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Cape Town, Rovos Rail & Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
10 Days
Overview:
Join us on an amazing trip featuring one of the world's most beautiful cities, the chance to experience luxury travel of old riding the rails, and some of the most iconic wildlife viewing anywhere. Begin in stunning Cape Town where you will visit Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope. Tour colorful neighborhoods, and enjoy the beach scene, complete with penguins, at Boulders Beach. Next, you will set off onboard the historic and luxurious Pride of Africa for an unforgettable trip through South Africa's heartland. From the comfort of your seat view spectacular mountain ranges, scenic vineyards, and great grasslands on the way to Johannesburg. Your life will never be the same after several days in the famous Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. Track the Big 5, fall in love with the huge variety of species, and search for the elusive leopard on numerous game drives. At the lodge indulge in your private plunge pool, enjoy the lounge, and chat with other guests while enjoying delicious food in the outdoor boma.
4 days Cape Town
2 days Rovos Rail
1 day Johannesburg
3 days Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
The Plan:
Day 1 Arrive Cape Town
Welcome to South Africa! Begin your journey of amazement in Cape Town, the stunning city bordering two oceans and watched over by stately Table Mountain. Upon arrival, you will be transported to your luxury hotel where you will receive a detailed travel packet with documents, a detailed itinerary, and relevant e-tickets.
Day 2 Cape Town (Half day)
Begin early as your local guide shows you some of the city's stunning landmarks such as iconic Table Mountain. You will learn of the history as you see the Castle of Good Hope and the Parliament before entering the famed and colorful Bo-Kaap community of colorful houses and Cape Malay hospitality. Later you can head to the waterfront or be returned to your hotel.
Day 3 Cape Town (Full day)
A full day today as you first head to the glorious beaches near Cape Town. Learn fascinating history as you enjoy a breathtaking drive towards the Cape of Good Hope to see the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. After an included lunch visit Boulders Beach, home of a colony of African penguins before finishing at the world-renowned stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Day 4 Cape Town – Rovos Rail to Pretoria (overnight train)
A journey of a lifetime today as you board The Pride of Africa in the early afternoon to head to Pretoria. High tea is served before dinner for an excellent chance to mingle with other guests and staff. Dinner is served in charming Victorian style in one seating and is greatly complemented by delicious South African wine. This evening explore the train or retire early.
Day 5 Rovos Rail – Kimberly (Full day)
A morning of travel as you enjoy breakfast and dinner in the elegant dining car. After lunch you arrive in Kimberly for a tour of the 'Big Hole of Kimberly' a man-made crater created during the diamond rush and the Diamond Mine Museum. You reboard the train to enjoy High Tea before another delicious dinner and leisurely evening.
Day 6 Rovos Rail – Pretoria – Johannesburg (Railroad/ 1hour drive)
After breakfast, your train travels via Krugersdorp and Johannesburg and Witwatersrand goldfields in-route to Pretoria. Your scenic rail trip aboard The Pride of Africa comes to an end upon arrival and you journey one hour to Johannesburg for the evening.
Day 7 Johannesburg – Sabi Sands (45minute flight/ 1hour 30- 3hour drive)
Board your plane for a 45minute flight to Mpumalanga before meeting your driver for the drive to your lodge at Sabi Sands. Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is a special place. Massive elephants roam among herds of zebras, giraffes, Cape buffalo, hippos, and all the Big 5. After a spectacular safari head back to the luxury lodge for an outstanding dinner in the boma.
Day 8 Sabi Sands (Full day)
Arise early as much of the best game viewing is done in the wee hours of the morning. Although many of the species are well known, seeing wild elephants, giraffes, lions, and others is unforgettable. Return to the lodge for breakfast before an afternoon drive. Private game reserves allow for off-roading bringing you right into the animal's environments. Finish your day with dinner.
Day 9 Sabi Sands (Full day)
This morning enjoy a walking tour of the bush with your armed ranger and get an up-close education on the native flora, insects, and smaller animals. After lunch venture back into the brush to search for endangered rhinos along with dozens of other species to add to your photo album. After returning to the lodge you can enjoy a final evening before another delicious dining experience.
Day 10 Sabi Sands – Nelspruit (KMIA) – Johannesburg – Return home (Half day / 3hour drive / 1hour flight)
Enjoy one final electric game drive in search of the elusive leopard. Sabi Sands is one of the best places on earth to spot one and morning may find one enjoying an impala breakfast high in the trees. Return to the lodge for breakfast before transport to the airport for a short flight to Johannesburg to catch your international flight home.
Must See:
Cape Town:
Table Mountain National Park, Lion's Head, Cape Town Stadium, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, St. George's Cathedral, Cape Town Diamond Museum, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Castle of Good Hope, and Bo-Kaap
Johannesburg:
Gold Reef City, Lion Park, Montecasino, Apartheid Museum, Carlton Center, Wits Art Museum, Origins Centre Museum, South African National Museum, and Nelson Mandela Square.
Memory Makers:
Cape Town
Cape Town- Private Cooking Class in Cape Town home
Cape Malay cuisine is an intriguing mix of East Indian and African and this 3-hour cooking class and dinner is highlighted by the setting in the home of a local restaurant owner. Learn about the culinary history of the country while participating in cooking your meal.
Johannesburg – Home Barista Course
The African continent is well-known for its fantastic coffee production in countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya. On this 3-hour hang out with professional baristas and learn the entire coffee making process from start to finish.
Weather and climate
South Africa
South Africa is a year-round destination due to its varying regional climates and wildlife opportunities. The Cape has beautiful hot, dry weather in its summer months between November and February, while the best time to visit for whale watching is between July and November. The northern regions can be rainy from November to February, but this can be the best time to travel for birding, while the cooler winter months from May to September bring superb conditions for viewing big game.
Inspiration Tags
Adventure
Beach
Cuisine & Wine
Family
History
Luxury
Wild Safari
