Incredible South Africa with Rovos Luxury Train

Overview

For those seeking a truly upscale travel adventure, we offer Incredible South Africa. From Johannesburg’s metropolis to a safari in a private game reserve, to old-style charm on board the Rovos Rail luxury train to the mother city of Cape Town. Enjoy the excitement of dawn and dusk game drives in search of the Big Five, and enjoy a break for morning coffee or an afternoon sundowner drink, in the bush. Then, relax as your train moves through the beautiful countryside heading south, stopping at Kimberly to visit the Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum. In Cape Town, beauty is all around dominated by the majestic Table Mountain, where you can sample great food and some of the best wine in the world. All the while, travel in a small group of no more than 6, and stay in 5-star, luxury hotels and game lodges. Treat yourself to South Africa in style! Want even more iconic Africa? Extend your stay with a post-tour to the majestic Victoria Falls.

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart US

• Depart New York on your overnight flight to Johannesburg

Day 2: Arrive Johannesburg

2 nights  54 on Bath or similar, Johannesburg. Dinner.

• Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to your hotel
• Remainder of the day at leisure
• Enjoy a welcome dinner

Day 3: Johannesburg

Breakfast.

• Full Day Johannesburg City Tour
• Evening at leisure

Full Day Itinerary: This morning learn more about South Africa's turbulent past and its unwavering hope for the future on a fascinating tour to Soweto (short for Southwestern Township), a sprawling metropolis on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Your tour will give you a close-up look at daily life in this bustling neighborhood, the largest black urban settlement in Africa and center of political campaigns aimed at the overthrow of the apartheid state. Highlights of the Soweto tour include the former residence of Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela, the Hector Peterson memorial for the victims of the civil unrest in the 1970s, and a drive by the ultramodern Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Visit the Apartheid Museum for an in-depth historical look at the system of extreme racial segregation that plagued South Africa from 1948 until 1994, when it was finally dismantled.

Day 4: Private Game Reserve

2 nights Kapama Southern Camp, Suite at Kapama Private Game Reserve, or similar. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

• Depart Johannesburg for the South African bush via domestic flight
• PM Game Drive

Full Day Itinerary: After breakfast, depart for the Johannesburg airport for your short flight to the South African bush. Upon arrival to Hoedspruit airport you will be transferred to a magnificent private game reserve, in time for lunch. This elegant and exclusive nature reserve is home to a huge diversity of mammal and bird species. This afternoon embark on your first game drive in search of the illustrious “Big 5”. This evening enjoy dinner at the camp.

Day 5: Private Game Reserve

Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

• AM and PM game drives

Full Day Itinerary: This morning wake up early and enjoy coffee, tea and traditional rusks on the main deck. Then depart in an open vehicle for the morning game drive in search of the Big 5, antelope and other animals. When applicable, your experienced Rangers and trackers may invite you out of the vehicle to see tracks and examine certain plants. After an exhilarating hunt for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, return to the camp for a sumptuous breakfast. Later, you may participate in a bush walk accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker. Walks allow a better chance of seeing some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region. The trackers will enthrall you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with tales of traditional folklore. The remainder of the day is spent at leisure with a delicious lunch being served around 1.30pm. The afternoon game drive extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal animals. This evening enjoy a gourmet dinner.

Day 6: Private Game Reserve to Pretoria

2 nights Rovos Rail Luxury Train, Deluxe Room. Breakfast & dinner.

• AM game drive
• Depart for airport for flight to Johannesburg
• Transfer from airport to Pretoria train station and board Rovos Rail

Full Day Itinerary: This morning enjoy your last game drive and breakfast before being transferred to the airport for your flight back to Johannesburg. Upon arrival you will be met by a local representative and transferred to the private Rovos Rail station in Pretoria. Enjoy a champagne reception in the elegant lounge of the old Pretoria rail station before boarding the Rovos Rail, the most luxurious train in the world. This opulently appointed train, which has historic coaches driven by a steam locomotive, serves high tea in the lounge and observation cars, and five course formal dinners in the dining car. Travel through the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo; trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Cape.

Day 7: Rovos

Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

• Kimberley sightseeing of The Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum

Full Day Itinerary: After a lavish breakfast in the dining car arrive in Kimberley, where the ambiance transports you in time to explore the history of South African diamond mining. Here you will explore what is known as the Big Hole, the largest man-made excavation in the world. You will visit the Diamond Mine Museum, an open-air experience that whisks you away on a journey to the diamond rush. Discover how diamonds are transformed from a rough cut to the beauty of a multi-faceted diamond. Enjoy various bars and snack shops nestled amongst the spectacular town of Kimberley. Return to the train for lunch and your onward journey, relaxing in the observation car for tea, and a formal dinner in the dining car.

Day 8: Arrive Cape Town

4 nights Queen Victoria Hotel, Cape Town. Breakfast & lunch.

• Visit the historical village of Matjiesfontein
• Arrive to Cape Town and transfer to hotel
• Remainder of the day at leisure

Full Day Itinerary: This morning enjoy breakfast in the dining car before visiting the historical village of Matjiesfontein. Re-board the train for your scenic journey to Cape Town via Worcester and the Cape wine region. Arrive in the late afternoon in Cape Town, a beautiful jewel nestled between stunning Table Mountain and a dramatic coastline. Cape Town is a modern, bustling and vibrant city boasting gorgeous scenery, fabulous restaurants, hotels and beaches, bursting with history and culture. Upon arrival at Cape Town's Rovos Rail station, you will be met and transferred to your luxurious hotel.

Day 9: Cape Town

Breakfast.

• Half Day Cape Town City Tour with Table Mountain
• Remainder of the day to explore Cape Town at leisure

Full Day Itinerary: This morning, enjoy a panoramic city tour of Cape Town showcasing the scenic and historic highlights of this vibrant city. Weather permitting, you'll travel by cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town's most striking landmark and recently announced one of the world's New Seven Wonders of Nature.

(July departures will visit Signal Hill instead, while the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed for annual maintenance.)

Wind your way along through Clifton, an exclusive residential area before arriving at Sea Point. Next visit the City Hall located on the Grand Parade where Nelson Mandela made his first public speech after his release. Continue through the Malay Quarter (Bo-Kaap). Lined with brightly colored houses and decorative mosques, this historic neighborhood was founded by former slaves from Malaysia whose Islamic culture gives the area a distinct character and contributes to Cape Town's rich cultural diversity.

Day 10: Cape Town

Breakfast.

• Winelands tour

Full Day Itinerary: Today enjoy a glorious excursion to the South African winelands. Travel through the region to experience a wine cellar tour and tasting, where you'll learn all about the process of winemaking, from grape to goblet. You will then visit the exquisite little town of Franschhoek, passing by the impressive Huguenot Monument, and in a town with a reputation for gourmet fare, you will have time at leisure for lunch. The tour will then wind its way to Helshoogte Mountain Pass to meet the charming university town of Stellenbosch on the other side. Stroll through this little town, absorb the quaintness, and sneak into the odd shop or two. Enjoy a wine tasting at two different wine estates where you'll be able to purchase your favorite wine to take back home.

Day 11: Cape Town

Breakfast & dinner.

• Day at leisure or join an optional Cape Point tour
• Farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Full Day Itinerary: Enjoy today at leisure to explore Cape Town on your own or take advantage of the hotel facilities. Alternatively, you can join an optionaly half day tour of Cape Point.

Optional Excursion: Private Half Day Cape Point Tour, $130 Wind your way towards the charming coastal town and working harbor of Hout Bay. Hug the cliffs as you snake along the legendary Chapman's Peak Drive, with its breath taking views, towards the Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park and its rugged, intriguing landscape. Boulders Beach penguin colony is a fascinating quick stop to visit the African jackass penguins. Finally, move on to the historical naval port of Simon's Town before returning to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 12: Depart Cape Town

Breakfast.

• Transfer to the airport for departure flight to Johannesburg
• Connect to US bound flight

Day 13: Arrive US

• Your memorable South African adventure ends as you touch down this morning in New York

Victoria Falls Pre-Tour Extension

Take advantage of your already included international airfare by joining our pre-tour extension to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.

Day 1: Depart USA

• Depart New York on your overnight flight for Victoria Falls via Johannesburg

Day 2: Victoria Falls

3 nights Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls Safari Club or similar.

• Arrive in Victoria Falls, meet your local guide, and transfer to your hotel
• Remainder of the day at leisure

Day 3: Victoria Falls

Breakfast & dinner.

• Guided tour of the falls
• Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River

Full Day Itinerary: This morning enjoy a guided tour of the falls. You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the greatest natural wonders—and the largest curtain of falling water in the world! Located at the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls consists of numerous falls separated by islands in the river below. The Zambezi River spills more than 2 million gallons of water per second over the Bakota Gorge, creating multiple rainbows and resulting in an awe-inspiring display of raw power unrivalled by other natural wonders. The tremendous roar of the water and the ever-present cloud of spray give the falls their local moniker, "Smoke that Thunders." Later, experience the glorious falls from an up-close vantage point as you set sail on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Be on the look-out for hippos, monkeys, elephants, and crocodiles that frequent the waters and the surrounding areas.

Day 4: Victoria Falls

Breakfast.

• Full Day at leisure
• Recommended optional tour to Chobe National Park in Botswana purchased locally (requires a passport and double or multiple entry Zimbabwe visa)
• Other optional tours that can be purchased locally- including game drive, walking safaris, bungee jumping, and more

Full Day Itinerary: Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this magnificent natural wonder on your own via the well-marked trails through the rainforest that wind up to and around the falls. The trails allow for excellent picture-taking from a variety of vantage points (be sure to protect your camera if it's not waterproof). There are a wide range of optional excursions available locally on request basis including game drives, walking safaris, bungee jumping, and more. We recommend the full day tour of Chobe National Park in Botswana.

Day 5: Depart Victoria Falls

Breakfast.

• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg
• See Day 2 of the tour itinerary above for the continuation of your touring program

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 21 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about South Africa? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Zimbabwe? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Botswana? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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