South Africa by Rail & Safari

Arrive to Cape Town, South Africa’s spectacularly set ‘Mother City’. Meet your driver, who will transfer you to your waterfront hotel where the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin your explorations

Spend today delving into Cape Town’s rich history, culture and natural beauty. Board a ferry to cross Table Bay to Robben Island, home of the infamous prison that once held Nelson Mandela; you may even be guided through its history, and the story of South Africa’s struggle for freedom, by a former political prisoner. Back in the city, ascend the iconic Table Mountain by cable car (weather permitting) for spectacular 360° views. Then, tour the city, visiting the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, Company’s Garden, Signal Hill and more. You’ll also wander past the brightly painted houses of Bo-Kaap and browse the wares of Greenmarket Square.

Your morning begins with a spectacular coastal drive to reach Hout Bay, where you can take a short boat trip to see the Cape fur seals if you wish. Continue along the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive and make a stop at Boulders Beach to observe the colony of charming African penguins. This afternoon, head inland to the vinefilled valleys of the Cape Winelands. Stop at hand-picked estates to sample award-winning wines, which you can sip while admiring the dramatic scenery, and learn a little about the region’s fascinating history.

Today is yours to spend as you wish, exploring at your own pace. You could keep things leisurely, strolling the lively V&A Waterfront or a wander through Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, or something more active, such as a local township tour, a Bo-Kaap cooking experience, or a whale-watching cruise (June to November). This evening, you’ll be welcomed into a private home for dinner; savour the flavours of Cape Malay cooking while sharing stories, conversation and laughter with your wonderful hosts.

Transfer to Cape Town station and board the renowned Rovos Rail, settling into your elegant cabin as the train pulls out of the station for the journey towards Worcester. Pass out of the city and into the winelands as lunch is served, later climbing a 750-metre escarpment as you admire the surrounding landscapes from one of the observation cars. Dinner this evening is a formal and legendary multi-course affair, served in the opulent and timeless surroundings of the dining cars.

Enjoy breakfast in the dining cars ready for a stop at Matjiesfontein for a stroll through this historic village. Back on the train you will traverse the Karoo, a vast semi-desert with striking flat-topped hills, open plains and unique plant life. The spectacular views continue through lunch in the dining cars and tea in the lounge or observation cars. This evening, another formal dinner awaits.

Disembark the train early this morning to tour Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole, a huge, hand-dug pit where diamonds were once mined. As tea is served in the lounge this afternoon, the train will traverse the broad grassland plains of the Highveld. Sit down to your final formal meal in the dining cars this evening.

Traverse the goldfields of Witwatersrand as breakfast is served. Disembark at Meyerton Station to transfer to Pretoria, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, an opportunity to rest and reflect on your time spent aboard the unforgettable Rovos Rail.

Transfer to the airport and fly Nelspruit Airport, gateway to Kruger National Park. On arrival, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your luxurious lodge. Enjoy lunch at your lodge and take some time to relax before embarking on your first safari drive with an expert ranger. Traverse bushveld tracks in search of the Big Five and the plentiful other species that call this diverse wilderness home. Tonight, if the weather is right, a traditional boma dinner under the stars offers a magical end to the day.

Rise before dawn, sip a steaming cup of tea or coffee. As the sun rises, set out across golden savanna, wide-open plains and into riverine forest in search of stirring wildlife. You may see lions basking in the morning light, herds of elephants en route to the water hole, or a leopard lazing on a tree branch. Your guides will share stories of sightings, insight into animal behaviour and the vital conservation work carried out by the park as you explore. Return to the lodge for breakfast and spend time at leisure before heading out again in the afternoon when, as the air cools, the bush grows active again. Refresh with a sundowner back at the lodge before dinner.

Take one last early morning safari, soaking up the serenity and beauty of the bush a final time. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge before transferring back to the airport to fly to Johannesburg, where the arrangements end.