Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Africa Cruises

After a brief orientation of Port Elizabeth, cross the Swartkops River and follow the route inland to the flat valley of the Sundays River. Journey time to the Addo National Park is approximately one hour.

In the 1920's, the hired game hunter, Major P J Pretorius, almost wiped out the entire herd of elephants which roamed the Eastern Cape. Fortunately a few remained and bred to produce around 300 elephants, which are today protected in the Addo Elephant Park. Belonging to the same species as the African Elephant, the reddish-coloured Addo Elephant is smaller with more rounded ears, while the females generally have no tusks.

On a game drive through the park by coach, your driver/guide will take you through this extensive parkland, scanning the bush for these gentle giants.

A variety of other game animals is present and has recently been introduced to the Reserve. This includes lion, hyena, cheetah, zebra, eland, kudu and red hartebeest. Also quite notable is the unique flightless dung beetle, which is found almost exclusively in Addo.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach. Sightings of animals cannot be guaranteed. Due to the bumpy nature of this tour, it is not recommended for passengers suffering with back problems. Smoking and talking loudly are not permitted during the drive and mobile phones must be switched off. Comfortable clothing, binoculars and a sun hat are recommended.

The Lalibela Private Game Reserve is located 55 miles from Port Elizabeth, with a journey time of approximately 1½ hrs. The Eastern Cape is rich in ethnic culture and diversity, and offers you a unique wildlife experience. This malaria-free environment spans 5 eco-systems, resulting in a breathtaking diversity of flora and fauna.

Refreshments will be served at the Day Visitors’ Centre, before starting your game drive in open vehicles. Navigate the Reserve, where the wildlife roams in profusion and diversity. You’ll be face to face with a multitude of game species, ranging from the mighty ‘Big Five’, to the tiny blue duiker and rock hyrax. Lalibela is also home to hippo, giraffe, zebra, warthog and numerous species of antelope such as eland, kudu, bushbuck and wildebeest. Hopefully, you will encounter a variety of wildlife on your game drive, however, sightings are not guaranteed.

Enjoy a buffet lunch, during which Xhosa dancers and singers will entertain you.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and open vehicles. Guests must be mobile enough to board the open game vehicles. The roads in the Game Reserve are gravel with inclines and certain parts of the game drive can be bumpy. This tour is not recommended for people with back problems. Comfortable clothing, binoculars and a sun hat are strongly recommended. Smoking, talking loudly and standing up is not permitted during the game drive. Mobile phones must be switched off and no food is permitted to be taken on the game vehicles.

For safety reasons, children under the age of six years are not permitted in the open vehicles. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

EARLY BOOKING IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL GAME RESERVE TOURS.

Please be advised that the small souvenir shop at the lunch venue will only accept local currency – South African Rand. It is custom for the unmarried Xhosa women to go topless. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

This groundbreaking tour will cover both the historical heart of the city and the vibrant black townships. Come face to face with the harsh reality of South Africa’s past and the successes and challenges of the present.

Proceed by coach to Missionvale, a very poor and undeveloped residential township, before continuing via the Govan Mbeki Township to the middle class areas of Kwadwesi and Kwa Magxaki. From here, travel into the heart of the township via the main trading area, Njoli Square, and on to a local school. Refreshments will be served and you’ll enjoy a variety of cultural activities with singers or dancers.

Continue to the gallery of township artists in the squatter camp, Rhamaphosa Village. The different styles of work on display will be explained and you’ll have the opportunity to purchase crafts directly from the artists.

Visit the Emlotheni Memorial Park, recently built to commemorate the death of the Apartheid and to celebrate the achievement of freedom to which many gave their lives, before passing by the historic and striking Red Location.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves a moderate level of activity over uneven and unpaved roads. Any donations in the form of pens, pencils, crayons etc. would be gratefully received by the school and should be given to the Principal. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended and only local currency (South African Rand) is accepted in the crafts building. The toilet facilities are clean but very basic. Please note that most of the sites visited on this tour are part of an African Township, with much poverty. Be prepared for this aspect of the tour, as it is definitely a ‘no frills’ experience.

Amakhala Game Reserve is a unique conservation initiative that allows animals to be re-introduced to the area where they once roamed freely and so making a contribution to the conservation of our natural heritage. The land was used to ranch sheep and cattle up to the turn of the century. The challenge has been to re-establish the original flora and fauna species to the area and to return the land to nature.

Explore the Game Reserve's 18,000 acres in four by four vehicles to discover lions, elephants, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and monkeys. This is your opportunity to be privileged enough to see the world famous African animals close up in their own habitat.

The focus of the game drives is not only the large majestic beasts but also the humble smaller mammals, birds and insects. The reserve hosts five of the world’s six vegetation biomes. Luncheon will be served in the lodge after the game drive.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and open vehicles. Guests must be mobile enough to board the open game vehicles. The roads in the Game Reserve are gravel with inclines and certain parts of the game drive can be bumpy. This tour is not recommended for people with back problems. Comfortable clothing, binoculars and a sun hat are strongly recommended. Smoking, talking loudly and standing up is not permitted during the game drive.

Mobile phones must be switched off and no food is permitted to be taken on the game vehicles. For safety reasons, children under the age of six years are not permitted in the open vehicles. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

EARLY BOOKING IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL GAME RESERVE TOURS.

Situated approximately 1½ hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth, Pumba Private Game Reserve covers over 6,000 hectares of land and offers the thrilling experience of spotting the Big Five in their natural environment. Pumba covers five of the seven biomes, and is the first of the Eastern Cape Game reserves to introduce a White Lion breeding programme.

As well as the amazing animals you will find at Pumba Private Game Reserve, for the bird lovers there are over 300 different species. Other animals on the reserve include giraffe, zebra, hippo, cheetah, warthog, hyena, wild dogs and a host of others.

Tea, coffee or juice will be served upon arrival at the lodge, after which you will proceed on a two hour game drive in open vehicles, with experienced rangers, viewing Pumba’s abundant game and birdlife, as well as experiencing the beauty of the Reserve.

Return to the lodge for a buffet lunch, which will be served in the restaurant before reboarding the open vehicles to continue for a further hour game drive.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach, open vehicle and on foot. Guests must be mobile enough to board the open game vehicles. The roads in the Game Reserve are gravel with inclines and certain parts of the game drive can be bumpy. This tour is not recommended for people with back problems. Comfortable clothing, binoculars and a sun hat are strongly recommended. Smoking, talking loudly and standing up is not permitted during the game drive. Mobile phones must be switched off and no food is permitted to be taken on the game vehicles.

For safety reasons, children under the age of six years are not permitted in the open vehicles. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

EARLY BOOKING IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL GAME RESERVE TOURS.

Please be advised that the small souvenir shop at the lunch venue will only accept local currency – South African Rand. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Leaving the harbour area, pass the city’s most prominent landmark, the Campanile Monument. Built in 1923, it commemorates the landing of the first British settlers who arrived in 1820 and is situated on the site where the settlers landed and contains a carillon of 23 bells. Continue along the beachfront to the suburb of Summerstrand which is a very popular beach area with many guesthouses and hotels before reaching the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Campus.

Along the beachfront, stop off at Shark Rock Pier for a photo-stop (subject to coach accessibility) before transferring to the city centre to view the highlights such as the library, Post Office and City Hall. The City Hall was seriously damaged by fire in 1977, resulting in a major restoration program. Depart for the Donkin Memorial, a stone pyramid erected in memory of Sir Rufane Donkin's wife Elizabeth, whom Port Elizabeth was named after.

Continue to Fort Frederick, a monument, which was named after Frederick, the Duke of York and pass St George’s Cricket Ground en-route to the Nelson Mandela Stadium for a photo-stop.


This excursion will operate by coach. This tour involves minimal walking; however some of the sites visited will have gravel and unpaved ground. Flat, comfortable walking shoes & sun hats are recommended, guests can remain on the coach at these photo stops if they wish. The order or highlights may vary.