Incredible South Africa with Rovos Luxury Train and Victoria Falls
Johannesburg, 3 safaris in a Private Game Reserve, Pretoria, 3 nights aboard Rovos Luxury Train, Cape Town and Victoria Falls.
Overview
Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packaged, may accommodate up to 24.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout |
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Departures | April – September 2024 | Group Size | 6 travelers max |
Themes | Grand Tours, Nature & Wildlife, Rail Journeys | ||
Activity Level | Recreational | ||
What to Expect | This moderately-paced, partially escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations, sometimes on bumpy unpaved roads and may have limited rest stops. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
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For those seeking a truly upscale travel adventure, we offer Incredible South Africa! From Johannesburg’s metropolis to a safari in a private game reserve, to old-style charm on board the Rovos Rail luxury train to the mother city of Cape Town. Enjoy the excitement of dawn and dusk game drives in search of the Big Five, and enjoy a break for morning coffee or an afternoon sundowner drink, in the bush. Then, relax as your train moves through the beautiful countryside heading south, stopping at Kimberly to visit the Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum. In Cape Town, beauty is all around dominated by the majestic Table Mountain, where you can sample great food and some of the best wine in the world. Continue to Zimbabwe where you will tour the majestic Victoria Falls. All the while, travel in a small group of no more than 6, and stay in 5-star, luxury hotels and game lodges. Treat yourself to South Africa in style!
Package includes
- Flights
- Train
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights New York including taxes & fees
- All intra- flights & ground transportation
- 16 nights in deluxe hotels and deluxe suite on board Rovos Rail
- 31 meals: 16 lavish breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners
- Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
- Wine with welcome and farewell dinners, sundowner local drinks on game safari, all drinks on board Rovos Rail
- Professional English-speaking tour guides
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Half day Cape Point tour
- Full day Chobe National Park, Botswana
Why you'll love it
- Get up close and personal with African wildlife on 3 game drives at a private game reserve.
- Journey luxuriously through South Africa’s stunning countryside aboard Rovos Rail, among the world’s most deluxe rail experiences.
- Learn about the history of South African diamond mining with stops at the Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole.
- Enjoy a Panorama Route Tour with views of the Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Lisbon Falls and God’s Window.
- Ascend by cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town's most striking landmark.
- Travel through the South African winelands and learn about the wine-making process while enjoying tastings and cellar tours.
- Surround yourself with the thunderous roar of the powerful water and the constant mist rising above as you stand in the presence of the majestic Victoria Falls.
- Set sail on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, keeping an eye out for surrounding wildlife.
Itinerary at a Glance
![Incredible South Africa with Rovos Luxury Train and Victoria Falls map](https://res.cloudinary.com/friendly-planet/image/fetch/q_auto,f_auto,w_520,c_limit/https://www.friendlyplanet.com/media/gallery/maps/incredible-south-africa-rovos-train-victoria-falls-2024.png)
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Arrive Johannesburg
- 3 Johannesburg
- 4 Private Game Reserve
- 5 Private Game Reserve
- Optional Excursion: AM Bush Walk
- 6 Panorama Route to White River
- 7 White River to Pretoria
- 8 Rovos Rail
- 9 Rovos Rail
- 10 Rovos Rail
- 11 Cape Town
- 12 Cape Town
- 13 Cape Town
- Optional Excursion: Private Half Day Cape Point Tour, $240
- 14 Cape Town & Victoria Falls
- 15 Victoria Falls
- 16 Victoria Falls
- Optional Excursion: Chobe National Park, Botswana, $210
- 17 Victoria Falls
- 18 Depart Victoria Falls
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Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Depart New York on your overnight flight to Johannesburg, South Africa
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
Full Day ItineraryThis 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 a visit to the Kiptown open-air museum, 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 the Apartheid Museum. The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. An architectural consortium comprising several leading architectural firms conceptualized the design of the building on a seven-hectare stand. The museum is a superb example of design, space, and landscape, offering the international community a unique South African experience.
Afterwards, return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.Day 4 Private Game Reserve
- Transfer to the airport for your flight for the South African bush
- Afternoon game drive
Kapama River Lodge, Becks Safari Lodge or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter 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: August 9, 2024 departure will stay at Becks Safari LodgeDay 5 Private Game Reserve
- Morning game drive
- Afternoon game drive
Kapama River Lodge, Becks Safari Lodge or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning wake, up early and 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 at 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: August 9, 2024 departure will stay at Becks Safari LodgeOptional Excursion: AM Bush WalkThe Kapama River Lodge offers a Bush Walk in place of the Game Drive. The excursion is subject to availability, done in very small groups, and is for those who 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 White River
- Morning game drive
- Panorama Route Tour with views of the Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Lisbon Falls and God’s Window
Oliver's Restaurant & Lodge Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, wake up early and depart in an open vehicle for the morning game drive, searching for the Big 5, antelope, and other animals. Return to the camp for breakfast.
Then, depart for White River via the Panorama route. Today's adventure, you will marvel at the geological formations known today as The Three Rondavels, Bourke's Luck Potholes, cylindrical rock sculptures formed by years of water erosion, Lisbon Falls, and God's Window.
Later, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers.Day 7 White River to Pretoria
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Pretoria
Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryDay 8 Rovos Rail
- Transfer to Rovos Rail station in Pretoria for a champagne reception and board Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail Luxury Train Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter 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 lavishly 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 9 Rovos Rail
- Kimberley sightseeing of The Big Hole
- Diamond Mine Museum
Rovos Rail Luxury Train Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter 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 10 Rovos Rail
- Optional 5km walk from Whitehill Siding into Matjiesfontein
- Visit the historical village of Matjiesfontein
Rovos Rail Luxury Train or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThe 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 11 Cape Town
- Arrive to Cape Town
- Cape Town City Tour with Table Mountian
Queen Victoria Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryAfter 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. 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.Wind your way past the scenic and upmarket suburbs of Camps Bay and Clifton route to the central business district. Sense the depth of history as you drive past Parliament Buildings, City Hall, the Slave Lodge, and the Castle of Good Hope, built initially as a maritime replenishment station and now the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa! Passing Charly's Bakery, home of Charly's Cake Angels, we hear of the brief history of the District Six route to a visit to the Company Gardens. Learn more about the history of the Bo-Kaap and its people as we move up the cobblestoned hills to the Malay Quarter and marvel at the ice-cream colors of the quaint Bo-Kaap homes.Later this afternoon, check into your hotel.Note: Due to maintenance, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed for two weeks from the end of July to early August. If the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed due to maintenance or inclement weather, visit Signal Hill instead.Full Day ItineraryToday, 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 13 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 ItineraryEnjoy 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, $240Wind 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 14 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 Breakfast
Day 15 Victoria Falls
- Guided tour of the falls
- Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River
The Palm River Hotel Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis 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.
Day 16 Victoria Falls
- Full Day at leisure
- Recommended optional tour to Chobe National Park in Botswana
The Palm River Hotel Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryEnjoy 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.
Optional Excursion: Chobe National Park, Botswana, $210Take 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.
Minimum of 2 passengers is required.
Full Day ItineraryEnjoy your last day in Victoria Falls at your leisure. Relax and enjoy the hotel facilities, or join optional tours that can be purchased locally.Day 18 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
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What should I know about South Africa? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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What should I know about Zimbabwe? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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What should I know about Botswana? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.