Maputo

Lukimbi Safari Lodge is one of only seven private concessions in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Experience a unique private safari with up to four game drives in this vast protected reserve where the Big Five and a wide variety of other animals and birds roam free in their natural habitat.

DAY 1 – May 29, 2025

Disembark the ship in Maputo where you will be met by a local English-speaking tour guide for a transfer to Lukimbi Safari Lodge in The Kruger National Park. The drive is approximately 3.5 hours. We recommend eating a good breakfast before you go.

NOTE: At the Mozambique/South Africa border post, guests will disembark and proceed through South African Immigration and customs control. Please ensure your passport has at least 2 blank pages for any stamps that may be issued by South African officials. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the entry date. If you require a Visa for South Africa it needs to be obtained in advance.

The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest game reserve. Nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 352 kilometers (20 000 square kilometers) from north to south along the Mozambique border, is given over to an almost indescribable wildlife experience. Certainly, it ranks with the best in Africa and is the flagship of the country’s national parks - rated as the ultimate safari experience.

This is the land of baobabs, fever trees, knob thorns, marula and mopane trees underneath which lurk the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino), the Little Five (buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, ant lion and rhino beetle), the birding Big Six (ground hornbill, kori bustard, lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle, pel’s fishing owl and saddle-bill stork) and more species of mammals than in any other African Game Reserve. Kruger National Park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.

Upon arrival at Lukimbi check in and enjoy lunch followed by some free time to freshen up and explore your new surroundings.

The lodge is built out of natural materials which blend subtly into the surrounding environment of marula trees, sweetthorn acacias, knobthorns and bushwillows.

Every room and living space were designed around the view. Bright and richly textured natural fabrics, bold furniture chosen for comfort and artisanal crafted artworks encourage proper relaxation where you’re invited to make yourself completely at home – be that in the lounge, the bar, the dining room or one of the relaxation alcoves on the upper or lower deck, or in the library.

The pool area is a place of serenity, right on the bank of the Lwakahle River. It includes multi-leveled relaxation decks, with a pool overlooking the river.

Your Classic Suite will occupy its own elevated position overlooking the bush and has been designed to magnify the view. Private shaded decks, cathedral styled windows, floor-to-ceiling glass in front of great stone bathtubs, and open outdoor showers promise a chance to fully appreciate and be one with the wilderness. These suites include generous open space, 200 thread count linen, feather pillows (micro fibre pillows available on request), deluxe amenities and an in-room refreshment centre (including beverages and a selection of snacks).

Later in the day, gather at the main lodge for an exciting game drive in search of the Big 5 as well as numerous other animals. A Lukimbi safari is a unique take on a traditional Kruger National Park safari as their vehicles are permitted to traverse off-road under strictly controlled conditions. There are also no more than seven people allocated to an open shaded safari vehicle, which means that every passenger has a window seat.

After your game drive, return to the lodge for traditional cuisine around a roaring boma fire under the stars of the African sky.

DAY 2 – MAY 30, 2025

Enjoy phenomenal morning and afternoon game viewing opportunities.

Sunrise and sunset are very special on safari, in that they give the unique opportunity to pause, breathe and simply take in the beauty of the surroundings. Sip on an Amarula coffee or G&T as you witness the sun’s rise and fall in a glorious blaze of colors - no two are ever the same, and the impact is as powerful whether it’s your first or your hundredth time.

Guided river and bush walks may also be available to those who want their feet on the ground for a fresh perspective on an interactive walking safari.

Three meals are included along with local beverages.

DAY 3 – May 31, 2025

Enjoy one last game drive and a hearty breakfast before gathering your personal belongings and completing check-out formalities.

Bid the staff farewell before embarking on a road transfer (2.5 hours) to Nelspruit Airport for a flight to Durban.

On arrival at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to the Durban harbor where the ship awaits your arrival.

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

11:00am Depart Maputo for Lukimbi Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

Cross the Mozambique - South Africa border

2:30pm Estimated arrival time at Lukimbi Safari Lodge – enjoy lunch on arrival followed by check-in

3:30pm Afternoon game drive

7:00pm Return to lodge and freshen up prior to dinner

7:30pm Dinner is served

Overnight at Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Day 2

5:30am Wake-up call

6:00am Morning game drive

9:00am Return to the lodge and enjoy breakfast

10:00am Optional bush walk following breakfast – pre-arrangement required via your ranger

2:00pm Enjoy lunch at the lodge

3:30pm Afternoon game drive

7:00pm Return to lodge and freshen up prior to dinner

7:30pm Dinner is served

Overnight at Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Day 3

5:30am Wake-up call

6:00am Morning game drive

9:00am Return to the lodge and enjoy breakfast

Following breakfast, gather belongings and complete check-out formalities

10:30am Depart Lukimbi Safari Lodge for the Nelspruit Airport

1:00pm Arrive at Nelspruit Airport and check-in for a flight to Durban

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

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

4:00pm Depart the airport for the Durban harbor

5:00pm Approximate arrival time at Durban harbor (Ship departs 8pm)

Please Note:

•This safari area is known for malaria therefore the necessary precautions should be taken in advance

•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 hot. The game drive vehicles may not be covered therefore guests may be 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 at the safari lodge 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.

Expected Weather:

May is a transitional month and marks the end of summer. Temperatures cool down to an average of 12 C / 54 F in the morning and 28 C / 82 F in the afternoon.

What to Bring:

Cotton clothing in light tones, long sleeved shirts, a lightweight warm and waterproof jacket, running shoes or hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, and a bathing suit.

Local Currency:

Like Cape Town and Johannesburg, the official currency in Kruger National Park is the South African Rand (ZAR). All major credit cards are accepted.

Electricity:

South Africa operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Outlets in South Africa require a three-pronged adapter plug with 3 round prongs. We recommend brining a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.

Be aware, however, that overnight recharging may not be possible where generator use restricts the availability of electricity.

Luggage information:

Guests are permitted to check-in 20kg / 44 lbs. and can bring a small carry-on that will fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit is required.

Your passport must have at least TWO unused pages for entry / departure endorsements.

For guests who require a Visa for South Africa, the name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be 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.

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)

Please advise the Destination Services team on board if you will bring into the main cabin or require use of a CPAP machine during the flights. Device specifics will be required to be submitted to the airline prior to your flight.

If you are bringing a CPAP machine in your checked luggage, please have the specifics of your machine handy when checking in.

Hotel addresses:

Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Southern part of the Kruger National Park, Malelane, 1320

Program Includes for guests

•2-nights at Lukimbi Safari Lodge – Classic Suite on a full board basis including accommodation, all meals, game drives and two local beverages during meals

•Airport and lodge porterage

•Economy class flights per the itinerary

•Transfer from Maputo harbor to Lukimbi Safari Lodge in an air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide

•Transfer from Lukimbi Safari Lodge to Nelspruit Airport, in an air-conditioned vehicle with driver only

•Transfer from King Shaka International Airport to Durban harbor, in an air-conditioned vehicle with driver/guide

Program Excludes for guests:

•Any other meals or beverages not mentioned above including 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

•Visa fees if required

•Excess or overweight luggage on the flight

•Optional activities at the lodge that may have a fee

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.