100% customisable travel idea
From Cape Town to Victoria Falls Southern cities, bush and luxury train
South Africa - Cape Town - Johannesburg - Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
100% customisable travel idea
South Africa - Cape Town - Johannesburg - Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
100% customisable for you
Upon arrival, customised meet and greet by an airport representative, priority access through security and immigration, and assistance with baggage collection. Private transfer to Tamboerskloof, on the slopes of Table Mountain and Lion's Head. Stay for three nights in an 1894 Victorian guesthouse, nestled in a garden beneath the shade of a 100 year old oak tree. Inside, the walls are decorated with fabrics and works of art by local artists, giving the place an authentic touch of character. The elegance of bygone days is preserved through the parquet floors and high ceilings, enhanced by a few subtle touches of colour. The small rooftop is the prime spot for watching sunsets, while below, the pool tempts you for a refreshing dip.
You're at the tip of South Africa, right at the very bottom of the country. Cape Town is a dazzling, vibrant city. It teems with life and everything and everyone is always on the go, whatever the time of day. The good news is there's no time difference. Cape Town is one of those intoxicating places you can't fail to enjoy wholeheartedly. Since being named World Design Capital in 2014, the city has been transformed. It is a welcoming, diverse place that's a magnet for lovers of art, fashion and all kinds of food.
In your itinerary - Cape Town with a local. Today you spend the day with an expat who has lived in the city for many years and knows Kaapstad (in Afrikaans) and its customs like the back of their hand. Nothing is planned in advance, just share your wish list and the guide will take it from there. They'll make sure you do everything the South African way. It's an exciting and fun way to get to know the city, to experience it from within, not as a passing tourist, but as someone who knows the ins and outs. It's also a chance to pick up some tips for the rest of your journey.
In your itinerary - At the tip of the Cape Peninsula, lies the Cape of Good Hope, a critical landmark in the Age of Discovery. But this is not where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The southernmost point is further east, at Cape Agulhas. The peninsula is protected by a national park. Chapman's Peak Drive, which follows the west coast, is a stunning scenic route. Fynbos, the region's characteristic vegetation, covers the ground. Birds such as the graceful Cape sugarbirds and the malachite sunbird enjoy the flowers. Cape eland and bontebok are also easy to spot. On the False Bay coastline, walk along the boardwalks at Boulders Beach to get up close to the colony of African penguins without disturbing them. From June to November, southern right whales, along with other species of whale, frequent the bay. A private guide comes with you for the day.
Private transfer to the airport, then flight to Johannesburg. Stay for one night at Satyagraha House. This house in Orchards, where Gandhi lived between 1908 and 1911, is now both a museum and a guesthouse committed to upholding the principles that shaped the future Mahatma's life. The rooms are simple and bright with an understated comfort and two of them are in the historic house. Delicious, healthy vegetarian food is served. The historic Kraal was built by Hermann Kallenbach and the new wing was designed by Rocco Bosman. Each building in its own way embodies the spirit of openness and peace that inspired one of the great political and human stories of the 20th century.
In the afternoon, transfer to Pretoria station and board Rovos Rail for four nights. The train heads north into Limpopo, passing through Warm Baths, Polokwane/Pietersburg and Louis Trichardt. The route crosses the Tropic of Capricorn and winds between the hills of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve and the Wolkberg. The panoramic window of your compartment, or the seats in the observation car, give you a ringside view of the staggering landscapes and dramatic scenery!
Today is spent on board the train, where you can make the most of its amenities. In the restaurant cars, period porcelain and contemporary cuisine go hand in hand. Grilled lobster and braised lamb pair beautifully with sun-drenched South African wines. Elegance wafts from the lounge to the observation car, which feels a bit like being outdoors with its open-air balcony overlooking the savannah. And the attention to detail is clear. Passengers who want to lean out of the window are given protective goggles.
The highlight of the day is crossing the border into Zimbabwe. The journey continues to Bulawayo, the country's second largest city, capital of Matabeleland and the nation's industrial hub. The city has many preserved buildings from the time of Cecil Rhodes along its perfectly straight streets. In the region's pasture land a thriving livestock farming industry has developed.
Head to Matobo National Park. The Matobo Hills are of geological as well as anthropological interest which is no doubt why they are UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mountain range is marked by striking rock formations - matobo means "many stones" in Ndebele - one of which houses the tomb of Cecil John Rhodes. Mountains have been linked to presence of humans in southern Africa since the beginning of the Stone Age. Here that presence can be seen in a series of ancient cave paintings. These places still have a deep spiritual significance, and local people use natural sanctuaries for their traditional ceremonies.
Already included - Safari in Matobo National Park. Get ready to see lots of birds and a wide range of animals, such as zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, kudus, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles and baboons. The park is also one of the last strongholds of the black and white rhinoceros.
Back on board your palace on rails, dinner and night on board.
It's a long straight track to Victoria Falls. Along the way, you pass through Hwange Game Reserve. Obviously it makes sense to stop there for another safari.
In your itinerary - Safari in Hwange Game Reserve. The rangers from the lodge where the safari starts are good at what they do and guide you safely. They are experts at spotting the Big Five. The Big Five animals are the lion, elephant, African buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. They seldom appear without a following of cheetahs, giraffes, warthogs, wildebeest, wild dogs, gazelles and more. Welcome to the heart of Africa as it has always been, remote and wild.
Arrive at Victoria Falls. Private transfer and stay for one night in a fairly new lodge in a residential area, just a few miles from the majestic Victoria Falls. Without compromising on comfort, the style of the accommodation evokes the era of the early explorers and celebrates the rich diversity of cultures in this region. There are around fifty well-appointed, elegant rooms. The restaurant is set on a beautiful terrace overlooking the garden and serves delicious local cuisine. Make the most of the pools to cool off a little.
In your itinerary - Lunch cruise on the Zambezi River. The boat is like a floating restaurant. Beautifully set tables sit on a shaded platform, over a double hull powered by a quiet engine. Take your seats as if you're in a dining room, glide along the riverbanks, catch glimpses of wildlife while having tea, and enjoy the experience thoroughly as you marvel at the surroundings. Already included - A tour of Victoria Falls is a must and with a private guide, it's even better. From the river you get one of the most majestic sights on earth. Devil's Cataract may be narrow but is still gushes with water. Main Falls drop like a heavy white curtain into the void. Then come Horseshoe Falls and Rainbow Falls, the highest waterfall. The narrow gorges only make the overall effect even more dramatic. The humidity creates perfect conditions for the dense vegetation along the banks such as afzelia, ebony, ivory palm and wild date palms which rise up from the mopane savannah. From the walkways you can get even closer to the waterfalls.
Transfer to the airport and return flight via Johannesburg. Night on board, arrival the following day.
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your trip
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your trip
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