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Luxury Rovos Rail & Safari Experience

South Africa in 13 Days, 11 Nights in Destination

Up to $500 reward

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-25%

From

$7,779

$5,799

/person

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Blyde River Canyon
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Cape Town
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Durban
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    Johannesburg
  5. map-pin-check-icon
    Kruger National Park
  6. map-pin-check-icon
    Pretoria
  7. map-pin-check-icon
    Rovos Rail

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Some meals

Availability

  1. Departures available until September 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers available

  4. Add up to 5 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. superior included

  2. luxury from + $1,100

  3. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert for free:

1-888-488-0592

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March 2024
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superior

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    luxury

    From $6,899

      Accommodation: 11 Nights

      Itinerary

      Discover South Africa in style aboard the luxury Rovos Railway and delight in the contrasts between city and safari. Spot wildlife in Kruger National Park and explore Pretoria. Embark on an elegant fully-inclusive 2-night journey on Rovos Rail and watch the captivating landscapes of South Africa unfold. Take a game drive in Nambiti Reserve and discover Durban before falling in love with Cape Town.

      1st Day: US - Night on board
      arrow-icon

      Arrive at your US departure airport ready to check-in for a flight to Johannesburg.* Night on board.

      * If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.

      2nd Day: Johannesburg
      arrow-icon

      Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city and it's diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods. Tuck into the vibrant food scene and pop-up eateries. The city is a real cultural hub and it a great place to catch live music performances and indulge in trendy bars and restaurants. Overnight stay in Johannesburg.

      Why not make the most of your time in South Africa by adding one of our optional excursion packages. Choose between our Gastronomic or Adventure packages in the next step of the booking process!

      Our Gastronomic Package includes two meals at excellent restaurants in Cape Town plus a Bo-Kapp Cooking Tour and Cape Winelands Excursion.

      Our Adventure Package includes a Full-Day Kruger Game Drive, an exciting Shark Cage Diving Experience and an Atlantis Dunes Quad Biking Excursion.

      Please note: you can only choose one of the optional excursion packages (Adventure or Gastronomic). 

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Southern Sun O.R Tambo In... or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      2479 Reviews

      See our full selection
      3rd Day: Johannesburg - Mpumalanga - Kruger
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      Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time transfer by road to Mpumalanga. You're headed for Kruger, home to some of the most iconic wildlife in South Africa. Along the way, see some of the most iconic sights of Blyde River Canyon such as Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, and the Three Rondavels. You'll fall in love with the natural beauty of South Africa's landscapes!* Arrive and transfer to the hotel to check in. Dinner and overnight stay in the Kruger Region.

      Please note: The journey today takes approximately 7-8 hours by road and includes stops along the way for lunch (at own expense) and sightseeing. There will be no accompanying guide for this journey so take the opportunity to enjoy the passing landscapes as you travel through some of the most spectacular regions in South Africa.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Ndhula Tented Lodge or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      68 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Blyde River Canyon Highlights

      Moderate

      See more
      4th Day: Kruger National Park
      arrow-icon

      Enjoy a Full-Day 4x4 Game Drive at Kruger National Park. Begin the day early on safari in the southern area of South Africa's most famous game reserves with breakfast on the go. The game viewing area is known as the 'Southern Circle' and is renowned for its rhinos and lions. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in Kruger National Park and discover the amazing diversity of animals in one of the world's largest game reserves. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, warm and rainproof jackets, sunhat and protection and cameras to capture the beautiful wildlife. Dinner and overnight stay in the Kruger Region.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Ndhula Tented Lodge or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      68 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Full-Day 4x4 Game Drive at Kruger National Park

      Light

      See more
      5th Day: Kruger National Park
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      Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of Kruger and the White River. We recommend an optional day trip to Kruger National Park to experience more of its wildlife-rich eco-systems.* Dinner and overnight stay in the Kruger Region.

      * Optional Kruger National Park Day Trip: Set off to the wilds of Kruger for your chance to spot the famous Big Five. Enjoy a slow drive through the national park, home to elephants, buffalos, giraffes, impalas, zebras and, of course, lions. An unforgettable day in the wilds of Southern Africa.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Ndhula Tented Lodge or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      68 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      Optional
      Full-Day Safari in Kruger National Park

      Light

      See more
      6th Day: Kruger - Pretoria
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      Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by road back to Pretoria, stopping to see the exterior of the Union Buildings, the official headquarters of the South African government. In the gardens, you'll find a statue of Nelson Mandela, inaugurated by President Jacob Zuma in 2013. Discover the significance of this site on South African history before transferring to the hotel and enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure.* Overnight stay in Pretoria. 

      Please note: The journey today takes approximately 4-5 hours by road and includes stops along the way for lunch (at own expense) and sightseeing. There will be no accompanying guide for this journey so take the opportunity to enjoy the passing landscapes as you travel through some of the most spectacular regions in South Africa.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Southern Sun Pretoria or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      683 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Union Buildings Visit in Pretoria

      Moderate

      See more
      7th Day: Pretoria - Rovos Rail
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      Breakfast at the hotel. Today is the day you begin your journey on the most luxurious railway in the world: the Rovos Rail! At the indicated time, transfer to the Rovos Rail Station and step aboard the vintage wood-panelled train, ready to discover the most captivating landscapes in the country. Once settled into your cabin, begin to enjoy the fantastic service, world-class dining and elegant interiors of the Rovos Rail as the train begins its journey south towards Durban. You can completely unwind and watch the unfolding landscapes on this fully inclusive experience, with all meals, drinks and fine South African wines included. Enjoy an evening of refined glamour as the Rovos Rail rumbles past historic Anglo Boer War battlefields and coalfields towards the wilds of Nambiti Reserve, your next stop. Overnight stay on board Rovos Rail. 

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Rovos Rail - The Pullman ... or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      1039 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Rovos Rail Journey
      See more
      8th Day: Rovos Rail
      arrow-icon

      Fully-inclusive. After an early start, set off on a game drive in the Nambiti Reserve, a private 20,000-acre 'Big Five' bush reserve, known for its incredible biodiversity and tall acacia trees. Look out for the iconic Big Five as you discover the picturesque landscapes. Return to the train for lunch before transferring to Spionkop Lodge, where you can indulge your interests with either a historic tour experience of the Battle of Spionkop or an afternoon game drive in the idyllic 11,000-acre reserve. Return to the Rovos Rail after an exciting day you relax and enjoy an evening of fine dining and spectacular sunset views. Overnight stay on board Rovos Rail.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Rovos Rail - The Pullman ... or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      1039 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Game drive in the Nambiti Reserve
      See more
      included
      Spionkop Lodge: Game Drive or Battlefield Visit

      Moderate

      See more
      9th Day: Rovos Rail - Durban
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      Breakfast on board as you watch the landscapes spring to life as the sun rises. Spend the day enjoying the fantastic amenities of Rovos Rail and admiring the enchanting landscapes as the train journeys towards Durban and the Indian Ocean coast. After lunch, the train journeys through the breathtaking Valley of a Thousand Hills before finally arriving at Durban. It's time to disembark the train after an unforgettable journey. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying the sea views and cosmopolitan atmosphere of multicultural Durban. Overnight stay in Durban. 

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Southern Sun Elangeni & M... or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      3362 Reviews

      See our full selection
      10th Day: Durban - Cape Town
      arrow-icon

      Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, head to the airport for a short flight to Cape Town. Touch down in South Africa's 'Mother City', known for its towering Table Mountain, cosmopolitan culture and fabulous beaches. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the neighbourhoods and sights of Cape Town. Overnight stay in Cape Town. 

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Southern Sun Waterfront or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      2842 Reviews

      See our full selection
      11th Day: Cape Town
      arrow-icon

      Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the ticket hop-on hop-off tour in Cape Town. South Africa's capital combines cosmopolitanism, culture, architecture, and the best of nature. With the hop-on and hop-off ticket, you will be able to do over 30 stops to enjoy some of the most remarkable attractions of the 'Mother City'. Take the Cableway and go up to Table Mountain where you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of Africa's landscapes. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Cape Town.*

       * Please note: the Table Mountain Cableway in Cape Town will be closed for maintenance from the 24th of July until the 6th of August 2023. If your trip coincides with these dates, you will enjoy an included Sunset Cruise instead and your included Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets will still enable you to visit the lower station of the cableway if you wish.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Southern Sun Waterfront or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      2842 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Cape Town Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Table Mountain

      Light

      See more
      12th Day: Cape Town
      arrow-icon

      Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day by discovering the city further. We recommend taking the optional Full-Day tour of the Cape Peninsula, a paradise of natural beauty and coastal seal and penguin colonies!* Or taking the optional Cape Winelands excursion, especially if you're a wine lover as this region is known for its award-winning whites and reds.** Overnight stay in Cape Town.

      * Optional Full-Day Cape Peninsula Excursion: Enjoy the delights of the Cape Peninsula including Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno and the amazing Twelve Apostles. Pass through Noordhoek and see the local ostriches before visiting the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. Fall in love with the Penguin Colony and Boulder's Beach and see Simons Town, Muizenberg Beach and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

      ** Optional Full-Day Wine Route Excursion with Wine Tasting: Set off into the lush Winelands outside of Cape Town and visit the wine producers in Stellenbosch for delicious wine tasting and a cellar tour.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Southern Sun Waterfront or similar
      tripadvisor rating

      2842 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      Optional
      Cape Peninsula Full-Day Excursion

      Moderate

      See more
      Optional
      Winelands Visit and Wine Tasting Full Day

      Light

      See more
      13th Day: Cape Town - US (Night on board)
      arrow-icon

      Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to bring your adventure through South Africa to a close. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board.

      Included activities

      Included

      Blyde River Canyon Highlights

      On the way to Kruger, enjoy the most captivating natural sights of the Blyde River Canyon such as the Three Rondavels (entrance fees not included).

      Duration 00:30h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Moderate

      more information
      Included
      info-icon

      Inside of the park, there is a rest area with restaurants.

      Full-Day 4x4 Game Drive at Kruger National Park

      Enjoy a full-day 4x4 game drive in the southern area of South Africa's most famous game reserve. This is your opportunity to see the "Big Five" in-person!

      Duration 11:00h Approx. Pick up time: 05:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Included

      Union Buildings Visit in Pretoria

      Stop at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the official headquarters of South African government.

      Duration 00:30h Approx. Pick up time: 07:30 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Moderate

      more information
      Included

      Rovos Rail Journey

      Step aboard the most luxurious train in Africa, with fully-inclusive fine-dining and a selection of South African wines. Sit back and enjoy the journey as the captivating landscapes unfold before your eyes.

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information

      Show more

      Available Activities

      Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
      Optional
      info-icon

      Clients to remain inside the safari vehicle at all times unless otherwise instructed by the ranger.

      Full-Day Safari in Kruger National Park

      Enjoy a full-day safari in South Africa's most famous game reserve. Take your chance to observe local wildlife in their native habitat.

      Duration 11:00h Approx. Pick up time: 05:30 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Optional
      info-icon

      Do not add this optional activity if you’ve already selected one of our Excursion Packages (Adventure or Gastronomic) as the activities will overlap and you WILL NOT be able to do both.

      Cape Peninsula Full-Day Excursion

      Gaze in awe at this paradise of natural beauty, vineyards and coastal seal and penguin colonies as you become familiar with Cape Peninsula’s top sites, including Clifton, Camps Bay, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and more.

      Duration 08:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:30 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Moderate

      more information
      Optional
      info-icon

      Do not add this optional activity if you’ve already selected one of our Excursion Packages (Adventure or Gastronomic) as the activities will overlap and you WILL NOT be able to do both.

      Winelands Visit and Wine Tasting Full Day

      Experience the delicious taste of Stellencosch’s award winning selection of red and white wines as you sip them paired with a delectable variety of cheeses to complement before embarking on a cellar your of another wine estate.

      Duration 08:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:30 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information

      The price includes

      • Included in all our trips. more information
      • Departures from main US airports.
      • International flights: US - Johannesburg, Cape Town - US.
      • Internal flight: Durban - Cape Town. *
        more information
      • Rovos Railway.
      • 9 nights hotel accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels and 2 nights on board the Rovos Railway **
        more information
        See hotels included
      • 9 breakfasts, 3 dinners and Fully-Inclusive on board the Rovos Railway.***
        more information
      • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles with an English-speaking driver.
      • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
        See itinerary
      • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
      • Safari in Kruger National Park with an English-speaking guide & Game Drive in Nambiti Reserve.
      *The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

      Not included

      Drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

       

      * Documentation of the internal flights will either be available in the "My bookings" section in your "Customer Area" 14 days before your trip or delivered to you on arrival at your destination. It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservations process.

      ** White River: Family rooms are available only in the Karula Hotel in White River. 

      *** Rovos Rail Fully-Inclusive: all meals, all beverages (excluding international/French champagne) and room service. Breakfast is served between 7:00 and 10:00, Lunch at 13:00, Tea at 16:30 and Dinner at 19:30. Formal dress is required at dinner. Bar service is from 07:00-±01:00.

      Please note: This is not a fully guided tour. You will be accompanied by a guide during the Kruger National Park safari only and during any optional excursions if you choose to take them.

      Why not make the most of your time in South Africa by adding one of our optional excursion packages. Choose between our Gastronomic or Adventure packages in the next step of the booking process!

      Our Gastronomic Package includes two meals at excellent restaurants in Cape Town plus a Bo-Kapp Cooking Tour and Cape Winelands Excursion.*

      * Please note: this optional package requires a minimum of 4 participants in order for it to operate. If there are not enough participants, the optional excursion will be cancelled and you will be refunded for it when you return from your trip. 

      Our Adventure Package includes a Full-Day Kruger Game Drive, an exciting Shark Cage Diving Experience and an Atlantis Dunes Quad Biking Excursion.*

      * Please note: Children are not allowed to do the Adventure package.

      Please Note on optional excursions and packages: before selecting optional excursions, please check the inclusions of the optional excursion packages to ensure you are not selecting an excursion already included in your chosen package. 

      Please note:

      * The Winelands visit cannot be combined with the Adventure Package due to an overlap of activities.
      * The Full-Day Peninsula Excursion cannot be combined with the Gastronomic or Adventure packages due to an overlap of activities.
      * Only one optional activity can be selected per day.
      * You must choose between either the Gastronomic Package or the Adventure Package. It is not possible to do both.

      • Entry requirements

        Passport with a minimum validity 30 days. Two blank consecutive pages per entry. For more information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthAfrica.html

      • Visa

        No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

      • Currency

        South African Rand

      • Language

        Afrikaans, English, Swazi, Tsonga, Xhosa.

      • Electricity

        230 V 50 Hz

      • Health

        Vaccinations against Tetanus and Hepatitis are recommended. Please consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.

      • Time zone

        UTC+ 02:00

      • Other useful information

        South Africa is known as the

      • Tourist Office website

        https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/

      Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

      Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

      In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

      If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 888-488-0592 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

      While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

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