Incredible South Africa with Rovos Luxury Train and Victoria Falls

2024
2020

Johannesburg, 4 safaris in a Private Game Reserve, 2 nights aboard Rovos Luxury Train, Cape Town and Victoria Falls.

Overview

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We’re monitoring this destination! We hope to operate tours in South Africa and Zimbabwe as soon as possible. Later departures are available in anticipation of being able to visit safely, so book confidently! Check back for COVID-19 entry requirements.

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Style	Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures		Group Size	6 travelers max
Themes	Grand Tours, Nature & Wildlife, Rail Journeys
Activity Level	Recreational
What to Expect	This moderately-paced, partially escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations, sometimes on bumpy unpaved roads and may have limited rest stops. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
Already booked?	Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

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For those seeking a truly upscale travel adventure, we offer Incredible South Africa! From Johannesburg’s metropolis to a safari in a private game reserve, to old-style charm on board the Rovos Rail luxury train to the mother city of Cape Town. Enjoy the excitement of dawn and dusk game drives in search of the Big Five, and enjoy a break for morning coffee or an afternoon sundowner drink, in the bush. Then, relax as your train moves through the beautiful countryside heading south, stopping at Kimberly to visit the Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum. In Cape Town, beauty is all around dominated by the majestic Table Mountain, where you can sample great food and some of the best wine in the world. Continue to Zimbabwe where you will tour the majestic Victoria Falls. All the while, travel in a small group of no more than 6, and stay in 5-star, luxury hotels and game lodges. Treat yourself to South Africa in style!

Package includes

Flights
Train
Coach
Transfers
Hotel
Meals
Guides

Round-trip flights New York including taxes & fees
All intra- flights & ground transportation
14 nights in deluxe hotels and deluxe suite on board Rovos Rail
25 meals: 14 lavish breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
Wine with welcome and farewell dinners, sundowner local drinks on game safari, all drinks on board Rovos Rail
Professional English-speaking tour guides

Optional add-ons

Half day Cape Point tour
Jun 7, Jun 28, and Aug 2 departures include flights with connections through DOH, non-stop flights may be available for an additional fee.

Why you'll love it

Gain an in-depth perspective of South Africa's tempestuous past with visits to Johannesburg’s Soweto and Apartheid Museum.
Get up close and personal with African wildlife on 4 game drives at a private game reserve.
Journey luxuriously through South Africa’s stunning countryside aboard Rovos Rail, among the world’s most deluxe rail experiences.
Learn about the history of South African diamond mining with stops at the Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole.
Ascend by cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town's most striking landmark.
Travel through the South African winelands and learn about the wine-making process while enjoying tastings and cellar tours.
Surround yourself with the thunderous roar of the powerful water and the constant mist rising above as you stand in the presence of the majestic Victoria Falls.
Set sail on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, keeping an eye out for surrounding wildlife.

Itinerary at a Glance

Incredible South Africa with Rovos Luxury Train and Victoria Falls map

1 Depart USA
2 Arrive Johannesburg
3 Johannesburg
4 Private Game Reserve
5 Private Game Reserve
6 Private Game Reserve to Pretoria
7 Rovos
8 Arrive Cape Town
9 Cape Town
10 Cape Town
11 Cape Town
Optional Excursion: Private Half Day Cape Point Tour, $150
12 Cape Town & Victoria Falls
13 Victoria Falls
14 Victoria Falls
Optional Excursion: Chobe National Park, Botswana, $170
15 Victoria Falls
16 Depart Victoria Falls

Videos

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

Depart New York on your overnight flight to Johannesburg

Day 2 Arrive Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to your hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure
Enjoy a welcome dinner

54 on Bath or similar Dinner

Day 3 Johannesburg

Full Day Johannesburg City Tour
Evening at leisure

54 on Bath or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning learn more about South Africa's turbulent past and its unwavering hope for the future on a fascinating tour to Soweto (short for Southwestern Township), a sprawling metropolis on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Your tour will give you a close-up look at daily life in this bustling neighborhood, the largest black urban settlement in Africa and center of political campaigns aimed at the overthrow of the apartheid state. Highlights of the Soweto tour include the former residence of Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela, the Hector Peterson memorial for the victims of the civil unrest in the 1970s, and a drive by the ultramodern Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Visit the Apartheid Museum for an in-depth historical look at the system of extreme racial segregation that plagued South Africa from 1948 until 1994, when it was finally dismantled.

Day 4 Private Game Reserve

Depart Johannesburg for the South African bush via domestic flight
PM Game Drive

Kapama Karula or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, depart for the Johannesburg airport for your short flight to the South African bush. Upon arrival to Hoedspruit airport you will be transferred to a magnificent private game reserve, in time for lunch. This elegant and exclusive nature reserve is home to a huge diversity of mammal and bird species. This afternoon embark on your first game drive in search of the illustrious “Big 5”. This evening enjoy dinner at the camp.

Day 5 Private Game Reserve

AM and PM game drives

Kapama Karula Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning wake up early and enjoy coffee, tea and traditional rusks on the main deck. Then depart in an open vehicle for the morning game drive in search of the Big 5, antelope and other animals. When applicable, your experienced Rangers and trackers may invite you out of the vehicle to see tracks and examine certain plants. After an exhilarating hunt for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, return to the camp for a sumptuous breakfast. Later, you may participate in a bush walk accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker. Walks allow a better chance of seeing some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region. The trackers will enthrall you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with tales of traditional folklore. The remainder of the day is spent at leisure with a delicious lunch being served around 1:30 pm. The afternoon game drive extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal animals. This evening enjoy a gourmet dinner.

Day 6 Private Game Reserve to Pretoria

AM game drive
Depart for airport for flight to Johannesburg
Transfer from airport to Pretoria train station and board Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail Luxury Train Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning enjoy your last game drive and breakfast before being transferred to the airport for your flight back to Johannesburg. Upon arrival you will be met by a local representative and transferred to the private Rovos Rail station in Pretoria. Enjoy a champagne reception in the elegant lounge of the old Pretoria rail station before boarding the Rovos Rail, the most luxurious train in the world. This opulently appointed train, which has historic coaches driven by a steam locomotive, serves high tea in the lounge and observation cars, and five course formal dinners in the dining car. Travel through the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo; trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Cape.

Day 7 Rovos

Kimberley sightseeing of The Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum

Rovos Rail Luxury Train Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After a lavish breakfast in the dining car arrive in Kimberley, where the ambiance transports you in time to explore the history of South African diamond mining. Here you will explore what is known as the Big Hole, the largest man-made excavation in the world. You will visit the Diamond Mine Museum, an open-air experience that whisks you away on a journey to the diamond rush. Discover how diamonds are transformed from a rough cut to the beauty of a multi-faceted diamond. Enjoy various bars and snack shops nestled amongst the spectacular town of Kimberley. Return to the train for lunch and your onward journey, relaxing in the observation car for tea, and a formal dinner in the dining car.

Day 8 Arrive Cape Town

Visit the historical village of Matjiesfontein
Arrive to Cape Town and transfer to hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure

Queen Victoria Hotel or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

This morning enjoy breakfast in the dining car before visiting the historical village of Matjiesfontein. Re-board the train for your scenic journey to Cape Town via Worcester and the Cape wine region. Arrive in the late afternoon in Cape Town, a beautiful jewel nestled between stunning Table Mountain and a dramatic coastline. Cape Town is a modern, bustling and vibrant city boasting gorgeous scenery, fabulous restaurants, hotels and beaches, bursting with history and culture. Upon arrival at Cape Town's Rovos Rail station, you will be met and transferred to your luxurious hotel.

Day 9 Cape Town

Half Day Cape Town City Tour with Table Mountain
Remainder of the day to explore Cape Town at leisure

Queen Victoria Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, enjoy a panoramic city tour of Cape Town showcasing the scenic and historic highlights of this vibrant city. Weather permitting, you'll travel by cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town's most striking landmark and recently announced one of the world's New Seven Wonders of Nature.

(July departures will visit Signal Hill instead, while the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closed for annual maintenance.)

Wind your way along through Clifton, an exclusive residential area before arriving at Sea Point. Next visit the City Hall located on the Grand Parade where Nelson Mandela made his first public speech after his release. Continue through the Malay Quarter (Bo-Kaap). Lined with brightly colored houses and decorative mosques, this historic neighborhood was founded by former slaves from Malaysia whose Islamic culture gives the area a distinct character and contributes to Cape Town's rich cultural diversity.

Day 10 Cape Town

Winelands tour

Queen Victoria Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today enjoy a glorious excursion to the South African winelands. Travel through the region to experience a wine cellar tour and tasting, where you'll learn all about the process of wine-making, from grape to goblet. You will then visit the exquisite little town of Franschhoek, passing by the impressive Huguenot Monument, and in a town with a reputation for gourmet fare, you will have time at leisure for lunch. The tour will then wind its way to Helshoogte Mountain Pass to meet the charming university town of Stellenbosch on the other side. Stroll through this little town, absorb the quaintness, and sneak into the odd shop or two. Enjoy a wine tasting at two different wine estates where you'll be able to purchase your favorite wine to take back home.

Day 11 Cape Town

Day at leisure or join an optional Cape Point tour
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Queen Victoria Hotel Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy today at leisure to explore Cape Town on your own or take advantage of the hotel facilities. Alternatively, you can join an optional half day tour of Cape Point.

Optional Excursion: Private Half Day Cape Point Tour, $150

Wind your way towards the charming coastal town and working harbor of Hout Bay. Hug the cliffs as you snake along the legendary Chapman's Peak Drive, with its breath taking views, towards the Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park and its rugged, intriguing landscape. Boulders Beach penguin colony is a fascinating quick stop to visit the African jackass penguins. Finally, move on to the historical naval port of Simon's Town before returning to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 12 Cape Town & Victoria Falls

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Arrive in Victoria Falls, meet your local guide, and transfer to your hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Breakfast

Day 13 Victoria Falls

Guided tour of the falls
Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning enjoy a guided tour of the falls. You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the greatest natural wonders—and the largest curtain of falling water in the world! Located at the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls consists of numerous falls separated by islands in the river below. The Zambezi River spills more than 2 million gallons of water per second over the Bakota Gorge, creating multiple rainbows and resulting in an awe-inspiring display of raw power unrivaled by other natural wonders. The tremendous roar of the water and the ever-present cloud of spray give the falls their local moniker, "Smoke that Thunders." Later, experience the glorious falls from an up-close vantage point as you set sail on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Be on the look-out for hippos, monkeys, elephants, and crocodiles that frequent the waters and the surrounding areas.

Day 14 Victoria Falls

Full Day at leisure
Recommended optional tour to Chobe National Park in Botswana

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this magnificent natural wonder on your own via the well-marked trails through the rainforest that wind up to and around the falls. The trails allow for excellent picture-taking from a variety of vantage points (be sure to protect your camera if it's not waterproof). There are a wide range of optional excursions available locally on request basis including game drives, walking safaris, bungee jumping, and more. We recommend the full day tour of Chobe National Park in Botswana.

Optional Excursion: Chobe National Park, Botswana, $170

Take advantage of an optional full day excursion to the Chobe National Park in Botswana, renowned for its large elephant population. Begin the day with a safari boat cruise on the Chobe River. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the Chobe Game Lodge and end the day with an afternoon game drive in an open vehicle.

This excursion requires a passport and double or multiple entry Zimbabwe visa.

Day 15 Victoria Falls

Full Day at leisure
Other optional tours that can be purchased locally- including game drive, walking safaris, bungee jumping, and more

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Breakfast

Day 16 Depart Victoria Falls

Transfer to the airport for your flight home via Nairobi or Johannesburg
Your amazing journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA tomorrow morning

Breakfast

Hotels

54 on Bath

Deluxe

Situated in the leafy Johannesburg suburb of Rosebank, the 54 on Bath hotel offers a signature blend of luxury and style. 54 on Bath is conveniently located within easy reach of Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City, Melrose Arch, as well as the Gautrain rapid rail system. 54 on Bath features an outdoor terrace with a sparkling pool. Enjoy an alfresco snack or relax with a cold drink as you take in the African sunset and surrounding views. For those who like to work up a sweat to start the day right, or wind down after a day of exploring, stop by the Rosebank Fitness Club with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

More information

Kapama Karula

Tourist Class

Set on the banks of the perennial Klaserie River is the flagship, five-star lodge of Kapama Game Reserve: Kapama Karula. Meaning “place of peace”, this ultra-luxurious and prestigious lodge exudes calmness, and is the pinnacle of elegant safari accommodation, with wraparound views of the African bush enhancing the sense of tranquility at this exclusive safari lodge.

More information

Rovos Rail Luxury Train

Deluxe

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. With discreet and friendly service, five-star 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. The Observation Car which has a spacious open-air balcony and seats 32 passengers, is positioned at the rear of the train while at the center of the train there is, when numbers dictate, a non-smoking Lounge Car that seats 26 passengers in comfort. There is also a small, discreet Gift Shop. In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. The use of mobile phones, laptops and essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your suites. Smoking is only allowed in the privacy of your smoking suite and in the Club Lounge, located next to the Observation Car and seats 11. Dress Code: Many of the passengers aboard enjoy the formality of fine china and glassware, crisp linen and silver, and dress accordingly. Evening attire is formal – for the gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for ladies we suggest cocktail/evening dresses or suits. During the day, dress is smart casual and cool, comfortable clothes, shoes and hats are recommended for the excursions, especially in the game reserves where it can get very hot. Please include warm clothing for cold mornings and evenings.

More information

Queen Victoria Hotel

Deluxe

The Queen Victoria Hotel is set in a quiet, historic precinct near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, close to the heart of Cape Town, and easy access to the airport. The hotel’s regal ambiance is felt throughout the property, from its triple-volume foyer with a dramatic spiral staircase and glass lift, crystal chandeliers, and marble finishes.

More information

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

First Class

Situated high on a plateau which forms a natural boundary to the Zambezi National Park, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge enjoys uninterrupted views and spectacular African sunsets and is just four kilometers from the majestic Victoria Falls. Designed to give the impression of a vast open-plan tree-house, the Lodge is built on intricate levels offering magnificent views of the African bushveld. The use of vibrant fabrics and rustic finishes, local hardwoods and clay tiles gives Victoria Falls Safari Lodge an undeniable appeal and unique character.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 21 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about South Africa? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Zimbabwe? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Botswana? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.