia Thickets, Nama, Karoo, Renosterveld, Succulent Karoo and Central Mountain Fynbos. Succulents are especially varied and fascinating with names like Baby's Bottoms, Ostrich Toes and Pig's Ears.
There are also 7 recorded rock-art sites on the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and some of these may be visited during your stay.
In the late afternoon, join another sundowner nature drive before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Overnight at Dwyka Tented Camp
DAY 3 - SANBONA GAME RESERVE / CAPE TOWN
Enjoy one last morning game drive followed by a leisurely breakfast and time to gather your belongings and complete check-out formalities.
Depart the camp for the return drive to Cape Town. The lodge has prepared a boxed lunch for you to enjoy along the way.
Upon arrival in Cape Town in the late afternoon proceed directly to the bustling waterfront and check in to your hotel. Built in 1904 as the North Quay Warehouse and converted in 1990 to a luxury hotel, it is named in honour of the Queen of England and her son. Prince Alfred visited the Cape in 1870 and officially opened the Breakwater basin, today's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. You can feel the ambience of colonial Cape Town as you step into the foyer, sense the past of shipwrecks and storms that colour every corner, then relax in the elegant contemporary bedrooms…and savour the atmosphere of the world's most famous working harbour.
Spend the remainder of the day and evening at leisure. Dinner is provided at the hotel.
Overnight at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel
DAY 4 -CAPE TOWN
Breakfast is served at the hotel this morning. The local Silversea representative will be on hand when it's time to transfer to the airport for your international flight. The hotel's check-out time is 11:00 am. If your flight departs late this evening, you may wish to guarantee your room for a late check-out for an additional charge.
For rates and availability please contact Silversea Cruises
Program Inclusions:
- Two night's stay in a Luxury Tent at the Dwyka Tented Camp
- One night stay in a Mountain Facing Room at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel - Cape Town, S. Africa
- Meals: Breakfast daily; three lunches, and three dinners
- Escorted game drives / tours as described
- Transfers between airport, hotel and pier in air-conditioned vehicles
Luggage Information:
Luggage will remain with the guests throughout the duration of the program. Please make sure to keep all valuable jewelry, cameras and computers with you.
Visa Information:
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding a South African visa. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain appropriate visa documents prior to cruising. Please note that two consecutive blank pages are compulsory for entry into S. Africa.
Accessibility:
The sights visited on this program are not well-equipped for mobility-impaired guests; therefore, this tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair.
Health:
Emergency first aid is available at the safari camp. We advise all guests to travel with a comprehensive insurance policy.
Vaccinations:
Consult your physician for information regarding vaccinations or medications that may be appropriate for your state of health.
Please note:
All Land Programs require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described. If this minimum number is not obtained, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel a specific departure.
This description is a general overview of the highlights of this program. The local Silversea representative will do everything possible to insure that all of the sites described here are visited, though the tour sequence and specific sites mentioned is subject to change. Closure of some sites due to local or national holiday observances, flight schedules, weather or other factors may affect the program, and the local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if necessary.
The contents and order of activities of this program are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice. Changes may be due to prevailing weather conditions and/or the movement of wildlife on the Game Reserve. Weather can be cool during early morning game drives in open vehicles when a windbreaker comes in handy. During the day, it can get extremely hot and sunhats, sun block and sunglasses are imperative. Remember to bring your camera and binoculars. Game drive vehicles traverse over uneven terrain making for 'bumpy' rides, and therefore are not recommended for anyone with back problems. This Land Adventure brings you close to nature; insects and other environmental exposure should be anticipated.
Gratuities to guides/drivers, meals and alcoholic drinks other than those noted in itinerary, and other personal expenses are not included in the price of this tour. This program is subject to a 100% penalty for any cancellation notices received 90 days or less prior to sailing.
All Land Adventure fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason, within 90 days of sailing and are recommended to guests 18 years or age and older. Our local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if local situations, including holidays and weather, require. Silversea shall have no obligation or liability of any kind to guests for the business practices, acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors, including but not limited to airline carriers, ground-tour operators, and hotels since they are neither agents for nor employees of Silversea Cruises. Silversea's liability does not extend beyond the vessel.