Kruger Shalati: The Train Bridge (DUR-CPT) Double Occupancy
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Port
Durban, 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
$5199
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
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Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1 (D)
After arriving in Durban, you will be met by a local English-speaking tour guide for your transfer to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport. From there, fly to Johannesburg. Upon arriving at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, a meet and greet service will assist you planeside, accompany you to collect your luggage, and introduce you to your awaiting guide for your transfer. Transfer to the 54 on Bath Hotel, where you will spend the night. Check-in and freshen up before enjoying dinner. Join fellow travelers in the main restaurant for a delicious dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: 54 On Bath - Deluxe rooms
Day 2 (B,L,D)
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, complete the check-out formalities. You’ll be greeted by a local English-speaking representative who will assist you with your transfer to OR Tambo International Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, airport assistance will accompany you through security until boarding.
Check in and board your flight to Skukuza. Upon arrival at Skukuza Airport, collect your luggage and meet your lodge representative. Enjoy a short 15–20-minute transfer to Kruger Shalati.
Kruger National Park, established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African lowveld, is a wildlife sanctuary like no other. Its unique atmosphere allows those who enter its vastness to immerse themselves in the unpredictability and endless wilderness that defines the true quality of Africa.
Covering nearly 2 million hectares of land along the Mozambique border, Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa, surpassing the size of Israel. Here, baobabs, fever trees, knob thorns, marula, and mopane trees provide a backdrop for encounters with the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino), the Little Five (buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, ant lion, and rhino beetle), and an abundance of other mammals and bird species.
Kruger Shalati, known as “The Train on the Bridge,” offers a first-of-its-kind luxury accommodation experience. The re-envisioned train is stationed on the historically rich Selati Bridge above the Sabie River in Kruger National Park. Paying homage to the early explorers of the park, Kruger Shalati welcomes new adventurers from near and far. The train’s location commemorates where the first visits to the iconic park were allowed in the early 1920s.
Arrive at Kruger Shalati and savor a welcome drink. Before check-in formalities, enjoy lunch and then be shown to your unique carriage rooms. These glass-walled train rooms provide infinite views along the majestic Sabie River. The train’s design celebrates African art and craftsmanship. High above the riverbanks, a bespoke deck with a pool offers a swimming experience like no other, with crocodiles, hippos, buffalos, and elephants’ visible meters below.
In the afternoon, gather for tea and embark on an open vehicle game drive in search of the ‘Big Five’ and other wildlife and bird species.
Return to the lodge and indulge in traditional cuisine at the Bridge House Restaurant.
Hotel Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge – Luxury Standard Rooms
Day 3 (B,L,D)
Start your day with an early wake-up call, followed by tea, coffee, and biscuits before your morning game drive. Explore the diverse wildlife and natural beauty of Kruger’s southern region, which is bordered by the Crocodile River to the south and the Sabie River to the north. This region also features the rugged Lebombo Mountains along the Mozambique border and the park’s highest point, Khandzalive.
The valleys in this area are home to unique tree species rarely found elsewhere in Kruger, including the Cape chestnut, coral tree, and lavender fever-berry. Overall, the southern part of the park is known for its abundant wildlife. During your game drive, take in the spectacular scenery and keep an eye out for sightings of the ‘Big Five.’
After your game drive, return to Selati Bridge for a delicious breakfast, followed by leisure time. Optional guided walks or helicopter rides are available at an addtional cost (to the hotel). Take advantage of your free time to relax in your carriage room or enjoy a swim in the overhanging pool while observing wildlife from the deck. Indulge in afternoon tea before embarking on your late afternoon game drive. Finally, return to the lodge for a satisfying dinner."
Hotel Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge – Luxury Standard Rooms
Day 4 (B)
Conclude your Kruger adventure with a final morning game drive followed by a delicious breakfast and complete check-out procedures. A lodge representative will accompany you to Skukuza Airport for a non-stop flight to Cape Town. The lodge will provide a packed lunch for your journey.
Board your flight from Skukuza Airport to Cape Town. Upon reaching Cape Town International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Cape Town harbor to board your awaiting cruise ship. In case Skukuza flights are not available during booking, guests will fly from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Cape Town, and the arrival time at the ship may vary.
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.