Embark on a 9-day journey that captures the essence of Southern Africa, combining natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and luxurious experiences. Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Cape Town, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks such as Cape Point, Table Mountain, and the Cape Winelands. Journey through the heart of Gauteng, South Africa’s economic powerhouse, discovering its diverse attractions from Johannesburg to the historic Cradle of Humankind.
Relish in the elegance of a Rovos Rail journey, traversing stunning landscapes in vintage luxury. Witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders, and immerse yourself in the local culture and thrilling activities. Throughout your trip, stay in world-class accommodations, savor gourmet cuisine, and enjoy the finest hospitality Southern Africa has to offer. This carefully curated itinerary promises an unforgettable exploration of the region’s most captivating sights and experiences.
- Airport Transfers
- Breakfast dinner
- Domestic Flights
- Entrance Fees
- Custom Itenerary
- Visa Costs
Day 1 : Cape Town Arrival
Set at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans and backed by the iconic Table Mountain, the bustling city of Cape Town presents an alluring combination of drawcards. Incredible powdery white beaches, highly acclaimed wine routes, and astonishingly beautiful mountain trails surround a cosmopolitan hub. This diverse metropolis is filled with superb shops and restaurants, extraordinary heritage monuments, a multitude of entertainment venues, and a spectacular, chic waterfront harbour. Highlights include the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art; Table Mountain’s jaw-dropping views; Boulders Beach, where penguins might swim right up to you in the warm Indian ocean waters; the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you can walk along a treetop canopy among incredible native flora or watch an open-air concert at the base of the mountain; Robben Island, where visitors can see the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years; and many more.
Day 2: Exploring Cape Town
Cape Point
Cape Point is a spectacular sight, covered in endemic fynbos and home to breathtaking bays, beaches and rolling green hills and valleys, just 60km outside of Cape Town. Cape Point falls within the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site. The Cape Floral Region is one of the richest areas for plants in the world – it is home to nearly 20% of Africa’s flora. Cape Point is open daily and is a must-see.
Black Marlin
The Black Marlin is nestled unobtrusively on one of the most scenic coastlines in the Cape, en-route to Cape Point. During “whale season” patrons often enjoy their meal whilst watching whales in False Bay. It is the perfect setting for an idyllic luncheon or evening experience.
The Black Marlin offers an extensive menu with the main emphasis on seafood, complimented by other choices of fine contemporary cuisine. House specialities include Cape Rock lobster, Seafood platters, oysters and mussels. Through the many years of providing top quality fresh seafood and impeccable service to the locals and foreign tourists, this restaurant has become world-famous.
Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is located in Cape Town, South Africa. It is a sheltered beach made up of inlets between granite boulders and crystal clear waters. The area is home to one of the largest breeding colonies of African penguins. Visitors can observe the penguins close up from elevated boardwalks while enjoying beautiful views. It is a popular location for swimming, snorkelling, and birdwatching.
Day 3: Table Mountain & Winelands
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is the most iconic landmark of South Africa. Aside from being the country’s most photographed attraction and the perfect place to take photos of the landscape of Cape Town, it is also home to about 2,200 species of plants and 1,470 floral species, many of which are endemic to the mountain. Animal species that can be spotted on the mountain include caracals, rock hyraxes and chacma baboons. The flat top peak of the mountain reaches 1,086 metres above sea level, but being so close to the sea and to the city, its features look more imposing.
Cape Winelands Half Day Tour
From Cape Town make your way out into the picturesque winelands visiting South Africa’s most famous wine regions – Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch. Aside from the excellent wines the area is renowned for its food and is steeped in history such as the Taal monument, various museums and the contribution of the French Huguenots. There are also many attractions you wouldn’t expect to find on a wine route, from butterflies to cheetahs and pretty much everything in between.
Day 4: City of Gold
Transfer Flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg
The South African province of Gauteng – ‘the place of gold’ – is home to one of Africa’s most vibrant cities and sub-Saharan Africa’s economic capital Johannesburg, South Africa’s capital Pretoria, vibrant Soweto, the Magaliesberg Mountains, and the World Heritage-listed Cradle of Humankind. While it is the smallest of South Africa’s provinces, it serves as the economic powerhouse of the country. Gauteng is known for its multicultural mix of people, eclectic heritage, and bustling jacaranda-lined cities fringed by scenic natural landscapes. Visitors can enjoy ample nature trailing and hiking opportunities, discover South Africa’s most famous township and explore the origins of humankind.
Day 5-7: Rovos Rail
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. In a series of bespoke train journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 nights, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations with a variety of off-train excursions. Step aboard the vintage wood-panelled coaches and sit back as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. 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.
The beautifully rebuilt trains, which may be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives, carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites and are also available for charter, while the Events Train caters for up to 250 guests and is suitable for daytime journeys.
Leroo La Tau translates as ‘lion’s paw’ but, although the surrounding area features abundant Lion, Zebra and Wildebeest, it also boasts Chobe Bushbuck, Leopard, Cheetah, Brown and Spotted Hyena, Impala, Kudu, Jackal, Porcupine, Genet and Caracal, to name but a few.
Please note: Owing to their remote location within the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, the Makgadikgadi Pans themselves are not visited on daily scheduled activities from Leroo La Tau.
Leroo La Tau translates as ‘lion’s paw’ but, although the surrounding area features abundant Lion, Zebra and Wildebeest, it also boasts Chobe Bushbuck, Leopard, Cheetah, Brown and Spotted Hyena, Impala, Kudu, Jackal, Porcupine, Genet and Caracal, to name but a few.
Please note: Owing to their remote location within the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, the Makgadikgadi Pans themselves are not visited on daily scheduled activities from Leroo La Tau.
For those wanting to get a little closer to nature, guided bush walks are conducted on a number of the nearby islands, offering an opportunity to track some of the larger land-based species that inhabit this water wilderness. Birding opportunities are outstanding and anglers may put their skill against bream and tiger fish. Camp Okavango is a water-based camp and game-drive activities, using safari vehicles, are not possible.
Guest spending three nights or more at Camp Okavango can enjoy a night on the new Camp Okavango sleep out deck. The open deck offers you the chance to sleep out under the stars and experience the vastness of the Okavango Delta. The sleep out deck includes a comfortable bed (mosquito net included), bathroom and all the amenities you need for a comfortable night out.
Day 8-: Victoria Falls Cruise
Afternoon Bushtracks Sundowner Cruise
The sunset safari takes you to where no other boat can. On offer is a chance to view the spray of Victoria Falls whilst the sun sets. The guide will be your host as you cruise quietly between the islands, enjoying the beauty and splendour of the Zambezi river and its unique riverine ecology.
Day 9-: Victoria Falls Guided Tour
Bushtracks Africa Victoria Falls Day Tour
Bushtracks Africa Victoria Falls Day Tour allows guests to discover how the Victoria Falls were formed and what local customs and traditions surround them. Guests will get to visit the 1500-year-old Baobab tree, featuring graffiti from the early 1900s, which seemed to be the fashion in those days, since David Livingstone, the self-proclaimed discoverer of the falls, also carved into a tree as well in 1855.
Bushtracks Express
The Bushtracks Express in Zimbabwe is the ultimate pre-dinner experience going back in time to the age of Steam train travel. The rejuvenated train jaunts onto the famous Victoria Falls Bridge which was built by Cecil Rhodes in 1905. He wanted a crossing “at the point where the spray from the falls would fall on the train carriages crossing the bridge.”
Elegance and opulence marked the age of the steam train. Beautiful classic steam locomotives and carriages have been lovingly restored by Bushtracks Africa and Rovos rail. The carriages marry vintage luxury with a modern fine dining experience to recreate moments of bygone romance.
Day 1 - 3 Queen Victoria Hotel
Situated in the heart of Cape Town, the Queen Victoria Hotel welcomes guests to experience the very essence of distinguished luxury, where classic elegance meets contemporary design. Its prime location in a quiet, historic precinct near to the V&A Waterfront allows for a serene city escape as well as convenient access to a range of outstanding amenities.
The hotel’s regal ambience is felt throughout the property, from its triple-volume foyer with a dramatic spiral staircase and glass lift, crystal chandeliers and marble finishes, to its spacious rooms and breathtaking suites. This grandeur, along with fine touches, expected of five-star properties, and hospitable service have earned the Queen Victoria – also referred to as the QV – recognition as one of the top 25 luxury hotels in South Africa. As its name suggests, this hotel truly is fit for royalty.
This diverse metropolis is filled with superb shops and restaurants, extraordinary heritage monuments, a multitude of entertainment venues, and a spectacular, chic waterfront harbour.
Highlights include the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art; Table Mountain’s jaw-dropping views; Boulders Beach, where penguins might swim right up to you in the warm Indian ocean waters; the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you can walk along a treetop canopy among incredible native flora or watch an open-air concert at the base of the mountain; Robben Island, where visitors can see the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years; and many more.
- Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel, Pretoria
Stay at the luxurious Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel, featuring an outdoor pool, on-site bar, and free Wi-Fi. Located about a 13-minute walk from Winmore Village Shopping Centre and 32 km from O.R. Tambo International Airport, this hotel offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with en-suite bathrooms and satellite TV.
Day 5 - 7: Rovos Rail Journey
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences.
In a series of 11 bespoke train journeys, step aboard the luxurious vintage wood-panelled coaches and sit back as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. 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.
For Rovos Rail passengers, a highlight of their journey is a visit to the private station at Capital Park, Pretoria. The once-bustling hub of steam locomotions is now the headquarters for Rovos Rail. The gracious railway station serves as the departure or arrival point for most of the train journeys where the Rovos team work assiduously to ensure the locomotives and trains are maintained to the highest standard. This is the busy hub of a provisioning operation that is world-class in terms of efficiency and attention to detail on board one of the most ‘Great Southern Africa Train Adventures’.
Day 8 - 9:The Victoria Falls Hotel
Stay at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, known as “the grand old lady of the Falls.” Located in the Victoria Falls National Park and a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, this Edwardian-style five-star hotel offers a blend of old-world charm and modern convenience. Set in lush tropical gardens, the hotel provides a tranquil retreat just a ten-minute walk from the falls, where guests can hear the roar of “Mosi-O-Tunya” or “the smoke that thunders.”
