Day By Day Itinerary
PRE-DAY - CAPE TOWN
We suggest that you consider a Pre Day on board the train (available for additional cost). Having a pre-day means that one is able to acclimatise and unpack prior to the first day of touring. You will be met upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport and transferred to the train. Activities that could be undertaken in the afternoon include the following: a stroll around the False Bay area; leisurely walk along the beach walkway to St James (where a variety of small restaurants are situated); or a short walk to the beach for a refreshing swim.
A pre-night on board will include dinner, bed and breakfast.
The train remains stationary at Muzeinberg for the night.
DAY 01 and DAY 02 - CAPE TOWN (Please Note: The order in which the below activities are executed depends on the weather, but will be covered in Day 1 and 2).
Should you only arrive at Cape Town International Airport today, you will be met upon arrival and transferred to the train. Please note that you should arrive no later than 08:00 at the airport in order to participate in the day’s excursions. Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world with Table Mountain dominating its skyline.
Cape Point
We will visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which are world-renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora and for the magnificent setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The estate of 528 hectares supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. This is followed by a visit to Hout Bay, where a large fleet of colourful fishing vessels enhance the bustling ambience of this attractive resort. Fresh seafood is a speciality at Mariner’s Wharf. Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular sea cliff routes in the world. It was built between 1915 and 1922 and recently upgraded. We follow this drive to Simon’s Town. In years gone by, sailing fleets from Europe soon discovered that Table Bay was extremely dangerous during the winter months. While exploring, Governor Simon van der Stel discovered the bay, which could give safe anchor to the visiting sailing ships during winter. Simon’s Town is a charming little coastal town. It became a naval base in 1814 and is home to the SA Navy today. A visit to the Boulder’s Penguin Colony will form part of this option as well. In 1983 a pair of African Penguins was spotted on Foxy Beach at Boulders and in 1985 they began to lay eggs. Since then the colony has grown rapidly, increasing initially at about 60% a year. By 1997 there were 2 350 adult birds. They are remarkably untroubled by people and Boulders is the only place in the world where one can actually swim amongst the penguins. This day will not be complete without a visit to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Sir Francis Drake called it “the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth”. Yet many vessels, wrecked by the turbulent seas, have found their resting-place along this rocky coastline. The Nature Reserve is situated at the southern tip of the peninsula. The 7 675 hectare reserve is filled with priceless indigenous flora and fauna, some 2 700 species of indigenous plants and over 250 species of birds as well as troops of baboons and many species of antelope.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 150 km)
Cape Town City Tour
Our city tour will commence with an exhilarating cable car ascent of Table Mountain (weather permitting and at your own cost). It provides breathtaking views over the city and its beaches. The panorama stretches from Table Bay to False Bay and around the mountain to the Hottentots Holland Mountains. The mountain is home to over 1 500 species of plants, many of these are found nowhere else on earth. Our city tour continues with a walk through the Company Gardens, followed by a visit to the Bo-Kaap Museum. The first Malays arrived in the Cape as political refugees and slaves during the 17th century. Nearly two centuries later after emancipation, these Islamic people moved into the area known today as the Bo-Kaap, building mosques with picturesque minarets and their own style Georgian houses with Dutch influence. One of the oldest Cape Town buildings houses the museum. It is furnished as a Muslim house of the 19th century and documents the history of the Cape Malays. On our way to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, we will stop at Diamond Works, where you will follow a tour of the diamond cutting studio, a jewellery manufacturing workshop, a jewellery design studio as well as a gemmological laboratory. Our lunch stop (guests’ own account) will be at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a development that has brought new life to the old harbour of the Dutch East India Company in Table Bay. The complex offers shops, craft markets, restaurants, taverns, cinemas, theatres as well as delightful views over the harbour. In the afternoon we will drive through District 6. By 1900 the largest group of people then referred to as “Malay”, “Mixed and other” or “Coloured” lived in poor conditions here. Yet the area was vibrant and full of colour with busy streets and vivacious lifestyles. Various religions and cultural heritages flourished and mingled. In the 40s the Apartheid government removed the residents and most of the buildings. Today the city still grapples with the problem of what to do with this valuable real estate, but also with how to deal with the strong emotions that still charge the issue. We end our city tour with a visit to the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving building in South Africa. This pentagonal fortification replaced a small clay and timber fort built by Commander Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 as a maritime replenishment station for the ships of the Dutch East India Company. The stone walls between the bastions are 150 m long and 12 m high.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 100 km)
TOUR ADD ONS (Not included in package price)
The below Tour add ons can only be done on the day of the Cape Town City Tour.
1. Two Oceans Aquarium
The Aquarium is located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and offers an exciting insight into the indigenous fresh and seawater creatures of South Africa.
2. Robben Island Tour
For nearly 400 years Robben Island was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. During the Apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known as the place where Nelson Mandela and the other heroes of the struggle were imprisoned.
3. Helicopter Flight
Various helicopter flight options from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and back, starting from only 15 minutes long (including only the city bowl) to half an hour or longer (also including the Cape Peninsula) are offered.
4. Table Mountain
Experience an awesome ride up Table Mountain in a cable car. The view from the top of Table Mountain is spectacular. This activity is weather dependent.
Day 01 - The train remains stationary at Muzeinberg for the night. An evening shuttle service will be available to go to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Day 02 - After the day’s activities the train travels from Muizenberg to Worcester where it remains stationary for the night.
DAY 03 - WINELANDS / OVERBERG REGION
The fertile green valleys of the Cape Winelands are surrounded by proud mountain ranges. A Mediterranean climate and winter rainfall create some of the best wines in the world. The rich, fertile soils along the Breede River and the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl areas have become justly famous for their Whites, Reds, Sherries, Ports and Brandies. The Overberg region to the southeast embraces mountains, valleys and coastal areas and annually welcomes the Southern Right Whale to its waters.
Your choice of included excursions -
1. Historic Heart of the Winelands
We take the Huguenot Tunnel to Paarl, named after the huge granite dome of rock overlooking the town. From here we drive to Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in the country, situated in the heart of the Winelands. After a lunch break (guests’ own account) we continue our journey over the Hellshoogte Pass through a landscape of fruit farms, Cape Dutch houses and vineyards. In Franschhoek (literally meaning "French Corner") we visit the Huguenot Memorial, commemorating the 1688 settlement of the French Huguenots here after fleeing religious persecution in France. In the late afternoon we travel back to Worcester via the Franschhoek Pass, which offers splendid views over vineyards, plantations and rugged peaks. One wine tasting is included in this excursion.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 275 km)
2. Scenic Mountain Passes and Hermanus
We travel over scenic mountain passes such as the Rooihoogte and Floorshoogte Passes and via the Overberg towns of Villiersdorp and Botrivier to Hermanus, once a renowned fish market and whaling station. The whale hunts here were stopped by international treaty in 1935. During the Whale season (roughly from July to November each year) the natural cliffs allow for Whales to be seen from as little as 5 metres away. The WWF includes Hermanus in its list of 12 best whale-viewing sites in the world, but it tops the list when it comes to land. In the afternoon we travel on the coastal road past Betty's Bay and onto Clarence Drive towards Gordon's Bay. From here we travel back to Worcester. One wine tasting is included in this excursion. (Full day; distance travelled: ± 420 km)
TOUR ADD ONS (Not included in package price)
1. Shark Cage Diving (Gansbaai)
Participants will be picked up in Hermanus and taken to Gansbaai, where their encounter with the “Great White” awaits them. Divers will be briefed about caging procedures before the cage is put down into the water. Once the first shark is spotted, the bait lines are drawn in and everybody has the opportunity to view and admire this magnificent predator of the sea.
(Half day, which can be combined with # 2 above; however, large parts of that option will not be possible then; weather dependent)
2. Whale Watching Boat Cruise (Hermanus)
Every year from about May to December watch the magnificent Southern Right Whales within 50 metres from the boat. (Can be combined with # 2 above and is weather dependent)
The train departs for Mossel Bay over night.
DAY 04 - GARDEN ROUTE
Mossel Bay lies in the heart of the famous Garden Route and is situated on a spectacular sun-washed peninsula.
Your choice of included excursions -
1. Old Passes Route and Knysna
Drive along the coast from Mossel Bay to George, situated on a 10-kilometre plateau between majestic mountains to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. Then we head via the Old Passes Route, which winds through the primeval forest of the Homtini to Knysna, lying between lush forests and a peaceful lagoon. The Heads - two sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon connecting the estuary with the sea - is a dramatic viewpoint. In the “Garden of Eden” we take a walk among the 4m tree ferns and 600-year old trees.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 250 km)
2. Mossel Bay
(Museum) and day at leisure The first meeting between Europeans and Africans on Southern African soil occurred at Mossel Bay in 1488 when Bartolomeu Dias set foot ashore and encountered the ancient Khoi-San people. We visit the Dias Museum with its replica of the caravel in which Dias sailed from Portugal to South Africa more than 500 years ago. We also see the famous “Old Post Office Tree” where later explorers left post for passing ships. Mossel Bay features in the Guinness Book of Records as having the second mildest all-year climate in the world (second only to Hawaii). (Morning only, distance 0 km)
3. Robberg Nature Reserve
Robberg means “mountain of seals” and the reserve is a scenic 4km promontory of red sandstone that probes finger-like into the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. A number of walks are offered, ranging from reasonably difficult to gentle strolls. Along the way there are caves that were once inhabited by an ancient people called “strandlopers” (beach walkers). The northern flank of Robberg is rocky and wild, but the south is the complete opposite with white beaches. On our way back to Mossel Bay, we might stop at the Knysna Quays, depending on the time.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 280 km)
TOUR ADD ONS (Not included in package price)
Seal Island Trip (including Whale Watching in Season)
Nature & Wildlife Hightlights & Leisure Culture & People Enjoy an early morning Boat Cruise to Seal Island to view the Seal colony basking in the sun or playing in the sea. Sit back and relax with an early morning coffee or cold drink. Dolphins have been spotted on this boat ride as well as the occasional Whale. (Whale Watching is seasonal - July-November, but boat trips to Seal Island give you the best chance to spot Dolphins, Seals and Penguins)
The train remains stationary at Mossel Bay for the night.
DAY 05 - KLEIN KAROO
Surrounded by natural beauty, Oudtshoorn is situated at the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountain range. Numerous rivers, streams and falls have their origins in the Swartberg, Outeniqua and Kammanassie ranges around the town. Oudtshoorn is regarded as the centre of the Klein Karoo and is world-renowned for the Cango Caves and the breeding of Ostriches.
Your choice of included excursions -
1. Cango Caves and Swartberg Pass
Leaving the coast behind, we ascend the Robinson Pass into Oudtshoorn, famous for its Ostrich boom in the early 20th century - it feathered the world in the time of the boa and the grand hats making many millionaires who, in turn, created elaborate lifestyles in this remote place in Africa. A great natural wonder awaits us, the Cango Caves - a series of great colourful underground chambers with breathtaking limestone formations. We continue via the Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert and return to Oudtshoorn via the spectacular Meiringspoort drive.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 280 km)
2. Mossel Bay and Ostrich Farm
The first meeting between Europeans and Africans on Southern African soil occurred at Mossel Bay in 1488 when Bartolomeu Dias set foot ashore and encountered the ancient Khoi-San people. Travelling via the Robinson Pass we continue to Oudtshoorn, famous for its Ostrich boom in the early 20th century - it feathered the world in the time of the boa and the grand hats making many millionaires who, in turn, created elaborate lifestyles in this remote African village. Mid-afternoon at an Ostrich Show Farm guests are taken on an unforgettable tour.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 200 km)
3. Train Ride to Oudtshoorn and Ostrich Farm
Visit Late risers can enjoy a slightly later breakfast on board and experience the scenic beauty of the spectacular Montagu Pass and the Outeniqua Mountain range as the train journeys to Oudtshoorn. In Oudtshoorn guests are taken to an Ostrich Show Farm, where the well-informed guides will conduct an unforgettable tour.
(Afternoon excursion after arrival in Oudtshoorn; distance travelled: ± 20 km)
TOUR ADD ONS (Not included in package price)
1. Cango Crocodile and Cheetah Land
In the company of guides visit this reptile farm accommodating over 300 Nile Crocodiles ranging in size from hatchlings of 50 cm to fully-grown 4m specimens. We proceed to Cheetahland to see a collection of these magnificent predators on view in large natural enclosures.
Guests rejoin the train at around 17h00 in Oudtshoorn and travel over night to Port Elizabeth.
DAY 06 - PORT ELIZABETH
We recommend that you opt for an excursion today, as the train will go into the yard.
Your choice of included excursions -
1. Addo Elephant National Park
Nature & Wildlife Hightlights & Leisure Culture & People A short drive brings us to the Addo Elephant National Park. Game drives will be conducted in our air-conditioned vehicles. The original Elephant reserve was proclaimed in 1931 when only eleven animals remained in the area. Today it is sanctuary to over 350 and guests may also see Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino and a variety of antelope species. After lunch (guests’ own account) game drives will continue into the afternoon.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 160 km)
2. Addo Elephant Park and Port Elizabeth City Tour
A short drive brings us to the Addo Elephant National Park. Game drives will be conducted in our air-conditioned vehicles. The original Elephant reserve was proclaimed in 1931 when only eleven animals remained in the area. Today it is sanctuary to over 350 and guests may also see Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino and a variety of antelope species. An extended lunch in Port Elizabeth (guests’ own account) will be followed by a tour of the “Friendly city”, which forms part of the Nelson Mandela Metropole and which is a major seaport with diverse eco and adventure attractions. Off its coast the first Coelacanth in modern times was caught in 1938. We will stop at several historical buildings in the city centre.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 170 km)
TOUR ADD ONS (Not included in package price)
Township Tour Our visit includes townships within the Nelson Mandela Metropole, which have become the pulsating beat of an emerging united city. This half-day tour will lead you to a better understanding of the “New South Africa”.
(Afternoon activity combinable with # 2 above; distance travelled: ± 80 km)
The train departs in the early evening from Port Elizabeth to Bloemfontein.
DAY 07 - BLOEMFONTEIN
Bloemfontein is the seat of the South African judicial system. At the end of the 19th century it was also the capital of one of the old Boer republics, namely the Orange Free State. The Women’s Memorial at the Anglo-Boer War Museum is a reminder of life in the concentration camps and commemorates the 27 000 women and children who died in these camps. Naval Hill presents several beautiful panoramic views of the city. Bloemfontein A short orientation tour of Bloemfontein is planned for the morning. After lunch (guests’ own account) at the Waterfront, we will return to the train and spend the afternoon and night on board.
(Morning; distance travelled: ± 30 km)
Guests rejoin the train in Bloemfontein and travel to Ladysmith (afternoon and overnight journey).
DAY 8 – LADYSMITH - MIDLANDS / SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG
Guests now head to the eastern jagged peaks called the Drakensberg, follow the waterways as they drop and cascade down mountain clefts, and through hidden valleys and the tumbling luscious hills that extend through the Midlands.
Your choice of included excursions -
1. Battlefields
One is able to trace the course of the Anglo Boer War by visiting the Siege Museum as well as sites of famous battles such as Spioenkop. Other highlights include Wagon Hill, where British and Boers suffered heavy losses. The site of the battle was proclaimed a National Monument in 1938. Visitors also gain insight into the early lives of Winston Churchill and Ghandi.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 200 km)
2. Midlands Meander
The famous Midlands Meander in KwaZulu-Natal is a unique mix of more than 160 places to eat, drink, sleep, shop, play and generally have fun. Started many years ago as a voluntary collection of crafters, who wondered if Nature & Wildlife Hightlights & Leisure Culture & People they could attract visitors to leave the beaten track and explore their studios and galleries, the Midlands Meander has grown into an eclectic and fascinating mix of arts and crafts, world-class restaurants and homely comforts. It offers a wide range of sporting, environmental and historical pursuits. Physical, culinary or cerebral, there is no limit to the experiences you will find here. Among your stops will be a visit to the Howick Falls as well as beer tasting in Nottingham Road.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 300 km)
3. Southern Drakensberg Walking Trails
We will drive towards Creighton in the southern Drakensberg region. We will then do a guided walk in the Xumeni Forest dominated by Yellowwood trees. It is the habitat of the rare Cape Parrot (350 of the 800 left in the world live here). Many different bird species, such as the Sakabula, Bald Ibis and Grey Crown Crane could be spotted here. Lunch will be at Creighton (for guests’ own account).
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 300 km)
TOUR ADD ONS (Not included in package price)
Sani Pass / Lesotho
Our vehicles will take you to the town of Underberg from where you will board other vehicles that will take you up the magnificent Sani Pass. Starting at 1540 metres above sea level you will follow the deep valley incised by the Mkhomazana River to breast the summit at 2873 m - with almost 1000 m climbed in the last 8 km of your trip. This is the only road link between KwaZulu-Natal and the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. After reaching the summit, we will turn around for the spectacular descent.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 300 km) NB: YOUR PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS ACTIVITY!
The train departs Ladysmith in the evening for Durban.
DAY 09 - NORTHERN ZULULAND
1. Shakaland or Dumazulu and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park
Guests leave the train early morning and drive (in our air-conditioned vehicles) to Shakaland or Dumazulu, nestled amongst the aloes and mimosa trees of the Mlatuze River Valley. The Shakaland or Dumazulu Cultural Village boasts exceptional views over shimmering Guests stop at Shakaland or Dumazulu for a Cultural experience and then on to Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge where you will check in and have lunch (guests’ own account) will be followed by a visit to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Reserve in the afternoon. The park lies in the heart of Zululand where ancient trails lead through the thorn veld and along the mighty rivers of Africa’s oldest established wilderness area. Once the exclusive royal hunting ground of King Shaka, it is a tapestry of natural and cultural history. The park is a treasure store of species including Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Wildebeest, Zebra, Giraffe, Kudu, Bushbuck, Cheetah, Hyena and many others. Over 300 bird species have been recorded. Game drives will be conducted in our air-conditioned vehicles.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 200 km) Guests stay at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge for the night.
DAY 10 - SOUTHERN ZULULAND
1. Zulu Nyala Game Reserve and St Lucia
Early morning game drive from the lodge in the lodge’s 4x4 game drive vehicles. After breakfast guests check out and depart with the Shongololo Vehicles and visit the St Lucia Wetlands, declared a world heritage site, where we will take a cruise on the St Lucia Estuary in the morning, looking for Hippos, Crocodiles, and a large variety of water birds.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 250 km)
TOUR ADD ONS (Not included in package price)
St Lucia Boat Based Whale Tours
Every year from about June to December these large mammals visit our coastal waters. This is a great opportunity not to be missed. From just 50 metres from the boat you can feel the wind rushing out of the huge lungs of Southern Right and Humpback Whales as they spray a fine vapour of salt water into the air. (Please note that the ski boat is launched from the beach so this activity is not recommended for the elderly guests).
(Morning activity from St Lucia)
The train is stationary in Durban for the evening.
DAY 11 - DURBAN
Your choice of included excursions -
1. Durban City Tour
Durban is the third largest city of South Africa and enjoys great importance due to its industry and its very large port. Thanks to the subtropical climate and the long stretches of beautiful beaches large numbers of “uplanders” retreat to Durban in winter. An orientation tour of the city will allow you to see a very good mix of old and new, African, Orient and the West. We will drive along the “Golden Mile” promenade where numerous hotels and restaurants are situated. A visit to the Victoria Market will also be included. At the end of the morning we will drop you at either the botanical gardens or at uShaka Marine World, Africa’s largest marine theme park, where you can have lunch and spend your afternoon (all entrances and lunch for your own account). You will be picked up again at an arranged time later in the afternoon. (Morning; distance travelled: ± 50 km)
2. Durban Spiritual Tour
Guests depart for Mariannhill to visit the monastery for a guided tour and to spend time in this beautiful, tranquil setting. This is followed by a short visit to the Hari Krishna “Temple of Understanding”, before returning to Durban for lunch (guests’ own account). We visit Phoenix, the spiritual settlement created by Mahatma Gandhi, before returning to Durban, the centre of Indian culture in South Africa, with its vast array of Hindu, Sufi and Muslim temples. You will see the Juma Musjid, the largest mosque in South Africa, whose twin minarets are a striking city feature, as well as the most opulent Hindu structure in the Southern Hemisphere - the Kendra Hindu Temple and Community Centre.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 150 km)
3. Umgeni River Bird Park & Beach Day
On our way to the beaches north of Durban, we will stop at the Umgeni River Bird Park, which is worth a visit. The rest of the day can be spent on the beach, or if you choose, we could take you shopping in the late afternoon at the nearby Gateway Shopping Centre, before returning to pick up the beach-goers and return to the train after a laid-back day in the sun.
(Full day of relaxation; distance travelled: ± 60 km)
Train leaves Durban and travels to Johannesburg overnight.
DAY 12 - PRETORIA / JOHANNESBURG / SOWETO
Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of the Southern African region and home to some of Africa’s greatest cities. The name of the province derives from the Sotho word meaning “Place of Gold”, which is very suitable since much of the wealth of Gauteng has come from this precious metal.
Your choice of included excursions today -
1. Pretoria and Soweto
We will spend the morning in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa. We visit the Union Buildings, housing the offices of the President and Ministers, designed by the famous colonial English architect, Sir Herbert Baker, and completed in 1913. The buildings overlook the city towards the once fortified hills to the south. A grand bronze statue of “Oom Paul (Kruger)”, the patriarch president of the ZAR or old Transvaal Republic, surrounded by his Boer fighters, dominates Church Square, central point of the city. Before leaving the capital behind, we visit the Voortrekker Monument that commemorates the “Great Trek” of the 1830s. In the afternoon we travel to Soweto to visit the Hector Petersen Memorial, named after one of the first students to be killed in the 1976 uprising against the Apartheid government.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 200 km)
2. Johannesburg and Soweto
Our day starts at Constitution Hill in Braamfontein in the centre of Johannesburg. This is the new home of the Constitutional Court and the site of Johannesburg’s notorious Old Fort Prison Complex, where many of South Africa’s leading political activists were detained. We then head onto the Newtown precinct to visit Museum Africa previously known as the market of Johannesburg. This is all part of the history of the “City of Gold”. This is followed by a lunch break (guests’ own account) in the suburb of Rosebank, where you can experience the multi-cultural “Rainbow Nation” in a modern, yet ethnocentric setting. Rosebank shows you the mix of first and third world cultures and showcases arts and crafts from all over the African continent. In the afternoon, we travel to Soweto to experience the heartbeat of this township, comprising one million people and made famous by the Apartheid laws. We pass the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (the largest hospital in the Southern Hemisphere) and also drive past the only street in Africa that once housed two Nobel Peace Laureates, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. We visit the Hector Petersen Memorial, named after one of the first students to be killed in the 1976 uprising against the Apartheid government.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 150 km)
The train departs Johannesburg for Mpumalanga.
DAY 13 - PANORAMA ROUTE
1. Panorama Route
We visit the village of Pilgrim’s Rest, a living museum and declared National Monument. Gold was discovered in this area in 1873, attracting 1500 diggers. Today, many of the restored miner’s houses serve as shops. Further along the escarpment we find the great Blyde River Canyon, a gorge of 26 km long and 800 m deep, carved from the face of the escarpment. The Three Rondavels present an unforgettable view of three huge rock spirals rising out of the far wall of the canyon, looking like African huts. Bourke’s Luck Potholes are strange deep cylindrical cavities formed by river erosion and floodwater. From the vantage point of God’s Window we gaze across DAY sweeps of the Lowveld, where subtle fragrances of the lower region rise to merge with the crisp winds of the Highveld.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 280 km)
The train departs for Kaapmuiden in the evening.
DAY 14 - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
The Kruger National Park is partly situated in the province of Mpumalanga, which means “Land of the Rising Sun”. It is a province of extraordinary natural beauty.
1. Kruger National Park
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that equals the best anywhere. Its 2 million hectares are unrivalled in diversity of life forms and the park is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques. The park is home to an impressive number of species, e.g. 336 species of trees, 49 species of fish, 34 species of amphibians, 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds and 147 species of mammals. Game drives will be conducted in our air-conditioned vehicles.
(Full day; departure time depends on the season, as gates open and close with sunrise and sunset; distance travelled: ± 220 km)
TOUR ADD ONS (Not included in package price)
Sunrise Balloon Experience
Early morning pick-up and transfer to the balloon launch site. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served on arrival, followed by a scenic balloon flight lasting about an hour. Cape sparkling wine will be served upon landing followed by a breakfast at a country lodge and a transfer back to meet the rest of the group. (This activity is weather dependent)
1. Open Vehicle Safari Game
Drives are conducted in open safari vehicles, specifically designed to ensure safety as well as optimum game viewing. Guides have intimate knowledge of the fauna and flora. Lunch (guests’ own account) will be at one of the camps in the park. Game viewing continues for the remainder of the afternoon.
3. Private Game Reserve
You will join the rest of the group for a morning game drive (in our air-conditioned vehicle) through the south of the Kruger National Park. Late morning (at around 11:00) you will be transferred to the luxury lodge, situated in a private game reserve, where a lunch will await you. After a siesta, followed by coffee and cake, you will depart on a sunset safari, in search of the Big Five. Encounters with all spheres of the eco-system, from the smallest insect to the mighty African Elephant, are possible. After a sundowner drink in the bush you will return to the lodge, where a delightful dinner awaits you. Early the next morning (just before sunrise) you will be woken to depart on an open vehicle game drive to experience the African fauna at its most active. A mouth-watering breakfast will round off your experience, before you will be taken back to the train. (Bookings subject to availability; due to the late arrival back from the private game reserve the Panorama Route experience will not be possible the next day)
The train remain stationary at Kaapmuiden.
DAY 15- KRUGER NATIONAL PARK OR SWAZILAND.
The Kruger National Park is partly situated in the province of Mpumalanga, which means “Land of the Rising Sun”. It is a province of extraordinary natural beauty.
Your choice of included excursions -
1. Kruger National Park
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that equals the best anywhere. Its 2 million hectares are unrivalled in diversity of life forms and the park is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques. The park is home to an impressive number of species, e.g. 336 species of trees, 49 species of fish, 34 species of amphibians, 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds and 147 species of mammals. Game drives will be conducted in our air-conditioned vehicles. (Full day; departure time depends on the season, as gates open and close with sunrise and sunset; distance travelled: ± 220 km)
2. Tour through Swaziland
YOU WILL NEED YOUR PASSPORT FOR THIS DAY. The drive from Kaapmuiden will afford majestic views of the Piggs Peak. The Swazi Market is a hive of activity and displays a wide variety of skilfully crafted woodcarvings, colourful textiles and superb basketwork for which Swazis are renowned. This day in Swaziland will introduce you to everyday life in Africa’s smallest kingdom.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 350 km)
Guest meet the train at Kaapmuiden. The train depart Kaapmuiden at 19h00 for Johannesburg.
DAY 16 - TRANSFER DAY
If guests are transferring to a hotel, this will be arranged for them in the morning. If guests are flying from Johannesburg International Airport, their flight may only be in the evening. In this case optional tours within the Johannesburg area may be undertaken.
TOUR ADD ONS (Not included in package price)
1. The Cradle of Humankind:
Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves The Cradle of Humankind developments (the Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves) are a Blue IQ initiative. Our visit will start at Maropeng (Setswana for “returning to the place of origin”), the visitor centre at the Cradle of Humankind. An exciting 4-billion-years journey through the elemental forces - water and ice, air, fire and earth - is simulated on an underground lake. One emerges at the beginning of the world after dipping through waterfalls and icebergs, into the eye of a storm, past erupting volcanoes and through the depths of the earth. The journey continues through an experience that highlights the history of our world and humankind as a species. Real fossils are also on display. We continue for a visit to the Sterkfontein Caves, 10 km away, most famous for the two world-renowned hominid finds, namely Mrs Ples in 1947 and Little Foot in 1997. Since excavations at the site first began, hundreds of hominid fossils as well as stone tools have been found here. The excavation of Little Foot and other fossils is an ongoing process at this still active fossil dig. The scientific exhibition here includes lifelike models of hominids as well as specific finds such as Mrs Ples, the Taung Child and Little Foot.
2. Lesedi Cultural Village
We visit this multi-cultural African Village set among pristine Bushveld and rocky hills. Experience the culture of five of South Africa’s major indigenous tribes: the Xhosa, the Zulu, the Pedi, the Basotho and the Ndebele. Lunch will be included.
3. Sandton City
The South African financial district within Sandton City surrounded by five stars hotels and conference centre. It is also known as a shopping paradise for the rich and famous people of Gauteng. In Nelson Mandela Square you will find numerous restaurants as well as a statue of Nelson Mandela.
4. Gold Reef City and Apartheid museum
Situated on the previous Crown mine which closed in the 1970’s, Gold Reef City is an entertainment centre showing Johannesburg as it was at the time of the “Gold Rush”. Among the different activities, guests will have the possibility to go down a gold mine (at guests’ own account). The Apartheid Museum presents in a series of photos, videos and other media the political regime in South Africa until 1994. The option includes the transfer, the entrance fee to Gold Reef City and the Apartheid Museum.
5. Clearwater Mall
A very modern shopping centre where you will find banks, supermarkets and exclusive shops as well as a good selection of restaurants.
