Explore South Africa in the luxury, security and style with an intimate small-group holiday experience using private rail travel and escorted touring through southern Africa. Highlight is using Rovos Rail, a benchmark in luxury on the railroad.
Day 1. Arrive Cape Town
On arrival in Cape Town, be met at the airport and transfer to your five-star hotel.
Day 2. Cape Town, Freedom of Choice Touring
Enjoy a tour of Cape Town today, including a ride on the aerial cableway to the top of Table Mountain. Later, choose from a visit to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens; a ferry ride to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned; an African Heritage Tour; or a Cape Winelands tour and wine tasting. Tonight, take part in an interactive drumming session before a meal of African and Cape Malay cuisine, accompanied by live entertainment.
Day 3. Cape Town, Cape Peninsula
Discover the Cape Peninsula on a full-day tour. Hug the coast as you head to Clifton and Camps Bay beaches then travel Chapman’s Peak Drive to Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. Later, visit historic Simon’s Town and see penguins at Boulders Beach before returning to Cape Town.
Day 4. Cape Town, Oudtshoorn
Leaving Cape Town, venture east along the famous Garden Route. Travel through beautiful coastal and forest landscapes then stop to discover the Cango Caves. Explore the caves with a local guide
then venture in to nearby Oudtshoorn.
Day 5. Oudtshoorn, Knysna
After a hearty farm breakfast, you’ll head off to visit an ostrich farm. Afterwards, continue travelling along the Garden Route to the lovely coastal town of Knysna. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to relax.
Day 6. Featherbed Nature Reserve
Today head to Featherbed Nature Reserve and enjoy a 4WD journey offering amazing views. After, perhaps join an optional bushwalk before lunch at the Food Forest Restaurant.
Day 7. Knysna, Freedom of Choice Touring, Zimbali
Today, perhaps visit Monkeyland Primate Reserve to see a range of primate species, or explore the world’s largest aviary dome at the Birds of Eden sanctuary. Afterwards, continue to Port Elizabeth and fly to Durban (flight included) then travel to the coastal resort of Zimbali.
Day 8. Zimbali, Rovos Rail
This morning, board Rovos Rail’s luxury train and settle in. Enjoy lunch in the dining car as you travel through the rolling green hills of Zululand. In the afternoon, disembark the train for a visit to the Ardmore Ceramics Gallery. Then take in an equestrian demonstration and indulge in a relaxing afternoon tea beside the pretty Lions River. Back on board, enjoy dinner as you travel toward the city of Ladysmith.
Day 9. Rovos Rail, Zululand, Freedom of Choice Touring
Disembark early today in Ladysmith and head to Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve. Here, perhaps embark on a game drive and watch for the White rhinoceros, giraffe and a variety of antelope that call the reserve home. Alternatively, head to Spioenkop Mountain to explore the site of the Battle of Spioenkop, where the British suffered one of their worst defeats of the Anglo Boer War in 1900. After lunch back on board, disembark late this afternoon for a game drive in Nambiti Private Game Reserve, a 20,000 acre reserve that’s home to over 40 species of game.
Day 10. Rovos Rail, Disembark Train, Pretoria
Relax on board today as you travel through the countryside to the city of Pretoria.
Day 11. Madikwe Game Reserve
Travel to Madikwe Game Reserve in time for lunch at your game lodge. This afternoon, on a drive through the reserve, you’ll have the chance to spot Africa’s Big Five - the buffalo, lion, elephant, leopard and rhinoceros. Relax over sundowner drinks at dusk then return to your lodge for dinner.
Day 12. Madikwe Game Reserve
Morning and afternoon game drives today once again offer you the opportunity to spot a range of unique and incredible African wildlife. During the day, attend a wildlife lecture; take in a presentation on the park’s birdlife; or go on a bushwalk. This evening, take part in a special dining experience held outdoors under the stars of the African night sky.
Day 13. Johannesburg
After an early morning game drive, enjoy a hearty breakfast before travelling to Johannesburg today.
Day 14. Johannesburg, Livingstone
Fly to Livingstone in Zambia today (flight included). On arrival, settle in to your iconic hotel, on the banks of the Zambezi River. This afternoon, enjoy a walk to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Day 15. Livingstone, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today, perhaps trace the steps of Dr Livingstone on a cultural village tour then visit the Maramba Market. Alternatively, take an Elephant Back Safari by the Zambezi River; go fishing; or take a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls. Then, after free time, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
Day 16. Livingstone, Johannesburg
Today board a flight to Johannesburg (flight included) and check in to your hotel before a Farewell Dinner this evening.
Day 17. Depart Johannesburg
Transfer to the airport this morning for your onward flight.
