Cruise Ship Overnight Safari Excursions from Richards Bay

I recently found myself craving an escape of some sort; I needed a little time to myself to quieten my mind and gather my thoughts, especially during this time of year when tour requests are flying at me fast and furious – the cruise ship season is not for the feint of heart!

There is no better place to find oneself than in Zululand surrounded by the vast vista of the African veld surrounded by the amazing people and wildlife of South Africa. My week spent exploring the reserves, enjoying the sights and sounds of Africa grounded me in a way that is hard to explain, but needs to be experienced for yourself.

Cruise Ship Excursions from Richards Bay

Every year I run a number of multi-day safari tour options that seeks to achieve just that, a grounding of sorts, an opportunity to find yourself, an escape from the hustle and bustle of the floating cities we call cruise ships.

Last year I ran 3 separate tours that either started in Richards Bay and finished in Durban or Cape Town, or vice-versa. These tours proved so popular that I was over-subscribed; I keep them small as the point is to relax away from the cacophony of the cruise ships.

Here’s what one of the guests from last season said…

We were well looked after and led by our guide, Jacki. We saw a large range of animals, the highlight being a close encounter with an elephant. Food and service 10/10. Rooms were worthy of a 3 star rating and WiFi had just been upgraded and adequately did the job. Showers were hot although water flow was poor. If you’re looking for value for money, don’t look any further, excellent. – TripAdvisor

Overnight Safari Tour Options from Richards Bay

Here is some of the important info regarding my safari tour, cruise excursions;

• Accommodation: we stay at a private game reserve called Bonamanzi. It is a upmarket 3-star that is value of money and gets fantastic reviews. One of the highlights is dinner where often venison is on the menu and if we ask really nicely, they’ll do a traditional braai (barbecue).
• Game Reserve: We spend most of our time viewing animals in the nearby Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve. Apart from being the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa, this is a big 5 reserve and best of all, you’re accompanied by expert wildlife guides!
• Excursions: And that, as they say, is not all! I can also arrange for excursions to St Lucia for the estuary cruise, Emdoneni for the Cheetah tour, Bayete Zulu for the Elephant experience and False Bay for same forest exploring.
• Transport: I try to keep the group size down to a max of 16 to ensure plenty for space for every one to real a bit. Last year (2023) we had 20 per group and it was a bit cramped. I can go with smaller groups as well.

Overnight safari excursions from Richards Bay

Below are the options that I offer currently. They are the standard tours I usually run, but there is a discounted rate of cruise ship excursion provided there are more than 8 people (4 couples sharing).

2 Day Safari Tour

This the perfect getaway if your cruise ship is docking in Richards Bay and Durban. I’ll pick you up from one port and drop you at the other. On this 2 day safari tour you’ll get to experience my standard St Lucia estuary cruise as well as game drives in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve. You can get more info by visiting my 2 day safari tour page.

3 Day Safari Tour

Sometimes the trip from Durban to Richards Bay (or the other way round) takes a bit longer, or perhaps there is an overnight stay in one of the ports. This 3 day tour is great for this scenario. You get the St Lucia estuary cruise, game drives in Hluhluwe Imfolozi game reserve, and optional Elephant Experience or Cheetah tour. Get more info on this tour by visiting my 3 day safari tour page.

4 Day Safari Tour

Guests have taken this tour quite a few times in the past. I’ll pickup from Durban or Richards Bay, and once done, guests will fly to meet the ship in Cape Town. Of course you could do it the other way as well, fly from Cape Town and meet the ship in Durban or Richards Bay. Much like the others, St Lucia is included, as is the Cheetah tour and the Elephant Experience. Read up about this tour on my 4 day safari page.

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