South Africa Safaris and Tours
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Rovos Rail Tours
Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a by-gone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. In a series of journeys lasting from 24 hours to a fortnight, the Pride of Africa links some of Africa's greatest destinations from Cape Town at the tip of Africa to Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania, from scenic splendours as diverse as the game reserves of Mpumalanga to the Victoria Falls, from the desert landscapes of Namibia and the stark beauty of the Karoo to the lush canefields of KwaZulu-Natal and the magnificent Garden Route along the Cape South Coast. The new headquarters and the heart of this superb private railway company is the historic and newly built Capital park Station and Locomotive yard which is situated on the outskirts of Pretoria. For many visitors to South Africa, there's no finer way to see the country than on the popular weekly journeys between Pretoria and Cape Town. One of the world's top destinations, Cape Town offers a blend of cosmopolitan city life, mountain splendour and scenic winelands. The twin cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg in Gauteng form South Africa's economic heartland and the ideal departure point for the Lowveld's world-famous game reserves. From the coast, the 1600 kilometre route follows an old pioneering trail carved out of the African bushveld, passing through the winelands and climbing up to the interior through the Hex River Valley. Highlights of the north and southbound routes include visits to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, a 100-year-old refreshment stop in the arid Karoo, and Kimberley (city of De Beers), the diamond boom-town that's home to the Big Hole, the world's largest man-made excavation. JOURNEYSCAPE TOWN TO PRETORIA OR VISA VERSACAPE TOWN TO PRETORIA Pretoria • Kimberley • Matjiesfontein • Worcester • Cape Town DISCOVER INFINITE VARIETY FROM THE MOUNTAINS, BUSHVELD AND GRASSLAND PLAINS TO THE BUSTLING URBAN HEART OF SOUTH AFRICA'S CITIES For many visitors to South Africa, there's no finer way to see the country than on the popular weekly journeys between Pretoria and Cape Town. One of the world's top destinations, Cape Town offers a blend of cosmopolitan city life, mountain splendour and scenic winelands.
From the coast, the 1600 kilometre route follows an old pioneering trail carved out of the African bushveld, passing through the winelands and climbing up to the interior through the Hex River Valley. Highlights of the north and southbound routes include visits to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, a 100-year-old refreshment stop in the arid Karoo, and Kimberley (city of De Beers), the diamond boom-town that's home to the Big Hole, the world's largest man-made excavation. CAPE TOWN TO PRETORIA ITINERARYPRETORIA TO CAPE TOWNTUESDAY OR FRIDAY15:30 Depart Pretoria aboard the Pride of Africa.WEDNESDAY OR SATURDAY09:40 Arrive in Kimberley. Passengers visit the Big Hole, the diamond museum and take a tram ride.13:00 Depart Modder River Station near Kimberley and proceed overnight via De Aar and Beaufort West for Matjiesfontein. THURSDAY OR SUNDAY08:15 Visit the historic village of Matjiesfontein.10:30 Depart Matjiesfontein and proceed via Touws River, De Doorns and Worcester to Cape Town. 18:00 Arrive at Cape Town station, platform CAPE TOWN TO PRETORIAMONDAY11:00 Depart from platform 23 at Cape Town station and proceed inland via Worcester.18:00 Upon arrival at Matjiesfontein guests tour this quaint village. 19:00 Depart Matjiesfontein. TUESDAY12:00 Upon arrival at Modder River Station near Kimberley we transfer to the historic Kimberley Club for lunch and then take the electric tram from the City centre for a tour of the Big Hole and museum. 16:00 Depart Kimberley.WEDNESDAY12:00 Arrive Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. Guests can then continue through to the Victoria Falls.GARDEN ROUTETHE PICTURESQUE GARDEN ROUTECape Town • Robertson • George • Knysna A CHARMING JOURNEY THROUGH THE GARDEN ROUTE TO GEORGE The 550-kilometre rail journey between Cape Town and George, and then on to Knysna, a coastal jewel in the heart of the famous Garden Route, is rated one of the most beautiful in the world. There's a stop to sample the famous wines of the district. Then it's on to the coast and the picturesque town of George, where Rovos Rail guests have the option of boarding the museum's Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe for a spectacular 67-kilometre journey along the coast through South Africa's own lake district to Knysna. This nature-lovers' paradise is a mecca for visitors drawn to the town for its natural beauty, abundant bird life and numerous sporting and recreational activities. ITINERARYCAPE TOWN TO GEORGE
FRIDAY09:20 Depart Cape Town Station.15:30 Arrive Ashton. Wine tasting excursion. SATURDAY09:00 Arrive George.09:30 Optional departure from George on Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. 12:00 Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe arrives Knysna. GEORGE TO CAPE TOWNSATURDAY09:45 Optional departure from Knysna on OuteniquaChoo-Tjoe. 12:30 Arrive George on Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. 13:30 Depart George. Rovos Rail. SUNDAY11:00 Arrive Worcester. Guests enjoy a guided tour of KWV Brandy Distillers.17:00 Arrive Cape Town. THE PRIDE OF AFRICA ON SAFARIPretoria • Malelane • Swaziland's Mkhaya • Hluhluwe • Durban AN UNFORGETTABLE TRAIN JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF THE AFRICAN BUSHVELD INCLUDING GAME DRIVES IN THE TWO VARIED AND UNIQUE GAME RESERVES OF SWAZILAND AND ZULULAND OR SWAZILAND AND KRUGER Experience the diversity of the Kruger Park, Mkhaya in Swaziland and Hluhluwe Nature Reserve in Zululand and wind your way from Pretoria to Durban through some of the most spectacular scenery South Africa has to offer. Your special journey begins as soon as you board The Pride Of Africa at the gracious Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. This charming train departs in the morning and slowly meanders through the majesty of Mpumulanga with a short stop in Witbank. It then descends the escarpment between Belfast and Waterval Onder, taking you through the Drakensberg and what is surely the most spectacular sundowner scenery in South Africa. The following morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train meanders along the border of the world-famous Kruger Park. Lunch is served in the Dining car as the safari continues south towards Swaziland for an afternoon game drive in the Mkhaya Game Reserve followed by a memorable candlelit dinner in the pristine riverine setting of Stone Camp.
The Pride of Africa then departs mid morning and winds its way through the lush cane fields and rolling hills of KwaZulu Natal, to arrive in Durban by late afternoon where this scenic safari ends. ITINERARYPRETORIA - DURBANFRIDAY10:00 The Pride of Africa departs Rovos Rail's Station in Capital
Park. SATURDAY07:00 Breakfast is served as the train departs Malelane travelling along the border of the Kruger Park.12:30 Lunch is served as we pass through the Swaziland border en route to Mpaka station. 15:00 We arrive at Mkhaya reserve for our afternoon game drive and bush dinner. 20:00 The train departs for the overnight journey to Hluhluwe in Zululand. SUNDAY05:00 Wake up call for a game drive in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve.09:30 The Pride of Africa departs Hluhluwe for Durban. 17:00 Arrive Durban. DURBAN - PRETORIAMONDAY10:00 The Pride of Africa Departs Durban.13:00 Lunch is served as the train passes through the rolling hills and cane-fields of Kwazulu Natal. 20:00 Dinner is served in the Dining Car as we pass through the Swaziland border. TUESDAY05:00 Wake up call for a game drive in the Mkhaya Game Reserve.09:30 The train departs en route to Komatipoort. 11:00 Brunch served in the dining car. 15:15 We arrive in Malelane for the game drive in the Kruger Park followed by a boma dinner. After dinner the train travels to our overnight stop at Waterval Onder. WEDNESDAY07:00 Breakfast is served as we depart Waterval Onder (3950') and climb this most attractive escarpment route up to Belfast at 6463 ft. 12:30 Lunch will be served as we depart Witbank and head for Rayton where we pick up the steam engine. 15:00 We arrive in Pretoria at Rovos Rail's private station. |
GOLF SAFARIPretoria • Leopard's Creek • Royal Swazi • Hluhluwe • Durban CC • Champagne Resort • Sun City A SELECTION OF THE FINEST COURSES IN SOUTH AFRICA ARE BROUGHT TOGETHER IN A KALEIDOSCOPE OF GOLF AND SCENIC BEAUTY This elegant nine-day 2 400 km Golf Safari travels from Pretoria to Malelane in Mpumulanga, Manzini in Swaziland, Durban in Natal, Ladysmith in the Drakensberg and Sun City in the Northern Province.
Departing from Rovos Rail's private station in Pretoria on Saturday morning, lunch is served as the Pride of Africa winds its way towards the spectacular Drakensberg escarpment en route to Nelspruit. On Sunday play at Leopard's Creek or enjoy a game drive in the world famous Kruger Park followed by shopping and lunch at Casterbridge near White River. On Monday, the Royal Swazi Golf Club, near Manzini in Swaziland has been reserved. For non-golfers there is an optional visit to the Ngwenya Glass Factory, Houses of Parliament and the Mkhaya Game Reserve. The train then departs overnight for Hluhluwe, where on Tuesday the day is spent game viewing in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the St. Lucia Estuary. On Wednesday, golfers tee-off at the Durban Country Club, ranked as one of the best in South Africa. The non-playing guests enjoy a city tour of Durban followed by a visit to The Valley of a Thousand Hills. Thursday includes 18-holes at the Champagne Sports Resort which nestles in the foothills of the imposing Drakensberg Mountains A guided tour of the Battlefields will be a further highlight for non-golfers. Relax the following day as the train travels north towards the magnificent resort of Sun City in the Pilanesberg Mountains where a full day is enjoyed in this magnificent resort with its outstanding facilities. Following a leisurely farewell dinner that evening the Pride of Africa arrives on Sunday morning at Capital Park Station in Pretoria where this memorable journey ends. ITINERARY 2004 - APRIL, AUGUST AND DECEMBER 2004GOLFERS
17 APRIL/19 AUGUST/02 DECEMBER
18 APRIL/20 AUGUST/02 DECEMBER 20 APRIL/22 AUGUST/04 DECEMBER 16h30 Game drive in Pilansberg Game Reserve NON-GOLFERS
17 APRIL/19 AUGUST/02 DECEMBER Game Reserve
20 APRIL/22 AUGUST/04 DECEMBER 24 APRIL/26 AUGUST/08 DECEMBER Includes all golf, excursions, accommodation and meals plus all alcoholic
beverages whilst on board the train. Visas to be purchased and paid for prior to departure for Africa.
Visas are available through booking agents; please check with the relevant
embassies for visa requirements. A multiple entry visa should be purchased for South Africa, as international
passengers will be entering NOSTALGIC EXPEDITION TO THE VICTORIA FALLSRELIVE THE ROMANCE OF A BYGONE AFRICA ON A NOSTALGIC EXPEDITION TO VICTORIA FALLS BY LUXURY TRAIN AND CLASSIC AIRCRAFT Experience a three-day journey through one of the most scenic areas of
South Africa as Rovos Rail's luxurious train meanders down the escarpment
and through the lush bushveld region of Mpumulanga. At Pietersburg board
the company's Convair 440 for an interesting flight to the spectacular Victoria
Falls. The Pride of Africa retraces his route towards Mozambique, reaching its highest point at Belfast (1970ms/6463ft) before descending the breathtaking Drakensberg Escarpment. The descent between the quaint towns of Waterval Boven and Waterval Onder is one of the most challenging in the world as the train winds through many switchbacks and tunnels.
Follow the border of the world-famous Kruger Park towards Hazyview and Hoedspruit the heart of South Africa's celebrated game-viewing paradise. Ascend the Highveld through the tangled indigenous forests of Magoebaskloof, with its deep gorges and ancient cliffs where "living fossil" cycads flourish, before arriving in the high-lying land of the primeval Baobab tree. Travel past tea estates, trout streams, natural woodlands and then through some of South Africa's vast citrus estates. At Pietersburg board a classic aircraft for the two - hour flight to journeys end, the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River ITINERARYPRETORIA - VICTORIA FALLS (LIVINGSTONE/ZAMBIA)THURSDAY10:00 The Pride of Africa departs Rovos Rail's station in Capital Park13:00 Lunch is served in the Dining Car en route to Witbank. 20:00 After descending the Drakensberg escarpment en route to Nelspruit, dinner is served. FRIDAY05:00 Wake up call for an early game drive in the Kapama Game Reserve.09:30 Brunch at the Rhino Inn followed by a visit to the Cheetah and Wild Dog Project. 13:30 Depart Klaserie and enjoy the relaxed meander of the train en route to Tzaneen and Duiwelskloof. SATURDAY08:30 Arrive in Pietersburg.09:00 Passengers transfer to the airport for a two-hour flight to Livingstone. VICTORIA FALLS (LIVINGSTONE/ZAMBIA) - PRETORIASATURDAY12:00 Guests collected from Victoria Falls Hotel.12:30 Guests collected from the Royal Livingstone Hotel. 13:30 Take off from Livingstone Airport. SUNDAY05:00 Wake up call for an early game drive in the Kapama Game Reserve.09:30 Brunch at the Rhino Inn followed by a visit to the Cheetah and Wild Dog Project. 13:30 Depart Klaserie and enjoy the relaxed meander of the train en route to Nelspruit. MONDAY07:00 The train begins the climb between Waterval Onder and Waterval Boven, via a series of tunnels and switchbacks. Breakfast is served in the Dining Car until 10:00. During the morning the train passes through Witbank, where young Winston Churchill, an escaped prisoner of war, jumped a freight train to Mozambique.14:15 At Rayton, the Pride of Africa is connected to the Rovos Rail Steam Locomotive for the last leg of the journey to Pretoria. 16:00Arrive at journey's end, the gracious Capital Park Station in Pretoria. As the Victoria Falls journey with Rovos Rail is a combined train/aircraft
trip, Rovos Rail's preferred airport of arrival/departure (unless otherwise
advised) is Livingstone Airport on the Zambian side of the Falls. |
The twin cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg in Gauteng form South Africa's economic heartland and the
ideal departure point for the Lowveld's world-famous game reserves.
From the Mother City, the Pride
of Africa travels through the mountains before passing alongside vineyards,
rolling wheatfields and racehorse stud farms in the Robertson Valley.
After dinner the train will travel south to the village of Hluhluwe in
Zululand. Starting early once again, you are assured of seeing a wide variety
of game on a morning game drive through the scenic Hluhluwe Nature Reserve. 
Rovos Rail has designed this journey to entertain the most discerning player, and at all venues there are optional
intriguing excursions for the entertainment of non-playing guests.
Journey on in comfort through the lush, sub-tropical Mpumulanga bushveld,
through country that inspired Henry Rider Haggard's yarns of African adventure,
to Nelspruit and the Crocodile River valley.