Discover two of the world’s seven wonders as you enjoy a spectacular sunset over Cape Town from Table Mountain and marvel at the natural power of Victoria Falls. Considered to be the largest in the world—Victoria Falls stuns the senses as your Local Expert guides you alongside the roaring waters, refreshing mists and plummeting ravines. Step back in time to a more elegant era of travel as you board an exquisite vintage train, departing from Pretoria’s Rovos Rail Station. Journeying north, adventurers pass the warm mineral waters of Bela-Bela, cross the Tropic of Capricorn and take in Zimbabwe’s second city—Bulawayo, before arriving into Hwange National Park. Here an open-air safari led by professional trackers, seeks out the Big Five in the park’s teak forests and acadia filled vleis.

Your Fly & Tour Package Includes:

• Economy class flight from Sydney to Cape Town, return from Johannesburg
• 13 night Spectacular South Africa & Rovos Rail guided holiday with Luxury Gold, Cape Town to Johannesburg

Includes:

• VIP Door-to-Door Transfers
• Exceptional Dining
• Magnificent 5-star Hotels
• VIP Experiences
• Journey Highlights
• Internal flights
• Travelling Concierge
• Hotel & restaurant tips
• Baggage handling
• Complimentary coach & hotel Wi-Fi (where available)
• Return airport transfers

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 07-20 March 2023

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

Itinerary:

Day 1     Welcome to the Mother City | Cape Town

Welcome to the Mother City.

Welcome to Cape Town, the crown jewel of the African continent, with its spectacular scenery, exotic cultures and delicious flavours. On arrival at Cape Town International, transfer to The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, nestled between Table Mountain and Twelve Apostles mountain range, offering amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. This evening join your Travelling Concierge and travel companions for a dazzling Welcome Dinner, hosted at the hotel’s Azure restaurant. Enjoy expansive ocean views from the terrace as you experience fine dining of modern South African cuisine infused with international influences. Inspired by the ocean, the menu boasts an array of dishes prepared with seasonally organic ingredients.

Day 2     Cape Peninsula and Lunch in Kalk Bay | Cape Town - Kalk Bay - Cape Town

Cape Peninsula and Lunch in Kalk Bay.

Embark on one of the world's most legendary drives, journeying from the Hotel through the fishing village of Hout Bay. Winding along Chapman's Peak, continue past colourful Kalk Bay later in the afternoon, when we return to the other side of the Peninsula for lunch. to the majestic Cape Point Nature Reserve, one of the world's most pristine wildernesses. Stroll along the trails and keep an eye out for reebok, Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok and the elusive eland. Explore Boulders Beach and learn about the local residents, a colony of African penguins. You're invited to an exquisite lunch with wine at the Harbour House restaurant in Kalk Bay. Admire views overlooking False Bay and the Hottentots Mountain Range, as you dine as close to the water as possible. Take in beautiful views of the ocean and mountains, as you travel to your hotel overlooking the Atlantic. See the cosmopolitan suburbs of Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay before returning to your Hotel. Your Travelling Concierge is a treasure trove of local knowledge and will happily make dinner reservations on your behalf at recommended restaurants.

Day 3     Majestic Table Mountain | Cape Town

Majestic Table Mountain.

Known for being one of Africa’s most desirable and vibrant cities, Cape Town is yours to explore.

Your Journey, Your Way.

Choose to join a Local Expert for a visit of trendy The Old Biscuit Mill, a vibrant market and creative hub in the city. Meet some of the vendors, browse the stalls and sample culinary delights. Alternatively, visit the District Six Museum, a memorial dedicated to the area destroyed during the Apartheid era and the 60,000 inhabitants who were forced to relocate.

In the afternoon, join your Travelling Concierge and travel to the base of Table Mountain, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Enjoy 360-degree views of the city from the famous cable car, before stepping off onto the summit just in time for a spectacular African Sunset, should weather permit. This evening, venture to a nearby restaurant for an opulent culinary journey, accented by daring decor and whispers of history.

Day 4     Historic Cape Winelands | Cape Town - Cape Winelands - Cape Town

Historic Cape Winelands.

World famous for crisp white and French-style red wines, the fertile wine valleys of the Cape are also a treasury of rustic beauty and sprawling estates shaded by giant oak trees. Travel into the heart of the winelands, starting in historic Paarl and Stellenbosch and on to the beautiful town of Franschhoek, founded in 1688 by French immigrants fleeing the Huguenot religious persecution in Europe. These very settlers produced the fine wines once sought after by Napoleon, Bismarck and royalty such as Edward VII, the Prince of Wales. Start at the Vergelegen Estate and appreciate the Cape Dutch architecture of the manor house.

Your Journey, Your Way.

Choose to indulge in a wine tasting hosted by the estate’s winemaker in a private cellar. Alternatively, get on a bike and explore the the lovely gardens and the vineyard. Continue on to the Boschendal Wine Estate, one of the oldest farms in the country, for a delicious seasonal Farm-to-Table lunch served at The Werf Restaurant, located in the beautifully revamped cellar of The Manor House. Guided by the rhythm of the seasons, Chef Allistaire Lawrence creates a contemporary menu from the best available local and ethically sourced produce. Organic vegetables are harvested daily from the Werf Food Garden, which can be viewed from the restaurant balcony. Relax and enjoy a scenic drive, as you are chauffeured back to your hotel in a vintage car. With an evening at leisure, your Travelling Concierge is on hand to assist you with restaurant recommendations and reservations.

Day 5     Amy Foundation and Robben Island | Cape Town - Robben Island

Amy Foundation and Robben Island.

South Africa has for centuries been a land of dreams and complexities, diversity and ideas, and intoxicating landscapes drawing travellers from afar. Step onboard a ferry and journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Robben Island, best known for its prison where Nelson Mandela and many other famous anti-apartheid activists were imprisoned. Join a local guide for an insightful tour of the former prison and meet an ex-political prisoner who will share personal anecdotes as you explore the island on a guided coach tour. Return to the mainland and join Christo Brand, a former prison guard at the Victor Verster prison, where Nelson Mandela spent the last 14 months of his 27-year-long imprisonment, for lunch at the Amy Foundation and hear fascinating stories about one of history’s most heroic figures. You then visit the Amy Foundation, a non-profit organisation, and witness how the lives of vulnerable young people are being transformed through a variety of empowering programmes. Visit an African township and school where you’ll meet some of the inspiring beneficiaries. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, perhaps head to trendy Bree Street for dinner?

Day 6     Luxury Safari Experience | Cape Town – Skukuza - Kruger National Park

Luxury Safari Experience.

Fly from Cape Town into the heart of the African bushveld, as you touch down at Skukuza Airport. At more than 2 million hectares, Kruger National Park is the same size as Belgium and one of the world’s largest game reserves. Enjoy a short drive through Big Five territory to the luxurious Lion Sands Lodge, located on the banks of the Sabie River, where lunch will be served with wine. Settle into your chic suite and enjoy time at your leisure. Experience your first evening game drive, hosted by a professionally qualified ranger and tracker. Enjoy the drive on your private open-air safari vehicle, as you venture through the Lion Sands Game Reserve, which forms part of an ecosystem boasting the largest concentration of wild animal species in the Southern Hemisphere. Learn about the complexities of a termite colony or perhaps see a pride of lions roaming through the savanna, as your ranger shares fascinating insights into the lives of small and large creatures. Stop en route for a gin-and-tonic and snacks, served in the heart of the African bushveld. In the evening, gather round for a spectacular feast of slow-cooked meats, seasonal vegetables and sweet treats, before falling asleep to the distant calls of hyenas.

Day 7     Looking for the Big Five | Kruger National Park

Looking for the Big Five.

Arise with sunrise to a cup of freshly-brewed coffee and depart on your morning game drive. Marvel at your tracker’s skills, as he analyses animal spoor and reads the bush, like a book, in search of the Big Five. Keep your eyes peeled for leopard, as you pass rocky outcrops, and listen for the sounds of elephants munching on mopane leaves. See crocodiles and hippopotamus at watering holes and look out for the many exotic bird species found in the area. Return to your lodge just in time for a spectacular breakfast spread overlooking the river. Savour lunch before enjoying the afternoon.

Your Journey, Your Way.

Choose to relax over high tea. Alternatively, join your ranger for a bush walk.

Afterwards you will have some time at leisure, perhaps opting for a rejuvenating massage at the Africology Spa? Then prepare for your second game drive for the day. Early evening is the ideal time to spot members of the Big Five, including rhinoceros, buffalo and lion. Sit tight, as your ranger leads the way to unforgettable game sightings. Drink a toast to nature’s bounties, as the sun dips beyond the savannah, returning to your lodge in time for yet another magnificent dinner, set by candle-light. The in-house chefs specialise in a variety of cuisines and are able to offer you everything from vegetarian to traditional fare.

Day 8     We're Going on a Safari | Kruger National Park

We're Going on a Safari.

Awake at sunrise, the best time to spot predators, for your morning game drive. Huddle under blankets, as you’re driven through the fresh morning mist in search of wildlife. Perhaps stop along the Sabie River to enjoy a cup of coffee, while keeping an eye out for buck and giraffes. Upon returning to your lodge, savour breakfast, served on the deck, and enjoy some time at leisure. Perhaps shop at the curio shop, go on a birding walk or enjoy a siesta, before lunch and afternoon tea are served. Join your ranger and tracker for your final evening game drive and soak up the magic of the African bushveld illuminated by the sinking sun. Raise a glass in the evening to an outstanding adventure, as you savour your Celebration Dinner beneath a blanket of stars.

Day 9     Onto Johannesburg | Kruger National Park – Skukuza - Johannesburg

Onto Johannesburg.

Appreciate the skill and in-depth knowledge of your ranger and tracker on your final morning game-drive. Perhaps appreciate the sight of a colourful bird or a warthog running across the road with its tail upright. After breakfast, you’re driven to Skukuza Airport for your included flight to Johannesburg. On arrival, transfer to your stunning inner-city hotel, the Michelangelo, known for being a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps enjoy a massage at the luxurious spa, venture into Sandton for a glitzy shopping experience or head into the multi-cultural old city with its traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers.

Day 10   Cross Country to Zimbabwe | Johannesburg – Pretoria - Beitbridge

Cross Country to Zimbabwe.

You are transferred to Pretoria Rovos Rail Station to board your exquisite vintage train and embark on an unforgettable journey to Victoria Falls. 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.

Travel through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela) – so named for its mineral waters – and Nylstroom, christened by the Voortrekkers as the source of the Nile River as the town’s river happened to be north flowing. Pass the edge of the escarpment where the Highveld drops precipitously. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and cross the Limpopo River to Beitbridge.

Day 11   Rovos Rail at Leisure | Beitbridge - Bulawayo

Rovos Rail at Leisure.

It's the perfect opportunity to relax in your private suite or mingle with your fellow travellers in the luxurious lounge with its big picture windows, sofas and booths. Head to the observation car and its open-air balcony to soak up the sensational scenery as you journey through the baobab country. Travel towards Bulawayo, the capital of Matabeleland and the second city of Zimbabwe.

Day 12   Hwange National Park | Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Hwange National Park.

Journey along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114km – before traversing Hwange National Park, a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary where you will revel in a game drive excursion. Hwange is the largest national park in Zimbabwe and one of the world's last great elephant sanctuaries. It also is known for regular sightings of cheetah, leopard and lion, as well as one of Africa’s largest populations of the endangered wild dog, and rare species such as roan and sable.

Day 13   Majestic Victoria Falls | Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Majestic Victoria Falls.

Arrive at the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River and disembark your train. Get up close to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls on a guided walk alongside a Local Expert. The sheer magnitude of the waterfalls, considered the largest in the world, will take your breath away. In the evening, gather in the Livingstone Room at your hotel for a magical Celebration Dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 14    Farewell Victoria Falls | Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Farewell Victoria Falls.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and leisurely morning, before transferring to the airport where your journey comes to an end. Please do not book onward flights from Johannesburg before 19.00 if travelling from Victoria Falls.