Day 1 - Arrive O. R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesberg

 

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the Rovos Rail Private Station in Pretoria where you will board the train - departing at 15h00. Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Exceptional train safaris combine some of Africa’s most magnificent scenery with travel aboard an authentically refurbished Edwardian-style train, accommodating up to 72 guests in the most spacious train suites in the world, each with their own en-suite bathroom and subtle modern conveniences.

 

The first day on the Pride of Africa takes you south via Johannesburg through the goldfields of the Witwatersrand. 

Rovos Rail  (D)

 

 

Day 2 - Kimberly Dimond Mine

 

After a leasurly breakfast in the dining car you will arrive in Kimberley. Passengers will have time to visit the Big Hole and the Diamond Mine Museum. The Kimberley Mine Museum offers a trip back in time to when diamonds were first found in South Africa in 1866, near Hopetown in the Northern Cape. Three years later the 83-carat 'Star of South Africa' was discovered in the same area, unleashing a frenzied diamond rush seldom seen before or since. The train departs for Matjiesfontein via De Aar at 12h30.  Lunch is served in the dining car/s. 13h00 Tea in the lounge and observation cars. 16h30 Dinner is served in the dining car/s. 19h30

Rovos Rail  (BLD)

 

 

Day 3 - Matjiesfontein

 

This morning we visit the historical village of Matjiesfontein befor he train departs for Cape Town via Worcester, Arrive at Cape Town Station, Platform 24. 18h00 Table Mountain welcomes you to the Mother City, a startling expanse of rock towering over the city and casting shadows into the Atlantic Ocean. Colorful streets zigzag below its vertical slopes, each offering an adventure through vibrant markets and quaint cafes. On the mountain's western side is the beach, an open expanse of sand stretching along the side of Africa, punctuated by the delights of the Waterfront and Cape Town Harbor. Go here for fresh seafood restaurants, glorious sunset views, yachts flickering on the breeze, and some of the best steak on the planet. Completing the iconic Cape Town skyline are two sister mountains, Lion's Head and Devil's Peak, forming an indelible imprint during your time in this unforgettable city.

Victoria & Alfred Hotel (B)

 

 

Day 4 -  Private Cape Point Full Day Tour, Cape Town

 

You will be picked up from the hotel at 8am. Your drive will take you along a wonderfully scenic road that hugs the coastline. The majestic Twelve Apostles mountains tower above you on the left, and the awesome ocean is a stone’s throw to the right, stopping for photographs allong the way to the harbour village of Hout Bay. You have an optional boat trip (weather permitting) to Duiker (Seal) Island. After Hout Bay you take the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive (this road is sometimes closed after heavy rainfalls). After which you arrive at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, the home of Cape Point. On leaving Cape Point, you now enjoy more breathtaking views, this time along the False Bay coast. We pass Smitswinkelbaai, and head to Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. The drive continues along the False Bay coast, through Fishhoek, Kalk Bay, St James and Muizenberg. Just after the leafy suburb of Newlands, you turn up to Rhodes Memorial which is nestled at the foot of Devil’s Peak. This is the last stop before returning to your hotel.

Victoria & Alfred Hotel (B)

 

 

Day 5 & 6  - Hermanus, Whale Coast

 

After breakfast at the Victoria & Alfred, you will depart on your scenic transfer up the rugged stretch of South African coastline that snakes along the Atlantic Ocean, with magnificent mountains rising up on the other side. The spectacular scenery is made up of charming seaside villages, farms, rivers, coves and valleys, and during the right season, the region’s namesake – whales – can be seen cruising and wallowing in the coastal waters. From August to December Hermanus is arguably the world’s most exceptional whale viewing destination as these giant beasts wallow in the deep waters below the cliffs, at times only metres from the shore.  Highlights of a Hermanus Day Trip include the scenic coastal drive along the eastern shore of False Bay, the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens and the popular beach resort of Hermanus, where hopefully the whales will awe you.

138 Marine Beachfront Guest House (B)

 

 

Day 7 & 8  - Franschhoek, Winelands

 

Today after breakfast you will be transferred to quaint and beautiful town of Franschoek - the epicentre of wine and food in South Africa. The route takes you past the Theewaterskloof Dam and past some gorgeous mountain scenery, before you descend into the Franschoek Valley - it is another of South Africa's most beautiful routes. Nestled between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape winelands lies the magnificent Franschhoek Valley. This is the food and wine heartland of the country, where splendid wines are grown and our top chefs create international cuisine. Here breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine and the finest wines all combine to create lasting memories. Spectacular vineyards cover these mountain slopes settled more than 300 years ago by the Huguenots, who brought with them their age-old French wine and food culture. This is a valley rich in history centered around a picturesque village of friendly, welcoming people. The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley – picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a 300 year history.

La Fontaine Guest House (B)

 

 

Day 9  - Kruger National Park

 

This morning after an early breakfast you will be transferred to Cape Town International Airport in time to check-in and board your flight to Nelspruit's Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (departs mid-morning). Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your lodge, inside the Kruger National Park. Approximately 90 minutes drive. At more than 2 million hectares the Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination.   Because of its exceptional size you can experience amazing diversity – from the scenery and ecosystems to the correspondingly amazing array of animals, trees and birds.  A trip to the Kruger National Park is an unforgettable and potentially life changing experience.

Lukimbi Safari Lodge (BLD)

 

 

Day 10 - 12  - Kruger National Park

 

As dawn breaks over the African bush, a gentle tap on your door will wake you to the delights of a new day. Your ranger will discuss what you hope to see that day over fragrant tea or coffee and morning biscuits or rusks. This Kruger at its best but is well known for its large prides of lion and occasional sightings of wild dog, as well as large herds of elephant and buffalo. Venture out in search of leopard or lion sleeping off the exertion of the hunt from the night before. Return to your lodge for a delicious breakfast, with platters of fruit and cheese followed by a selection of hot breakfast dishes. If you wish, you can walk off your breakfast on a short walk near your lodge, accompanied by your ranger, who will share his insight into the smaller animals and vegetation in the area, before returning in time for lunch. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the sparkling swimming pool, indulge in an afternoon siesta or simply watch the wildlife from your private veranda. Over a late afternoon tea, your ranger will discuss what you hope to see during the afternoon game drive. This game begins in the late afternoon and lasts until after dark, when spotlights are used for a glimpse into the nocturnal bush life. Drive down to one of the reserve's dams to watch the animals drink and bathe or watch out for predators getting ready for the hunt. Enjoy sundowners in a scenic location as the sun slowly sinks beneath the horizon. Return to your lodge for a mouthwatering dinner beneath the magnificent African sky.

Lukimbi Safari Lodge (BLD)

 

 

Day 12 - 14 - Kruger Private Reserves

 

This morning after breakfast you will be met at the lodge and begin a fascinating day, by driving through the heart of the Kruger National Park. You will witness an amazing variety of habitats, animals and birds while traversing the main public roads of the park. Enjoy lunch at a picnic spot or at one of the park's rest camps, arriving late afternoon at your lodge. 

 

An exclusive African Safari experience awaits you at the Simbavati River Lodge, situated in the world famous Timbavati Private Game Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The reserve is home to the famous White Lions and offers exceptional game viewing opportunities. An intimate and child friendly camp, Simbavati River Lodge places emphasis on relaxation. Chalets are comfortably furnished complete with air conditioning, further enhancing your tranquil African Bush experience. The lodge also offers a lounge, bar, restaurant and breathtaking views of the nearby Nhlaralumi river. Mid Morning Brunch and Afternoon High-Tea is served outside on a wooden deck and combines African and Western cuisine offering exciting new tastes for the more adventurous as well as more conventional preferences. Served around the campfire in an open-air boma, dinner is a memorable occasion for all guests who dine at Simbavati River Lodge.    

Simbavati River Lodge (BLD)

 

 

Day 15 - Departure 

 

Today is your final day on safari and depending what time you need to be at the airport or at your next destination, you may have time for a game drive or before your transfer to Hoedspruit for midday flight back to Johannesburg International Airport.