Kichaka Game Lodge Safari Overland (Double Occupancy)(PTE-CPT)
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Port
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$3799
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
3 Days/ 2 Nights
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Meals Included
Meals not included
DAY 1: (L, D)
After disembarking in Port Elizabeth, you will be greeted by a local English-speaking representative who will accompany you on your private coach transfer to Kichaka Game Lodge. The drive takes approximately ninety minutes and offers a pleasant introduction to the landscapes of South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
Your journey brings you into the Lalibela Game Reserve, a malaria-free region close to both Port Elizabeth and Addo. This reserve spans an impressive 7,500 hectares, covering five distinct ecosystems that support an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna. Lalibela is home to the iconic Big Five—lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard—as well as other predators such as cheetah, hyena, jackal, and lynx. The vast open plains of the reserve are alive with zebra, giraffe, warthog, impala, wildebeest, and numerous antelope species, creating a classic African safari setting. The reserve blends the charm of authentic Africa with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels both refined and relaxed.
Kichaka Game Lodge, your home during this stay, blends seamlessly into the surrounding wilderness. Built from natural stone and thatch, the lodge was extensively rebuilt and refurbished in 2020, giving it a fresh, contemporary feel while still honoring traditional safari style. The décor combines modern luxury with touches of colonial elegance, creating an atmosphere that is both timeless and deeply comfortable.
Upon arrival at Kichaka Game Lodge, you will be welcomed with a refreshing drink before completing the check-in formalities. Once checked in, you will be escorted to your suite and given time to settle in.
Shortly afterward, you will gather at the main lodge to begin your first afternoon game drive. After returning to the lodge, you will have time to freshen up before enjoying a delicious dinner, marking a perfect end to your first day in the African bush.
Hotel: Kichaka Game Lodge
DAY 2: (B, L, D)
Your day begins with an early morning start at 6am, giving you one final for a morning game drive. This is an ideal time to search for the Big Five and the many other remarkable animals that inhabit the Eastern Cape.
After returning from your safari, the rest of the morning is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to relax at the lodge, unwind in your suite, or take part in one of the optional activities available at an additional cost.
Lunch will be served at the lodge, offering a chance to savor delicious cuisine. You may wish to spend time by the pool, enjoy the views from the lodge, or simply soak up the tranquility of your surroundings.
In the late afternoon, after enjoying tea at the lodge, you will set out once again on a sundowner game drive- a classic safari tradition. This outing offers a different perspective of the bush as the light begins to soften and animals become more active. Your experienced ranger will help you track wildlife and make the most of your final hours in the reserve.
Upon returning to the lodge, you will have time to freshen up before dinner is served.
Hotel: Kichaka Game Lodge
DAY 3: (B, L)
Your final morning at the lodge begins with an early wake-up call, followed by tea and coffee to ease you into the day. You will then depart on a morning game drive, giving you one last opportunity to experience the wildlife and beauty of the reserve. After returning to the lodge, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before completing your check-out formalities. You will have about 30 mins to gather and pack up your luggage. A packed lunch will be provided for your journey.
Once you are ready, you will meet your English-speaking tour guide, who will accompany you on your transfer to Port Elizabeth. Upon arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport, you will check in for your flight to Cape Town.
When you land at Cape Town International Airport, a local English speaking guide will be waiting to welcome you. You will then be escorted to your air conditioned coach for the transfer to Cape Town Harbor. Upon arrival at the cruise terminal, you will re join your ship and continue your journey.
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.