Situated in the lush Maputaland region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the expansive Phinda Private Game Reserve borders the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Phinda comprises approximately 43,240 acres (about 17,500 hectares) of prime conservation land. Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife, including Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhinos, and buffalo) and over 400 bird species, whilst the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival that of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. A scenic drive takes you from Richard's Bay to the Phinda Private Game Reserve. Upon arrival, board 4WD safari vehicles and begin your first game-drive of the day in search of the Big Five, along with a wide array of diverse wildlife and bird species. Following your game-drive, proceed for lunch and check-in at the inviting Phinda Lodge, followed by afternoon tea and your second game-drive. Afterward, sundowners and light snacks are served at a clearing in the bush, with the possibility of viewing several nocturnal wildlife species before returning to the lodge. After dinner and an overnight stay at the Phinda Lodge, depart for an early-morning game-drive, then return to the lodge for breakfast and check-out. Your Mid-Voyage Land Adventure concludes on Day Two with a drive to Durban Harbour. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.
01MIDRCB-B: Phinda and the Big Five
Duration: 2 Days/1 Night
Departs from: Richard's Bay on the 12th April 2019
Re-join ship: Durban on the 13th April 2019
Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.
Payment-in-full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. Booking made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme.
All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.
VISA and VACCINATION:
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa and vaccination requirements. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas and vaccinations before cruising.
LOCAL CURRENCY:
The local currency is the South African Rand; however, Euros and US Dollars are well-accepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (there is no shopping stop planned during the program).
Experience the spectacular grandeur and wildlife of the expansive Phinda Private Game Reserve during this panoramic overnight excursion in search of the Big Five.
DAY ONE - Friday, April 12, 2019 - Richard's Bay/Phinda Private Game Reserve
Scheduled flight to the Phinda Private Game Reserve
After breakfast on board, meet your guide and depart Richard's Bay Harbour for the scenic, approximately 2-2.5-hour drive to the Phinda Private Game Reserve. Situated in the lush Maputaland region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the Phinda Private Game Reserve borders the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Phinda habitats, wildlife, including Africa's Big Five, bird species, and marine diversity
The expansive, eco-tourism award-winning Phinda Private Game Reserve comprises approximately 43,240 acres (about 17,500 hectares) of prime conservation land. Seven diverse habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife, including Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhinos, and buffalo) and over 400 bird species, whilst the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival that of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Phinda Lodge, pool, viewing decks, al fresco dining, and wildlife views
At the heart of the Phinda Lodge lies a sparkling, rim-flow swimming pool, as well as expansive decks in a spacious seating area offering panoramic views of an open meadow where animals frequently graze. Daytime meals on the open-air dining deck bring about their own distractions, as monkeys frolic in the branches and an ever-changing assortment of wildlife grazes on the open plain in the distance.
Evening bomas by firelight, and lantern lit feasts beneath the stars
In the evenings, when warm firelight welcomes you to the traditional African boma, wide-eyed bush babies watch inquisitively from the dense foliage above as you in indulge in an intimate, lantern-lit feast beneath a canvas of stars.
Lunch and check-in at the Phinda Lodge
Upon arrival at the main entrance gate, you are met by game rangers and transferred in open-air, 4WD safari vehicles to the Phinda Lodge. Upon arrival, proceed for a welcome drink, light lunch and check-in.
Afternoon tea and game-drive
After lunch, gather for afternoon tea on the patio before departing in open-air, 4WD safari vehicles for an afternoon game-drive in search of Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinos, and buffalo), along with many other wildlife and bird species.
Sundowners and light snacks in the bush
Following your game-drive, sundowners and light snacks are served at a clearing in the bush, with the possibility of viewing several nocturnal wildlife species before returning to the lodge. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to freshen up before dinner.
Dinner and overnight accommodations at the Phinda Lodge.
DAY TWO - Saturday, April 13, 2019 - Phinda Private Game Reserve/Durban
Early-morning refreshments and game-drive
After an early-morning wake-up call, proceed for coffee, tea and biscuits in the lounge area. Afterward, depart the lodge with your rangers and trackers in open-air, 4WD safari vehicles for an early-morning game-drive.
Breakfast and check-out
Following your game-drive, return to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast, some free time is made available to gather your belongings and check-out.
Transfer to Durban Harbour and your ship
At the conclusion of your visit, depart the Phinda Lodge for the approximately 4.5-hour drive to Durban Harbour. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.
Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves an extensive amount of off-road driving and a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven, bumpy, slippery and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and open-air, 4WD safari vehicles, and at the sites visited. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a light jacket, camera, and any necessary medication from the ship. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, animal sightings are not guaranteed. Due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the Game Reserve, the programme contents and sequence are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Programme Includes:
- One-night stay at the Phinda Lodge - Phinda Private Game Reserve
- One breakfast, two lunches (Day Two packed lunch) and one dinner (lunch includes choice of two local beers, soft drinks, bottled water; beverage at dinner also includes house wine)
- Guide services
- Afternoon tea
- Sundowners and light snacks in the bush (weather-permitting)
- Morning and afternoon game drives in open-air, 4WD safari vehicles
Not Included:
Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance and other personal items.
