Beach & Bush Romantic Retreat

DESCRIPTION

Standing proud on Umhlanga’s beachfront, directly on the beach and overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Oyster Box is one of South Africa’s best-loved hotels. Generous hospitality, attentive service and exceptional cuisine can be expected during your stay, not to forget the Wellness Spa for the ultimate relaxation. Spend the first three days of your trip lounging on the beach, sipping champagne on the deck, wandering through the local village, or lazing by the sparkling pool.

The next part of your journey will take you into Northern KwaZulu-Natal to the renowned Phinda Private Game Reserve. Your stay is at the very romantic Phinda Rock Lodge, where you will have your own suite with a private plunge pool and deck offering unrivalled views of spectacular Leopard Rock and the valley below.

Enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives that continue after nightfall. andBeyond’s professionally trained guides will ask you about your favourite wildlife and will do their best to ensure that your preferences are met, whether it is tracking a particular species or spending more time enjoying each sighting and getting to know the habits of the animals. They will also tell you about the vegetation of the region and will explain the behaviour of the animals that you come across. In some cases, the guides will be able to identify individual animals and let you know about their history and habits.

andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is renowned for its exceptional sightings of the elusive cheetah and the rare black rhino, as well as the Big Five. There are also several resident lion prides and rangers will do their best to provide you with an exceptional sighting of all these animals.

ITINERARY

DAY 1

• Collected from King Shaka International Airport – please look out for a board on which your names will be displayed

• Transferred to the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks

• Check in

• Your room comes with a sea view so be sure to catch those glorious sunrises,      sunsets and possibly even pods of dolphins swimming past

• Overnight: The Oyster Box Hotel BB

DAY 2

• Today is yours to relax on the beach or by the pool, explore      the village (which is a 5-minute walk from the hotel) or indulge in some      spa treatments

• We really recommend taking a leisurely stroll (or run) along      the beautiful Umhlanga promenade, which can be accessed from your hotel

• Dolphin Boat Rides and Deep Sea Fishing can be arranged with      Umhlanga Ocean Charters and these tours depart a short walk from the hotel      along the promenade

• Overnight: Oyster      Box Hotel BB

DAY 3

• Wake up to another blissful morning on the Indian Ocean

• If relaxing is not your thing, there is an onsite gym available to let off some steam

• For those wishing to see life beyond Umhlanga Rocks, a Durban City Tour can be arranged for you to get your bearings and explore a little more; this may also be combined with a Zulu cultural tour

• Apart from the delicious cuisine (we recommend the Durban Curry!) on offer at the hotel there are many restaurants for you to choose from in the village

• Overnight: Oyster Box Hotel BB

Day 4

• After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Phinda Private Game Reserve (approximately three-hour drive)

• Check in

• Set out on your first afternoon game drive – time to look for the Big Five and other animals large and small

• As the sun sets your ranger will choose a scenic spot in the reserve to stop and enjoy a drink and have a comfort break

• Return to the lodge for dinner

• Overnight: andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge Full Board

DAY 5

• Early morning wake-up call

• Set out as the sun rises and maybe follow a pride of lions hunting or elephants      on the move

• Breakfast is enjoyed back at the lodge

• In between game drives put your feet up and relax by your own private plunge pool, head out with your ranger for a nature walk, or sign up for a spa treatment

• Lunch

• Afternoon game drive

• Dinner under the stars

• Overnight: andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge Full Board

DAY 6

• By now you would have adapted well to the safari lifestyle and rhythm of Africa

• Morning safari game drive

• Day at leisure (Phinda offers additional activities for those interested in conservation and these can be organised at an extra cost and subject to availability. These activities are: Pangolin Conservation Experience; Elephant Conservation Experience; Rhino Conservation Experience)

• Afternoon game drive

• Dinner

• Overnight: andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge Full Board

DAY 7

• Head out on your final game drive – hopefully your guide and tracker will be able to get you sightings of animals you may not have seen yet

• Breakfast

• Check out – please settle any extra expenses you may have incurred during your stay

• Transferred to King Shaka International Airport for your flight home

INCLUDED IN TOUR

• 3 nights The Oyster Box Hotel BB

• 3 nights andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge Full Board

• All breakfasts

• All meals at Phinda Private Game Reserve

• Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees and refreshments on game drives at Phinda Private Game Reserve

• Conservation levies

• Airport transfers

• Transfer to Phinda Private Game Reserve

• Big Five Safari Experience

• A complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik binoculars per room for use      during your stay at Phinda

EXCLUDED FROM TOUR

• Lunches and dinners at the Oyster Box

• All beverages at the Oyster Box

• Durban City Tour & Zulu Culture

• Premium alcohol brands at Phinda

• Any items purchased of a personal nature

• Gratuities

• Additional activities

• Spa treatments

• Travel insurance

• International flights

WHAT TO BRING

• Sunscreen & sun hat

• Suitable layers for the season you intend to travel

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Camera

• Swimwear