Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: shamwari private game reserve &safari tour at Durban

Cruise line: Silversea
Difficulty:

A stay at Shamwari Private Game Reserve is one that remains with you forever. Due to its location in the heart of the Eastern Cape, the reserve offers abundant wildlife, fauna and flora exclusive to the area, alongside with a five-star luxury adventure with unfforgettable wildlife encounters. Shamwari is seen as the most prestigious wildlife reserves in the greater Addo area and has been host to Hollywood movie star, prime minister and presidents. It has the added advantage of being Malaria free and wildlife sighting are very good. Shamwari activities on offer all involve wildlife and nature conservation. Thrilling early morning and afternoon & evening safari drives offer guests the opportunity to meet the 'Big Five' and other animals in close encounters. Modern open safari viewing vehicles allow for comfort and best wildlife viewing; the rangers provide insightful information about flora and fauna. At the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre, the activities focus on the conservation of species and the protection of habitat. Children encounter various animals at the Shamwari Animal Rehabilitation Centre, which are being prepared for release back into the wild.

03MIDDUR-B - Mid-Voyage Land Adventure - Shamwari Private Game Reseve & Safari

Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights

Departs from: Durban at approximately 11 a.m.

Re-join ship: Cape Town at approximately Noon

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This Land Adventure is a small group luxury tour, providing bespoke cultural and sightseeing experiences. We limit the tour to a small group in order to ensure your experience is a high-quality one. Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. If the program fills up, you'll be accommodated on a space-available basis. Advanced booking is required at least 90 days prior to sailing date via Silversea Reservations. We suggest booking early to secure your spot(s).

Please be advised that a minimum number of participants is required for this program to run as described. In rare cases when the minimum number of participants is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at an increased rate based on private arrangements or to cancel your specific departure for a refund. The self-cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, is 90 days or sooner to initial sailing date at the rate of 100% program fare per person. The payment for your Land Adventure is due in full on the same date as your final payment due for your cruise. Per Silversea's general payment terms, bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner.

All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 120 days of sailing, with the exception of cancellation by Silversea. Our family-friendly land programs require adult accompaniment of any guests under the age of 18. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Silversea and our local operators make every effort to ensure your land program runs as described. Our local operators reserve the right to modify tour sequence, sites visited and venues mentioned due to operational reasons.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for South Africa. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

VACCINATION:

Please check with your doctor for details regarding vaccination requirements for safari activity in South Africa. It is recommended to take malaria precautions as Sabie River Narina Lodge in the Kruger National Park is a high risk malaria area.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is South African Rand; however Euros and US dollars might be accepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited. (There is no shopping stop planned during the program.)

A stay at Shamwari Private Game Reserve is one that remains with you forever. Due to its location in the heart of the Eastern Cape, the reserve offers abundant wildlife, fauna and flora exclusive to the area and unforgettable encounters with nature.

DAY ONE - Tursday, March 6, 2025 - Durban/Port Elizabeth

 

Scheduled flight to Port Elizabeth

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and depart for the approximately one-hour transfer to King Shaka International Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately 90-minute afternoon FlySafair flight or similar to Port Elizabeth.

 

Check in & Trasfer to the Manor

Upon arrival in Port Eliabeth, tranfer to Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Arrive at the gate, check in and board your open air safari vehicles to transfer to the Manor.

The Exclusive Long Lee Manor, Grand Living & Magnificent Plains

Your drive through the Shamwari Private Game Reserve leads to the exclusive Long Lee Manor, overlooking the magnificent plains of Shamwari. This newly redesigned lodge boasts Edwardian styled suites and a stupendous rim-flow pool. The lodge redefines elegance in nature. In addition to the rolling landscapes, the extravagant Long Lee Manor boasts the original Manor House and offers several unique features, which guarantee your comfort during your stay. The accommodation is tastefully designed to enhance its location, while the Manor House has been lovingly restored to pay homage to the area’s rich heritage, adding a bit of romance to any stay. Grand living combined with style from a bygone era can be experienced at the Long Lee Manor House. Colonial accommodation is surrounded by trimmed gardens, swimming pools and ponds, patios all of which provide wonderful views of the bushveld plains which team with wildlife. Facilities at this lodge include the Recreation Retreat with therapy rooms, steam room, sauna and a gym. The lodge has a boutique and alfresco dining facilities, a writing desk with Wifi as well as a wine cellar. The perimeter fence allows guests to enjoy the outdoors.

Twice-daily safaris in search of abundant wildlife and the Big Five

Twice-daily game drives afford ample chances to spot the abundant wildlife, including Africa's Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino). Game drives take place in the tranquil moods of sunrise and sunset. Survey the areas, witness the birds of prey or spot one of the Big 5 from the comfort and safety of your open game viewing vehicles. The rangers and guides are passionate about wildlife and knowledgeable in their respective fields of expertise. Expect to take away new insights, an appreciation for Africa, and an unforgettable experience.

Some free time & Dinner

Upon arrival at the Long Lee Manor, enjoy some free time to freshen-up before dinner, then proceed for dinner.

Overnight accommodations in a Plains Room at the Long Lee Manor

 

DAY TWO & THREE - Friday-Saterday, March 7 - 8, 2025 - Shamwari Private Game Reserve

 

Take an early-morning game-drive in search of the Big Five, and an abundance of other wildlife

Following an early-morning wake-up call, tea and coffee are served. Afterward, meet your skilled ranger, then board your open-air, 4WD safari vehicles and depart for an early-morning game-drive. Along the way, the rangers  your search for awe-inspiring encounters with Africa's Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), along with an abundance of other wildlife, mammal, and bird species.

Breakfast and time at your leisure

Following your game-drive, return to the Manor for some free time to freshen-up before breakfast. After breakfast, the remainder of the morning is at your leisure to relax and enjoy your surrounds.

Lunch, afternoon tea and an afternoon game-drive, the best time to observe wildlife activity

After lunch and some additional free time, gather for afternoon tea before departing in open-air, 4WD safari vehicles for an afternoon game-drive, the best time to see many of the animal species here at their most active. Following your game-drive, return to the Manor for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the Manor.

Overnight accommodations in a Plains Room at the Long Lee Manor

DAY FOUR - Sunday, March 9, 2025 - Shamwari Private Game Reserve / Port Elizabeth   

 

Take an early-morning game-drive in search of the Big Five, and an abundance of other wildlife

Following an early-morning wake-up call, tea and coffee are served. Afterward, meet your skilled ranger, then board your open-air, 4WD safari vehicles and depart for an early-morning game-drive. Along the way, the rangers  your search for awe-inspiring encounters with Africa's Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), along with an abundance of other wildlife, mammal, and bird species.

Breakfast at the lodge, a transfer to Port Elizabeth by coach

After a hearty breakfast and check-out, meet your guide and depart for the approximately one-hour transfer to Port Elizabeth. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves an extensive amount of off-road driving and an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.28 miles (about 2.07 kilometres), at times over uneven, bumpy, slippery, cobblestone, and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and open-air, 4WD safari vehicles, board/de-board the airplane, and 10-25 steps at the sites visited. Optional guided dune walks take place on trekking trails within the reserve. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with long-and-short-sleeved shirts and flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and insect repellent. A light jacket is also recommended for early-morning game-drives. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests are not permitted to use cellular phones during the game drives. Guests are not permitted to speak loudly, or stand up on the game drive vehicles, as this disturbs the animals. Smoking is not permitted during the game drives. This is a malaria-risk area; please make sure the necessary medication has been taken. Guests must carry their passports. The open-air, 4WD safari vehicles utilised on this tour are not covered, and guests are therefore exposed to the elements. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, animal sightings are not guaranteed. Due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the Game Reserve, the tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

  • Three-night stay in a Plains Room - Long Lee Manor, Shamwari Private Game Reserve
  • Scheduled flight: Durban/Port Elizabeth (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating

FlySafair restricts baggage allowance to one, approximately 44-pound (about 20-kilogram), soft-sided bag per person. Supplement for excess luggage is to be paid directly at the check-in counter. Passengers with more than approximately 22 pounds (about 10 kilograms) of excess luggage must check-in at least 90 minutes prior to departure. Maximum weight per item: approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms)

  • Three breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners, with drinks included  
  • Ranger and guide services
  • Afternoon tea
  • Boma dinner under the stars (weather-permitting)
  • Morning and afternoon game drives in open-air, 4WD safari vehicles
  • All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

 

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.

Note

a's first national park, Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Located in north-eastern South Africa, Kruger is home to a high density of wild animals, including the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes), hundreds of other mammal and wildlife species, and over 500 bird species. Mountains, bush plains and tropical forests round out this beautiful, expansive landscape. Your unforgettable visit takes place in the exclusive and inviting luxury suites at the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve's Little Bush Camp, the newest addition to the Sabi Sabi collection of 5-star safari lodges. Following a scheduled flight from Durban to Skukuza via Johannesburg, take a scenic drive through the Sabi Sands Game Reserve en route to the Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp. After check-in, proceed for afternoon tea, then board open-air, 4WD safari vehicles for your first game-drive. At the conclusion of your game-drive, sundowners and light snacks are served at a clearing in the bush, with the possibility of viewing several nocturnal wildlife species. After a boma dinner and overnight stay at the Little Bush Camp, spend your second and third days here taking early-morning and late-afternoon game-drives, and relaxing and enjoying the lodge's facilities and surrounds. On the final morning of your visit, you may opt to take a final game drive, or leisurely breakfast, before check-out. Your Mid-Voyage Land Adventure concludes on Day Four with a scheduled flight from Skukuzu to Cape Town, and a transfer to Cape Town Harbour. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.03MIDDUR-A: Kruger Exclusive Safari GetawayDuration: 4 Days/3 NightsDeparts from: DurbanRe-join ship: Cape TownReserve: At least 90 days prior to sailingIMPORTANT NOTE:This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.Payment-in-full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. Booking made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme.All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion. VISA and VACCINATION:Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa and vaccination requirements. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas and vaccinations before cruising.LOCAL CURRENCY:The local currency is the South African Rand; however, Euros and US Dollars are well-accepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted at most larger shops and hotels (there is no shopping stop planned during the program). Experience an incredibly diverse array of wildlife and bird species at one of Africa's largest game reserves during this exclusive, three-night safari excursion to Kruger National Park.DAY ONE - Saturday, April 13, 2019 - Durban/Johannesburg/SkukuzaScheduled flight to JohannesburgDepart Durban Harbour for the scenic, approximately 45-60-minute transfer to King Shaka International Airport for your scheduled, approximately 70-minute flight to Johannesburg.Scheduled onward flight to SkukuzaUpon arrival at Johannesburg's or Tambo International Airport, you are met and assisted with check-in for your onward, approximately 50-minute flight to Skukuza, located inside Kruger National Park. Drive through the Sabi Sands Game ReserveUpon arrival at Skukuza Airport, meet your lodge representative and depart for the scenic, approximately 90-minute drive through the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. This award-winning private game reserve offers world-class standards in luxury accommodations, exceptionally-close wildlife encounters, personalised service and delicious cuisine. Sabi Sabi Little Bush CampFollowing your drive through the Game Reserve, head to the Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp. Nestled in the shade of indigenous riverine trees on the banks of the Msuthlu River lies the Little Bush Camp, the newest addition to the Sabi Sabi collection of 5-star safari lodges. The Little Bush Camp offers luxury accommodation for family, friends and/or small groups.Exclusive and inviting luxury suitesSix luxury suites, each with a private viewing deck and heated spa bath overlooking the riverbed, are decorated in contemporary African design, complete with luxury furnishings, a full bathroom en-suite, indoor and outdoor showers, and air-conditioning. Thatched roofs, romantic mosquito nets draped over the comfortable beds and beautiful wooden finishes complete the picture of an exclusive safari getaway.Check-in at the Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp, afternoon tea and a game-driveUpon arrival at the Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp, proceed for check-in, then gather for afternoon tea before departing in open-air, 4WD safari vehicles for a game-drive in search of Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinos, and buffalo), along with many other wildlife and bird species.Sundowners and light snacks in the bushFollowing your game-drive, sundowners and light snacks are served at a clearing in the bush, with the possibility of viewing several nocturnal wildlife species before returning to the Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp. Boma dinner under the starsUpon arrival, some free time is made available to freshen up before a boma dinner (weather-dependent).Overnight accommodations in a Luxury Suite at the Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp. DAY TWO & THREE - Sunday-Monday, April 14-15, 2019 - Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve Early-morning game-drive Depart the lodge with skilled rangers and local Shangaan trackers aboard open-air, 4WD safari vehicles for an early-morning game-drive. Along the way, the rangers and trackers guide your search for awe-inspiring encounters with Africa's Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), along with many other wildlife and bird species. Breakfast and time at your leisureFollowing your game-drive, return to the Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp for breakfast. After breakfast, the remainder of the morning is at your leisure to relax and enjoy your surrounds. Lunch, afternoon tea and game-driveAfter lunch, gather for afternoon tea before departing in open-air, 4WD safari vehicles for an afternoon game-drive, the best time to see many of the animals at their most active. Following your game-drive, return to the Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp to freshen-up before dinner. Dinner and overnight accommodations in a Luxury Suite at the Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp. DAY FOUR - Tuesday, April 16, 2019 - Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve/Cape TownFinal game-drive, breakfast and a transfer to Skukuzu AirportStrictly time-permitting, embark on a final, early-morning game-drive follo