Don & Kully's World Cruise on Viking Neptune

Today we were scheduled to dock at Richards Bay, South Africa however, due to high winds and low visibility the local pilots recommended against the Viking Neptune entering the harbor. So, at 8:00 AM, we heard the dreaded announcement from the captain that we would have to cancel our port call at Richards Bay. We were very disappointed to hear the news as we were scheduled to leave the ship for a four-day safari at the Manyoni Private Game reserve. Since we, along with three other couples, had booked this trip independently, we figured we were out of luck as far as going on a safari was concerned, but we know that our trip insurance would cover our financial losses. So, I started making calls to both Wayfarer, our travel agent, and Leopard Mountain Lodge, the hotel we were scheduled to stay in. The lodge told me they were already in contact with the cruise line and were holding our reservation as they expected the ship would be diverted to Durban. Sure enough, later in the morning the captain announced we would be docking in Durban at 4:00 PM this afternoon. Soon after the travel agent informed me that our ground transportation was in Durban waiting for our arrival. All that we’ve lost is one evening animal drive.

Unfortunately, the terrible weather experienced at Port Richard followed us to Durban and once again we were unable to enter the port because of severe cross winds and strong currents. So, for the second time today we were informed by the captain that we would be unable to enter the port.

Here’s a description of the safari we’ve been forced to cancel.

Leopard Mountain is a 5 Star, multiple award-winning, Big 5, family-run safari lodge set within the magnificent 58,000 acre Manyoni Private Game Reserve.

This Safari Lodge is intimate and exclusive. With only 9 luxury suites they are able to guarantee personalized service. The most breathtaking views in Zululand are seen here, from the meandering Msunduze River below to the distant Lebombo Mountains, where Africa’s Great Rift Valley begins. 

Wild animals roam freely over this vast wilderness providing spectacular game viewing and intimate encounters with some of Africa’s most endangered species.

The suites have air conditioners for hot days and are equipped with large, open showers that have incredible views over the valley below and are a light and spacious haven of peace and tranquility to relax and unwind in. By day, laze in your hammock or private plunge pool and watch the eagles soar at eye level over the plains below and by night, marvel at the magnificence of millions of stars under the African night sky. Your private balcony is the perfect place to have a glass of sherry and watch the moon rising over the mountains.

So, we sail on. Our next port of call is on Monday, 8 April in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.