Southern Africa with Rovos Rail |
"The Pride of Africa" - Rovos Rail
A South African Journey with The Rovos Rail
From $7895.00 per person, all inclusive
based on two persons sharing.
DAY 01, leave hometown.
Departure from the U.S. connecting via Miami to South African Airways flight to Johannesburg and Capetown SA202
Day 02, Capetown.
On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, off SA 202, you will be met by our guide and transferred to the Portswood Hotel, or similar for check in. The remainder of the day is on your own to relax and get ready for a wonderful journey through Southern Africa. Dinner is on your own. Overnight : Portswood Hotel.
Day 03, Capetown.
After Breakfast, depart on a morning city tour, which includes a drive passed some of Cape Town’s famous historical and cultural attractions, such as the Castle of Good Hope – a restored fort of Cape Town, the City Hall and the South African Cultural Museum, with its famed Bushman exhibits. Thereafter you will have the opportunity of reaching the top of the world famous Table Mountain by cable car, weather permitting. Enjoy the crisp air and clear visibility as you savor what must be an experience of a lifetime. Your guide will accompany you to the top of the mountain and point out the landmarks from one of the world's most famous views. Return to the hotel early afternoon where lunch is on your own. The afternoon is also on your own until you are picked up for the welcome dinner at Mama Afrika for a traditional African feast. Overnight : Portswood Hotel. (B/D)
DAY 04, Capetown.
Today, depart at 10:00am on a morning tour of Robben Island. Formerly a prison, Robben Island’s most famous prisoner is Nelson Mandela who was incarcerated here for most of his 27-year sentence. On your return to Cape Town, you will be transferred to one of Cape Town’s most vibrant tourist attractions – Greenmarket Square. Here you may enjoy lunch on your own. It is recommended to try a popular local restaurant, Nino’s. After lunch, depart on a tour of District Six– the ghetto area which was destroyed after the forced removal of 60 000 families as a result of the Group Areas Act. High tea will be served at the famous Mount Nelson Hotel, afterwhich the tour continues to Blouberg Strand where you will be afforded some of the most beautiful views in Cape Town – Table Mountain and the spectacular sunsets. Here you will enjoy sundowners at the Blue Peter Hotel after taking a leisurly stroll along the beach. A traditional Cape Malay Dinner will be served at the one of Cape Town’s older restaurants – The Kaapse Tafel. You will be returned to your hotel. Overnight : Portswood Hotel. (B/D)
Day 05, Capetown.
After breakfast, depart at 07:45am on a full day Cape Peninsula tour. This tour brings you to the Atlantic suburbs of Sea Point, Clifton, Camps Bay and then on to Hout Bay. Embark on a boat ride to Seal Island (weather permitting). Thereafter, continue along the panoramic Chapman’s Peak drive, known as one of the world’s most scenic marine drives and travel on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Ascend to the highest point with the funicular. There you may enjoy a Crayfish (or Lobster) lunch on your own at the Black Marlin Restaurant. After lunch Transfer to Boulder’s Beach to see the Penguins. Drive past Simon’s Town, an old Naval Base and visit Mineral World (15:30), a gemstone factory. Continue the tour and drive by Fish Hoek and Muizenberg. The last stop of the tour brings you to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, beautifully situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. These world-famous gardens are dedicated to the preservation of the indigenous plants of Southern Africa. Return to your hotel. Your evening is at leisure. You may want to walk around the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and do some window-shopping or enjoy a sumptuous meal at one of the many restaurants.
Day 06, Cape Town / Stellenbosch.
After breakfast, you will begin your tour of the Garden Route. Today, you will visit the Cape Winelands area, including Franschhoek as well as Stellenbosch. This is the perfect opportunity to stock-up the wine cellar as you call on some of South Africa’s foremost wine estates. Travel inland, where you will be visiting ‘Boshendal’ in Franschhoek. Here you will be taken on a tour of the Cape Dutch Manor House and you will also have the opportunity of sampling and purchasing some of their world-famous wines. You will also be taken to see the Huguenot Memorial in the town, which honors the contribution that was made to the town by the early French immigrants. Later in the morning proceed on a drive through the town of Stellenbosch, situated in the heart of South Africa’s wine growing region. The historic and romantic content of this area’s history makes a stroll through the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch a must. After the walking tour of the town of Stellenbosch, you will visit Neethlingshof. The unique 1km long Pine Avenue entrance to Neethlingshof, leads you to the beautiful farm yard, where squirrels and ducks, Cape Dutch architecture and surrounding vineyards add to the serene atmosphere. You may lunch on your own before enjoying a surrey ride through the vineyards, before checking in at your hotel in Stellenbosch. Overnight : Lanzerac Hotel. Dinner is on your own.
Day 07, Stellenbosch/ Plettenberg Bay.
After breakfast, you will depart Stellenbosh at 08:30am, and travel via the N2 motorway past the breathtaking Houw Hoek and Sir Lowry's Passes to the historic and architecturally interesting town of Swellendam with its Drostdy Museum. The tour continues to Mossel Bay, where you may enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, The Gannet is recommended. After lunch, continue to the Knysna Lagoon. Here you will have the opportunity of tasting some of Knysna’s famous Oysters. You will also enjoy a delicious dinner aboard the ferry. After your visit to Knysna, continue the tour towards the beautiful resort town of Plettenberg Bay. Overnight : The Plettenberg. (B/L/D)
DAY 08, Plettenberg Bay/Fish River Sun.
After breakfast, bid farewell to this tranquil resort town as you travel along the coastal route, via the ‘friendly city’ of Port Elizabeth, and further inland towards the University town of Grahamstown. This is where you will be spending the rest of the day at leisure. Later in the afternoon, you will be transferred to your hotel, approximately 50 minutes from Grahamstown. Dinner on your own. Overnight : Fish River Sun. (B)
DAY 09, Fish River Sun.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Port Elizabeth Airport for your onward flight to Johannesburg, SA 416 departing at 09:00. On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in. You may wish to enjoy lunch on your own at Wandies. Situated in a matchbox house in Dube, Soweto, this restaurant gives a real taste of traditional African cuisine. Xhosa, Sotho, Zulu and Tswana dishes are served here. In the afternoon, proceed on a city tour of Johannesburg and Soweto. After return to your hotel, an optional dinner of traditional South African Cuisine can be arranged at Mama’s Jazz Joint. Ask your guide. Overnight : Park Hyatt, Rosebank. (B)
Day 10, Johannesburg - Pretoria - Rovos Rail.
After breakfast, depart on a tour of Pretoria, South Africa’s Administrative Capital. Here, you will be able to visit the Voortrekker Monument – dominating the Pretoria skyline and the Union Buildings – the site of Nelson Mandela’s inauguration as President. Afterwards you will have the opportunity of visiting Cambanos, South Africa’s largest wholesale curio shop. Thereafter, proceed on a tour of Lesedi Cultural Village, situated approximately 45 minutes drive from Johannesburg. On arrival, you will be met by members representing the various cultural groups of South Africa, including the Northern Pedi, Zulu, Southern Sotho and Xhosa. Through the variety of cultures, you will experience some of the Rainbow Nation that is South Africa today. The song and dance of the various cultures will embrace you - a traditional lunch can be enjoyed on your own which will round off this experience of a lifetime. In the afternoon, return to Johannesburg via a visit to Magnum Diamonds. Here, you will be taken on a tour of the diamond factory and it is also here that you will be able to purchase top quality South African diamonds. Late afternoon you will transfer to the station to board the Rovos Rail's "Pride of Africa", departing Pretoria at 6:00pm.
After departure dinner will be served, and you may enjoy a relaxing eening in the observation car. (B/L/D)
DAY 11, Rovos Rail - Bulawayo
Before breakfast, at 0700am, you will arrive at Beit Bridge for border control. After the formalities you will continue the journey, while having breakfast, heading for Bulawayo. The day will be spent on board. You will arrive at Bulawayo at 9:00pm. (B/L/D)
Day 12, Voctoria Falls
After breakfast you proceed to Victoria Falls arriving about 11:00am. Here our guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel, The Victoria Falls Hotel, for check-in. After lunch on your own take a tour of the falls, where water thunders into the gorge of the Zambezi River, creating a mist that keeps the surrounding area permanently wet. In the late afternoon, embark on a cruise along the Zambezi River, which is the perfect end to a day at Victoria Falls. The mighty Zambezi's tranquil waters above the Falls are home to hippo, magnificent birds and other wildlife. On the sunset cruise you will have the opportunity of watching many of these animals whilst enjoying sundowners as night falls. Upon return to the hotel dinner is on your own.
Day 13, Victoria Falls to the Savute Elephant Camp, Chobe National Park, Botswana.
After breakfast, depart on a tour of the Victoria Falls. A tour of the African Craft Village provides a fascinating insight into the village way of life in Zimbabwe. Typical rondavel houses recreate different tribal lifestyles and shops sell traditional crafts. Continue your overland trip to the Chobe National Park in Botswana. Lunch will be taken en route. Late in the afternoon check into the Savute Elephant Camp - Chobe National Park - located on the banks of the currently dry Savute Channel, in the heart of the Savute region of the Chobe national Park.
Day 14, Savute Elephant Camp
After breakfast go on a game drive to view the wildlife. Savute is elephant country par excellence! Return to the camp for lunch. Continue afternoon game drive, again returning to camp late afternoon.
Day 15, 20 July, Chobe / Victoria Falls /Johannesburg.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Victoria Falls for your onward flight to Johannesburg. On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, you will be transferred to The Illyria House in Pretoria. There you will have the remainder of the day at leisure. A farewell dinner will be served at The Illyria Guest House. (B/L/D)
Day 16, 21 July, Johannesburg / home.
After a stately breakfast take the morning at leisure. Have lunch on your own and check-out. In the afternoon, proceed on an afternoon tour of Gold Reef City, a reconstruction of Johannesburg during the gold rush era, built around a gold mine. Diversions include a Victorian fun fair, miners' houses, a brewery, pubs, a hotel, restaurants and a stock exchange. You can watch molten gold being poured and take a trip down an old mine shaft. It is here that you will also be able to see African Tribal dancing, which adds to the fun of the tour. Later in the day, you will be transferred to Johannesburg International Airport for your onward flight home, SA 201 departing at 8:00pm, taking with you many souvenirs and memories of Southern Africa.
Day 17, 22 July Home.
After crossing the South Atlantic you land early in Miami where you go through customs and connect with your onward flight to your home city. Welcome home.
For availability schedules and prices call
1 800 853 6736
or