Detailed Itinerary
PRE-CRUISE OPTION – Golf & Kruger Safari
POST-CRUISE OPTION – Fancourt & Knysna
Embark Azamara Pursuit beginning at 1:00PM. All aboard by 4:30PM.
Welcome Cocktails & Briefing this evening. Meet your fellow participants & PerryGolf staff.
Overnight: At Sea
Today it’s time to relax and reset. Make your reservations early for The Sanctum Spa, a world-class wellness facility offering a full range of health, beauty and restorative treatments. Complimentary fitness and nutrition classes are available along with a fully equipped gym on Deck 9 offering magnificent sea views. There’s room for everyone on the Pool Deck both in and out of the sun. Service to your lounge chair is available from The Pool Bar where the attentive staff is always ready to offer an inclusive cocktail, beer, bottled water, soft drink or fresh towel. The Patio restaurant serves casual fare during the day then completely transforms itself into a sit-down al fresco dining experience at night with table linens and candles. Elegant specialty dining is available for beef at Prime C and Italian at Aqualina. Windows Café serves casual buffet dining with every imaginable choice indoors and out at the sensational Sunset Bar.
What a way to spend a day!
Overnight: At Sea
GOLF: Humewood Golf Club was considered the top course in South Africa by the legendary countryman, professional Bobby Locke during his prime in the 1930s and 40s. A genuine seaside links, Humewood has played host to the South African Open and South African Amateur on many occasions and Ernie Els is a past champion of the Goodyear Classic, held at the course from 1984-1992. The greens were converted to bent grass in 2009 and the result was consistently magnificent putting surfaces.
SIGHTSEEING: Port Elizabeth is known for its supreme natural beauty, specifically the pristine beaches and vast areas for unsurpassed game watching. Take a stroll and enjoy the views from the stunning Storms River Bridge. Visit the Seaview Lion Park or make a trip to the Addo National Elephant Park, which is the only place in the world that’s home to each of Africa’s Big 7 - lion, buffalo, leopard, the endangered black rhino, elephant, Great White Shark and Southern Right Whale.
Enjoy Port Elizabeth on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
Overnight: At Sea
GOLF: East London Golf Club has been one of South Africa’s favorite championship venues for decades. It has hosted six National Opens, the European Tour and the National Amateur counting the likes of Els, Schwartzel and Oosthuizen among the winners here. The club was originally founded in 1893. Today it is a coastal gem, opened in 1923, with a wonderful mix of parkland and links holes typically played to elevated greens. No. 9, The Glades, is particularly memorable. After a 50 yard walk through a tunnel of bush, you reach an elevated tee that begs for a bomb. Catching the slope makes all the difference for your approach with a middle iron played slightly uphill to a green protected by thick brush on all sides.
SIGHTSEEING: East London is a relatively small town on the Eastern Cape. Stroll the sands of Bonza Bay Beach or Cove Rock. The East London Zoo is located inside the beautiful Queens Park Zoological Gardens and is home to an impressive variety of plant life and animals, including tigers, jaguar and chimpanzee. East London has numerous superb dining options, downtown and along the waterfront, including Arthur’s Restaurant & Pub, which is famous for its menu selections as well as supreme hospitality.
Enjoy East London on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
Overnight: At Sea
Enjoy another relaxing day at sea onboard Azamara Pursuit.
Overnight: At Sea
Richards Bay, named for the British Naval Commander who landed troops on the Zululand coast in 1879, is one of South Africa’s largest harbors and home to the world’s largest export coal terminal. The multitude of specialized ships that dock and depart here are a certain point of interest for any maritime enthusiasts. The sandy shores of Alkanstrand Beach provide a lovely, relaxing place to spend a morning or afternoon. Hippos, crocodiles and more than 300 species of native birds can be observed at the Tuzigazi Waterfront, an idyllic nature conservation area located at the confluence of the Mzingazi River and Lake Mzingazi.
Golfers disembark in Richards Bay (along with any accompanying PerryGolf non-golfing guests who wish to participate - reduced rate charge applies) for an easy two round, one night off ship excursion including dinner and drinks plus overnight stay with breakfast at the beautiful Fairmont Zimbali Resort. The group will rejoin Azamara Pursuit in the late afternoon in Durban on the second day. Light lunches are also included along with normal golf program amenities.
We make a scenic 90 minute morning drive south to Fairmont Zimbali. Light lunch on arrival. Afternoon golf at Zimbali Country Club.
GOLF: Zimbali Country Club offers irresistible ocean and forest views, exceptional water and wetland features within an inspiring natural setting, and has developed the reputation of a memorable course with charisma and challenge. With the agenda of "conservation takes precedence," international golf course designer and former British and South African PGA champion, Tom Weiskopf crafted a course with dramatic elevation changes, varying eco-systems, which is ecologically sound while maximizing the natural landscape.
Enjoy Richards Bay on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
This evening all overland guests enjoy an included dinner at Fairmont Zimbali.
Overnight: Fairmont Zimbali, South Africa (hotel – off ship)
GOLF: Durban Country Club combines lush vegetation, sand dunes and gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean and is a typical links layout with wide, undulating fairways. As a regular host for the South African Open as well as the Volvo Open in 2013 and 2014, the course measures 6,400 yards and plays to a par 70 from the club tees. The par-5 5th will seize your attention due to the elevated tee, gusting wind and ocean view.
Non-Golfing guests who participate on our overland program may visit Durban Country Club with the golfers in the morning, and then return to Azamara Pursuit for lunchtime, to then enjoy any of the Azamara Shore Excursions® on offer in Durban in the afternoon.
SIGHTSEEING: Durban is a diverse and interesting city to explore. Ride on horseback down The Golden Mile, the city’s beachfront, which features clean sand and the clear beautiful water of the Indian Ocean. Shop at the Victoria Street Market, which opened in 1870 and has the feel of a city which is home to the largest Indian population outside of India in the world. Tour the Moses Mabhida Stadium, one of the host sites for the 2010 World Cup, and open to the public on non-game days. Take a ride through the vibrant city streets on a colorfully decorated rickshaw, which is a preferred mode of transportation, into Central Durban and sample the array of dining and nightlife options, including the sparkling Suncoast casino.
Enjoy Durban on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
Overnight: At Sea
Enjoy another relaxing day at sea onboard Azamara Pursuit.
Overnight: At Sea
Enjoy another relaxing day at sea onboard Azamara Pursuit.
Overnight: At Sea
Mossel Bay is a harbour town on the Garden Route in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. It’s known for the wide Santos Beach and the 19th-century Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, which offers bay views. The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex includes the Maritime Museum, the Shell Museum and botanical gardens. The Post Office Tree, a milkwood tree in the complex, has been used as a mail collection point since the 1500s
Enjoy Mossel Bay on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
Overnight: At Sea
GOLF: Pearl Valley, set in the famous Franschhoek Wine region, is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and a treat to play. Pearl Valley is considered one of the top conditioned courses. As with many Nicklaus courses, water on the right with plenty of sand, will keep the golfers minds off the wide landing areas provided. The course and its geographical location allow for guests to enjoy a day outing in the Winelands with high quality golf to compliment the food and wine.
SIGHTSEEING: Cape Town is an iconic and cosmopolitan city, its waterfront area once described as a combination of San Diego and the inner Baltimore harbour on steroids. Walk through the Company Gardens, the fresh produce gardens for ships and locals from the mid 17th Century and today. Downtown you’ll find the SA Museum, Cultural History Museum, Houses of Parliament, National Gallery and St George’s Cathedral. Head through the city to Greenmarket Square to browse African mementos at its bustling market stalls.
Enjoy Cape Town on your own or via Azamara Shore Excursions®.
Overnight: In Port – Cape Town, South Africa
Disembark Azamara Pursuit at 9:00AM.
4 Nights | 1 Round | 4 Game Drives | Johannesburg - Cape Town | Jan 11 - 15, 2024
Arrive in Johannesburg this morning, where our VIP team will greet and transfer you to our group meeting point within the adjacent InterContinental Hotel. Early this afternoon we make the short flight directly to Skukuza Airport located within Kruger National Park.
Please note your golf clubs with be taken by road directly to Leopard Creek Golf Club, and your non-safari luggage will be shipped directly to Cape Town ready for the cruise. Costs of shipping are included in your precruise package.
On arrival at Skukuza, you will be met by the lodge rangers, who will transfer you in open 4x4 safari vehicles to Jock Safari Lodge, your home for the next three days.
Jock Safari Lodge is the first private lodge set in the heart of Africa's premier wildlife reserve, the Kruger National Park. This luxury lodge incorporates the romance and elegance of the past colonial era and reflects in its unique style the indigenous Zulu and Shangaan cultures. The Kruger Park offers some of the best game viewing available in Africa and Jock Safari Lodge is situated in one of the best game viewing areas of the park.
There will be time for a quick freshen up and orientation before heading out on the late afternoon safari drive.
This evening Welcome Cocktails & Dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Jock Safari Lodge – Thatched suite with private plunge pool.
Non-golfing guests follow the normal safari schedule today.
Golfers travel one hour to the Southern border of the park for golf at Leopard Creek. There are often excellent game sightings on this journey.
GOLF: Today play Leopard Creek. Situated near Malelane in the heart of Mpumalanga, on the southern border of the Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek presents a rare opportunity to play an outstanding bushveld golf course. The 360-hectare development is bordered to the north and the west by the picturesque Crocodile River and the Kruger National Park. Typical bushveld koppies overlook the course from the east, providing an ideal backdrop for a magnificent Gary Player designed course. The club is ranked #2 in South Africa. Cart and snacks included.
Golfers return to Jock in time to join the nongolfing guests for the late afternoon safari activities.
Dinner in the Lodge.
OVERNIGHT: Jock Safari Lodge – Thatched suite with private plunge pool.
A normal day at Jock follows the following order:
Morning Game Drive: |
||
5:30 AM | – |
Wake up for the morning game drive. |
7:45 AM | – |
Enjoy coffee and tea in the bush. |
9:00 AM | – |
A full breakfast is served upon your return from the game drive. |
11:00 AM | – |
Enjoy an interpretive bush walk. |
1:00 PM | – |
Lunch is served. |
2:30 PM | – |
Enjoy a massage on the deck of your suite or relax at the pool. |
Evening Game Drive: |
||
4:00 PM | – |
Enjoy high tea before evening game drive. |
5:30 PM | – |
Happy Hour in the bush with cocktails and snacks as the sun sets |
8:00 PM | – |
The fires are lit in the boma for dinner under the African stars. |
OVERNIGHT: Jock Safari Lodge – Thatched suite with private plunge pool.
Enjoy a morning game drive and full breakfast before checking out and flying from Skukuza directly to Cape Town. Your golf equipment will be shipped separately to Port Elizabeth in readiness for your first game of golf at Humewood during the cruise.
Mid-afternoon arrival into Cape Town and transfer to the Table Bay Hotel.
OVERNIGHT: Table Bay Hotel – Mountain facing Room
Breakfast at leisure, with the morning free to explore the V&A Cape Town Waterfront before transferring to Azamara Pursuit for our South African Golf Cruise.
Disembark Azamara Pursuit and transfer to Cape Town Airport for a late morning flight to George on the Garden Route. Short transfer to Fancourt where you can relax and enjoy the resort facilities.
The 150-year-old original Manor House and National Monument set on the 613-hectare Fancourt Estate has been meticulously remodeled to create a boutique hotel that offers old-world, new-world and out of this world beauty and elegance.
This evening a Welcome Dinner.
OVERNIGHT: The Manor House at Fancourt – Homewood Suite
GOLF: Today play The Links at Fancourt. Created from a previously flat piece of land, over 700,000 cubic metres of earth was moved to transform it into a typical Links style. The course presents undulating windswept terrain and dune-style landscape and is the only such course in South Africa. This is a walking course with caddies, and is ranked #1 in South Africa. Host course of the 2003 Presidents Cup, 2005 Women's World Cup and 2006 South African Open. Please note this is a walking golf course with caddies.
SIGHTSEEING: Explore the Klein Karoo with its collection of mountain passes, ostrich farms and the Cango Cave Complex.
OVERNIGHT: The Manor House at Fancourt - Homewood Suite
GOLF: Pinnacle Point is set high above the Indian Ocean, providing sensational, breathtaking views of the crystal blue water from across the course, this is truly a magnificent and memorable design. In all seven holes run parallel to the ocean shore. The home hole is a fierce risk-reward par-5.
SIGHTSEEING: Travel to Knysna and Plettenburg Bay to explore the heart of the Garden Route. Visit the Elephant Sanctuary, Monkey Land, The Knysna Lagoon and Waterfront for some local craft shopping.
OVERNIGHT: The Manor House at Fancourt – Homewood suite
GOLF: The Montagu at Fancourt was designed by Gary Player and remodeled by David McLay-Kidd of Bandon Dunes fame. With the highest levels of conditioning and true championship layout, this tree-lined and challenging course over rolling terrain leaves a positive lasting impression on all who play here. The Montagu sets the standards by which all other courses in South Africa are measured.
SIGHTSEEING: Free day to enjoy the facilities at Fancourt or add personal touring through the hotel travel desk.
Farewell Dinner at Fancourt.
OVERNIGHT: The Manor House at Fancourt – Homewood suite
Our tour concludes today, and guests are free to make their own homeward travel plans, with George being the most convenient departure airport to connect to Cape Town or Johannesburg for onward international flights.