Discover the magic of Amakhala Game Reserve, a malaria-free sanctuary in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, just 50 minutes from Port Elizabeth. Spanning 18,000 acres of pristine wilderness, Amakhala offers an unforgettable safari experience where luxury meets adventure.
Stay in elegant accommodations that blend modern comfort with the romance of the African bush. Embark on thrilling game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, guided by expert rangers in search of Africa’s legendary Big Five. As the sun sets, savor sundowners in the wild, followed by a gourmet dinner under a canopy of stars.
This is more than a safari, it’s a journey into the soul of Africa, combining adventure and authentic cultural charm in one extraordinary escape.
DAY 1
Upon disembarkation in East London, you will be warmly greeted by an English-speaking representative for a scenic three-hour overland transfer to the Amakhala Game Reserve, a malaria-free sanctuary in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
Spanning 8,500 hectares of pristine wilderness, Amakhala offers an authentic safari experience with a choice of 3-, 4-, and 5-star accommodations, including restored country houses, luxury safari lodges, and tented camps. Many of these properties are owned and managed by fifth-generation Frontier Settlers, preserving a rich heritage while supporting conservation and community development. The reserve is a shining example of how the former farmland has been transformed into a thriving wildlife haven, with rhino protection at the heart of its mission.
Your home for the next two nights, Amakhala Safari Lodge, combines elegance and comfort in a setting that celebrates the African bush. Each suite features a private plunge pool, a spacious lounge, and luxurious amenities including air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, an outdoor shower, and an indoor bath, all designed for your ultimate relaxation.
On arrival, enjoy a welcome drink and seamless check-in before indulging in afternoon tea. Then, embark on your first game drive, guided by expert rangers who will track Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Expect encounters with the Big Five, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo, alongside cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and an abundance of antelope species. Pause for sundowners in the bush as the African sky ignites in hues of gold and crimson.
Return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner at the Main Lodge, followed by a restful night in your private suite, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Overnight at Amakhala Safari Lodge or similar
DAY 2
Awaken to the sounds of the African bush and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee before setting out on an early morning game drive, the perfect time to witness the wilderness come alive. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, then spend the morning at leisure, perhaps relaxing by the pool and soaking in the tranquil beauty of the reserve.
Savor a delicious lunch at the main lodge before enjoying some free time to unwind. Later in the afternoon, embark on another thrilling game drive, guided by your experienced ranger, who will track wildlife and share fascinating insights into the bush. Pause for sundowners in the wild, as the African sky transforms into a canvas of gold and crimson.
Return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner, paired with warm hospitality and the unforgettable sounds of the night.
Overnight at Amakhala Safari Lodge or similar
DAY 3
Begin your final day with an early morning wake-up call and a refreshing cup of tea or coffee before setting out on one last game drive, a golden opportunity to track the Big Five and countless other fascinating species that call the Eastern Cape home.
Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, followed by check-out formalities. Your English-speaking guide will then accompany you on a scenic 1.5-hour transfer to Port Elizabeth International Airport, with a lunch pack provided for your journey.
Board your flight to Cape Town International Airport, where a local representative will greet you upon arrival, assist with your luggage, and escort you to your luxury coach for a seamless transfer to the Cape Town Cruise Terminal, where you will rejoin your ship.
Land Program Step by Step
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. 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
Please note: Timings may vary depending on actual flight times
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
11:30am Disembark in East London and transfer by road to Amakhala Game Reserve
2:30pm - 3:00pm Arrive at the lodge where you will be welcomed with a drink and proceed with check-in formalities. Followed by afternoon tea.
3:30pm Get shown to your rooms, freshen up and some time to explore before your first activity
4:00pm Enjoy your first afternoon game drive
6:00pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight Amakhala Safari Lodge or similar
DAY 2
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
6:15am Early Morning wake-up call followed by Tea/Coffee and biscuits
6:30am Morning Game Drive
9:30am Return to the lodge and enjoy breakfast followed by free time to relax
2:00pm Lunch will be served at the lodge
The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure
3:00pm Afternoon Game Drive
6:00pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight Amakhala Safari Lodge or similar
DAY 3
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
6:15am Early Morning wake-up call followed by Tea/Coffee and biscuits
6:30am Morning Game Drive
9:30am Return to the lodge and enjoy breakfast
10:30am Gather belongings and check-out formalities
11:00am Depart Lodge and transfer to Port Elizabeth International Airport
12:30pm Arrival at Port Elizabeth International Airport
2:30pm Flight to Cape Town International Airport
3:55pm Arrival at Cape Town International Airport
4:30pm Meet your local transportation and transfer to the Harbor
5:30pm Approximate arrival at Cape Town Cruise Terminal
General Information
Electricity: South Africa operates on a 220/230-volt AC electrical system at 50 Hz. Most hotels provide hair dryers and plug adapters in guest rooms for your convenience. However, plug types commonly used in South Africa are Type M (large round pins), as well as Type C and Type N in some places. We recommend bringing a universal travel adapter to ensure compatibility with all your devices.
Expected Weather: South Africa’s seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, midwinter falls in June, while midsummer is in December and January. The climate varies by region but is generally mild year-round. During this time of year, expect warm days and cooler evenings, with temperatures ranging from highs of around 26°C (79°F) to lows of about 17°C (63°F). Light, breathable clothing is recommended for daytime, with a light jacket or sweater for evenings.
What to Bring: Pack light, breathable cotton tops and trousers or shorts in neutral colors for daytime comfort. For evenings and cooler mornings, bring safari trousers and a warm fleece or jacket. Don’t forget swimwear for the lodge pool, along with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen for sun protection. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for bush walks, and a camera with extra memory cards, chargers, and power banks will help you capture every moment. Finally, include your personal toiletries and any essential medications to ensure a seamless experience.
Luggage: Guests are permitted to check in one suitcase free of charge, not exceeding 20 kg (44 lbs.). Any excess or overweight luggage will incur additional charges at flight check-in. For light aircraft flights, soft-sided luggage is required for safety and space considerations.
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 must 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 can be responsible for.
Please note: Some airlines may impose restrictions or specific requirements when transporting wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other assistive devices. We recommend checking directly with your airline or the Cruise Line prior to departure to ensure compliance with their policies.
Documents and Visa Requirements: A valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration is required for entry into South Africa. Immigration authorities also require a minimum of two consecutive double-blank pages in your passport; failure to meet this requirement may result in denied entry. Currently, U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter South Africa; however, regulations are subject to change. We strongly recommend confirming the latest requirements with your local embassy or consulate prior to travel.
Vaccination & Health Regulations: Guests are responsible for confirming the latest vaccination requirements with their local embassy or health authority. Please note that visa and vaccination costs are not included in the price of this program.
Anti-malarial precautions are essential when visiting game reserves in this region. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional for the most up-to-date advice based on your travel itinerary and personal health history.
If you are arriving in South Africa from a yellow fever zone, you must present a valid International Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate upon entry.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTATION NOTICE:
To ensure successful flight arrangements for this program, the name on your cruise booking, passport, and any required visas must match exactly. This includes first, middle, and last names, with identical spelling across all documents. Discrepancies may result in denial of boarding by the airline.
Cruise line-generated manifests must align precisely with your official travel documents.
Failure to present the correct documentation or inconsistencies in guests names may lead to denied travel or the need to re-purchase tickets at your own expense. Guests will be responsible for any additional costs incurred due to these discrepancies.
Hotel Address & Contact:
Amakhala Safari Lodge
N2, Paterson, 6130
Phone +27 42 235 1291
Please Note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, an alternative hotel may be arranged. Any substitute accommodation will match the original in both rating and quality. You will be informed of any changes prior to your departure. If no such notification is provided, your stay will proceed at the hotel specified in this program.
Program Includes:
•2 nights at Amakhala Safari Lodge or similar
•Two game activities daily
•All meals and local house beverages
•Conservation Park fees
•All transfers, air-conditioned touring vehicles
•Porterage for one piece of luggage per person
•Lunch pack on the last day
•Economy Flight, as per itinerary
Program Excludes:
•All other accommodations
•All other meals & beverages All other drinks 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
•Any other services not mentioned above
•Visa fees
Hints & Restrictions:
•Program details and the number of game drives are subject to change depending on flight schedules.
•The content and order of activities may change without prior notice due to weather conditions or wildlife movement within the reserve.
•While this is a safari area, all animals are wild, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
•Early morning game drives in open vehicles can be cool; guests are advised to bring a windbreaker.
•Daytime temperatures can be extremely hot. Game drive vehicles are open, so guests are exposed to the elements. Please bring sunhats, sunscreen, sunglasses, as well as cameras and binoculars.
•Roads within the reserve are gravel, with inclines and uneven terrain. Game drives can be bumpy and are not recommended for guests with back or neck problems or for pregnant travelers.
•This program is not fully guided. Local representatives will assist with transfers; however, all lodge activities and services are managed solely at the discretion of the lodge staff.
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. This program is not recommended for guests who require the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooters. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to carefully assess their personal physical capabilities and stamina. Participants must be able to independently board and disembark from transportation, including motor coaches, and should be accompanied by an able-bodied companion if assistance is needed. Guests who choose to use independent transportation or wheelchair services provided by third-party companies may do so at their own risk and responsibility. We encourage guests to contact the cruise line in advance to discuss any specific mobility-related questions or concerns before booking this program. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Booking, Pricing & Cancelation:
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. Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. No refunds or partial refunds will be issued for any unused portion of the program. This includes, but is not limited to, missed transfers, accommodation, guided tours, meals, or activities. All venues, hotel stays, tour guides, and logistical services are secured and pre-paid well in advance to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
