Incredible South Africa with Rovos Luxury Train and Victoria Falls

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 Arrive Johannesburg
• 3 Johannesburg
• 4 Private Game Reserve (Till Sept 2023)
• 4 Private Game Reserve (Oct 2023 to Sept 2024)
• 5 Private Game Reserve (Till Sept 2023)
• 5 Private Game Reserve (Oct 2023 to Sept 2024)
• Optional Excursion: AM Bush Walk (Oct 2023 to Sept 2024)
• 6 Panorama Route to Pretoria
• 7 Rovos Rail
• 8 Rovos Rail
• 9 Rovos Rail
• 10 Cape Town
• 11 Cape Town
• 12 Cape Town
• Optional Excursion: Private Half Day Cape Point Tour, $205
• 13 Cape Town & Victoria Falls
• 14 Victoria Falls
• 15 Victoria Falls
• Optional Excursion: Chobe National Park, Botswana, $210
• 16 Victoria Falls
• 17 Depart Victoria Falls

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Dates & Prices

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

• Depart New York on your overnight flight to Johannesburg

Day 2 Arrive Johannesburg

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

54 on Bath or similar Dinner

Day 3 Johannesburg

• Full Day Johannesburg City Tour
• Visit Constitution Hill, a living museum that tells the story of South Africa's journey to democracy
• Evening at leisure

54 on Bath or similar Breakfast

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 the center of political campaigns aimed at overthrowing 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. Later, visit Constitution Hill, a living museum that tells the story of South Africa's journey to democracy. The site is a former prison and military fort that bears testament to South Africa's turbulent past and, today, is home to the country's Constitutional Court, which endorses the rights of all citizens.

Day 4 Private Game Reserve (Till Sept 2023)

• Depart Johannesburg for the South African bush via domestic flight
• Afternoon game drive

Abelana River Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, depart for the Johannesburg airport for your short flight to the South African bush. Upon arrival at Hoedspruit airport, transfer to a breathtakingly beautiful landscape and private game reserve. Abelana Game Reserve, owned by the Mashishimale community, is a 36,000-acre Big Five game reserve adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park and the Selati Game Reserve in South Africa's beautiful Lowveld. Abelana Game Reserve, "abelana" means "to share amongst each other" in the local Northern Sotho language, is an exclusive nature reserve home to a vast 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 4 Private Game Reserve (Oct 2023 to Sept 2024)

• Depart Johannesburg for the South African bush via a domestic flight
• Afternoon game drive

Kapama River Lodge, Kapama Southern Camp or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, depart for the Johannesburg airport for your short flight to the South African bush. Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Greater Kruger National Park, this exclusive lodge boasts world-class amenities and unrivaled wildlife encounters close to some of the most iconic wildlife on the planet. Enjoy an afternoon game drive led by a professional and an assistant guide on the same vehicle.

There are hundreds of other species of animals to spot, so the early morning and early evening game drives are the best way to start and end the day. With approximately 350 bird species recorded on the reserve, bird enthusiasts are also spoilt for choice.

This afternoon, embark on your first game drive in search of the illustrious "Big 5." This evening, enjoy dinner at the camp.

Note: May 4, 2024 departure is confirmed at Kapama Southern Camp.

Day 5 Private Game Reserve (Till Sept 2023)

• Morning game drive
• Visit the Mashishimale Village
• Afternoon game drive

Abelana River Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning wake up early and enjoy coffee, tea, and traditional rusks, a South African sweet bread-dough formed into little balls and baked in a loaf tin, on the main deck. Then depart in an open vehicle for the morning game drive, searching for 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 the animals' activities during the night, return to the camp for breakfast.

After breakfast, depart for Phurulenke Special Needs School, a center dedicated to looking after disabled community members, and learn how they provide proper care and education to this unique sector of the community.

Later visit the Mashishimale Village and enjoy a traditional lunch and meet-up with community members.

The remainder of the day is spent at leisure until it's time for the afternoon game drive, which extends into the evening to view seldom-seen nocturnal animals. Return to the lodge for dinner.

Day 5 Private Game Reserve (Oct 2023 to Sept 2024)

• Morning game drive
• Afternoon game drive

Kapama River Lodge, Kapama Southern Camp or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning wake up early and enjoy coffee, tea, and traditional rusks, a South African sweet bread-dough baked in a loaf tin, on the main deck. Then depart in an open vehicle for the morning game drive, searching for 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 search for tracks to see the animals' activities during the night, return to the camp for breakfast.

The remainder of the day is spent at leisure until it's time for the afternoon game drive, which extends into the evening to view seldom-seen nocturnal animals. Return to the lodge for dinner.

Note: May 4, 2024 departure is confirmed at Kapama Southern Camp.

Optional Excursion: AM Bush Walk (Oct 2023 to Sept 2024)

The Kapama River Lodge offers a Bush Walk in lieu of the Game Drive. This is subject to availability, done in very small groups, and is for those that are physically fit and comfortable walking long distances. When you arrive at the lodge, you will meet with the guides, who assess all potential participants' fitness levels to ensure everyone's safety. If the bush walk is not for you, you will be included in the early morning game drive.

Note: If you are interested, please let us know at the time of booking.

Day 6 Panorama Route to Pretoria

• Drive along the legendary Panorama Route, including the famous Blyde River Canyon

Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before departing the bush for Pretoria. Along the way, explore the awe-inspiring Panorama Route. View the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest in the world, and take in the never-ending Lowveld landscape from the ledge of God's Window. Visit the quaint, historical mining town of Pilgrim's Rest and enjoy a delicious lunch at the famous Harrie's Pancakes. Explore the extraordinary rock formations of Bourke's Luck Potholes, one of nature's most intriguing creations, before reaching your hotel in Pretoria.

Day 7 Rovos Rail

• Transfer to Rovos Rail station in Pretoria

Rovos Rail Luxury Train Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, transfer 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 has historic coaches driven by a steam locomotive, serves high tea in the lounge and observation cars, and has 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 wine lands of the Cape.

Day 8 Rovos Rail

• Kimberley sightseeing of The Big Hole
• Diamond Mine Museum

Rovos Rail Luxury Train Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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 most extensive artificial excavation in the world. Visit the Diamond Mine Museum, an open-air experience that whisks you away on a journey to the diamond rush. Discover how diamonds transform 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 9 Rovos Rail

• Visit the historical village of Matjiesfontein
• Optional 5km walk from Whitehill Siding into Matjiesfontein

Rovos Rail Luxury Train or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

The train travels through the Karoo, a vast semi-desert region once an enormous inland sea. Over millions of years, the volcanic matter was ground down and deposited as silt upon the seabed to form what geologists call the Karoo system. Have the option to disembark the train at Whitehill Siding and walk the 5km into Matjiesfontein accompanied by a Rovos staff member. Or you are welcome to leave at Matjiesfontein and stroll through the historic village. We suggest you visit the museum on the platform and a collection of historic cars and railway carriages to the right of the Lord Milner Hotel. Re-board the train for your scenic journey toward Camp Town.

Enjoy lunch and dinner on the train.

Day 10 Cape Town

• Arrive to Cape Town
• Half-Day Cape Town City Tour with Table Mountain

Queen Victoria Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After a lavish breakfast in the dining car, arrive mid-morning in Cape Town, a beautiful jewel nestled between stunning Table Mountain and a dramatic coastline.

Enjoy a panoramic city tour of Cape Town, showcasing this vibrant city's scenic and historical highlights. Then, weather permitting, 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.

(If the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway due to maintenance or inclement weather, visit Signal Hill instead).

Wind your way through Clifton, an exclusive residential area, before arriving at Sea Point. Next, visit the City Hall 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 formerly enslaved people from Malaysia whose Islamic culture gives the area a distinct character and contributes to Cape Town's rich cultural diversity.

Later this afternoon, check into your hotel.

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed July 24 to August 6, 2023 due to maintenance. 

Day 11 Cape Town

• Winelands tour

Queen Victoria Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today enjoy a glorious excursion to the South African wine lands. Travel through the region to experience a wine cellar tour and tasting, where you'll learn all about wine-making, from grape to goblet. You will then visit the beautiful 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, absorbing the quaintness and sneaking into the odd shop or two. Enjoy a wine tasting at two different wine estates, where you can purchase your favorite wine to take back home.

Day 12 Cape Town

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

Queen Victoria Hotel Breakfast & dinner

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 optional half-day tour of Cape Point.

Optional Excursion: Private Half Day Cape Point Tour, $205

Wind your way towards Hout Bay's charming coastal town and working harbor. Hug the cliffs as you snake along the legendary Chapman's Peak Drive, with its breathtaking 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 13 Cape Town & Victoria Falls

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

The Palm River Hotel or Ilala Lodge Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Note: August 12, 2023 departure will stay at Ilala Lodge in Victoria Falls. 

Day 14 Victoria Falls

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

The Palm River Hotel or Ilala Lodge Breakfast & dinner

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 world's largest curtain of falling water! 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 an awe-inspiring display of raw power unrivaled 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 lookout for hippos, monkeys, elephants, and crocodiles that frequent the waters and the surrounding areas.

Note: August 12, 2023 departure will stay at Ilala Lodge in Victoria Falls. 

Day 15 Victoria Falls

• Full Day at leisure
• Recommended optional tour to Chobe National Park in Botswana

The Palm River Hotel or Ilala Lodge Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

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

Note: August 12, 2023 departure will stay at Ilala Lodge in Victoria Falls. 

Optional Excursion: Chobe National Park, Botswana, $210

Take advantage of an optional full-day excursion to the Chobe National Park in Botswana, renowned for its large elephant population. Begin the day with a safari boat cruise on the Chobe River. Afterward, enjoy lunch at the Chobe Game Lodge and end the day with an afternoon game drive in an open vehicle.

This excursion requires a passport and a double-entry Zimbabwe visa.

Day 16 Victoria Falls

• Full Day at leisure
• Experience a traditional Boma dinner
• Other optional tours that can be purchased locally- including game drive, walking safaris, bungee jumping, and more

The Palm River Hotel or Ilala Lodge Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy your last day in Victoria Falls at your leisure. Relax and enjoy the hotel facilities, or join optional tours that can be purchased locally.

Cap off your African adventure with a traditional Boma dinner this evening.

Day 17 Depart Victoria Falls

• Transfer to the airport for your flight home
• Your amazing journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA tomorrow morning

Breakfast

Hotels

54 on Bath

Deluxe

Situated in the leafy Johannesburg suburb of Rosebank, the 54 on Bath hotel offers a signature blend of luxury and style. 54 on Bath is conveniently located within easy reach of Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City, Melrose Arch, as well as the Gautrain rapid rail system. 54 on Bath features an outdoor terrace with a sparkling pool. Enjoy an alfresco snack or relax with a cold drink as you take in the African sunset and surrounding views. For those who like to work up a sweat to start the day right, or wind down after a day of exploring, stop by the Rosebank Fitness Club with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

More information

Abelana River Lodge

Deluxe

The Abelana River Lodge is a stylish, newly rebuilt sanctuary that offers spectacular views over the Selati River. The river is home to a plethora of wildlife such as hippo and crocodile and a variety of bird species, from the African fish eagle to Pel’s fishing owl. The main area and swimming pool overlook the river and the fire pit lounge is a perfect spot for sharing safari experiences with your travel companions in the evenings.

More information

Kapama River Lodge

Deluxe

Located right on a Private Game Reserve Camp, experience the luxurious feel of the modern-styled Kapama River Lodge. This five-star accommodation is nearby the Greater National Kruger Park with wraparound views of the African bush, enhancing the sense of tranquility at this exclusive safari lodge. 

More information

Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel

Deluxe

Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel is located in a lush suburb of Pretoria East just 30 minutes drive from OR Tambo and Rovos Rail Capital Park Station. This privately-owned, luxury boutique hotel is surrounded by beautiful, tranquil gardens. With its fountains, grand entrance flanked by two sweeping staircases, plush public areas, and nine individually decorated guestrooms with whimsical names, Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel strives to give discerning guests an exceptional experience from arrival to departure.

More information

Rovos Rail Luxury Train

Deluxe

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. With discreet and friendly service, five-star cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration. The Observation Car which has a spacious open-air balcony and seats 32 passengers, is positioned at the rear of the train while at the center of the train there is, when numbers dictate, a non-smoking Lounge Car that seats 26 passengers in comfort. There is also a small, discreet Gift Shop. In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. The use of mobile phones, laptops and essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your suites. Smoking is only allowed in the privacy of your smoking suite and in the Club Lounge, located next to the Observation Car and seats 11. Dress Code: Many of the passengers aboard enjoy the formality of fine china and glassware, crisp linen and silver, and dress accordingly. Evening attire is formal – for the gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for ladies we suggest cocktail/evening dresses or suits. During the day, dress is smart casual and cool, comfortable clothes, shoes and hats are recommended for the excursions, especially in the game reserves where it can get very hot. Please include warm clothing for cold mornings and evenings.

More information

Queen Victoria Hotel

Deluxe

The Queen Victoria Hotel is set in a quiet, historic precinct near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, close to the heart of Cape Town, and easy access to the airport. The hotel’s regal ambiance is felt throughout the property, from its triple-volume foyer with a dramatic spiral staircase and glass lift, crystal chandeliers, and marble finishes. 

More information

The Palm River Hotel

Deluxe

The luxurious Palm River Hotel is ideally located along the banks of the Zambezi River,  upstream from Africa's natural world wonder, the majestic Victoria Falls. The Palm River  Hotel's design was inspired by Queenslander architectural style, incorporating distinct timber frame, pitched roof, elevated structures, corrugated iron, decorative timber work, and carefully designed with warm subtropical climate in mind. The unique Victorian to Contemporary style hotel is surrounded by by indigenous flora and fauna, offering a relaxing, elegant, and inviting atmosphere.

More information

Ilala Lodge

First Class

Ilala Lodge is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls and offers guests easy access to all the historical sites, restaurants, and activities available in the area. The friendly and attentive staff makes sure that your visit is perfect in every way.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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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