Relive the history of King Shaka, King of the Zulus, during this enriching visit to the tribal village of Shakaland.

Journey through Empangeni en route to Shakaland, the location where the movie Shaka Zulu was filmed. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your Zulu guide and share welcome refreshments before being invited to relive the momentous and turbulent days of King Shaka, a revered early 19th-century Zulu ruler. During your walking tour through the Zulu village, see a variety of displays, including women doing beadwork, weaving mats, sculpting pottery, baking bread and brewing beer. You’ll also watch the men make a spear and shield as well as build a beehive-style grass hut.

Enter the chief’s hut to observe Zulu dancers performing rapturous rhythmic drum dances and witness a ritual done by the traditional healer, or sangoma, followed by a short audio-visual presentation and some time at your leisure to browse the village’s enticing curio shops. Delight in a traditional Zulu buffet lunch at the Kwabonamanzi restaurant overlooking the Umhlatuze Lake, a satisfying finale to your fascinating outing.

Enjoy a scenic drive from Richards Bay to the Thanda Private Game Reserve, home to the Big 5. The integration of South Africa's best climate and rich bush land has made Thanda Private Game Reserve the top award-winning safari destination in South Africa. This program allows for early morning and evening game drives which increases your chances of seeing wildlife as this is when they are most active.

DAY 1
Disembark in Richards Bay and meet your English-speaking representative who will accompany you on the road transfer to Thanda Private Game Reserve. The travel time approximately 2.5 hours.

Thanda is a spectacular private game reserve set in 14,000 hectares of Big 5 indigenous bush and Thanda Safari Lodge is the reserve’s flagship property. Each of the 9 suites has their own majestic master bedroom, double sided fireplace, large bathroom and indoor and outdoor showers. The common areas include an inviting lounge, an expansive deck overlooking a watering hole, a cigar bar, a wine cellar and the Thanda Safari Spa.

On arrival at the main entrance gate, you will be met by game rangers who will transfer you to your lodge in 4-wheel drive open vehicles.

Gather for high tea before departing on an 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.

Return to the lodge to freshen up before dinner is served.

DAY 2
The day begins with an early-morning wakeup call, followed by tea, coffee and biscuits in the lounge. This too is an ideal time for wildlife viewing. As before, you will head into the bush in an open-topped 4x4 vehicle, accompanied by knowledgeable rangers and trackers who are skilled at pointing out the various animals.

Following your game drive, you will return to the lodge for breakfast.

After breakfast, gather your belongings and complete check-out formalities before transferring to the Durban Harbor. Travelling time is approximately 4 hours. A packed lunch will be provided for the journey.

Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details, including timings and any flights indicated below, are approximate and are given here for general reference purposes and are subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Shore Excursion Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

DAY 1
11:30am Disembark in Richards Bay and transfer by road to Thanda Private Game Reserve
2:00pm Upon arrival at the lodge, check-in
Afternoon high tea will be served, guests will be shown to their rooms
4:00pm Afternoon game drive
7:00pm Return to the lodge
7:30pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight at the Thanda Safari Lodge

DAY 2
5:00am Early wake-up call
Gather in the living area for tea, coffee and biscuits
6:00am Early morning game drive
9:00am Breakfast at the lodge
9:30am Gather belongings and complete check-out formalities
10:00am Depart Thanda Safari Lodge for Durban (packed lunch provided)
2:30pm Approximate arrival time at Durban’s harbor

Expected Weather:
South Africa’s seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Midwinter is June and midsummer is December and January. The climate varies from region to region but is generally mild throughout the year. Expect it to be hot during the day and much cooler in the evenings. On average - 25°C / 77°F

What to Bring:
Sunhat, sunblock, camera, chargers, binoculars, something warm as the mornings and evenings may be cool

Local Currency:
ZAR (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 can 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:
Guests must bring their passport with them
Please consultant the embassy to obtain the latest visa regulations for your nationality

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 reserve
• During early morning game drives in open vehicles it can be a little cool. We recommend that guests take along a windbreaker or 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 & neck problems
• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed
• Children under 5 years of age are not permitted
• 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



Program Includes for guests


• 1 night at Thanda Safari Lodge (Villa) including accommodation, game drives, all meals and local beverages during meals and afternoon game drive.
• Limited drinks package, soft drinks available all day, house wines and local spirits and beers on evening game drives, pre-dinner and at dinner
• Transport in a luxury air-conditioned coach with A/C and PA system
• 1 x lunch box on Day 2
• 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



We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards. If you are not notified of any changes before your sailing, then you will be staying at the lodge listed in the program.




Program Excludes for guests:


• Any other meals not listed above
• All other drinks 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
• Any other discounts or promos offered by NCL including but not limited to Latitude and Free at Sea discounts



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. Not combinable with any other discounts or promos including but not limited to Latitude and Free at Sea discounts.




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.


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Marvel at South Africa’s abundant bird and wildlife species during this scenic cruise in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its enormous ecological value.

Drive north to the breathtaking iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where you’ll board a boat for a leisurely, approximately two-hour cruise on Lake Saint Lucia, Southern Africa’s largest estuarine lake, which covers an area of approximately 217 square miles. Keep a sharp eye out for bird-rich islands that are home to thousands of feeding pelicans, waders and other waterfowl that comprise the more than 526 different avian species who call the wetlands home.

Catch sight of the basking and nesting sites of the famed Nile crocodile as well as the hippos that thrive in the estuary, and discover that this is the greatest confluence of both of these creatures to be found in South Africa. You’re sure to cherish your time spent amid the natural wonders and teeming wildlife of this splendid region.

Revel in South Africa’s sublime natural beauty and wildlife during this superb game drive at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. Settle in for a picturesque drive north to the park’s Memorial Gate, where you’ll enjoy a brief stop to change over into your open-air, off-road safari vehicle.

During your approximately two-hour game drive, marvel at the expansive views and photo opportunities of the pristine scenery surrounding you. Discover the park is well-known for its small population of rare white rhinos and a spectacular variety of bird and animal life, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, cheetahs, mountain reedbuck, kudu and warthogs.

As you journey through the park’s rolling landscapes, keep your camera on hand, as you may encounter many of these glorious creatures up close. Prepare to make lifetime memories during this immersion into the natural habitat of some of the world’s most majestic wildlife.

Explore the culture and traditions of the Zulu tribe during this enlightening visit to the entrancing DumaZulu Traditional Village. Drive north to the DumaZulu Traditional Village, also known as Thundering Zulu, where more than 50 tribal residents form part of a living museum that offers a genuine Zulu cultural experience. Find that DumaZulu is the largest village of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and the only Zulu community to be opened up to tourism by King Goodwill Zwelithini, who placed the royal Zulu stamp of approval on the village’s objectives and authenticity. After enjoying a cooling refreshment, meet your guides and accept an invitation into the chief’s homestead, or kraal, where you can watch and learn about the tribe’s various traditions, including basket-weaving, spear- and shield-making, beadwork, pottery-sculpting.

Discover a diverse collection of crocodiles and snakes at an intriguing reptile park.

Take a leisurely 75-minute drive past unspoiled wetlands to Zulu Croc, an unusual reptile park that provides a hands-on experience amid an alluring landscape of savanna bushveld. You’ll find that here you can touch some of the world’s most fascinating creatures under the supervision of expert reptile handlers. Hand feed an iguana or pose for photos with a boa constrictor draped over your shoulders, if you wish, but simply observe the more dangerous and venomous creatures. Learn that Nile crocodiles can weigh up to 1,650 pounds and grow up to 20 feet long, a size they achieve by eating any appetizing morsel within their reach.

Should you feel adventurous, stroke a baby croc while it’s being held and, if it’s feeding time, perhaps see adults leaping vertically out of the water to chomp chunks of raw meat. Take in myriad facts about snakes such as venomous puff adders, boomslangs and black mambas or the non-venomous carpet pythons and reticulated pythons, the world’s longest snakes. You’ll thrill to your up-close encounters with the fearsome yet magnificent residents of this enthralling park.