During your voyage, enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the world’s most fascinating destinations in small, private groups, with knowledgeable guides to help you discover off –the-beaten- path gems. On an Overland Program, you’ll disembark the ship for one-night or more to enjoy a more authentic insider’s view, experiencing firsthand the colorful cultures, dramatic landscapes and exquisite landmarks before rejoining your ship.
Behold some of South Africa’s most majestic animals on two spectacular game drives in the malaria-free Pumba Private Game Reserve, a wonderland of more than 16,000 acres of privately owned bush. The reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five as well as rare white lion, hippo, hyena, cheetah, giraffes, various antelope and more than 300 bird species.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
DAY 1:
Upon disembarkation in Port Elizabeth, you will be met by an English-speaking tour guide who will accompany you on your road transfer to Pumba Private Game Reserve. The travelling time is approximately 1.5 hours.
Pumba Private Game Reserve, located in the heart of the Eastern Cape’s malaria-free game viewing region, covers 6,500 hectares of privately-owned property in the Eastern Cape. Overlooking Lake Kariega, Pumba Private Game Reserve offers stunning views of the wilderness and water from every point.
After enjoying a welcome drink upon arrival, you will have free time in your room to freshen up. Later, rejoin at the main lodge and embark on your afternoon open vehicle game drive. Qualified English speaking game rangers will guide you through the bush, in search of the elusive ‘Big 5’ as well as other wildlife. After dark, spotlights are used, providing you with the opportunity to view nocturnal creatures and carnivores on the hunt.
Return to the lodge and settle down for dinner.
DAY 2:
This morning you will be woken before sunrise.
Meet in the reception for coffee, tea and biscuits before departing with the rising sun on an early morning game drive.
Return to the lodge for breakfast followed by time at leisure time then lunch. Following lunch, enjoy an afternoon tea before you depart on a late 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.
Dinner is served at the lodge.
DAY 3:
This morning you will be woken before sunrise.
Meet in the reception for coffee, tea and biscuits before departing with the rising sun on an early morning game drive.
Return to the lodge for breakfast, before packing your belongings.
You will be met at the lodge and transferred to Port Elizabeth International Airport for your flight to Durban. Driving time is approximately 1.5 hours.
Check-in at Port Elizabeth Airport and fly to Durban (King Shaka International Airport). Flying time is approximately 1 hour. (Flight details TBA and subject to change.)
On arrival in Durban, you will be met by your local English speaking tour guide for your transfer back to the ship.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
11:30am Disembark in Port Elizabeth and transfer to Pumba Private Game Reserve
1:00pm Upon arrival at the main entrance gate of the reserve, guests are met by rangers & transferred to Pumba Bush Lodge in 4-wheel drive open vehicles
A welcome drink is served while guests fill out registration cards and indemnity forms, followed by light lunch
2:00pm Free time to unpack and explore
3:30pm Afternoon tea at the main lodge
4:00pm Guests depart on a late afternoon game drive in 4x4 open vehicles
Sundowner drinks and light snacks will be served in the bush.
7:30pm Guests return to the lodge
8:00pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight at the Pumba Bush Lodge
DAY 2
5:30am Early wake-up call followed by tea, coffee & biscuits in the living area
6:00am Early morning game drive
9:00am Breakfast at the lodge
1:00pm Gather at main lodge for lunch
3:30pm Afternoon tea at the main lodge
4:00pm Guests depart on a late afternoon game drive in 4x4 open vehicles
Sundowner drinks and light snacks will be served in the bush.
7:30pm Guests return to the lodge
8:00pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight at the Pumba Bush Lodge
DAY 3
5:30am Early wake-up call followed by tea, coffee & biscuits in the living area
6:00am Early morning game drive
9:00am Breakfast at the lodge followed by check-out formalities
10:20am Transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport
11:45am Arrive at the airport and check-in for flight to Durban
1:20pm Flight from Port Elizabeth to Durban (Flight details TBA and subject to change)
2:35pm Arrive at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport and transfer to Durban harbor
3:35pm Approximate arrival at the port to rejoin the ship
IMPORTANT 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 movement of dangerous wildlife on the Pumba Private Game Reserve.
•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.
•Game-drive vehicles traverse over uneven terrain and the game-drives can be bumpy. This tour is therefore not recommended for guests with back problems.
•This tour 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.
•Please consult your local physician prior to travel.
•Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
•This program is not fully guided. Local representatives will assist you with your transfers however, the program at the lodge is run solely and at the discretion by the lodge staff.
Expected Weather:
December, January & February – These months are the warmest of the year. Afternoon temperatures reach 29°C/84°F. Mornings are comfortable, with an average of 16°C/61°F. There is less rain in December and January, but it increases in February.
What to Bring:
Khaki, brown, white and beige-colored clothing. No bright colors. Light cotton tops and cotton trousers and shorts in summer. Safari trousers and warm fleece tops or windbreakers for evenings and cooler days, swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, camera, film and batteries, personal toiletries.
Local Currency:
The monetary unit of South Africa is the Rand. All major credit cards are accepted at most establishments.
Electricity:
South Africa’s electrical system is 220/230 volts A/C 50 cycles.
If you bring electric appliances, take along an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs. Be aware, however, that overnight recharging may not be possible where generator use restricts the availability of electricity.
Luggage information:
CHECKED LUGGAGE
Economy Class
•Passengers are permitted to check-in one piece of luggage at a maximum of 20 kg (44lbs) and maximum dimension of 158 cm (62 inches)
•Any excess or overweight baggage fees incurred are the responsibility of the guest
HAND LUGGAGE
Economy Class
•Passengers are permitted to travel with one piece of hand luggage not exceeding 7 kg (15 lb.) and a dimension of 115 cm
•Please note that if the hand luggage does not conform to the size specified, passengers may be denied entry into the departure area or sent back to the check-in counter.
•All hand luggage must be of a size that fits under the seat in front of you or in one of the overhead lockers.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at OCI at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Passports are required to be with guests on this program.
Please consultant your local South African Embassy to obtain the latest visa regulations.
Passports are required to be valid for a minimum of six months after travel
Hotel address:
Pumba Private Game Reserve
Eastern Cape Province
Tel: 041 502 3050
Program Includes for guests:
•2 nights at Pumba Bush Lodge (Msenge Chalet) including accommodation, game drives, all meals and local beverages during meals and afternoon game drive
•Transfers in a luxury air-conditioned coach or similar with A/C
•Qualified English Speaking Tour guide to accompany on transfers to/from the lodge
•Porterage for maximum 1 piece of luggage per person
•1 x 500 ml bottle of mineral water per person on transfers
•Economy class flight from Port Elizabeth to Durban – Direct flights not guaranteed
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any other meals or beverages not listed above
•All other drinks including Champagne and premium brand spirits & liquor
•Gratuities for drivers, guides, game rangers, trackers & lodge staff
•Personal expenses such as telephone calls, shop purchases & laundry
• Any other services not mentioned above
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.
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. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
