An Epic Rail Journey

Built over 100 years ago, the Manor has an aura of grandeur and old-world charm with six en-suite bedrooms, each of which bears the name of historic, local characters of St James.

The individually decorated suites reflect the opulent times of a bygone era with gorgeous floral fabrics and calm colours, Persian carpets and early English and South African antiques.

The house has a number of attractive reception rooms for meetings and social gatherings, a library, a bar, a breakfast room and an elegant dining room.

Carved into the mountain is a private and wind-protected swimming pool and tanning deck where those reluctant to leave the exclusive environment of the house will no doubt happily while away the days or contemplate the magnificent views of the False Bay coastline.

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. In a series of bespoke train journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 nights, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations with a variety of off-train excursions.

Step aboard the vintage wood-panelled coaches and sit back as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. With discreet and friendly service, top cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration.

The beautifully rebuilt trains, which may be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives, carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites and are also available for charter, while the Events Train caters for up to 250 guests and is suitable for daytime journeys.

Matjiesfontein is a quaint little railroad town situated on the fringe of the Karoo. This fascinating remote town has been proclaimed a National Heritage Site as the entire town boasts well-preserved Victorian buildings. Matjiesfontein is set in spectacular terrain, amidst barren mountains and wide open tranquil Karoo landscapes. Visit this living museum and step back in time, enjoy the old world charm of the Lord Milner Hotel, take a ride on the Old London Bus, or explore local history in the Transport and Victoriana museums. Other attractions include: The Old Post Office, the Travellers Chapel, The Railway Station, and the picturesque Pink Church. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of activities including: bird watching, veld walking, hiking, swimming, mountain biking, and tennis.

Synonymous with the birth of the international diamond trade, Kimberley is a picturesque little town with an extensive history. It was the first town to install electric street lights in the southern hemisphere, and today it is the largest city and capital of South Africa’s Northern Cape Province. Kimberly is renowned for the Big Hole, the largest man-made excavation in the world. Kimberley also featured prominently during the Anglo-Boer War when it was besieged by the Boers. History enthusiasts can visit the impressive historical attractions scattered throughout the town and explore some of the most famous battle sites of the Anglo-Boer war, which fringe the town.

The cosmopolitan city of Pretoria, also known as ‘Tshwane’, is situated in the province of Gauteng and functions as one of three capitals of South Africa. Pretoria has been dubbed ‘The Jacaranda City’, which is owed to the annual bloom of magnificent purple blossom trees that adorn the wide avenues of the city. Discover several historic monuments, fine government buildings, and fascinating museums, and explore several interesting cultural sites. The Transvaal Museum is a natural history museum showcasing an ancient dinosaur fossil found at the nearby Cradle of Humankind; the Pretoria Botanical Gardens offers visitors a glimpse of different biomes, and the Voortrekker Monument is a famous National Heritage Site. Don’t miss the nearby Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary as well as the beautiful Wonderboom and Groenkloof Nature Reserves.

Bordering Botswana in South Africa’s North West Province, Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth-largest reserve in the country and is home to a great number of animal species. It contains a wild dog reserve, and is inhabited by the world-renowned Big Five, as well as Brown Hyenas, Cheetahs, and Aardwolf. Visitors will also be surrounded by over 300 bird species, including vulture, ostrich, and the large kori bustard. The landscape is characterised by vast grasslands, woodlands, and the rugged Tshwene Tshwene hills - creating enthralling scenes that often attract photographers and artists. Visitors can look forward to sunset drinks overlooking the Madikwe Dam. Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the only reserves in South Africa that is malaria free.

 Situated in the heart of southern Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains scattered with scrubland. The country’s primary tourist drawcard is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where visitors are privy to massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains, which host large prides of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.

One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is breathtaking and not suprisingly a World Heritage Site. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ this spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Unlike other waterfalls, Victoria Falls has a natural catwalk across from the falls which provides spectacular viewing.

Set in the heart of western Zambia, Kafue National Park is the country's biggest and oldest National Park. The Lufupa, Lunga, and Kafue rivers provide the lifeblood of the reserve, with the annual summer flood of the Lufupa creating an impressive delta. The floodplains, rivers, and woodlands support an impressive array of animal and birdlife. Visitors can catch glimpses of the hippos swimming in the waters of Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, along with some of the biggest crocodiles in southern Africa. The park is home to over 500 bird species and numerous animals. Watch zebras and lions on the northern Busanga Plains, and antelopes and elephants on the more remote southern Nanzhila Plains. Cheetahs, not usually found easily, can be found throughout the park. Other species include warthogs, aardvarks, and monitor lizards.