Silversea Luxury Cruises Nach Richards Bay

Embrace the spectacular beauty of Lake Mzingazi in a relaxing new way during this memorable, full-day golfing excursion at the Richards Bay Country Club.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute transfer to the Richards Bay Golf Club. Situated along the shores of beautiful Lake Mzingazi, this approximately 5,577-yard (about 5,100-metre) Par-71 golf course is among the most scenic and challenging layouts in Zululand. Co-designed by Gary Player, it was upgraded by Peter Matkovich in 2007.

Upon arrival, register at the Pro Shop, then warm up on the driving range before commencing your 18-hole round of golf. At the conclusion of your golf outing, commence the approximately 30-minute transfer back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of activity. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable golf attire, soft spikes and sun protection are recommended; jeans and/or rugby shorts are not permitted. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. The following are not included in the cost of the tour and is at guests own expense and paid directly at the Golf Club: Bucket of Practice Range Balls ZAR 30 for 50 balls, Sleeve of New Balls: ZAR 75 - ZAR 150, Caddy Fee if Available: ZAR 150 caddy and ZAR 100 for spotter, Ride-Along Fee for Guest accompanying Golfer (will not golf): ZAR 180 per person per cart.

Discover the breath-taking natural beauty and abundant wildlife of the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve during this panoramic, full-day game-drive excursion.

Richards Bay, National Road, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, Memorial Gate

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive north along the National Road en route to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. Truly one of the most fascinating parts of Africa, this expansive reserve preserves the wildlife of Zululand, along with the beauty, charm and tradition of its natural surrounds. Upon arrival at the Memorial Gate and after a brief comfort stop, receive your safety and tour instructions, then begin your guided safari adventure aboard an open-air, 4WD safari vehicle.

Guided Game-Drive, White Rhinos, Abundant Bird and Animal Species

Your panoramic, approximately two-hour game-drive traverses the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. The reserve has become renowned for its small population of rare, white rhino, along with a spectacular variety of bird and animal species, including the elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, mountain reedbuck, kudu and warthog. During your game drive, you may have the opportunity to encounter many of these beautiful animals from up-close. At the end of your game drive, return to Memorial Gate. After a comfort stop, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of off-road driving and a minimal amount of walking for approximately 109 yards (about 100 metres), at times over uneven, bumpy, gravel, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the vehicles. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck 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, weatherproof jacket, and a camera from the ship. Guests must be at least six years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. The distance between the pier and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Guests are not permitted to use cellular phones during the game drives. Guests are not permitted to speak loudly, nor stand up on the game drive vehicles, as this disturbs the animals. Smoking is not permitted during the game drives. Guests must carry their passports. The open-air, 4WD safari vehicles utilised on this tour are not covered, and guests are therefore exposed to the elements. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife and bird 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.

Depart from the quayside in Richard's Bay and drive by coach via Empangeni to Shakaland, and Duma Zulu Village. Shakaland was built initially for Shaka Zulu, a TV mini-series about King Shaka that was made in South Africa in the mid-1980s, but the attention to detail by the set designers meant there was little work needed to transform it into an authentic cultural experience.

Upon arrival you are met by a Zulu guide and served a welcome refreshment. Then you are invited to relive the excitement and romance of the days of King Shaka, the King of the Zulus.

Walking through the village, you will see a variety of displays including Zulu women creating beadwork, weaving mats, sculpting pottery, baking bread and brewing Zulu beer. The Zulu men will show you how to make a spear & shield and how to build a Zulu 'beehive' grass hut. Your guide will interpret the daily activities and you will have the opportunity to view a short audio-visual presentation.

Next, you are invited into the Chief's Hut where Zulu dancers will perform rhythmic drum dances and tribal members will recreate a ritual by the Sangoma (traditional healer).

Following this performance, a traditional Zulu buffet dinner will be provided at a restaurant overlooking the Umhlatuze Lake.

Before re-boarding your coach for the return drive to Richard's Bay and your awaiting ship, some leisure time is available to explore the village on your own and to visit the local curio shops.

Please Note: Most of the tour takes place outdoors and involves a moderate amount of walking. This tour is not recommended for guests who have walking limitations. It is Zulu custom for young, unmarried women to go topless. No photographs or videos may be taken of the Sangoma (traditional healer). The village has mostly gravel ground, which can be slightly muddy after heavy rain. Guests are advised to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes, sun hats, sun block & sunglasses.

Explore Richards Bay at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking driver/guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Richards Bay at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking driver/guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Richards Bay at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking driver/guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 5 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Richards Bay at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking driver/guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 5 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Take a journey in to a haven for gigantic hippopotamus and fierce crocodiles during this half-day boat cruise on Lake St. Lucia.

South Africa's abundant bird and wildlife species are yours to discover during this scenic cruise at the St. Lucia Wetland Park - now known as iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Depart the pier for the drive north to the beautiful iSimangaliso Wetland. Upon arrival, embark your boat for a leisurely two-hour cruise on Lake St Lucia. Along the way see mangrove swamps, prolific birdlife, oyster banks with stories of days gone by, the second highest vegetated Dunes in the World.

You may also catch sight of the basking and nesting sites of the Nile crocodile and the hippos that make their homes in the estuary - the greatest confluence of crocodiles and hippos in South Africa.

Following your cruise, disembark your boat and re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves little walking but over uneven terrain from the coach to the dock, with a few big steps to negotiate to get down to and into the boat. It is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair. Wear comfortable clothing and bring protection from the sun. Binoculars are a must; please remember to bring the ones in your suite with you for this tour, as there are none available onboard the boat. The drive from the pier to iSimangaliso Wetland Park is approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Due to the natural habitat, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. The bottom deck is covered; the top deck is open. The boat is not for the exclusive use of Silversea.

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.