PE Excursion: Big 5 Safari & Lunch - Schotia "Tooth & Claw"

This half-day shore excursion from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) takes you into Schotia Safaris, the Eastern Cape's oldest game reserve, for a four-hour guided game drive aboard an open safari vehicle. You'll search for the majestic Big 5 and experience African wildlife at its best, with expert guides sharing fascinating insights into the animals and the reserve's conservation work. Midway through the safari, you'll pause for a uniquely South African buffet meal served in the bush — a memorable break in a memorable day.

The excursion runs approximately 6 hours, departing at 8:00 a.m. aligned to your cruise ship's arrival and returning by 2:00 p.m. The operator monitors ship schedules to ensure smooth pickup and drop-off at the Port Elizabeth Harbour meeting point, and will contact you directly with updated instructions if your ship docks at a different pier. Allow at least 45 minutes from docking to clear customs and meet your driver/guide. The area is malaria-free, and fitness requirements are moderate — you'll need to step into a high-clearance safari vehicle and do some walking during the experience.

Included are transfers to and from the reserve, the 4-hour guided game drive at Schotia Safaris, an expert English-speaking guide, and a 2-course local South African lunch with two drinks (a cash bar is available for anything extra). Additional beverages, gratuities, and personal purchases are not included, and you should have breakfast on the ship before docking. Bring a passport/ID copy, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, and binoculars, and wear casual, comfortable clothing with enclosed walking shoes plus a light jacket for coastal breezes.

Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa, departing from the Port Elizabeth Harbour meeting point. The tour visits Schotia Safaris near Kirkwood before returning to the harbour.

Duration: Half-day excursion of approximately 6 hours on April 20, 2028 — departing 8:00 a.m. (aligned to your cruise ship's arrival) and returning by 2:00 p.m. Allow at least 45 minutes from docking to clear the terminal and meet your guide.

Activity Type: Guided Big 5 game viewing in a shared open-sided 4x4 vehicle across the Eastern Cape's oldest game reserve, with a bush buffet meal partway through. Fitness level is moderate — you must be able to step into a high-clearance safari vehicle and manage some walking during the experience. The area is malaria-free.

Accommodation: No accommodation is included — this is a single-day shore excursion timed to your cruise ship. Package options:

• Early Bird 10% saver: 6,750 ZAR per person (available until April 30, 2027 — secure your booking before May 2027 with a 20% deposit to save 10%, balance due in 2028; limited spots)

A non-refundable 20% deposit of 1,350 ZAR is required within 72 hours of booking, with the total balance due 45 days prior to the trip.

Day 1 — Schotia "Tooth & Claw" Big 5 Safari

Meet your driver/guide at the Port Elizabeth Harbour parking lot after clearing customs, departing at 8:00 a.m. Transfer to Schotia Safaris near Kirkwood for a four-hour guided game drive in an open safari vehicle, tracking the Big 5 and other Eastern Cape wildlife while your guide shares insights into the animals and local conservation efforts. Midway through, enjoy a 2-course South African buffet lunch in the bush with two drinks included; a cash bar is available for additional beverages. Return to the harbour by 2:00 p.m.

• Transfers To/From Park
• 4-Hour Guided Game Drive
• Expert Guide
• Lunch

• Additional Beverages
• Gratuities - Tips
• Personal Purchases