Encounter natural wonders, vibrant cities and the Big Five which make South Africa one of the most beguiling destinations, complete with hotel stays, fully escorted tours and a memorable rail journey on the splendid Blue Train.
Embark on an adventure you’ll never forget with this South African touring holiday providing you with access to some of the country’s most thrilling wildlife, awe-inspiring waterfalls, beautiful Winelands and a romantic rail journey.
Landing in Johannesburg, you’ll transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay before flying to Livingstone where you’ll relish a three-night hotel stay uncovering the region's outstanding natural beauty. During your stay, you’ll embark on an immersive Victoria Falls experience during a trio of invigorating tours placing you within this natural wonder’s intoxicating mist. A walking tour will gift you a close and informative encounter with the falls, whilst a tranquil river cruise and an elegant locomotive ride will ensure you take in this wonder from all angles.
A thrilling safari experience then awaits at Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge, secluded deep within Pilanesberg National Park. During your three-night hotel stay here, you can join daily guided bush walks and game drives tracking down Africa’s Big Five – elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino. Next, you’ll transfer to Pretoria to join the iconic Blue Train which will transport you to Cape Town passing through some of the most diverse scenery on the African sub-continent. Savour this luxury, all-inclusive journey that embodies style, class and elegance as you traverse through breathtaking landscapes of savannah grasslands and mountain vistas.
Next, you’ll enjoy a three-night hotel stay in Stellenbosch and a Winelands tour, including wine tastings, of some of the region’s most prestigious wineries. Returning to Cape Town for a further three-night hotel stay, you’ll relish the opportunity to explore this vibrant city at your own pace as well as an unforgettable Cape Peninsular tour delving into the area’s natural and historical wonders.
The Blue Train Experience
Surrounded by an aura of mystique, South Africa’s Blue Train travels between Pretoria and Cape Town, affording views of savannah grasslands and mountain vistas. Among the more famous passengers to have boarded its exquisite carriages over the years are Nelson Mandela and cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan. From five-course gourmet lunches to post-dinner cognac and cigars, you’ll think you’ve stepped right into the pages of a 1930s novel. Enhance your experience by taking the opportunity to upgrade your cabin to Luxury.
Dining
Tables are laid with crisp white linen tablecloths topped with Sheffield cutlery and crystal glassware.
Cabins
Each suite is arranged as a spacious sitting area by day, at night transforming into a restful sanctuary with goose-down bedding.
Observation Car
Feel the touch of the warm African air as you drink in panoramic views and savour a Montecristo Havana cigar from the elegant observation car.
Your 15 Night Holiday Includes
Day 1
Arriving in Johannesburg you’ll enjoy a one-night hotel stay, kickstarting your holiday
Fly into Johannesburg, South Africa for the start of your epic adventure. One of the youngest of the world’s major cities, Johannesburg was founded in 1886 following the discovery of gold and is today, South Africa’s largest city. This ‘City of Gold’ emanates an electric energy, buzzing with new marketplaces, breweries and restaurants, jazz clubs and artistic enclaves. Sample the huge diversity of cuisines cultivated by the city’s mix of cultures at the Yeoville Food Market and learn about Johannesburg’s history at one of many fascinating museums.
Overnight: Peermont D'oreale Grande
Days 2 - 4
Experience the natural wonders of Livingstone with a series of otherworldly tours
Whilst enjoying a three-night hotel stay in Livingstone, you’ll join a walking tour of the spectacular Victoria Falls, enjoy a breathtaking afternoon cruise along the Zambezi River on board the Lady Livingstone and experience the elegant Royal Livingstone Express train as it travels along the Mulobezi railway line through the heart of the Zambezi River Valley. Each of these experiences are hand-picked to highlight the natural wonders and wildlife in Livingstone and are assured to leave you spellbound.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: The David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa
Days 5 - 7
Prepare for an unforgettable safari experience, in the heart of the bush, at the Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge
Situated in the heart of the bush, in a crater of a long-extinct volcano, Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge offers the perfect location for an unforgettable safari stay. With daily morning and evening game drives available at the lodge, you’ll have the opportunity of searching for the Big Five in an open safari vehicle during your three-night stay. Accompanied by a qualified guide, you’ll head into the wilderness seeking a pulsating encounter with a reclusive leopard, majestic rhino, a herd of playful elephants or a pride of lions lazing in the sun. Return in the evening and enjoy an outdoor boma – an African-style dining experience – under the starlit African sky.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge or similar
Day 8
The luxurious Blue Train promises to be a journey you’ll cherish
Following a transfer to Pretoria, you’ll embark the iconic Blue Train for a journey to remember. The route from Pretoria to Cape Town is a journey of nearly 1,000 miles passing through some of the most diverse scenery on the African sub-continent. Savour this luxury, all-inclusive journey that embodies style, class and elegance; from your indulgent suite with its opulent marble bathroom and sumptuous bedding; to the Cordon Bleu style dining using the finest, local ingredients, all served on delicate crystal or fine china.
Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis
Overnight: Blue Train
Day 9
Relish a stop to step back in time to the days of the diamond rush with an off-train excursion in Kimberley
Fully rested, you’ll glide into Kimberley Station where you’ll disembark for an excursion to the Open Mine Museum which is situated next to the world-renowned Big Hole. It tells the intriguing story of South Africa’s diamond rush. Following the tour, you’ll be greeted back at Kimberley Station with a glass of sherry; engraved with the Blue Train logo, a memento for you to keep.
Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis
Overnight: Blue Train
Days 10 - 12
Today, you’ll disembark in Cape Town and transfer to your Stellenbosch hotel for a three-night hotel stay
You’ll next enjoy a three-night hotel stay in Stellenbosch, famed for its oak-lined avenues, Cape Dutch architecture and as the historic heart of South Africa’s Winelands region, world-renowned premium wines; Stellenbosch’s wine routes are the largest and oldest in the country. Discover this on an exclusive Winelands tour. You’ll explore Paarl, surrounded by mountains and vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting and cellar tour at a local estate, then continue on to Franschhoek, where you’ll savour a delicious lunch and another fantastic wine tasting. Finally, in Stellenbosch itself, enjoy more superb world-class wines and tastings.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Devon Valley Hotel
Days 13 - 15
Transfer to cosmopolitan Cape Town to revel in a three-night hotel stay in South Africa’s favourite city and a Cape Peninsula tour
Transferring to Cape Town, you’ll delight in a three-night hotel stay in this vibrant port city on South Africa’s southwestern coast. During your second day here, you’ll enjoy a fully escorted Cape Town Peninsula tour which lets you explore sights including Sea Point and Camps Bay with fantastic views of the Twelve Apostles; Cape Point Nature Reserve; the penguins at Boulders Beach and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Your final day is yours to explore this vibrant city at your own pace.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Southern Sun The Cullinan or similar
Day 16
It’s time to leave bountiful South Africa behind you and fly home
Armed with memories and experiences to cherish, you’ll transfer to the airport for you journey home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hotel Stays
Peermont D'oreale Grande
★★★★★
The David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa
★★★★
Blending perfectly within the lush surroundings of the Zambezi River bank, the David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa offers five-star accommodation close to Victoria Falls, an impressive natural wonder of the world. Named after the first European explorer to see Victoria Falls, the hotel is in easy reach of all the activities associated with this glorious naturescape, from microlight tours to elephant-back safaris. The hotel boasts river-facing rooms, ensuring each guest enjoys the same views. Visit the spa to indulge in a wide selection of exquisite treatments, savour delicious dishes in The Kalai Restaurant, a traditionally styled eatery with buffet and a la carte options, and enjoy an array of South African and international wine in the bar.
Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge
★★★★★
Nestled in the heart of the African bush, Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge is an exceptional retreat tucked away in its own exclusive-use zone in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Here, you’ll experience rustic hospitality with the finest finishes, exquisite architecture, and flawless interior design. After long days of exploration in this seemingly untouched wilderness, unwind in complete tranquillity at Amani Spa, where organic massages, facials, and more pampering treatments await. Come evening, you’ll delight in your luxurious room overlooking the extensive reserve, and sink into plush white bedding for the night.
Devon Valley Hotel
★★★★
Just a 15-minute drive from Stellenbosch, Devon Valley Hotel is secluded away in the tranquil Winelands, surrounded by the property’s own vineyards. The hotel’s original timber-framed building was built in 1947 and today, is a much-loved Stellenbosch landmark. All 50 stylishly furnished guestrooms reflect the overall contemporary colonial feel and provide unobstructed views of the mountains, vineyards and olive groves. Enjoy authentic, contemporary Cape Cuisine at Signature restaurant ‘Flavours’ and al fresco dining with breathtaking views at the Vineyard Terrace.
Southern Sun The Cullinan
★★★★
With a hotel stay at Southern Sun The Cullinan, you can enjoy a perfectly located hotel with amazing amenities. After a sumptuous meal in the Peach Tree, you can then relax with a chilled cocktail in hand at the Stella Cafe & Bar. During the day, the Mangwanani Boutique Spa provides muscle-melting massages in which to re-energise and enjoy your incredible holiday further.
Touring Experiences
Royal Livingstone Express
You’ll be met by the traditional Sunset Steam Train with a red-carpet entrance, as you take your places inside the lounge cars of the locomotive. Swish through the shimmering Zambian bushveld as the untamed wilderness and local villages stream leisurely past your window, on your way to a breathtaking view of the thundering falls, as you dine on a five-course meal in a setting of polished woods, sparkling crystal and 1920s glamour.
Victoria Falls
Heralded as one of the must-see attractions in Africa and indeed, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, the Victoria Falls is a true treasure of the Zambezi River. Spanning more than a kilometre long and at a height of more than one-hundred metres, it is considered the largest waterfall in the world. Walk amidst the lush rainforest, encountering increasingly spectacular views of the falls as it crashes over the cliff and plunges 108 metres into the whirlpool below – the relentless roar and the feeling of the spray on your face will stay with you forever.
Lady Livingstone River Safari
Embark on a relaxing sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, spotting hippos poking their heads above the water and the cry of fish eagles soaring above your head while you sit back, enjoying drinks and snacks as you drift along the river, taking in the spectacular scenery and viewing the incredible local wildlife. Listen out for the cry of a fish eagle, the snort of an elephant or the rush of water as a hippopotamus breaks the surface. It’s the perfect way to experience the heart of Africa.
Pilanesberg National Park Game Drives
Your stay at the Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge will provide a fantastic opportunity to embark on an exciting and unforgettable game drive. Available twice daily and in the company of experienced game rangers who provide valuable information about some of Africa’s beautiful fauna and flora; you’ll enjoy close encounters with Africa’s untamed wildlife, namely, the majestic “Big Five”, comprising of elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo and rhino.
Winelands Tour
First you’ll take a scenic drive to the lush Franshoek Valley and the Huguenot village of Franshhoekk, briefly visiting the striking Huguenot monument, which commemorates these early settlers who helped develop wines enjoyed by Napoleon, Jane Austen and Baudelaire. Next, you’ll indulge in wine tasting and a cellar tour at a local estate, before heading to the famous town of Paarl, cradled in a lush valley, where birds flit through the indigenous fynbos and smooth lakes sparkle. After lunch and another wine tasting at a vineyard, you will uncover the second-oldest town in South Africa and the historic heart of the country’s wine region: Stellenbosch.
Cape Peninsular Tour
Experience the beauty of the Cape Peninsula gifting you some of the most spectacular views in the world – you’ll want to have your camera ready. You’ll savour the vistas of the Twelve Apostles afforded to you during a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast on your way to Hout Bay before moving onto Cape Point Nature Reserve, a World Heritage site home to an array of wildlife such as baboons, Cape Mountain zebra and the elusive eland. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a restaurant before returning to Cape Town, making a stop at Simon’s Town to catch a glimpse of playful African penguins dancing along Boulders Beach. You’ll also enjoy a visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens ahead of your return to Cape Town.
Your Holiday Summary
All-Inclusive Rail Journey
- 2 night all-inclusive luxury Blue Train journey from Pretoria to Cape Town* with an off-train excursion
Fully Escorted Tours
- Royal Livingstone Express train journey including a five-course dinner and drinks
- Walking tour of Victoria Falls
- Lady Livingstone river safari
- Pilanesberg National Park game drives
- Winelands tour in Stellenbosch
- Full day Cape Peninsula tour
Hotel Stays
- 1 night five-star hotel stay in Johannesburg at the Peermont D'oreale Grande with breakfast
- 3 night four-star hotel stay in Victoria Falls at The David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa with breakfast
- 3 night five-star hotel stay in Pilanesberg National Park at the Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge or similar with breakfast, lunch and dinner
- 3 night four-star stay in Stellenbosch at the Devon Valley Hotel with breakfast
- 3 night four-star stay in Cape Town at the Southern Sun The Cullinan or similar with breakfast
All flights, taxes and transfers
*Some departure dates operate a reverse itinerary from Cape Town to Pretoria. September, October and November 2024 departures offer a stay at The Grand Roche Hotel in Paarl.
Prices
Departing
21 October 2024
De Luxe Twin
$13,499pp
Luxury Twin
$14,499pp
Duration: 15 Nights
Itinerary Includes: Johannesburg, Livingstone, Pilanesberg National Park, Pretoria, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Departing
11 November 2024
De Luxe Twin
$12,499pp
Luxury Twin
$13,999pp
Duration: 15 Nights
Itinerary Includes: Johannesburg, Livingstone, Pilanesberg National Park, Pretoria, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Departing
21 October 2024
De Luxe Twin
$13,499pp
Luxury Twin
$14,499pp
Duration: 15 Nights
Itinerary Includes: Johannesburg, Livingstone, Pilanesberg National Park, Pretoria, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Departing
11 November 2024
De Luxe Twin
$12,499pp
Luxury Twin
$13,999pp
Duration: 15 Nights
Itinerary Includes: Johannesburg, Livingstone, Pilanesberg National Park, Pretoria, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Departing
21 October 2024
De Luxe Twin
$13,699pp
Luxury Twin
$14,699pp
Duration: 15 Nights
Itinerary Includes: Johannesburg, Livingstone, Pilanesberg National Park, Pretoria, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Departing
11 November 2024
De Luxe Twin
$12,699pp
Luxury Twin
$14,199pp
Duration: 15 Nights
Itinerary Includes: Johannesburg, Livingstone, Pilanesberg National Park, Pretoria, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Departing
21 October 2024
De Luxe Twin
$13,799pp
Luxury Twin
$14,799pp
Duration: 15 Nights
Itinerary Includes: Johannesburg, Livingstone, Pilanesberg National Park, Pretoria, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Departing
11 November 2024
De Luxe Twin
$12,799pp
Luxury Twin
$14,299pp
Duration: 15 Nights
Itinerary Includes: Johannesburg, Livingstone, Pilanesberg National Park, Pretoria, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Departing
21 October 2024
De Luxe Twin
$13,999pp
Luxury Twin
$14,999pp
Duration: 15 Nights
Itinerary Includes: Johannesburg, Livingstone, Pilanesberg National Park, Pretoria, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Departing
11 November 2024
De Luxe Twin
$12,999pp
Luxury Twin
$14,499pp
Duration: 15 Nights
Itinerary Includes: Johannesburg, Livingstone, Pilanesberg National Park, Pretoria, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
