Travel to the 58,000-acre Manyoni Private Game Reserve and overnight at Leopard Mountain Lodge which has the most spectacular and uninterrupted views in Zululand over the African plains and the meandering riverine forests below. This Big 5 multiple award-winning lodge is set within an Endangered Species Protected Area offering peace and tranquility with friendly hospitality.

Special 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.

Program details and the number of game drives are subject to change depending on flight details:

DAY 1
Disembark in Richards Bay and transfer by road to the Manyoni Private Game Reserve. The drive is approximately 2.5 hours.

Leopard Mountain lodge has eight well appointed, stone chalets nestled in the cliff tops overlooking the river below. Each has its own hammock and plunge pool on a private balcony as well as a mini bar, tea and coffee facilities, mosquito nets over the beds and an en-suite bathroom with twin vanities.

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. After check in you will have some time to get acquainted with your new surroundings.

Gather for afternoon 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

Return to the lodge for breakfast followed by time at leisure to relax around the lodge as you wish. Perhaps take some quality time for yourself to be pampered at their Africology Spa for an hour or two. (additional cost).

At lunch time you can enjoy a light picnic basket lunch around the bird pond, or the main lodge deck or simply relax on your private balcony.

In the afternoon you will be invited to enjoy tea on the main deck as you overlook the distant Lebombo Mountain Range. Afterwards, head out again with your guide to explore some of the different areas of the reserve on your afternoon game drive.

Return to the lodge for dinner.

As the day comes to end, you can sit around the bonfire and share stories of the day’s wildlife encounters with the other guests or retire to your chalet to enjoy a sherry on your deck, listening to Africa’s night chorus of distant lion roars, hyenas whooping or baboons barking in the river bed below.

DAY 3
Enjoy one final early morning game drive and then return to the lodge for breakfast and check-out formalities.

Thereafter transfer to the main entrance where you will board a vehicle for a road transfer to Durban’s King Shaka International airport. The travel time is approximately 4.5 hours. A packed lunch is included for the journey.

Fly from Durban to Port Elizabeth where you will be met and transferred to the harbor to re-join the ship.

Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations that are beyond our control. 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. Direct flights are never guaranteed. 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 Leopard Mountain Game Lodge.
2:00pm Upon arrival at the main entrance, transfer to the lodge.
2:30pm A welcome drink is served while guests fill out registration and indemnity forms.
Following check-in, guests will be shown to their rooms
3:30pm Afternoon tea will be served.
4:00pm Evening game drive.
7:00pm Return to the lodge.
7:30pm Dinner is served at the lodge.
Overnight at the Leopard Mountain 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
Free time at leisure
12:30pm Lunch served at the main lodge followed by time at leisure
3:30pm Afternoon tea
4:00pm Late afternoon game drive
7:00pm Guests return to the lodge
7:30pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight at the Leopard Mountain Lodge

DAY 3 – timings and a game drive on this day are dependent on actual flight times once assigned, below is a sample itinerary
6:00am Early breakfast followed by check-out formalities
7:00am Transfer to the main entrance gate
7:30am Transfer to Durban Airport (lunch box included)
12:00pm Arrive at the Airport and check-in for a flight to Port Elizabeth
1:20pm Flight to Port Elizabeth (flight details TBA and subject to change)
2:35pm Arrive in Port Elizabeth, collect luggage and transfer to the harbor
4:00pm Approximate arrival time at the port and re-embark the ship

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.

Luggage information
On the flight guests are permitted to check-in 1 piece of luggage at a maximum of 23 kg (50 lbs.) and maximum dimension of 158 cm (62 inches).
Hand luggage cannot exceed 3 kg (7 lbs).

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 Shore Excursion Team via Reservations at NCL 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 NCL nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

Documents and Visa Requirements:
Guests must bring their passport with them
Please consultant the embassy to obtain the latest visa regulations for your nationality.

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.

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 12 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

• 2 nights at Leopard Mountain lodge (Luxury Suite) 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
• Lunch box on Day 3
• Qualified English-speaking tour guide to accompany on transfers to and from the lodge
• Porterage for maximum 1 piece of luggage per person<
• 1 x 500 ml bottle of mineral water per person on transfers
• Economy class flight per the itinerary details

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
• Overweight or excess luggage fees on the flight
• 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.

Explore a wetland nature reserve on reclaimed land that now supports an abundance of indigenous flora and fauna. Salt pans covered much of this area for centuries, and it wasn’t until about 50 years ago that the brackish wetlands became an important habitat for flora and fauna. As you walk through this wonderfully unique ecosystem, a naturalist will describe the transformation of the reserve and how environmentalists prevented it from becoming an industrial zone. Nearly 250 types of birds—more than half the species in the entire country of Slovenia—have been spotted there, including Eurasian reed warblers, black-winged stilts and squacco herons. You can also expect to see a huge variety of colorful butterflies flitting about. Halophytes are among the more intriguing plants found in the wetlands, as they thrive in salty ground. From a distance, these succulents appear to have ice on their leaves, but it is actually dried salt that the plants exude from their glands.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Gain insight into how former salt pans were transformed into a thriving wetland.
• Walk through a now-protected nature reserve with a naturalist guide.
• Observe abundant wildlife that includes more than half the bird species in Slovenia.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover the traditional ways being practiced in the fishing village Pedregalejo, where you will see how an old-style fishing boat is made and learn how to grill sardines on an open fire. The origin of the wooden boats, known as jábegas, dates to the Phoenician era. They have recently experienced a rebirth of sorts with rowing clubs using them in competitive events. Pedregalejo is also revered for its old-style beachfront restaurants known as chiringuitos. At one of the most popular chiringuitos, you will learn how to prepare espeto, which is barbecued fish, most often sardines. The fish are heavily seasoned with coarse sea salt and skewered on long flat bamboo sticks. They are then placed over an open fire of olive wood, which imparts an unmistakable flavor. If sardines are used, their silvery color will turn golden brown as they cook. Once the sardines are done, you can eat them with your fingers right off the skewer.

Drive around a lake that is a natural phenomenon of sorts, as its water disappears each autumn, leaving the lake dry until the winter rainy season. For an overview of the lake’s unusual hydrological system, you will first browse a museum with a scale working model of Lake Cerknica, showing how each year it drains into the porous karst that lies beneath the lakebed. A leisurely walk around the shore will add another dimension to your understanding of this well-known “intermittent lake,” as it’s known geologically. When full, the lake is the largest in Slovenia. Much of the flora and fauna changes seasonally with the water level. Regardless of when you visit, you can expect to see flowering orchids, medicinal plants, and countless birds, all of which the naturalist will describe in fascinating detail. More than half of Europe’s bird species have been spotted there at one time or another.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Follow a naturalist around an unusual “intermittent lake” that completely drains each year.
• View a scale model of Lake Cerknica that shows how its hydrological system works.
• Enjoy the flora and fauna that thrives around the lake as the naturalist describes them.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Snorkel the azure waters adjacent to the of Belize's Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living barrier reef. This is a shallow water entry, well suited for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Depart from the Harvest Caye Marina on one of our comfortable snorkel vessels for the short scenic ride to a beautiful site along the reef. This location is teeming with multitudes of colorful reef fish, co-habiting among the beautiful hard and soft coral formations, intermingled with sponges, sea fans, and delicate sea anemones.

Possible sightings of spotted eagle rays and schools of larger fish are quite common, large starfish, queen conchs, and sea cucumbers also call this patch of the reef home. After snorkeling, re-board your boat and enjoy the return trip while listening to Caribbean rhythmic vibes. After returning to the pier, as you step off the boat, you can pick up your complimentary rum punch.

Sail across Pillsbury Sound to the enchanting island of St. John on a catamaran and then snorkel in the turquoise waters just offshore. All that is required of you is to sit back and relax as the catamaran glides along the eastern end of St. Thomas and continues to St. John, the most pristine of the U.S. Virgin Islands. In time, you will arrive at Honeymoon Beach within the Virgin Islands National Park. You will be free to snorkel, stroll along the sugar-white beach and relax as you see fit. You might stretch out on a beach towel, linger in the shade of a coconut palm and swim in the sea with nothing on your mind other than enjoying yourself. On the return cruise to St. Thomas, the champagne will be flowing and an array of cheeses, freshly baked breads and fresh tropical fruits will be served.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sail on a sleek catamaran to neighboring St. John, half of which is a national park.
• Snorkel the crystal-clear waters off Honeymoon Beach on the island’s western edge.
• Bask in the sun, relax on the beach and delight in the natural beauty.
• Celebrate the adventure with a tropical beverage from the open bar on the return cruise.

Gain an appreciation for some of Cyprus’ crafts and foods by visiting a traditional baker, beekeeper and basket weaver. Your first stop will be the village of Larnaca, where you will stop at the Byzantine church Agios Lazaros and at a bakery for a snack of koupes, a traditional street food stuffed with minced meat and spices. Cyprus is known for its extraordinary honey, which you will hear about from a beekeeper in the rustic village Valva. You will also taste the honey, which may reflect a bouquet of flora such as thyme, eucalyptus and orange blossom. Once you arrive in the village of Choirokotia, artisan Petros Nicolaou will demonstrate the art of basket-weaving, a trade he learned from his grandparents. It takes about three hours to make a single basket from water reeds, and it is a fascinating process. While observing Nicolaou’s artistry, you will sample local delicacies that include halloumi cheese made in a basket.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Stop in a historical village to snack on a traditional street food known as koupes.
• Sample honey that reflects the flavors of the local flora in another village.
• Watch a basket weaver demonstrate his prodigious talents as you snack on local cheese.

Capture the moment by taking the perfect selfie photo in Florence & Pisa! Instantly share your experience with family & friends on your favorite social media site as many of the stops will include wi-fi in real time. Professional photographers & selfie experts will teach you how to take the best selfie photo including composition, posing, lighting etc. Capture the spirit of this incredible destination.

Your tour will start with a scenic drive from the ship to Piazza della Signoria. Your walking tour will have designated selfie stops at: • Piazza della Signoria
• Santa Maria de Fiore Cathedral
• Piazza della Repubblica
• Ponte Vecchio
• Piazzale Michelangelo
• The Tower of Pisa

To make this experience even more fun, you will be provided with a selfie stick and utilize our Selfie Station in order to help catch the perfect picture. During the tour, you will stop for some traditional treats and a wine tasting.

Spend an enlightening day on a farm in nearby Alevropari, where you will experience country life with the owners. Before reaching Bioporos farm you will stop at the traditional village of Agios Matheos and explore the real Corfiot Village life. Once you arrive at Bioporos, Kriton the elder son of the family will be your host, Although you won’t be doing any real chores, you will share a few fun responsibilities such as feeding the horses and the donkey. You will also have the opportunity to tour the farm, which will give you a greater understanding of Greek rural life. During the course of the day, you will pick ripe tomatoes and cucumbers, sample fresh herbs from the garden and see the farm’s beehives. Spending the day as a farmer will provide you with a genuine look at country life that few visitors ever experience. You will have a cooking demonstration for the family’s lunch from the daughter of the family Afterwards, you will travel though the coastal part of Corfu and drive along the sea on the way back to the port.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Experience Greek country life with the owners of a farm near the village of Alevropari.
• Do fun chores such as feeding the horses, the donkeys and picking ripe vegetables.
• Sample home made fruit dessert with coffee.
• Reconvene with the farm owners at their residence in Alevropari to further discuss rural life.

Enjoy a glass of sherry while learning to make authentic tapas at the Bodega Casa del Marques, a 19th-century palace built for a wine merchant. The elegant residence is decorated with period furnishings that lend it an ambiance so authentic that it feels as if you were transported to another time. While there, you will learn to make tapas, some traditional and others topped with surprisingly inventive ingredients. These small-plate snacks reflect the local cuisine and are typically served with a glass of sherry, especially in Jerez, which has been producing the fortified wine for more than 175 years. The exact tapas that you will prepare will depend on which ingredients are freshest and most flavorful. They might include fried fish, meatballs or something a bit more unusual such as stewed ox tail. Be sure to add favorite ingredients, as you will dine on the tapas afterwards.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Participate in a hands-on culinary class at a 19th-century palace built for a wine merchant.
• Learn to prepare authentic, small-plate tapas with traditional and unusual ingredients.
• Dine on the finished tapas and enjoy a glass of sherry as an accompaniment.

Gain an overall understanding of Saigon through landmark architecture that reflects the changing face of the metropolis known as Ho Chi Minh City since 1976. In the lively Chinatown district of Cholon, you will find Giac Lam, the city’s oldest pagoda. A haven of tranquility where Taoism and Confucianism merge with Buddhism, the pagoda compound includes ornate tombs, a rare bodhi tree and an elegant statue of the Goddess of Mercy. For a more contemporary perspective, you will view Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, a modernistic white building that was home to the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon presents a glimpse into colonial life, as the French constructed it in the mid-1800s. The ornate Central Post Office is another French-built colonial gem. If not for the large portrait of Ho Chi Minh inside, you might think you were in Paris.

Mingle with the locals at a vibrant marketplace and with fishermen along the waterfront in Setubal. The city sits atop a Roman fishing town that a tsunami destroyed in the 5th century, and parts of it have been excavated. Fishing is still essential to Setubal, as you will discover at a bustling downtown market. Sardines, cuttlefish, oysters—they are all here on display, fresh from the docks where the fishermen have brought their morning’s catch. The guide will point out some of the most unusual species and introduce you to the vendors. While walking along a nearby promenade, you will likely see fishermen tending their nets. This will present another opportunity to interact with the locals and ask about their traditional livelihood, which new technology continues to influence. For a taste of the seafood that comes into Setubal, you will dine at a restaurant in town. The menu will include the local specialty “choco frito,” which is fried cuttlefish.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Gain an understanding of how the sea has influenced the village of Setubal for centuries.
• Browse a seafood market in Setubal and meet some of the vendors and local fishermen.
• Indulge in a delicious seafood lunch, featuring the day’s catch in traditional dishes.