Arrive Cape Town. A driver from the hotel will meet you on arrival for transfer to the hotel for the next two nights. Evening at leisure.
St James The Manor
Built over 100 years ago, the Manor has an aura of grandeur and old-world charm with a magnificent wood-panelled staircase leading up to the five large suites and a standard twin, each of which bears the name of historic, local characters of St James. The individually decorated rooms within this Kalk Bay accommodation 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 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 warm summer days or contemplate the magnificent views of the False Bay coastline. Breakfasts are a speciality offering a wide choice of interesting fare and are inclusive, as are all beverages.
A mere five-minute walk away, fresh fish can be bought from the local fishermen and the harbour itself has charming restaurants offering home-style cuisine and fine-dining experiences. The area still boasts the colourful Victorian bathing boxes and grand old houses reflecting the splendour of the early gold- and diamond-mining era. In front of the guesthouses, across the road, you will find the famous tidal pools and swimming beaches. A favourite pastime is the early morning swim in the temperate waters of St James. The area also offers interesting walks along the historic promenade and up the imposing mountains, which provide an impressive backdrop to both houses. Perhaps the biggest attraction is the land-based whale watching. In season they appear literally metres from the shoreline and can be seen clearly from the guesthouses.
This morning following breakfast at the hotel, meet your driver guide for a full day tour of Cape Town, the Peninsula and Winelands
Private Full Day Tour of the Cape Peninsula & Winelands
- Travel through many famous coastal suburbs of the Cape and traverse one of the world’s most spectacular passes – Chapman’s Peak.
Catch a glimpse of Southern right whale (seasonal) off the Cape’s longest beach.
Highlights
- Spot wildlife in the Table Mountain National Park, and explore the rocky coastline, the Cape fynbos vegetation and the south-westernmost point of Africa – Cape Point – and its lighthouse.
- Visit the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
- Lunch at an a la carte seafood restaurant.
- Taste sumptuous wines in the Winelands.
- Explore the rich history and culture of Stellenbosch.
We make our way along the Atlantic seaboard passing Sea Point, Bantry Bay and Clifton as well as Table Mountain’s towering Twelve Apostles. Bakoven and Llandudno, with their ghostly shipwrecks, are also fantastic sights on the way to the fishing village of Hout Bay.
From here we navigate the 114 curves of 600m high Chapman’s Peak Drive. We enter the Cape of Good Hope section of the Table Mountain National Park with its unique Cape fynbos vegetation and home to birds like African black oystercatchers and Cape sugarbirds as well as to very special fauna including Cape mountain zebra, bontebok (both endemic) and the charismatic Cape baboon.
Climb (or ride the world’s first environmentally friendly funicular) to the famous Cape Point Lighthouse to capture the magical vistas of False Bay.
We then head along the coast to Boulders Beach for a close-up encounter with the African penguins before lunch.
Continue along the coastline towards the Cape Winelands while enjoying breathtaking views over False Bay. Wine estates visited will vary according to client preferences. Nearby Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second-oldest town, provides a glimpse of classic 17th century Cape style, with a chance to browse quaint Dorp Street and the many museums, galleries and shops.
Return to Cape Town and Hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner on own.
Cape Town - Matjiesfontein
Following breakfast you will be transferred to the Cape Town Station for your departure on the the Pride of Africa at 11h00
18h00 Arrive in Matjiesfontein and explore the quaint village. Dinner and overnight on the train.
(Breakfast 07h00-10h00 • Lunch 13h00 • Tea 16h30 • Dinner 19h30)
Kimberley
Today arrive in Kimberly at 14h00 for a tour of Kimberley’s Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum. Ten minutes after departing Kimberley a shallow lake appears on the left-hand side of the train where, on most occasions, there are spectacular flocks of Lesser Flamingos (approximately 23 000).
Travel from the Karoo to the Highveld. Dinner and overnight on board.
Pretoria
At 10h00 arrive at Rovos Rail Station in Capital Park, Pretoria. Enjoy a walking tour of the station and locomotive workshops (weather permitting) followed by lunch on the platform and a city tour of Pretoria at 14h15.
This evening around 18h00 depart for Zeerust in South North West Province. Dinner and overnight on board.
Madikwe Game Reserve
The next morning at 11h00 disembark at Zeerust and transfer by coach to Madikwe Reserve for a two-night stay
TAU Game Lodge.
Tau is a South African luxury safari lodge situated on the far northern border of South Africa, in malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, the 4th largest game reserve in the country. 27 major species of game roam this South African nature reserve, making Tau Game Lodge the ideal place for a safari holiday, offering Big 5 game safaris and bird-watching safaris.
Madikwe, a South African private game reserve created in 1991 from 75,000 ha of farmland, which had been extensively degraded by overgrazing, was chosen as the site of Operation Phoenix. The government-sponsored, biggest-ever game- relocation programme in Africa involved re-stocking and conserving flora and wildlife, which had long since disappeared from the region.
Ten thousand animals of 27 major species, including wild dog, cheetah, lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephant, have been re-introduced to the Madikwe Game Reserve over a six year period with animals coming from various reserves and breeding centres and game viewing is now at its prime. (Northwest Parks Board (formerly Bop Parks) has adhered to a strict policy of introducing only those species, which once occurred in the area). Madikwe is run as a three-way partnership between the State, the local communities and the private sector.
For the next two days enjoy early morning game rives, afternoon game drives and other guest activities. Meals and afternoon tea are served at the lodge.
enjoy a day at leisure on board. Lectures will be given during the course of the morning and/or afternoon by the on-board historian. The train passes Gwaai and Dete along one of Africa’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres – and along the eastern edge of the Hwange National Park where occasional sightings of animals can occur. The train heads for Thompson’s Junction for the overnight stop.
The next day around 12h00 arrive at the incomparable Victoria Falls and walk across to the Victoria Falls Hotel to enjoy lunch.
The Victoria Falls Hotel
The Victoria Falls Hotel was built in 1904 when the Cape to Cairo railway reached the Falls. Ever since, guests have been charmed by the old world atmosphere of one of the few remaining hotels of its kind in the world. All of the hotel’s 10 suites, 96 standard rooms and 84 deluxe rooms in both the main building and in the new Stable Wing, have been refurbished to provide a perfect balance of modern amenities without losing the grand Edwardian architecture.
Set in acres of lush lawns and exotic flora, the hotel is only a few minutes walk from the centre of Victoria Falls Town and a ten minute walk along the hotel's private path from the actual Falls. There's the splendid Livingstone Room for a full English breakfast, fine dining and dancing in the evenings; the Jungle Junction Summerhouse for more casual dining luncheon and dinner; Stanley's Terrace overlooking the famous Victoria Falls Bridge for casual breakfast buffet, snacks, luncheon, high tea, cocktails, and dinner under the stars; and the Bulawayo Room for pre-dinner champagne and after dinner port and cigars.
This afternoon around 16h00 you’ll be collected for a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River. Return to the hotel and Buffet dinner at Jungle Junction.
Overnight at the hotel. (subject to change by Rovos Rail)
The next morniing enjoy a day at leisure in the Victoria Falls with optional activities available (tour of Falls, helicopter over Falls, elephant-back safari, walk with lions, whitewater rafting, bungee-jumping, golf, etc).
Board the train to depart Victoria Falls this afternoon as we cross the bridge to Livingstone, Zambia.
Tau Game Lodge - Madikwe Game Reserve
Enjoy early morning game rives, afternoon game drives and other guest activities at the lodge. Meals and afternoon tea are served at the lodge.
Madikwe Game Reserve - Botswana Border Crossing
This morning enjoy a last early morning game drive followed by breakfast until 09h30.
At 10h30 transfer to the train and prepare for border formalities en route to Botswana. You’ll depart at 13h30 for Gaborone and travel to Plumtree for border formalities. The train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn and the eastern edge of the kalahari Bases. Known s the Kgalagadi the Kalarhri is not a true desert as it does exeriene small amounts of rain in some areas.
Afternoon Tea and Dinner are served .
The Victoria Falls
Today around 12h00 arrive at the incomparable Victoria Falls and walk across to the Victoria Falls Hotel to enjoy lunch.
The Victoria Falls Hotel
The Victoria Falls Hotel was built in 1904 when the Cape to Cairo railway reached the Falls. Ever since, guests have been charmed by the old world atmosphere of one of the few remaining hotels of its kind in the world. All of the hotel’s 10 suites, 96 standard rooms and 84 deluxe rooms in both the main building and in the new Stable Wing, have been refurbished to provide a perfect balance of modern amenities without losing the grand Edwardian architecture.
Set in acres of lush lawns and exotic flora, the hotel is only a few minutes walk from the centre of Victoria Falls Town and a ten minute walk along the hotel's private path from the actual Falls. There's the splendid Livingstone Room for a full English breakfast, fine dining and dancing in the evenings; the Jungle Junction Summerhouse for more casual dining luncheon and dinner; Stanley's Terrace overlooking the famous Victoria Falls Bridge for casual breakfast buffet, snacks, luncheon, high tea, cocktails, and dinner under the stars; and the Bulawayo Room for pre-dinner champagne and after dinner port and cigars.
This afternoon around 16h00 you’ll be collected for a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River. Return to the hotel and Buffet dinner at Jungle Junction.
Overnight at the hotel. (subject to change by Rovos Rail)
Victoria Falls - Livingstone, Zambia
Enjoy a day at leisure in the Victoria Falls with optional activities available such as : tour of Falls, helicopter over Falls, whitewater rafting, bungee-jumping, golf, etc).
Board the train to depart Victoria Falls this afternoon as we cross the bridge to Livingstone, Zambia.
On Board Across the Kafue Railway Bridge
Your journey is a day at leisure on board. Lectures will be given during the course of the morning and/or afternoon by the on-board historian. The train travels across the Kafue railway bridge – a 477-metre long steel girder truss bridge of 13 spans each at 33 metres supported on concrete piers – towards Kapiri Mposhi and the start of the TAZARA railway line.
Lectures will be given during the course of the morning and/or afternoon by the on-board historian. The train passes through Serenje and Mpika to Kasama.
On Board traveling the Tazra Railway Line
Your journey is a day at leisure on board. Lectures will be given during the course of the morning and/or afternoon by the on-board historian.
The train passes through Serenje and Mpika to Kasama.
Chisimba Falls
Chisimba Falls
08h00 Disembark at Kasama for a morning excursion to Chisimba Falls.
Fed by the Luombe River, Chishimba Falls are actually a combination of three successive falls, incorporating Mutumena Falls and Kaela Rapids as well as Chishimba itself. The spot is situated about 33 kms from the town of Kasama, in the Northern Province. The impressive main part of the falls is around 20 metres high. On the Eastern bank of the river just above the falls is a camp site. There is a rainforest on the Western Bank. There are various trails and viewing points around the falls.
The Bemba people regard the Chishimba Falls as one of the most sacred places of power. The nature spirit Chishimba resides in the cave below the falls which is a place of prayer and honour. No insults, curses, words of vengeance or hatred may be uttered in the vicinity of the cave. You can walk behind the falls into this cave.
There is a hydroelectric diversion canal at the falls which helps provide power to Kasama and other neighbouring villages.
Mutumuna is above the Chishimba Falls and it is believed the spirit of Mutumuna resides here. The High Priest of Mutumuna is Chitemenwe who makes regular offerings. Because of the sacred nature of the Falls no sexual intercourse, arrogance and quarrelsomeness is allowed in the vicinity of the Falls
11h00 Depart from Kasama and travel towards the Tanzanian border.
Makambako - Rift Valley & Udzungwa Mountains
This morning arrive at Makambako where guests may enjoy a stroll through the town – time permitting.
Depart and travel towards Mlimba at 10h30 where the train descends into the Rift Valley and through the Udzungwa Mountains as it negotiates the tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the escarpment.
Day at leisure on the train with lectures by the on-board historian.
Selous Reserve, Tanzania
Today, time permitting, enjoy a game visit in the Selous Reserve
The Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest faunal reserves of the world, located in the south of Tanzania. It was named after Englishman Sir Frederick Selous, a famous big game hunter and early conservationist, who died at Beho Beho in this territory in 1917 while fighting against the Germans during World War I. Scottish explorer and cartographer Keith Johnston also died at Beho Beho in 1879 while leading a RSGS expedition to the Great Lakes of Africa with Joseph Thomson. The Selous was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to the diversity of its wildlife and undisturbed nature.
The reserve covers a total area of 54,600 km2 (21,100 sq mi) and has additional buffer zones. Within the reserve no permanent human habitation or permanent structures are permitted. All (human) entry and exit is carefully controlled by the Wildlife Division of the Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. Some of the typical animals of the savanna (for example African bush elephants, black rhinos, hippopotamus, Masai Lions, East African Wild Dogs, cheetahs, Cape buffaloes, Masai Giraffes and crocodiles) can be found in this park in larger numbers than in any other African game reserve or national park.
Travel towards Gwata for an overnight stop.
Dar es Salaam
This morning depart Gwata and ravel in an easterly direction towards the coast, enjoying breakfast enroute.
(Breakfast is served in the dining car from 7H00 – 9h30).
Arrive at journeys end in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania at 10h00. Meet your driver for transfer to the airport or continue your journey to Zanzibar or Tanzania's Northern Highlights.
