Luxury Rail and Safari Experience: South Africa

Cape Town Culinary Walking  tour

The Cape Town Culinary Walking tour is a fun and fascinating immersive experience that allows guests to explore the cultural and historical influences that shaped the country's ethnic cuisine. The experiences include stops at interesting local eateries that focus on different types of cuisine derived from the origins of the country's multicultural society. The food is exotic, tasty, and fascinating, as are the various ways of eating in different environments and with different customs. Weather permitting, the tours will be conducted by your delightful and knowledgeable hosts, who will walk you through some other historic neighborhoods of the downtown. Distances between venues are short, and the walks are safe and easy.

Typically, foods will include Cape Malay food (originating from the enslaved South East Asians brought to the Cape Colony by the Dutch Colonialists), indigenous African Food from South Africa and other countries on the continent, and food of traditional Afrikaner (descendants of the Dutch Colonialists) and British Colonial groups. An array of beverages, sweet delicacies, and savory dishes form the backbone of South African Ethnic Cuisine, and your hosts will explain these foods' historical and cultural influences. The foodie tour takes approximately four hours, commencing from lunchtime to late afternoon. Quick van rides are available between venues in case of bad weather or mobility issues, and your hosts will accommodate special dietary requirements with advance notice. It is an essential experience for all foodies with the time and interest in South Africa's fascinating local history, culture and foods.

Cape Town City Centre Walking Experience

Enjoy beautiful scenery combined with historical sites. This unique walk through the city includes sites such as the Castle of Good Hope built by the Dutch, Cape Town City Hall, the Grand Parade, where Nelson Mandela first addressed the nation as a free man after 27 years in jail, Church Square, where slaves would wait for their owners under the slave tree, Slave Lodge, devoted to the history and experience of slaves and their descendants in the Cape, Greenmarket Square, with a daily crafts and souvenir market, surrounded by the Old Town House and art-deco architecture, St George’s Cathedral, known as the people’s cathedral for its role against Apartheid, the Malay Quarter (Bo-Kaap) with its colourful houses and narrow cobbled streets, the Western Cape High Court, Company’s Gardens, South African Museum, South African National Gallery, Old Synagogue, Houses of Parliament, St Mary’s Cathedral and the District Six Museum where the walk ends.  

GOLD Restaurant

Join a fun filled evening of interactive entertainment and delectable food at Gold Restaurant. Sample a set Cape Malay / African style menu which is served at the table in sharing and individual portions. The evening starts off with an interactive djembe drumming session followed by a traditional soothing hand washing ceremony.  A professional djembe drum instructor will teach you how to play the basic rhythms of the djembe drum.  Live entertainment during dinner includes a Mali puppet show which involves story telling with singers, dancers, puppets, and musicians. The final performance is by the waiters and kitchen staff who will entertain you with some local song and dances.

Cape Town Instagram Experience

Meet your local guide, who will show you where to snap the best Instagram photos of Cape Town’s most iconic sights. First stop is Table Mountain, named one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature’, for a cable car ride to the top of the mountain (weather permitting). Travel via the scenic Chapman’s Peak drive (if open) to Cape Point Nature Reserve, for a picture of the famous Cape Point lighthouse dating back to 1859. Visit Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African Penguins and then to Muizenberg Beach, one of the most popular Cape Town beaches, dotted with colourful beach huts along the sand and locally known as ‘surfers paradise’. Head to Groot Constantia Wine Estate, for a wine tasting (with souvenir crystal glass included) and wander through the instaworthy vineyards. Return to Cape Town, passing the University of Cape Town and the Groote Schuur Hospital.     

Spectacular Kirstenbosch and Company’s Gardens

Explore the Company’s Gardens, the oldest garden in South Africa and a heritage site. The Garden was first established to provide much needed nourishment and medicinal herbs for sickly and malnourished seafarers. The Gardens soon blossomed into a gorgeous botanical site that developed to host many different influences such as Dutch Baroque and Romantic Victoria. Your guide will point out the oldest cultivated tree in South Africa as well as the Rose Garden with its many different species of cultivated roses. From here our botanical journey continues to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Kirstenbosch is world renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape Flora it displays, as it only grows indigenous South African plants. Enjoy a guided garden tour, taking in the highlights of the season, exploring most of the Garden while including the oldest and most famous features like the Dell.

Craft Beer Tasting & Sunset Beach BBQ (Braai) Experience

Discover Cape Town’s budding Craft Beer scene and get great insight into the brewing process that is the result of sheer brilliance and outstanding craftmanship. Visit the Hoogeberg Brewery for a craft beer tasting in a repurposed cattle barn/milk stable. Say ‘cheers’ at Havoc Brewery, where the brewers are always playing around with flavours and techniques, creating new and exciting beers. After sampling some of the finest brews, end the day with a typical beach BBQ (braai) in the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve. With the boerewors (traditional sausage) sizzling over the hot coals and Table Mountain in the backdrop, enjoy the perfect end to a blissful afternoon.

Cape Town Food Markets Experience (Saturdays only)

Experience a typical Market Day at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, where small local farmers and artisanal food producers link urban farming with Cape Town’s history & heritage, using seasonal produce. Mingle with locals whilst they do their weekly food shopping (vegetables, fruit, bread, honey) and try out some delicious cooked and raw foods (for own account). Continue to the Neighbour good’s Market at the Old Biscuit Mill. Enjoy delicious eats & treats (for own account) and the opportunity to browse through local fashions, arts, and crafts. Your expert guide will be on hand to assist with insider tips on the local farmers and the produce that they sell.     

After a delicious breakfast at The Cellars Hohenort, your friendly transfer will whisk you off to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Garden Lodge. Upon arrival, settle in and explore the lodge's surroundings. Choose from a variety of activities for your first afternoon: perhaps horse riding through pristine landscapes, a coastal drive with seasonal whale watching, exploring the ancient Klipgat Cave, or relaxing on a beach excursion at Walker Bay Nature Reserve. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous 5-course dinner at the lodge featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Garden Lodge. Today is filled with outdoor adventures: embark on a Botanical Fynbos Hike to discover the diverse plant life, join a guided Milkwood Forest Walk to explore ancient trees, or experience the thrill of a 4x4 Flower Safari through landscapes adorned with vibrant blooms. Alternatively, opt for a tranquil Beach Picnic to soak in the coastal scenery. In the afternoon, join the Progressive Tourism Tour to learn about conservation efforts or indulge in bird-watching with the reserve's diverse bird species. End the day with a leisurely dinner at the lodge.

Enjoy another delicious breakfast at the lodge. Today offers a mix of cultural experiences and relaxation: explore local culture on a Progressive Tourism Tour, where you'll learn about sustainable initiatives and community projects. Alternatively, spend the day bird-watching or embark on self-guided walks using provided maps to explore hidden gems of the reserve. In the afternoon, unwind with leisure activities at the lodge. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening, celebrating your memorable stay at Grootbos.

After breakfast, soak in the final moments of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Garden Lodge's natural beauty before preparing for your departure. Your transfer will collect you from the lodge and transport you to Cape Town Railway Station. Here, you'll meet the team from Rovos Rail, renowned for their luxurious train journeys.

As the train pulls away, it begins its journey inland, passing through the picturesque wine lands en route to Worcester. Settle into the plush lounge or observation cars for a delightful afternoon tea, enjoying panoramic views of the rolling landscapes. As the train ascends 750 meters up the escarpment, indulge in a gourmet dinner crafted with local flavors and served with the utmost sophistication. Remember, it's an occasion to dress to impress — gentlemen don jackets and ties, while ladies grace the evening with elegant attire, making every moment aboard the Rovos Rail a memorable experience.

Breakfast on the Rovos Rail is a delightful affair served in the Dining Cars, setting the tone for a day of luxury and scenic exploration. Later, disembark at Matjiesfontein to explore its historic village, featuring a museum on the platform and a fascinating collection of vintage cars and railway carriages near the Lord Milner Hotel. As the journey continues through the vast Karoo, a semi-desert region once an ancient inland sea, marvel at the geological formations shaped over millions of years. Indulge in a sumptuous lunch served in the elegant Dining Cars, followed by afternoon tea in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is a grand affair back in the Dining Cars, where exquisite meals are complemented by the elegant ambiance, inviting guests to relax and enjoy every moment of this extraordinary train journey.

Start your day aboard the Rovos Rail with a leisurely breakfast served in the elegant Dining Cars, setting the stage for a journey filled with luxury and exploration. Following breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Kimberley's Diamond Mine Museum and the iconic Big Hole. Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape, rose to prominence in 1871 with the discovery of diamonds, shaping its rich history and cultural significance. Return to the train for a delightful lunch served in the dining cars as it continues northeast towards Klerksdorp and the expansive grassland plains of the Highveld. Later in the afternoon, unwind with afternoon tea served in the inviting lounge and observation cars. Savor an elegant dinner back in the Dining Cars, where the ambiance and cuisine combine to create an unforgettable dining experience amidst the luxurious surroundings of the Rovos Rail.

Start your day aboard the Rovos Rail with a leisurely breakfast served in the Dining Cars until 09:30, allowing you to savor a delightful morning meal at your own pace. As the journey progresses, enjoy the scenic views from the comfort of the train's luxurious surroundings. By 10:00, arrive at your final destination, Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, marking the end of your unforgettable train journey.

Half day Johannesburg & Soweto Highlights Tour

Discover the history of Johannesburg, the city of gold, and experience the vibrant neighbourhood life of Soweto. Visit Constitution Hill, the Constitutional Court and site of Johannesburg’s Old Fort Prison, Walter Sisulu Square – Kliptown Open Air Museum and the Hector Pieterson Memorial. View the iconic Soweto Towers and experience the buzzle of Vilikazi Street and an authentic street market.

Half day Pretoria Tour

Pretoria is informally known as ‘the Jacaranda City’, for its beautiful purple lined streets when the jacaranda trees are in full bloom. Take this opportunity to stand in front of the heart of the country overlooking a city built on passion and determination, where buildings are architecturally significant, and a nation congregates around statues of past leaders. Highlights include Paul Kruger House, Church Square, Voortrekker Monument, Union Buildings and City Hall.

Maropeng, Cradle of Humankind & Sterkfontein Caves Tour

Experience the birthplace of life, first-hand. The Cradle of Humankind is one of eight world heritage sites in South Africa boasting 13 excavation sites that’s recognised worldwide. The first Hominid Fossil was discovered in 1924. Visit the Maropeng (meaning “returning to the place of origin”) Museum and witness how we evolved into the people we are today, discover some of the animal species that became extinct in the last century and see how humans are busy destroying the earth in real-time. Our tour continues to the Sterkfontein Caves (subject to favourable weather conditions), one of the richest and most productive Paleo-anthropological sites in the world that forms part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Amongst the most remarkable findings to have been made by numerous world-famous scientists within the Cradle of Humankind is the famous Mrs. Ples, the first complete Australopithecus skull to be discovered and more recently, “Little Foot”, a 4.17-million-year-old almost complete ape-man skeleton that was discovered in the same caves.

Cullinan Diamond Mine Tour

The Cullinan Diamond Mine is one of the biggest and most productive diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes in the world. It has produced some of the largest diamonds ever found. The largest diamond, the Cullinan, was chiselled into 98 individual diamonds including the Great and Lesser Stars of Africa, which are now set in the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.  The tour starts with a 15-minute video before we are led into the high security premises of the mine where we are shown the workings and machinery of the mine. We then visit the enormous open cast mine, that are four times larger than the famous Kimberley ‘Big Hole’.  After visiting the mine, we will have the opportunity to visit the Cullinan Diamond Mine market for an unforgettable diamond and jewellery shopping experience.

Begin your journey with a leisurely morning at Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel, where you'll enjoy a delightful breakfast before departing for Marataba Mountain Lodge. Upon arrival  settle into your comfortable accommodation with all meals and minibar treats included. After lunch, prepare for your first game drive in Marataba Game Reserve, led by expert guides. Keep your camera ready as you embark on an exciting wildlife safari, enjoying refreshments and snacks along the way. Return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and unwind in the evening.

Rise early for a morning game drive, experiencing the serenity of dawn and the thrill of spotting Africa's magnificent animals in their natural habitat. After the game drive, enjoy a hearty breakfast back at the lodge. The midday offers optional activities like bush walks or spa treatments, or simply relax and take in the surroundings. Lunch will be served at the lodge before embarking on another exhilarating afternoon game drive. Return to the lodge for dinner and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

For those seeking a unique adventure, consider spending a night at Thabametsi Treehouse. After breakfast at the lodge, transfer to the treehouse for a day surrounded by nature. Relax, explore the area, and enjoy lunch and dinner at the treehouse. Spend the night under the stars, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the wilderness.

After breakfast at Thabametsi Treehouse (if applicable), return to Marataba Mountain Lodge for a final morning game drive in the reserve. Marvel at the wildlife and landscapes one last time before  departing to OR Tambo International Airport.