Kapama Karula Safari Lodge (Single Occupency) (PLU-PLE)
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Port
Port Louis, Mauritius
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All,68
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$12199
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
6 Days/ 5 Nights
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Meals Included
Meals included
DAY 1: (L, D)
Step ashore in Port Louis and begin a relaxing overnight getaway on the beautiful island of Mauritius. After meeting your local guide, enjoy a short transfer to your beachfront resort, where you'll spend the next day at leisure enjoying the island's tropical surroundings.
Upon arrival, check in and enjoy a light lunch before being escorted to your room. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. Relax by the pool, stroll along the beach, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, or simply take advantage of the resort's facilities. If you would like to explore beyond the resort, the hotel concierge can assist with arranging independent activities and sightseeing.
Your overnight stay includes a fully inclusive package featuring lunch, dinner, breakfast, and a selection of beverages. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel's restaurant before settling in for a restful night.
Hotel: Mauritius Hotel TBD
DAY 2: (B, L, D)
After an early breakfast, check out of your hotel and meet your guide for the transfer to Mauritius International Airport. Upon arrival, your guide will assist you to the check-in area before you proceed through security, immigration, and customs for your flight to Johannesburg.
Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, your local guide will be waiting in the arrivals hall to welcome you and escort you to your vehicle.
Begin your South African experience with lunch in the historic township of Soweto. Enjoy a meal at Sakhumzi Restaurant, known for offering authentic local flavors and a glimpse into township culture.
Following lunch, embark on a guided tour of Soweto, one of South Africa's most significant cultural and historical areas. Visit the Nelson Mandela House Museum, the former home of President Nelson Mandela, and learn about his role in South Africa's journey to democracy. Along the way, see a variety of neighborhoods that illustrate the township's diverse history and development, from informal settlements to modern residential communities and historic workers' hostels.
After your tour, transfer to the luxurious Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in Johannesburg. Set among beautifully landscaped gardens, this elegant boutique hotel offers a peaceful retreat from the city. The remainder of the afternoon at leisure enjoying the property's facilities or relaxing in your room.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel before settling in for an overnight stay.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel
DAY 3: (B, L, D)
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to OR Tambo International Airport for your flight to Hoedspruit, gateway to the Greater Kruger region.
Upon arrival, meet your local representative and travel to Kapama Karula, an exclusive luxury safari lodge located within the Kapama Private Game Reserve. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the landscapes and wildlife that make this region one of Africa's premier safari destinations.
Home to the famous Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo - the Greater Kruger area also supports an incredible variety of birdlife, antelope, reptiles, and smaller wildlife species. The reserve's diverse habitats range from riverine forests and open savannah to thornveld and mopane woodland.
After arriving at Kapama Karula, enjoy a welcome drink before completing check-in formalities and settling into your private suite. Your luxurious accommodation features spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, a private deck overlooking the Klaserie River, and your own heated plunge pool.
Enjoy a light lunch or afternoon tea before relaxing at the lodge and taking in the tranquil surroundings.
Later in the afternoon, embark on your first open-vehicle safari game drive accompanied by an experienced ranger and tracker. Travel through the reserve in search of wildlife while.
learning about the region's animals, plants, and ecosystems. As the sun begins to set, stop in the bush to enjoy traditional sundowners and snacks before continuing your wildlife viewing experience into the early evening.
Return to the lodge after dark and enjoy dinner in the lodge restaurant before retiring for the evening.
Hotel: Kapama Karula
DAY 4 &5: (B, L, D)
Rise before dawn and enjoy coffee, tea, and light refreshments before setting out on an early morning open-vehicle safari. This is one of the best times of day to view wildlife, as many animals are most active during the cooler morning hours. Accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, search for iconic African wildlife while learning about the plants, birds, and ecosystems of the reserve.
Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and spend the remainder of the morning at leisure. Relax by the pool, enjoy the views from your private suite, or watch for birds and wildlife around the lodge grounds.
A leisurely lunch is served at the lodge before time to unwind and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Guests may also choose to participate in a guided bush walk (subject to guide availability and minimum age requirements of 16 years and older). Walking safaris offer a unique opportunity to experience the African bush from a different perspective while learning about animal tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife often missed on game drives.
In the late afternoon, gather for tea before heading out on another exciting safari. As the day cools and the wildlife becomes more active, continue your search for the Big Five and other species that inhabit the reserve. During the drive, stop in the bush for traditional sundowners and snacks while enjoying the African sunset.
After returning to the lodge, relax around the fire with a pre-dinner drink before enjoying dinner under the stars in a traditional African boma, where the sounds of the surrounding wilderness provide a memorable backdrop to the evening.
Hotel: Kapama Karula
DAY 6: (B, L)
Savor your final morning in the African bush before departing Kapama Karula for your journey back to the ship. After an early continental breakfast, complete check-out formalities and bid farewell to the lodge staff and rangers who have guided your safari experience. A packed lunch will be provided for your travels.
Transfer through the scenic landscapes of northeastern South Africa to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, a representative will assist you with your connection to Port Elizabeth.
After arriving in Port Elizabeth, collect your luggage and meet your local guide in the arrivals hall. A short transfer brings you to Port Elizabeth Harbor, where you will rejoin your ship.
Cancellation Policy:
90 Days prior to arrival in the excursion port. This excursion is non-refundable within 90 days of arrival into the excursion port. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour. This will include if a guest cancels their voyage within 90 days of arrival into the excursion port.
Important Participation Note:
This program involves strenuous activity and requires a high level of mobility. Guests must be able to embark and disembark motor coaches with little to no assistance. Guests using mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs must ensure these devices are collapsible and can be stored under buses without staff assistance. If you are unable to manage your mobility device independently, you must travel with a companion who can assist you. Motorized scooters of any kind are not permitted on this tour. Participation in this program requires physical capability to navigate uneven terrain, ramps, and steps, so please carefully consider your mobility needs.
Tour Notes:
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 wildlife movement on the reserve. Early morning game drives in open vehicles can be a little cool -- bring a windbreaker. During the day, temperatures can be extremely hot. The game drive vehicle may not be covered. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Ride will be bumpy. Guests with back or neck conditions are not allowed to participate. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. Participants are not permitted to use cell phones during the game drives or to speak loudly or stand up in the game drive vehicle, as this will disturb the animals. Smoking is not permitted. An escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. Airport assistance and transfers, transportation by air-conditioned coach, all entrance fees indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), water on the vehicle, and meals (as indicated) are also included. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour. South Africa requires two blank passport pages per entry. Kruger is a malaria risk area; see your physician well in advance of travel for appropriate prophylaxis medication.
Luggage:
Maximum baggage allowance is one soft-sided bag up to 44 lbs per person. Hotels and Lodges are able to launder clothes, but this will be at an additional cost and is not included in the cost of this program.
Visas:
Kindly note that it is the responsibility of guests to ensure they possess the necessary visas for all countries that will be included in their Overland Adventure or Overnight trips, as well as for re-joining the ship at the designated location. Holland America will not assist guests with obtaining a visa. Guests are encouraged to seek assistance with visa requirements from their travel agent. Holland America does not provide visa procurement services and therefore, guests are advised to obtain the required visas independently before embarking on their journey. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. Residents of the USA and Canada phone: 866-935-8472; or email: hollandamerica@cibtvisas.com . CIBTvisas' phone numbers and email addresses for residents of Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at https://CIBTvisas.com/hollandamerica . You must advise CIBTvisas of your Overland Adventures or Overnights, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.
Breathing devices:
There are stringent regulations regarding the transportation of breathing/respiratory devices for any purpose during tours or overland trips. Guests intending to bring such a device must notify the home office or shore excursion staff at least 30 days before the start of the tour. They are required to fill out the necessary FAA documentation, furnish a physician's authorized letter detailing the device's particular use, and provide information about the device. It is imperative to understand that each airline will conduct an inspection of the device before boarding to ensure compliance, which may result in delays at the airport.