Phinda Forest Lodge (DUR-CPT) Double Occupancy
-
Port
Durban, South Africa
-
Activity Level
Strenuous
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$5599
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
-
Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1 (L,D)
Upon disembarkation in Durban, you will be met by a local English-speaking representative for your transfer to Phinda Forest Lodge. Transfer time is approximately 4.5 hours. A snack pack will be provided for the transfer.
Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in the lush Maputaland region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site – Phinda comprises 17 500 hectares (43 240 acres) of prime conservation land. Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Phinda Forest Lodge is cradled in a maze of ancient vegetation. Each air-conditioned suite provides serene, reflective spaces to watch the secrets of the forest unfold. The dappled green shade works its magic on guests and animals alike, providing an intimate glance into the world of the forest dwellers. Tiny suni and red duiker graze among the vines and massive tree trunks, and a short walk to the main guest area could easily become a close encounter with a graceful nyala or an agile impala.
On arrival at the main entrance gate, you will be met by game rangers who will transfer you to Forest Lodge in 4-wheel drive open vehicles.
On arrival enjoy a welcome drinks and check-in. Settle into your room with some time to explore. Enjoy afternoon tea before departing on an afternoon game drive.
Sundowners and light snacks will be served at a clearing in the bush following your game drive with the possibility of viewing several nocturnal wildlife species before returning to the lodge.
The guests will have some time to freshen up for dinner is served at the Lodge.
Hotel: Phinda Private Game Reserve - Phinda Forest Lodge
Day 2 & 3 (B,L,D)
Your day begins with an early morning wake-up call. Tea, coffee, and biscuits will be served in the lounge area. Depart from the lodge on an early morning game drive in open 4x4 vehicles, accompanied by your rangers and trackers.
Return to the lodge for breakfast, followed by leisure time to relax around the lodge. Lunch will be served at the lodge, followed by more free time.
Gather for afternoon tea before departing on an afternoon game drive. Sundowners and light snacks will be served at a clearing in the bush following your game drive, with the possibility of viewing several nocturnal wildlife species before returning to the lodge.
Guests will have some time to freshen up before dinner, which will be served at the lodge.
Hotel: Phinda Private Game Reserve - Phinda Forest Lodge
Day 4 (B)
Depart from the lodge on a shortened early morning game-drive in open 4x4 vehicles, accompanied by your rangers & trackers.
Return to the lodge for breakfast followed by check-out formalities. Enjoy a lunch pack form the lodge on your transfer. Should you wish to have a leisurely morning instead to gather your belongings, you may request to have breakfast earlier.
Bid the lodge staff farewell and transfer to King Shaka International Airport where you will board your direct flight to Cape Town.
On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you are met by a local representative at the arrivals hall and transferred to Cape Town Harbour to re-join your cruise 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.
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.