Southern Africa Safari In-Style with Rovos Rail

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met and chauffeured to the luxurious Royal Livingstone, situated on the banks of the banks of the Zambezi River. Settle in to your generously appointed guestroom and take in the views from your private verandah. This evening’s cruise on the mighty Zambezi includes Sundowner cocktails and a chance to spot wildlife descending to river’s edge to quench their thirst.

Danger Point and Knife Edge Bridge are names that may strike you as overly dramatic now… But they capture the exhilarating views that will leave you breathless on your privately guided tour of the Falls. Accompanied by your personal expert, you’ll hit all the best vantage points including the famed Devil’s Cataract. Meals B

Fly to Kruger, South Africa and transfer to the superb Kirkman’s Kamp, set on the grounds of an historic 1920’s South African homestead inside the exceptional Sabi Sand Game Reserve. This afternoon, you’ll join other lodge guests and our experienced safari guide for your first game drive.  Meals B+D

Thrill to Kruger’s amazing concentration and diversity of wildlife, including the Big 5, as they roam freely across Sabi Sand’s unfenced border with the National Park. Over the next three days, you’ll join your fellow guests and Kirkman’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

Another day of guided safari activities showcases the landscapes and wildlife that surround Kirkman’s Kamp. The abundant species diversity includes elephant, spotted hyena, large buffalo herds, rhino, hippo, giraffe and various types of antelope – from impala and waterbuck to duiker and kudu. For many, however, the leopard is the star of the show here at Sabi Sand, with the area well known for some of the best leopard experiences in Africa. Indeed, this shy and elusive animal, the most solitary of the African cats, is often viewed by our guests staying at Kirkman’s.  Meals B+L+D

Awake to another day of safari adventures with our expert guides and your fellow Kirkman's guests! A number of lion prides have territories in the Sabi Sand area and they are regularly observed on our game drives. Although not as common as the leopard or lion, the cheetah is also sometimes seen here at Sabi Sand. Built more for speed than power, this formidable predator usually hunts during the day when the other big cats are resting. The fascinating social structure of the spotted hyena can also be clearly observed in a number of the packs that roam the reserve. Birding enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that Sabi Sand also boasts a wide variety of bird life, ranging from water birds that congregate in riverside reeds to a staggering number of birds of prey!  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your included flight to Johannesburg.  Check into the centrally located Da Vinci Hotel and have the evening at leisure to relax and enjoy the city.  Meals B
 

It’s a just a one-hour drive to Pretoria and the Rovos Rail Station. The Rovos Pride of Africa 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 Deluxe Suite, you can gather with your fellow passengers for afternoon tea, available in the Lounge and Observations Cars. An elegant dinner will be served at 7:30 in the Dining Car.  Meals B+D

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

After breakfast, the Rovos Pride of Africa 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. 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+L

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

With your private car, driver + guide, today’s excursion begins along the 114 curves of Chapman’s Peak, hailed as one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world! You’ll stop along the coast for a guided boat excursion to see the thriving colony of Cape Fur seals on Duiker Island. Then continue your overland journey into Cape of Good Hope National Park - all the way to the historic Cape Point Lighthouse overlooking the wildly beautiful False Bay. After a delightful seaside lunch, you’ll visit Boulders Beach, home to African penguins. The return drive to Cape Town takes you through charming coastal villages like Simon’s Town and Hout Bay.  Meals B+L

Accompanied by our engaging guide, you’ll set out along the meandering roads of the Cape Winelands to sample fine wines and explore historic towns like picturesque Paarl and Stellenbosch, famed for its splendid Cape Dutch, Georgian and Regency architecture. Your day ends at Le Quartier Francais, an award-winning Relais & Châteaux property in the heart of the magnificent Franschhoek Valley. This evening is yours to dine at leisure so you can indulge your own personal tastes as you experience the celebrated culinary traditions of the Winelands.  Meals B

After a sumptuous gourmet breakfast at Le Quartier Francais, you’ll be chauffeured to the airport in Cape Town for your onward flight.  Meals B