In a nutshell

An experience of three days and two nights in the Thanda Game Reserve: a luxury safari camp with a private terrace where you can enjoy the wild beauty of the savanna at all times of day. Then, at dawn and dusk, climb aboard the 4x4 and learn to identify tracks in the bush: will you manage to get a snap of the “big five”?

Main stops

Day 1 * Sightseeing bus tour from Durban port to the Thanda private game reserve * Sightseeing 4x4 tour at sunset with savanna aperitif and nocturnal wildlife watching * Overnight stay in Thanda in an exclusive lodge

Day 2 * Sightseeing 4x4 tour at dawn, in search of the 'Big Five' * Sightseeing 4x4 tour at sunset with savanna aperitif * Overnight stay in Thanda in an exclusive lodge

Day 3 * 4x4 tour at dawn * Transfer to Durban airport * Flight to Port Elizabeth and return to ship

The programme

Day 1 – Thanda Game Reserve: in the heart of Zulu country * Your fully sustainable safari camp is located in the heart of Zulu country, a proud community with a culture rich in traditions that you will experience through each of the activities in the camp. * In the afternoon, join a local ranger in your open-top 4x4 and go on a quest to find the “big five”, the five biggest animals of the savanna. At sunset, savor an aperitif in the savanna and then continue your exploration by torchlight: did you know that it is home to 380 bird species? Their song will accompany you back to your exclusive lodge, for your first night in the savanna.

Day 2 – Dawn and sunset with the “big five” of Africa * Thanda is a private game reserve spanning more than 14,000 hectares of savanna, populated by lions, elephants, black and white rhinoceros, buffalo and leopards. Spotting them is easier at dawn, as the savanna awakes, or at sunset, when the temperature drops. The local rangers will teach you how to identify their tracks: can you take the photo of a lifetime of one of the “big five”? * After lunch, enjoy the comfort of the safari camp: pool, terrace and traditional afternoon tea. Then, when night falls, you'll sit down around the fire and the camp will light up with the warm glow of the torches.

Day 3 - The dewy scent of the savanna * The savanna awakes early, and you will too, as you climb into the 4x4 at first light: the intoxicating scent of the dewy grass will accompany you on the plane, as you fly over Zulu country to Port Elizabeth, where your ship awaits.

Good to know

All meals are included.
To best enjoy this experience, remember to bring along a hat, sunglasses, sun lotion, a light windproof jacket, camera and binoculars.
Wear appropriate sports shoes and clothing for the trail.
After the welcome at the camp, make sure you book your activities for the coming days at reception.
Bring your passport with two blank pages for each entry into South Africa: you'll need it to take part in this experience.
The experience can be canceled up to 90 days prior to the start date of the land excursion.
The content and order of the activities may be changed without notice, depending on the weather conditions and the movements of the wildlife in the reserve.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
During the tour, a local guide will provide you with assistance and information in English.
In order to offer you an exclusive experience, the number of places is limited: book early.
The presence of the Costa Tour Expert is not guaranteed for the entire experience.