Cape Town, South Africa


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PRE - GARDEN ROUTE SAFARI: BOTLIERSKOP 2024

Enjoy an up-close unobstructed view of Africa’s most iconic animals on several game drives into the bush. This Lodge is located along the Garden Route which is approximately 4.5 hours by motorcoach from Cape Town therefore no flight is necessary.

BOTLIERSKOP PRIVATE GAME RESERVE:

Situated between the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains and unspoiled beaches of the Indian ocean, in the heart of the Garden Route, lies the 3500 ha Botlierskop Private Game Reserve in the Western Cape ensuring its visitors of a unique South African Safari experience. This safari park is only a 4.5-hour scenic drive from Cape Town. This malaria free, family owned and privately-operated garden route game lodge is home to an abundance of animals including 4 of the Big 5, rare antelope species and unique bird life.

Day 1

Upon arrival at the Cape Town International Airport, you will be met outside the Customs and Immigration area and transferred to your hotel where you will spend the evening. Meals are on your own.

Day 2

After breakfast and check-out formalities at your hotel, transfer overland by van or coach to your safari destination where you will check in and then enjoy lunch. Later in the afternoon you will gather in the main lodge for afternoon tea. This will be followed by an open vehicle game drive (if time permits). Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3

You will spend the entire day at your selected establishment, where two game activities and all meals are included.

Day 4

After one last morning game drive and breakfast, complete check-out formalities and transfer back to Cape Town and onto the harbor where you cruise ship awaits your arrival. A light snack lunch will be provided for the drive.

Please note:

-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 movement of dangerous wildlife on the reserve.

-Whilst this is a safari area, the animals are wild and so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

-During early morning game drives in open vehicles it can be a little cool. We recommend that guests take along a windbreaker.

-During the day, it can get extremely hot. The game drive vehicles are not covered – and guests are therefore exposed to the elements. Guests are therefore advised not to forget their sunhats, sun block, sunglasses, as well as their cameras and binoculars.

-The roads in the game reserve are gravel. There are also inclines and certain parts of the game-drive can be bumpy. Not recommended for guests with back & neck problems or pregnant ladies.

-This program is suitable for guests with walking disabilities, providing that a travel companion or spouse accompanies them. Please also note that confirmation would be strictly subject to availability of handicapped rooms at the time of booking.

-No children under 6 years of age are allowed on safari.

-This program is not fully guided. Local representatives will assist you with your transfers however, the program at the lodge and hotel is run solely and at the discretion by the lodge/hotel staff.

Land Program Details Step by Step

•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.

•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.

Extra Nights

•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 2:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.

•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 2:00pm.

•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.

DAY 1

Arrive at the Cape Town International Airport (according to individual flight arrival times)

Meet and greet and transfer to your hotel (check-in time at 2:00pm)

The remainder of afternoon and evening at leisure – meals are on your own

Overnight at the Radisson Blu Waterfront or similar hotel

Meet and Greet and transfers

•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.

•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.

•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.

•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.

DAY 2

From 6:30am Breakfast at hotel

8:30am Depart hotel for your safari destination

1:30pm Arrival at safari destination (check-in time at 2:00pm)

Enjoy lunch on arrival followed by check-in

4:00pm Afternoon game drive

7:30pm Return to the lodge

8:00pm Dinner at lodge

Overnight at Botlierskop Game Reserve

DAY 3

5:30am Wake-up call - Hot tea and coffee served at main lodge

6:00am Morning game drive

9:00am Return to lodge for breakfast

12:00pm Lunch

4:00pm Afternoon game drive

7:30pm Return to the lodge

8:00pm Dinner at lodge

Overnight at Botlierskop Game Reserve

DAY 4

5:30am Wake-up call - hot tea and coffee served at main lodge

6:30am Morning game drive

9:00am Return to lodge and enjoy a leisurely breakfast

11:00am Gather belongings & complete check-out formalities

11:30am Depart lodge by road for Cape Town - light lunch pack included for the drive

5:00pm Approximate arrival in Cape Town and at Cape Town harbor

Expected Weather:

South Africa’s seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Midwinter is June and midsummer is December and January. The climate varies from region to region but is generally mild throughout the year. Expect it to be hot during the day and much cooler in the evenings.

What to Bring:

Light cotton tops and cotton trousers and shorts in summer. Safari trousers and warm fleece tops for evenings and cooler days. Also, bring swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, camera, film and batteries, personal toiletries.

Currency:

The monetary unit of South Africa is the Rand, divided into cents and abbreviated as R and c. All major credit cards are accepted at most establishments, although Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards.

Electricity:

South Africa’s electrical system is 220/230 volts A/C 50 cycles. Most hotels have hair dryers and plug adaptors in the bedrooms however we recommend brining your own travel adaptor for electrical devices.

Luggage:

There are no flights so there are no restrictions for luggage although porterage is included for up to 2 bags per person.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

South African Immigrations requires that you have at least two consecutive double-blank pages in your passport, or entry to the country may be denied. Passports should also be valid for more than 6 months at the time of travel. Please consult your local embassy for all of the visa requirements pertaining to South Africa.

Cape Town Accommodations:

Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel

100 Beach Rd, Granger Bay, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Phone: +27 21 441 3000

Botlierskop Game Reserve

Address: Gonnakraal Road, Little Brak River, 6503, South Africa

Phone: +27 44 333 0021

*We will only substitute a hotel in unforeseen situations. If a hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotels listed in this program will be used.

Program Includes:

*One-night accommodation at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel – Premium Sea Facing Room (Bed &Breakfast)

*Two night’s accommodation at Botlierskop Game Reserve– (Luxury tented suite) including full board - all meals & game drives

*Two local beverages during meals at Safari establishment

*Transfers to /from the lodge by private air-conditioned vehicle and local English-speaking guide

*Private airport transfer (see note below)

*Light boxed lunch on Day 4

*Bottled mineral water on board touring vehicle

*Porterage, allowing for a maximum of 2 pieces per person

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Program excludes:

*Personal expenses such as telephone calls; curio shop purchases; laundry, hotel incidentals etc.

*Additional beverages and meals not mentioned in the itinerary

*Visa fees

*Tips to drivers, luggage porters, tour guides and safari guides

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.

More Details
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.