South Africa by Luxury Rail

Day 1 - Day 1 – Welcome to our private reserve at Kruger National Park
You’ll be met in Hoedsprit, South Africa and transferred to the intimate Tintswalo Safari Lodge, our luxury lodge in the Manyeleti Private Reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park. Settle in to your spacious and luxurious private cottage and then join your fellow travelers for dinner in the Main Lodge. Meals D

Day 2 - Day 2 – Manyeltei Private Reserve + Kruger
Thrill to Kruger’s amazing concentration and diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five, as they roam freely across Manyeleti’s unfenced border with the National Park. In addition, encounters with the African wild dog and elusive cheetah are regular occurrences here on our private reserve; along with the Big Five, these two rarer species make up the Magnificent Seven! Over the next three days, you’ll join your fellow guests and Tintswalo’s expert safari guides for a variety of game-viewing adventures:  Bush walks, morning and afternoon game drives in deluxe open-air safari vehicles, and even exciting night safaris ensure thrilling, unforgettable wildlife encounters! Meals B+L+D

Day 3 - Day 3 – The Thrill of Safari
With only 6 guests in each safari vehicle, your morning and afternoon game drives with our expert safari guides and sharp-eyed trackers promise unobstructed views for all! Manyeleti is home to a rich variety and incredible abundance of game, including all of the Big Five: Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo and Rhinoceros. In addition, encounters with the African wild dog and elusive cheetah are regular occurrences here on our private reserve; along with the Big Five, these two rarer species make up the Magnificent Seven!
 
A warming cup of coffee in the bush accompanied by some pastries adds a delightful touch to your morning game drive. On your evening safari, you’ll take a break for sundowner cocktails and light snacks. In between these adventures, you can take a dip in your private plunge pool, relax on your verandah, or look for wildlife from Tintswalo’s expansive open decks: Grazing nyala, frolicking baboons and elephants in search of water are regular visitors to our Lodge.  Meals B+L+D

Day 4 - Day 4 – Another Day on Safari
In addition to adjoining Kruger National Park, the Manyeleti Reserve shares unfenced borders with the renowned Sabi Sands and Timbavati Reserves. Together with other neighboring game preserves, the region comprises 5 million acres of open land that allows for the unfettered free movement of the animals – affording an authentic experience of the “real, wild Africa!” In addition to the Magnificent Seven, the greater Kruger Area is home to many other species, including giraffe, ostrich, spotted hyena, kudu and warthog – to name just a few. Birders will also be thrilled with more than 500 species recorded here at Manyeleti alone: Magnificent raptors like the Bateleur and African fish eagle are complemented by colorful exotic species such as the lilac-breasted roller and southern yellow-billed hornbill. Guided bush walks, open decks overlooking an active watering hole and elegant dining complete your ultimate luxury safari experience!  Meals B+L+D

Day 5 - Day 5 – Fly to Johannesburg
After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your included flight to Johannesburg.  You’ll be met and transferred to the luxurious Four Seasons Westcliff Hotel and have the evening at leisure to relax.  Meals B

Day 6 - Day 6 – Board Rovos Rail
Your Rovos train departs this morning on a thousand-mile meander that will take you across the sweeping grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld and into the barren, other-worldly landscapes of the Great Karoo. Before arriving Cape Town, this once-in-a-lifetime luxury journey trundles through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Western Cape.

After settling in to your compartment, you can gather with your fellow passengers for afternoon tea, available in the Lounge and Observations Cars. An elegant dinner will be served in the Dining Car.  Meals B+D

Day 7 - Day 7 – Discover Kimberley
After a leisurely breakfast in the Dining Car, you’ll step off in Kimberley for a city tour including the Mine Museum where original and meticulously reconstructed buildings take you back to the early days of diamond mining. You’ll see some of the oldest houses in the region including a prefabricated residence imported from England in 1877. You can even wander in to Digger’s Rest to experience one of the many pubs that flourished in Kimberley a century ago. Near the museum, the Big Hole is the world’s largest man-made excavation: Mined to a depth of 700 feet with a perimeter of nearly a mile. From 1871 until August 1914 when mining was halted, the Big Hole yielded more than 6,000 pounds of diamonds. You’ll be back onboard our luxury train with time to refresh before lunch is served. As our journey continues, you can take in the passing scenery from the privacy of your comfortable suite or join other guests in the Lounge and Observation Cars. Afternoon tea and dinner offer additional opportunities to meet and engage with your fellow passengers.  Meals B+L+D
 

Day 8 - Day 8 – Visit Matjiesfontein
This morning travel through the vast semi-desert of Karoo.  After lunch, the train arrives in Matjiesfontein, founded in 1890 as a refreshment stop. This morning, our guided visit here in this charming and perfectly preserved Victorian village will provide a fascinating look into the history and architectural heritage of the country. As you enjoy lunch and afternoon tea back onboard, our luxury train will be making its way through the spectacular mountain ranges and picturesque vineyards of South Africa’s historic Cape Winelands.  Meals B+L+D

Day 9 - Day 9 – Arrive in Cape Town
Upon arrival in Cape Town, you’ll be met at the rail station and escorted to the elegant and luxurious Cape Grace Hotel.  Meals B

Day 10 - Day 10 – Private Tour of Cape Town
Your personal car, driver + guide will be waiting this morning to show you the highlights of this remarkable city. The day begins as you board the revolving cars of the Table Mountain Cableway, the best way to take in the captivating views as you make the ascent to the summit of Cape Town’s iconic landmark. Then trace the city’s rich multi-cultural history from its early seafaring days to the end of Apartheid as your private guide shows you Cape Town’s important sites and landmarks including the colorful Cape Malay quarter. Your guided tour of Robben Island promises a stirring and inspiring experience.  Meals B+L

Day 11 - Day 11 – To the End of the Continent
Today you’ll venture all the way to the iconic Cape Point Lighthouse on False Bay, with your private car and guide, Delight in the coastal villages, marine wildlife, and landscapes of the wildly beautiful Cape Peninsula. Enjoy lunch at a coastal restaurant and a wine tasting at an award-winning vineyard in the Constantia Valley on your way back to Cape Town.  Meals B+L

Day 12 - Day 12 – Depart South Africa
After breakfast, we’ll take you to the airport for your onward journey.  Meals B