Located on the Eastern Cape of South Africa, East London is home to the country’s only river port. Founded in 1836, East London lies on the coast of the Indian Ocean between the Buffalo River and Nahoon River. Its sub-tropical climate and beautiful natural environment make East London a popular tourist destination, with nearby safari reserves for those looking to catch a glimpse of the Big Five game animals.
Disembark in East London and journey to the heart of the Eastern Cape for a luxurious stay at Amakhala Safari Lodge. Set within 8,500 hectares of malaria-free wilderness, this lodge blends tribal-inspired design with modern comfort. Enjoy two thrilling Big 5 game drives, sundowners in the bush, and elegant dining before returning to the ship in Port Elizabeth, refreshed, inspired, and filled with unforgettable safari memories.
DAY 1
Disembark the ship in East London and meet your local English-speaking representative who will accompany you on a road transfer to Amakhala Safari Lodge. Travel time is approximately 3.5 hours.
Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Cape, Amakhala Safari Lodge offers a luxurious escape into the wild, combining the thrill of Big 5 safaris with the comforts of modern living.
Here, guests can savor exquisite cuisine, unwind at the elegantly furnished lodge, and rejuvenate in the serene ambiance of the lodge's beautiful surroundings. The lodge is renowned for its personalized service, ensuring each visitor feels pampered and cared for. With a commitment to conservation and sustainability, Amakhala provides an authentic and immersive experience, allowing guests to connect deeply with nature while contributing to its preservation.
On arrival, a welcome drink will be served, whilst registration cards and indemnity forms are filled out. After some time to freshen up, regroup at the main lodge for a well-earned afternoon meal.
Thereafter embark on your first game drive. These are conducted in 4-wheel drive open vehicles, allowing total freedom and giving you the opportunity to smell the African bush and feel as close as possible to the fauna and flora.
Leave the road and track down the Big 5. After dark spotlights are used, giving you the opportunity to view nocturnal creatures and carnivores on the hunt. Sundowners and light snacks will also be served in a clearing in the bush.
After your adventure return to the lodge for a delicious dinner.
DAY 2
Following an early morning wake-up call, enjoy a sunrise game drive. You’ll find that In the cool of the morning, as the sun rises, animal behavior is different to sunset.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and then gather your belongings, complete check out formalities and bid the staff farewell. You will be met for a road transfer to Port Elizabeth harbor where you will re-board the ship.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. 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
9:30am Disembark in East London and depart by road for Amakhala Game Reserve
1:00pm Estimated arrival time at Safari Lodge
Enjoy lunch followed by time to settle in
3:00pm Afternoon game drive
6:00pm Approximate return time to camp, allowing time for you to freshen up before dinner
7:30pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight at Amakhala Safari Lodge
DAY 2
6:00am Wake-up call
6:15am Tea, coffee and a snack are served before departing for an early morning game drive
6:30am Depart on your game drive
9:30am Return for a hearty breakfast
11:00am Check out and depart the lodge and transfer to Port Elizabeth harbor
12:30pm Approximate arrival time to the port – reboard the ship
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 Amakhala Private Game Reserve.
•During early morning game drives in open vehicles, it can be cool. We recommend that guests take along a windbreaker or warmer jacket
•Please note that the game drive vehicles traverse over uneven terrain and that the game-drives can be “bumpy.” This tour is therefore not recommended for guests with back and neck problems. Please consult a physician before traveling.
•Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed six are not permitted on game drives
•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.
•Guests must be able to get in and out of the safari jeeps with little to no assistance. Guests who require use of mobility aids should check with the cruise line before signing up to ensure that the program is suitable based on your requirements. Accessible rooms may be limited and are on request.
What to bring:
Light cotton tops, pants and shorts. Warm jacket for evenings and cooler mornings. A hat, sunglasses, bathing suit, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, camera, binoculars, bug spray and charger.
*Some hotels do not provide distilled water. While we can certainly request this for you, we cannot guarantee that it will be available. If received in a timely manner, at least 95 days before sailing, requests will be sent on the final manifest that our ground operators and hotels receive. We highly recommend packing your own supply especially on programs that travel to more remote locations in order to avoid not having it. Many hotels will charge for distilled water. If there is a fee, this will be added to your hotel incidental account to be paid at check-out. Fees will vary from hotel to hotel.
Local Currency:
ZAR - The Rand
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.
If you bring electric devices, we recommend bringing a universal converter 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.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
Dietary Requirements:
Please advise the RSSC Reservations team when you book this program should you have any special dietary restrictions or requirements. Requests will be sent to our local ground operator for review.
Accommodation:
Amakhala Safari Lodge
N2, Paterson, 6130, South Africa
Phone: +27 42 235 1291
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•1 night at Amakhala Safari Lodge (Luxury Suite - with private plunge pool) including accommodation, game drives, all meals and local beverages during meals
•Road transfers in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver guide
•Porterage for maximum 1 piece of luggage per person
•1 x 500 ml bottle of mineral water per person on transfers
Program Excludes for guests:
•Champagne and premium brand spirits and liquor
•Gratuities for drivers, guides, game rangers, trackers and lodge staff
•Personal expenses such as telephone calls, curio shop purchases and laundry
•Optional activities offered at the lodge including spa treatments
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 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.
Escape to Lalibela Wildlife Reserve for an exclusive overnight safari at Tree Tops Lodge, an intimate five-suite tented camp offering luxury in the treetops overlooking a lush valley. Enjoy close-up wildlife encounters, including the Big Five, during thrilling dusk and dawn game drives. With stunning views, gourmet dining, and unforgettable bush moments, this is the perfect African adventure before rejoining your cruise in Port Elizabeth.
Special Notes:
•The lodge is not wheelchair accessible as there are steps to access the tented rooms. This program is not available for guests who require use of wheelchair or scooter.
•Please advise the RSSC Reservations team when you book this program should you have any special dietary restrictions or requirements. Requests will be sent to our local ground operator for review.
DAY 1
Disembark the ship in East London and meet your local English-speaking representative who will accompany you on a road transfer to Lalibela Treetops Lodge. Travel time is approximately 3.5 hours.
Lalibela Wildlife Reserve is located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, close to Port Elizabeth and Addo, which means it is not only malaria free, but spans 5 ecosystems, resulting in a breath-taking diversity of flora and fauna. The reserve consists of 7,500 hectares (approximately 18,500 acres) and is home to the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo & leopard) as well as other predators like cheetah, hyena, jackal & lynx. They are blessed with vast African plains, and this is why they have multitudes of zebra, giraffe, warthog, impala, wildebeest, blesbuck and various other antelope species.
The 5-room Lalibela Tree Top Tented Camp is perched high on thatched platforms at tree top level. It is joined by raised walkways that offer spectacular views over the thickly wooded valley. The en-suite rooms with their canvas walls and thatched roofs have huge window areas to give you the feeling that you are in the bush. Each room has a private veranda for sitting and relaxing in privacy. They are also fitted with wifi, and an en-suite bathroom with showers.
The main lodge area has a large lounge and open-air dining deck with a view over a small waterhole. During free time, guests can sunbathe around the swimming pool or relax in the shaded gazebo. Elephants are regular visitors to the waterhole and resident Nyala who are often seen from the rooms and walkways.
On arrival at the Tree Tops Tented Camp, check in after which a light lunch will be served, and you will have some time to settle in.
The highlight of your day will no doubt be the dusk game drive, giving you the best opportunity to see many of the animals at their most active. Along the way enjoy a sundowner in the bush with some snacks.
After your game drive you will return to the lodge for dinner.
DAY 2
Another early morning start allows you one last chance to head out into the wild for a morning game drive in search of the Big Five and countless other fascinating creatures that make their home in the Eastern Cape.
On your return, breakfast will be served followed by check-out.
Depart the lodge together with your local English-speaking tour escort, who will accompany you on your transfer to Port Elizabeth Harbour to meet the ship. Travel time is approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timing indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. 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
10:00am Disembark your ship in East London and depart by road for Lalibela Private Reserve
1:30pm Arrive at the lodge where you will be welcomed with a drink and proceed with check-in formalities and a light lunch
2:30pm Get shown to your rooms, freshen up and some time to explore before your first activity
3:30pm Enjoy afternoon tea and meet your ranger for your afternoon game drive with snacks and sundowners in the bush
7:00pm Return to the lodge, where you can have some leisure time before dinner is served
7:30pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight Lalibela Tree Tops Tented Camp
DAY 2
5:30am Wake-up call
6:00am Depart on your morning game drive
9:00am Return for a hearty breakfast
10:00am Gather in the lobby for check-out procedures
10:30am Meet your driver and escort for your return journey to the port
12:15pm Approximate arrival time to Port Elizabeth and reboard the ship
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 Lalibela Private Game Reserve.
•During early morning game drives in open vehicles, it can be cool. We recommend that guests take along a windbreaker or warmer jacket
•Please note that the game drive vehicles traverse over uneven terrain and that the game-drives can be “bumpy.” This tour is therefore not recommended for guests with back and neck problems. Please consult a physician before traveling.
•Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
•Children under the age of 14 are not catered to at this property
•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.
•Guests must be able to get in and out of the safari jeeps with little to no assistance. Guests who require use of mobility aids should check with the cruise line before signing up to ensure that the program is suitable based on your requirements. Accessible rooms may be limited and are on request.
What to bring:
Light cotton tops, pants and shorts. Warm jacket for evenings and cooler mornings. A hat, sunglasses, bathing suit, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, camera, binoculars, bug spray and charger.
*Some hotels do not provide distilled water. While we can certainly request this for you, we cannot guarantee that it will be available. If received in a timely manner, at least 95 days before sailing, requests will be sent on the final manifest that our ground operators and hotels receive. We highly recommend packing your own supply, especially on programs that travel to more remote locations in order to avoid not having it. Many hotels will charge for distilled water. If there is a fee, this will be added to your hotel incidental account to be paid at check-out. Fees will vary from hotel to hotel.
Local Currency:
ZAR - The Rand
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.
If you bring electric devices, we recommend bringing a universal converter 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.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
Accommodation:
Lalibela Treetops Safari Lodge
N2, Sidbury, 6131, South Africa
Phone: +27 71 852 1009
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•1 night at Lalibela Treetops Lodge including accommodation in a tented suite, game drives, all meals and local beverages during meals (excluding premium drinks)
•Road transfers in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver guide
•Porterage for maximum 1 piece of luggage per person
•1 x 500 ml bottle of mineral water per person on transfers
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any meals or beverages not listed including Champagne and premium brand spirits and liquor
•Gratuities for drivers, guides, game rangers, trackers and lodge staff
•Personal expenses
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 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.
