South Africa with Rovos Rail

Location: Johannesburg

You should arrive at the airport to take your overnight flight to Johannesburg where you will be met on arrival ready for your transfer.

Location: Johannesburg

After our morning arrival, we transfer to the four-star Indaba Hotel in a prosperous suburb, north of the city. On the way to our hotel we take the opportunity to visit the Apartheid Museum, a truly fascinating exhibition charting the apartheid years and the struggle against it, culminating in the first democratic elections. It is a superbly presented walk through contemporary history using original material, riveting eyewitness accounts, photographs and film. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the pleasant leafy district of Fourways and nearby Montecasino shopping mall.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Indaba Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Blyde River Canyon, Kruger National Park

After breakfast we depart for the open spaces and farmlands of the highveld, following the Panorama Route to Kruger National Park, one of the most scenic drives in South Africa. We follow the spectacular rim of the Blyde River Canyon, an amazing 20-mile long and 2,300- foot deep gorge cutting a vast swathe through the Great Escarpment separating the temperate grasslands of the Highveld and the drier savannah beyond. Deep circular rock formations created by years of erosion and many excellent vantage points offer superb photo opportunities for some of the most breathtaking views in Africa. Our hotel for the next three nights is the three-star superior Hippo Hollow Country Estate, beautifully located in the midst of lush forest on the banks of the Sabie River on the edge of the National Park. It has lovely gardens, two pools, a very cosy bar, an excellent restaurant and an open air terrace overlooking the grounds and river where you can actually watch the hippos! A more relaxing spot would be difficult to find. Our 2019 tours stay at the four-star Sanbonani Resort. Dinner is included tonight.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Kruger National Park

Today we have a full day’s game drive in specially adapted 10 seat 4x4 vehicles. There is simply nothing to beat that rising feeling of anticipation and excitement as we enter the nearby park in the half-light of the spectacular African dawn, surrounded by the noise of a unique ‘dawn chorus’. Which animal shall we spot first? Perhaps an elephant, a family of warthogs or possibly even the elusive cheetah. Our experienced game rangers know the best tracks and waterholes whilst their stories will amuse, inform and fascinate you. Most have lived here all their lives, accumulating a vast wealth of knowledge. One minute they can be talking about the constituents of elephant dung and the next about the mating behaviour of hippos or the latest UK football scores!

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Kruger National Park

This is a day at leisure for anyone who just wants to take it easy by one of the pools at the hotel or do some hippo-spotting from the lovely lawn overlooking the river. Alternatively, you could try elephant-back safaris, exciting helicopter flights or even river rafting (all subject to weather conditions), as well as sunset safaris or night safaris where you can experience the unique thrill of an open 4x4 vehicle game drive by spotlight. Exclusively for Riviera guests, there are also a limited number of places available to stay the night at a tented camp and go on a bushwalk. Our camp is a real ‘back to nature’ experience, with no electricity or en-suite facilities – we use portable ‘bush’ showers and toilets. Our chef will create excellent wholesome cuisine and you can listen out for any nocturnal visitors whilst sitting around the campfire! You rejoin the main tour on the morning of day 6.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Kruger National Park, KwaZulu-Natal

Eswatini & Kwazulu Natal - Today we leave Kruger and embark on a long coach journey to the historic battlefields in Kwa Zulu Natal – a journey that takes us through the small but scenically beautiful country of Eswatini. As the road climbs past the interestingly named Piggs Peak we descend through lush green fields and rolling hills interspersed with small farms and drive through the country’s small capital Mbabane, passing the parliament house and Royal Palace en routeWe cross back into South Africa in the afternoon entering Kwazulu Natal. This area is more remote and less populated, and as a result the accommodation here is more modest than what you will experience in other towns and cities on this tour. It is the history of this area that will truly enhance your visit to South Africa.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Battlefields Lodge

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Isandlwana, Rorke's Drift

After breakfast we visit the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. Brilliantly dramatised in the films Zulu Dawn and Zulu, these two battles, just a day apart, became a defining moment for the British Empire. In 1879 at Isandlwana, a depleted force of 1,300 were surprised and outmanoeuvred by a 20,000-strong Zulu army armed with cowhide shields and spears. Only a handful survived. The next day just 9 miles away, about 140 British soldiers, some wounded, held off 4,000 Zulus for over ten hours at Rorke’s Drift, an action earning eleven Victoria Crosses, the largest number ever awarded in a single engagement. Isandlwana particularly, remains a haunting and lonely place, with mass graves marked by simple white stones. Our specialist Zulu guide will really make those desperate encounters come alive. We return to our hotel in the afternoon. Lunch is included today.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Battlefields Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: Johannesburg, George, Mossel Bay

Knysna - After breakfast we'll return to Johannesburg airport, flying to George in the Western Cape and at the heart of the gorgeous Garden Route, before the short drive to the Jewel of the Garden Route, Knysna.  Knysna sits within the unmatched beauty of the indigenous forests, miles of sandy beaches, rivers and lakes that border the town. There's also a picturesque lagoon which opens between two massive cliffs called The Heads. Standing on either head offers panoramic views over the lagoon to the mountains and out towards the ocean. The small but spirited town has a lovely harbour front lined with galleries, shops, restaurants and cafés - the perfect place to explore for dinner this evening overlooking the lagoon.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Diaz Hotel & Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Ruitersbos Nature Reserve, Swartberg Mountains, Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay

Featherbed Nature Reserve - Leaving our hotel this morning, we'll drive to Knysna where we'll take a ferry across the lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve - a privately-owned reserve in the middle of a scenic lagoon. We'll board 4x4 vehicles to explore the area. Stopping at some magnificent viewpoints, our guide will describe the area’s fauna, flora, history and shipwrecks before an easy downhill guided walk and delicious buffet lunch under the canopy of the milkwood trees. (Note: Due to weather conditions over the winter period, departures between May and Aug will have lunch at a restaurant in Knysna).After taking the ferry back to Knysna, you will have some free time to explore this small town, with its numerous art galleries, craft shops and the Knysna Quays marina shopping complex.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Diaz Hotel & Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: Hermanus, Cape Winelands

This morning, we take the long scenic drive to the Cape’s beautiful Winelands. During July to November we drive via Hermanus, the world’s best spot for on-shore whale watching. These gentle giants move in seemingly permanent slow motion and are a truly amazing sight as they playfully cavort in the water. You arrive in the Winelands by late afternoon, staying two nights on bed-and-breakfast at the excellent four-star Devon Valley Hotel, which is a real find. This little property is set on the valley slopes offering breathtaking views, lush gardens, a relaxing shady terrace, a comfortable bar with dark leather armchairs, fireplace and a wide selection of single malt whiskeys.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Devon Valley Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek

Today we tour the awesomely beautiful Winelands. Set in a valley backed by majestic mountains, rows of manicured vines and orchards stretch into a distance studded by lime-washed, often thatched, 300-year-old wineries built in the unique Cape Dutch style, seemingly mirroring the undulations of the surrounding countryside. Our first stop is elegant Stellenbosch, established 300 years ago and home of South Africa’s most prestigious university. Period buildings and historic streets reinforce the town’s dignified atmosphere. We have time to explore this delightful town before enjoying a fascinating cellar tour and tasting at the Neethlingshof Wine Estate. After that, we visit the small town of Franschoek, set at the head of a valley. Tonight we’ll enjoy an included typical South African BBQ or Cape Malay buffet dinner at our hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Devon Valley Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Cape Town

This morning we visit the amazing Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, located just outside Cape Town and set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. These incredible gardens are some of the best in South Africa, with numerous fascinating endemic flora and orchid varieties. We soon arrive in Cape Town and our hotel, the four-star Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel, staying three nights on bed and breakfast. It is located right in the centre of this bustling city within walking distance of the V&A waterfront. The afternoon is spent at leisure when you can start to explore this beautiful city.

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Cape Point

This morning, we visit Cape Point and the legendary Cape of Good Hope, firstly driving past pristine beaches to the picturesque fishing harbour of Hout Bay. We continue along the breathtakingly scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive, full of rugged seascapes, to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, then on to Cape Point itself. We see the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean currents and the treacherous promontory of rocks and swells, the scourge of mariners for centuries. Finally we visit Boulders Beach and its penguin colony, returning to the city during the afternoon.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Cape Town

Cape Town, featuring British, Dutch and Cape Malay influences, is simply one of the world’s most naturally beautiful cities with so much to offer the visitor! You could do some bargain shopping at the Waterfront, followed by a sumptuous seafood lunch. Or maybe go people-watching at fashionable Camps Bay? Obviously no visit to Cape Town is complete without taking a revolving cable car ride to the top of iconic Table Mountain which has announced the city to generations of sea-farers. The views are fabulous. You should also visit Robben Island (weather permitting and based on availability), where Nelson Mandela spent most of his 27-year incarceration, and whose visitors since its opening have included Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Gates and even Nelson Mandela himself. Perhaps though, simply wander where your feet take you, or relax a little, taking afternoon tea in beautiful colonial splendour at the Mount Nelson hotel – the choice is yours.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Cape Town, Matjiesfontein

Transfer to Cape Town railway station this morning to board the gleaming carriages of Rovos Rail and settle into your luxurious wood-panelled private Pullman or Deluxe cabin. Our train departs at 11am and as we roll through the Winelands you’ll be able to enjoy the first of many wonderful meals on board. Traditional afternoon tea is served in the Lounge and Observation cars as we approach the charming perfectly-preserved Victorian town of Matjiesfontein where we disembark for a short tour. This evening listen out for the gong that heralds dinner and make your way to one of the two dining cars for one of the best meals you’ll ever have on a train!

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Kimberley

Wake to the wide-open panorama of Africa. There’s no hurry to get up today as breakfast is served until 10am! After lunch our train pulls into Kimberley, South Africa’s most famous diamond-producing town. At over 700ft deep the Kimberley Big Hole is the largest man-made and hand-excavated hole in the world. We also visit the nearby Diamond Museum, a moving testament to the thousands of miners who toiled here over the years. Back on board it’s time for afternoon tea again before this evening’s sumptuous final dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Location: Johannesburg, Pretoria

As we near our journey’s end we travel through Johannesburg and the goldfields of the Witwatersrand before arriving at Rovos Rail’s private railway station in Pretoria at around midday. We say goodbye to our extraordinary home for the last two nights and enjoy an included lunch in Pretoria and a short sightseeing tour of the city before our flight home this evening.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Pretoria

Johannesburg & return home - Arrive into Kookrus station, in south of Johannesburg at mid-morning, where you will be taken to the Indaba Hotel for an included lunch before being transferred to the airport for your flight home. Later this afternoon, it's time to say goodbye and start your journey home.

Location: United Kingdom

Arrive home