Cape Town

Spend two nights at the stunning Lion Sands Tinga Lodge which is located in the 10 000ha private Lion Sands Reserve. Enjoy an up-close unobstructed view of Africa’s most iconic animals on multiple game drives into the bush. Home to the highest and most diverse concentration of wildlife in the southern hemisphere, you can see all of Africa’s iconic species here, including all of the Big Five, along with a supporting cast of 137 mammal species and over 450 varieties of birds.

LION SANDS TINGA LODGE

A stay at one of the Lion Sands properties offers you one of the warmest welcomes you could hope to encounter on your travels, hosted by their family of extraordinary, handpicked staff who will make you feel completely relaxed and at home.

Your suite at Tinga Lodge is private with its own plunge pool and deck overlooking the water. From the suites, elevated pathways lead to the spa and the main lodge which houses a bar lounge, library, pool and boma. In the suite you will find a king bed with mosquito netting, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi access, private lounge as well as a bathtub and shower.

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 Cape Town, you will be met by an English-speaking driver who will accompany you to the airport where you will check in for a flight to Skukuza. Upon arrival you will be met by Lion Sands rangers and driven to the lodge which sits on the banks of the Sabie River. Located within Lion Sands Game Reserve, Tinga is the only private game reserve rooted in both the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park.

On arrival at the lodge, proceed with check-in formalities followed by a light lunch or afternoon tea.

After some time to freshen up and explore your surroundings, return to the main lodge to meet your ranger and tracker for your first thrilling afternoon game drive by 4x4 safari vehicle. As night falls, spotlights will be used when spotting game.

Return to the lodge for dinner.

DAY 2:

Hot and cold beverages will be waiting for you after your early morning wake up call. You will then set off on a game drive that showcases the wildlife and nature of Kruger National Park.

Return for breakfast and free time until lunch.

Time permitting, and with prior arrangement with your game ranger, embark on a bush walk following breakfast.

After lunch you will have more free time - perhaps take a nap, relax by your plunge pool or indulge in a spa treatment. You may also check with the lodge staff for a list of available specialist activities.

Following afternoon tea, set out on another game drive and then dinner back at the lodge. Sundowners will be served when you are out in the bush.

Specialist activities that incur additional fees: Spa treatments, treehouse experience, local community experiences (with More Community Foundation), helicopter flights, golf, exclusive bush breakfasts and dinners. These activities can be set up and paid for directly with the lodge staff.

DAY 3:

Following one last morning game drive, enjoy a hearty breakfast followed by time to gather your personal belongings and complete check-out formalities.

Bid the staff farewell before embarking on a road transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for a domestic flight to Durban (direct flight not guaranteed).

On arrival at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, you will be met by a local tour guide and transferred to the seaside suburb of Umhlanga where you will spend the night.

Occupying a majestic location on the Umhlanga beachfront in KwaZulu-Natal province, The Oyster Box is one of South Africa’s most celebrated hotels. With its remarkable coastal views and gracious hospitality, it has become a cherished seaside destination.

Check-in on arrival is followed by free time to simply relax or consider a leisurely stroll on the beach or a dip in the pool.

Dinner is included this evening at the hotel.

DAY 4

Following a leisurely breakfast and morning, gather your belongings and complete check-out formalities.

Depart the hotel for a 2-hour road transfer to Richard’s Bay where your will re-board.

Land Program Step by Step

The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations, which are beyond our control. Program details, including timings and flights are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. The Destination Services team will provide final itineraries with up-to-date details once you board the ship. Please review the final itinerary carefully for amendments.

Day 1

8:00am Disembark the ship in Cape Town

8:15am Meet your driver-guide, board your vehicle and transfer to Cape Town International Airport

9:00am On arrival at the airport, check-in for a domestic flight to Skukuza

10:35am Flight Cape Town to Skukuza (flight details TBA and subject to change)

1:05pm Arrive Skukuza Airport and collect luggage

1:30pm Meet your driver and transfer to Tinga Lodge

2:00pm Estimated arrival time at Tinga Lodge (depending on animal sightings)

Check-in and enjoy light lunch/afternoon tea

Free time until your first game drive

4:00pm Afternoon tea

4:30pm Afternoon game drive

7:30pm Return to camp, freshen up before pre-dinner drinks

8:00pm Dinner is served

Overnight at Lion Sands Tinga Lodge

Day 2

5:00am Wake-up call

5:30am Meet your ranger and safari companions

Hot and cold beverages and a light snack are available

6:00am Early-morning game drive

8:30am Return to camp where a hearty breakfast awaits you.

For the more energetic, join a bush walk after breakfast.

Alternatively, relax around the pool or perhaps take a siesta

1:00pm Enjoy lunch at the main lodge followed by free time

4:00pm Afternoon tea at the main lodge

4:30pm Afternoon game drive

7:30pm Return to camp, freshen up before pre-dinner drinks

8:00pm Dinner is served

Overnight at Lion Sands Tinga Lodge

Day 3

5:00am Wake-up call

5:30am Meet your ranger and safari companions

Hot and cold beverages and a light snack are available

6:00am Early-morning game drive

8:30am Return to camp where a hearty breakfast awaits you followed by check-out formalities

10:30am Depart for a 2-hour road transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport

12:30pm Arrive Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and check-in for flight to Durban

2:00pm Flight Kruger to Durban (flight details TBA and subject to change)

Direct flights not guaranteed

3:10pm Arrive at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport and collect luggage

3:45pm Meet your driver-guide

4:00pm Depart the airport and embark on a short transfer to your overnight hotel

4:30pm Check-in on arrival at hotel

Free time to enjoy surroundings

7:30pm Fine dining dinner at the hotel

Overnight at Oyster Box or similar hotel

Day 4

7:00-10:30am Breakfast at the hotel

10:00am Following breakfast and check out, meet your driver-guide for a 2-hour road transfer to Richard’s Bay

12:00pm Approximate arrival time at Richard’s Bay harbor

Expected Weather:

The average temperature in Kruger National Park in November for a typical day ranges from a high of 94°F (35°C) to a low of 67°F (19°C).

What to Bring:

Clothing should be casual and lightweight in neutral, dull colors. Bring also a light sweater and heavier or warmer jacket for early morning and evenings. Dress is informal during the day, with long trousers worn in the evenings. Bring also comfortable closed walking shoes and a hat, camera, bathing suit, anti malaria medication

Local Currency:

ZAR (USD not accepted at the lodge – credit cards accepted)

Electricity:

South Africa’s electrical system is 220/230 volts A/C 50 cycles. Most hotels and lodges have hair dryers and plug adaptors in the bedrooms. If you bring electric appliances, take along an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs. Outlets in South Africa require a three-pronged adapter plug with 3 round prongs. Adapters should be brought from home as not all will be provided. Be aware, however, that overnight recharging may not be possible where generator use restricts the availability of electricity.

Documents and Visa Requirements

Passports are required to be with guests. As per South African law, upon your arrival into South Africa, you need to ensure that your passport has at least two full pages open for passport control stamps.

VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

Luggage information:

Guests are limited to a maximum of one 20 kg/44 lb bag on domestic flights, plus one small carry-on (6 kg/13 lbs) that fits under the seat or in an overhead bin. Excess or overweight luggage will be at the expense of each guest payable upon check in for flights.

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 RSSC 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 Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

Hotel address

Tinga Lodge

Lion Sands Private Game Reserve

Phone: +27 (0)13 735 8400

Oyster Box Hotel

2 Lighthouse Rd, Umhlanga, uMhlanga, 4319, South Africa

Phone: +27 31 514 5000

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 game reserve and in Kruger National Park.

•This is a malaria risk area therefore anti-malaria measures should be taken. Consult a physician before traveling.

•Game-drive vehicles traverse uneven terrain that can be bumpy. Therefore, this tour is not recommended for guests with back or neck problems.

•Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

•This program is not fully guided. Upon arriving at the lodge, you will be in the hands of its staff.

Program Includes for guests

•2 nights at Tinga Safari Lodge – suite- including accommodation, all meals, two game drives daily and optional bush walk

•1 night at Oyster Box Hotel or similar – Classic Sea Facing room with breakfast

•Dinner at Oyster Box including water, 2 local drinks, tea or coffee and gratuity

•Road transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle

•Porterage for a maximum of one piece of luggage per person

•Bottled water on transfers

•Economy class flights per the itinerary – direct flights not guaranteed

Program Excludes for guests

•Meals or beverages not listed above

•Gratuities for drivers, guides, game rangers, trackers and lodge staff

•Personal expenses such as telephone calls, gift shop purchases and laundry

•Visas if required for your nationality

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, gravel and natural paths. Guests may 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.

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.