Port
Richards Bay, South Africa
Activity Level
Strenuous
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$2299
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
2 Days / 1 Nights
Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1
Upon disembarkation in Richards Bay, you will be greeted by an English-speaking representative who will accompany you on your road transfer to Mfulawozi Game Reserve. Departing from Richards Bay harbor, you will travel approximately 2 hours to reach Mfulawozi Game Reserve.
MfulaWozi is a wilderness area that embodies the spirit and heritage of the Zulu nation. Here, you will walk in the footsteps of the military genius King Shaka Zulu and visionary conservationist Dr. Ian Player. In the early 1800s, this region was King Shaka Zulu’s sacred hunting ground, teeming with wildlife. Later, in the early 1950s, Dr. Ian Player launched ‘Operation Rhino’ here, saving the Southern White Rhino from the brink of extinction. His conservation efforts continue today to protect this critically endangered species.
The lodges at MfulaWozi are built to honor these visionaries, each reflecting the clan that constructed it. While each lodge has a unique structure, they share a common purpose. The name “mFulaWozi” is derived from the sound made by the reeds where the Black and White iMfolozi Rivers converge, a sound deeply significant in Zulu tradition.
Mthembu Lodge, designed in a circular configuration to symbolize wholeness and perfection, is nestled on the embankment of the White iMfolozi River. The lodge and its private luxury suites have been meticulously hand-built by members of the Mthembu clan, stone by stone.
Upon arrival at the main gate of Mfulawozi Wilderness Private Game Reserve, you will meet your lodge representative and transfer to 4x4 game drive vehicles. The transfer to Mthembu Lodge takes approximately 45 minutes, during which you can enjoy a mini game drive and potentially spot some wildlife.
Upon arrival at the lodge, you will be welcomed with a drink and proceed with check-in procedures. Relax and enjoy a light lunch.
You will have some free time to explore the lodge before your 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.
Return to the lodge to freshen up before dinner is served..
Hotel: Mfulawozi Mthembu Lodge
Day 2
Your day begins with an early morning wake-up call, followed by tea, coffee, and biscuits served in the lounge area.
Embark on an early morning game drive in open 4x4 vehicles, accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers. These drives allow for total freedom of movement, enabling you to leave the road and track down Africa’s Big 5.
Return to the lodge for breakfast, followed by leisure time to relax around the lodge until check-out.
Upon check-out, enjoy a leisurely lunch before departing the lodge.
After lunch, you will transfer to Durban to rejoin the 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 autho