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Johannesburg pre-day: (pre-day is recommended at additional cost)
You will be met upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport and transferred to the train. Having a pre-day means that one is able to acclimatise and unpack prior to the first day of touring. Specialised activities that could be undertaken, are depended on your arrival time at the train & if vehicles are available to take you on an excursion.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
1. The Cradle of Humankind: Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves NB: This Tour departs the train at 09:30 (MIN 4 PAX). The Cradle of Humankind developments (the Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves) are a Blue IQ initiative. Our visit will start at Maropeng (Setswana for “returning to the place of origin”), the visitor centre at the Cradle of Humankind. An exciting 4-billion-years journey through the elemental forces - water and ice, air, fire and earth - is simulated on an underground lake. One emerges at the beginning of the world after dipping through waterfalls and icebergs, into the eye of a storm, past erupting volcanoes and through the depths of the earth. The journey continues through an experience that highlights the history of our world and humankind as a species. Real fossils are also on display. We continue on for a visit to the Sterkfontein Caves, 10 km away, most famous for the two world-renowned hominid finds, namely Mrs Ples in 1947 and Little Foot in 1997. Since excavations at the site first began, hundreds of hominid fossils as well as stone tools have been found here. The excavation of Little Foot and other fossils is an ongoing process at this still active fossil dig. The scientific exhibition here includes lifelike models of hominids as well as specific finds such as Mrs Ples, the Taung Child and Little Foot.
2. Lesedi Cultural Village: NB: This Tour departs the train at 09:30 (MIN 4 PAX). We visit this multi-cultural African Village set among pristine Bushveld and rocky hills. Experience the culture of five of South Africa’s major indigenous tribes: the Xhosa, Zulu, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele. Lunch will be included.
3. Gold Reef City, Apartheid museum & The World of Beer: NB: This Tour departs the train at 11:00 (MIN 4 PAX). Situated on the previous Crown mine which closed in the 1970’s, Gold Reef City is an entertainment centre showing Johannesburg as it was at the time of the “Gold Rush” days in the mid 1800’s. Of the different activities, guests will have the options of going down a gold mine (at guests’ own account) visiting an Apartheid Museum exhibiting a variety of photos, videos and other media dating back to the political regime in South Africa until 1994. The World of Beer situated in the heart of central Johannesburg & makes a great lunch stop with a guided tour & beer tasting. The tour offers you a walk through time & how important Beer as a staple diet is to the African continent. Lunch is for guests’ own account. The option includes the transfer, the entrance fee to Gold Reef City, Apartheid Museum & the World of Beer with a tasting.
4. East Rand Mall or Emperors Palace: NB: This shuttle departs the train on every hour on the hour & returns on every half hour, departing from the train at 12:00 & the last bus departs the centre at 15:30 back to the train. A modern shopping centre where you will be able to do your FOREX exchange at one of the many banks & draw cash from an ATM. Last minute buying of supplies at a supermarket, pharmacy, stationery store, etc. The centre has a good selection of restaurants for your lunch opportunity. Emperors Palace is a mini Las Vegas experience here in Africa, also with a lot of restaurant opportunities. A pre-night on board will include dinner, bed & breakfast.
The train stays overnight in Boksburg.
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Day 1: : Pretoria/Johannesburg/Soweto
Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of the Southern African region and home to some of Africa’s greatest cities. The name of the province derives from the Sotho word meaning “Place of Gold”, which is very suitable since much of the wealth of Gauteng has come from this precious metal.
LAND EXCURSIONS
1. Pretoria and Soweto: We will spend the morning in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa. We visit the Union Buildings, housing the offices of the President and Ministers designed by the famous colonial English architect, Sir Herbert Baker, and completed in 1913. The buildings overlook the city towards the once fortified hills to the south. A grand bronze statue of “Oom Paul (Kruger)”, the patriarch president of the ZAR or old Transvaal Republic, surrounded by his Boer fighters, dominates Church Square, central point of the city. Before leaving the capital behind, we visit the Voortrekker Monument that commemorates the “Great Trek” of the 1830s. In the afternoon we travel to Soweto to visit the Hector Petersen Memorial, named after one of the first students to be killed in the 1976 uprising against the Apartheid government.
2. Johannesburg and Soweto: Our day starts at Constitution Hill in Braamfontein in the centre of Johannesburg. This is the new home of the Constitutional Court and the site of Johannesburg’s notorious Old Fort Prison Complex, where many of South Africa’s leading political activists were detained. We then head onto the Newtown precinct to visit Museum Africa previously known as the market of Johannesburg. This is all part of the history of the “City of Gold”. This is followed by a lunch break (guests’ own account) in the suburb of Rosebank, where you can experience the multi-cultural “Rainbow Nation” in a modern, yet ethnocentric setting. Rosebank shows you the mix of first and third world cultures and showcases arts and crafts from all over the African continent. In the afternoon, we travel to Soweto to experience the heartbeat of this township, comprising one million people and made famous by the Apartheid laws. We pass the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (the largest hospital in the Southern Hemisphere) and also drive past the only street in Africa that once housed two Nobel Peace Laureates, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. We visit the Hector Petersen Memorial, named after one of the first students to be killed in the 1976 uprising against the Apartheid government.
The train travels overnight to Nelspruit.
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Day 2: Panorama Route (Province of Mpumalanga)
Visit the village of Pilgrim’s Rest & Blyde River Canyon or Kruger NP. The world-renowned Panorama Route is situated in the province of Mpumalanga, which means “Land of the Rising Sun”. It is a province of extraordinary natural beauty.
LAND EXCURSIONS
1. Panorama Route: We visit the village of Pilgrim’s Rest, a living museum and declared National Monument. Gold was discovered in this area in 1873, attracting 1500 prospectors. Today, many of the restored miner’s houses serve as shops. Further along the escarpment we find the great Blyde River Canyon, a gorge of 26 km long and 800 m deep, carved from the face of the escarpment. The Three Rondavels present an unforgettable view of three huge rock spirals rising out of the far wall of the canyon, looking like African huts. Bourke’s Luck Potholes are strange deep cylindrical cavities formed by river erosion and floodwater. From the vantage point of God’s Window we gaze across sweeps of the Lowveld, where subtle fragrances of the lower region rise to merge with the crisp winds of the Highveld.
2. Kruger National Park: The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that equals the best anywhere. Its 2 million hectares are unrivalled in diversity of life forms and the park is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques. The park is home to an impressive number of species, e.g. 336 species of trees, 49 species of fish, 34 species of amphibians, 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds and 147 species of mammals, including the Big 5. Game drives will be conducted in our Shongololo busses.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
1. Open Vehicle Safari: Game drives are conducted in open safari vehicles, specifically designed to ensure safety as well as optimum game viewing. Guides have intimate knowledge of the fauna and flora. Lunch (guests’ own account) will be at one of the camps in the park. Game viewing continues for the remainder of the afternoon.
2. Protea Kruger Gate Lodge: You will be taken by your Shongololo Guide to the Lodge situated on the boundary of the Kruger National Park on the banks of the Sabie River. Check in & relax. Your Safaris Direct guide will meet you and take you on an open vehicle game drive, returning at sunset, just before the gates close. This package includes an afternoon game drive, dinner & overnight at The Lodge, an early morning game drive followed by breakfast. After breakfast, check out & continue on your game drive through the Kruger National Park, rejoining the train at approximately 16h30. (Bookings subject to availability)
3. Private Game Reserve: You will join the rest of the group for a morning game drive (in our air-conditioned vehicle) through the south of the Kruger National Park. Late morning (at around 11h00) you will be transferred to the luxury lodge, situated in a private game reserve, where a lunch will await you. After a siesta, followed by coffee and cake, you will depart on a sunset safari, in search of the Big Five. Encounters with all spheres of the eco-system, from the smallest insect to the mighty African elephant, are possible. After sundowner drinks in the bush you will return to the lodge, where a delightful dinner awaits you. Early the next morning (just before sunrise) you will be woken to depart on an open vehicle game drive to experience the African fauna at its most active. A mouth-watering breakfast will round off your experience, after which you will be taken back to the train. (Bookings subject to availability. Due to the late arrival back from the private game reserve, the Panorama Route experience will not be possible the following day)
4. Mountain Lodge: Guests will be transferred to the Mountain lodge in the late morning by the Shongololo Express Guides. This area is well known for the Rhino, Elephant, Leopard and Buffalo that populate the area. This package also includes an afternoon game drive, dinner and an overnight at the lodge, an early morning game drive followed by breakfast. After breakfast, check out & continue on your drive through the Kruger National Park, rejoining the train and the rest of the group. Guests return to the train in Nelspruit & in the evening the train moves to Kaapmuiden to overnight.
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Day 3: Kruger National Park
Indulge in a wildlife experience in the home of the ‘Big Five’. Land Excursions: Kruger National Park The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that equals the best anywhere. Its 2 million hectares are unrivalled in diversity of life forms and the park is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques. The park is home to an impressive number of species, e.g. 336 species of trees, 49 species of fish, 34 species of amphibians, 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds and 147 species of mammals Including the big 5. Game drives will be conducted in our air-conditioned vehicles.
OPIONAL EXTRAS
Open Vehicle Safari Game drives are conducted in open safari vehicles, specifically designed to ensure safety as well as optimum game viewing. Guides have intimate knowledge of the fauna and flora. Lunch (guests’ own account) will be at one of the rest camps in the park. Game viewing continues for the remainder of the afternoon. Guests rejoin the train in Kaapmuiden. The train remains stable in Kaapmuiden.
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Day 4: Swaziland
Discover Africa’s smallest kingdom and its villages. The tiny Kingdom of Swaziland covers only 17 000 square kilometres, making it the second smallest country in Africa.
LAND EXCURSIONS
1. Swaziland NB: YOU WILL NEED YOUR PASSPORT FOR THIS DAY’S TOUR. This day in Swaziland will introduce you to everyday life in Africa’s smallest kingdom. The days drive will take you via Jeppes Reef border post into The Swazi Kingdom. After the passport formalities you will continue along the Ikomati River valley, with its panoramic views to your 1st visit, the famous glassworks of Ngwenya, followed by the colourful Swazi Candles workshop & the busy Manzini Market. The Swazi Market is a hive of activity and displays a wide variety of skillfully crafted woodcarvings, colourful textiles and superb basketwork for which Swazis are renowned. Lunch (at own costs) at Mantenga Lodge followed by the afternoon drive presenting amazing views of the Ezulwini Valley and finally rejoining the train at Mpaka station in Swaziland.
Rejoin the train in Mpaka. The train travels overnight to Golela.
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Day 5:Northern Zululand
Explore Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve once the Royal Hunting grounds of King Shaka.
LAND EXCURSION
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park: An early departure to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve will get us into the park to experience wildlife magic. The park lies in the heart of Zululand where ancient trails lead through the thorn veld and along the mighty rivers of Africa’s oldest established wilderness area. Once the exclusive royal hunting ground of King Shaka, it is a tapestry of natural and cultural history. The park is a treasure store of species including Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Wildebeest, Zebra, Giraffe, Kudu, Bushbuck, Cheetah, Hyena and many others. Over 300 bird species have been recorded. Game drives will be conducted in our vehicles.
Guests rejoin the train in Empangeni. The train remains stationery for the night.
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Day 6: Southern Zululand
Experience Zulu culture and head to St Lucia in the Isimangaliso Wetland Park for a cruise to sight Hippos, Crocodiles and a variety of water birds.
LAND EXCURSION
Zulu Cultural Experience and iSimangaliso Wetland Park - St Lucia: In the morning guests will undergo a guided tour of a Zulu Cultural Village. After the tour, guests will depart to visit the St Lucia Wetlands, declared a world heritage site, where we will take a cruise on the St Lucia Estuary in the afternoon, looking for Hippos, Crocodiles, and a large variety of water birds.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
1. St Lucia Boat Based Whale Tours: Every year from about June to December these large mammals visit our coastal waters. This is a great opportunity not to be missed. From just 50 metres from the boat you can feel the wind rushing out of the huge lungs of Southern Right and Humpback Whales as they spray a fine vapour of salt water into the air. (Please note that the ski boat is launched from the beach so this activity is not recommended for the elderly guests). (Afternoon activity from St Lucia)
Guests return to the train at Empangeni. The train travels overnight to Durban.
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Day 7: Durban
A city tour of Durban or get in touch with your spiritual side or visit Umgeni Bird Park and visit the famous surf beaches of Durban.
LAND EXCURSIONS
1. Durban City Tour: Durban is the third largest city of South Africa and enjoys great importance due to its industry and its very large port. Thanks to the subtropical climate and the long stretches of beautiful beaches large numbers of “inlanders” retreat to Durban in winter. An orientation tour of the city will allow you to see a very good mix of old and new, East and West with a touch of Africa. We will drive along the “Golden Mile” promenade where numerous hotels and restaurants are situated. A visit to the Victoria Market will also be included. At the end of the morning we will drop you at either the botanical gardens or at uShaka Marine World, Africa’s largest marine theme park, where you can have lunch and spend your afternoon (all entrances and lunch for your own account). You will be picked up again at an arranged time later in the afternoon.
2. Durban Spiritual Tour: Guests depart for Mariannhill to visit the monastery for a guided tour and to spend time in this beautiful, tranquil setting. This is followed by a short visit to the Hari Krishna “Temple of Understanding”, before returning to the city for lunch (guests’ own account). We visit Phoenix, the spiritual settlement created by Mahatma Gandhi, before returning to Durban, the centre of Indian culture in South Africa, with its vast array of Hindu, Sufi and Muslim temples. You will see the Juma Musjid, the largest mosque in South Africa, whose twin minarets are a striking city feature, as well as the most opulent Hindu structure in the Southern Hemisphere - the Kendra Hindu Temple and Community Centre.
3. Umhlanga Rocks Beach Day: Spend a day on the beach, or if you choose, we could take you shopping in the late afternoon at the nearby Gateway Shopping Centre, before returning to pick up the beach-goers and return to the train after a laid-back day in the sun. (Full day of relaxation; distance traveled: ± 60 km).
Guests return to the train in Durban and the train travels overnight to Nottingham Road..
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Day 8: Midlands/Southern Drakensberg
Visit the battle fields or the Midlands Meander or biking or hiking trail. Guests now head towards the eastern jagged peaks called the Drakensberg, follow the waterways as they drop and cascade down mountain clefts, and through hidden valleys and the tumbling luscious hills that extend through the Midlands.
LAND EXCURSIONS
1. Battlefields: One is able to trace the course of the Anglo Boer War by visiting the Siege Museum as well as sites of famous battles such as Spioenkop. Other highlights include Wagon Hill, where British and Boers suffered heavy losses. The site of the battle was proclaimed a National Monument in 1938. Visitors also gain insight into the early lives of Winston Churchill and Ghandi.
2. Midlands Meander: The famous Midlands Meander in KwaZulu-Natal is a unique mix of more than 160 places to eat, drink, sleep, shop, play and generally have fun. Started many years ago as a voluntary collection of crafters, who wondered if they could attract visitors to leave the beaten track and explore their studios and galleries, the Midlands Meander has grown into an eclectic and fascinating mix of arts and crafts, world-class restaurants and homely comforts. It offers a wide range of sporting, environmental and historical pursuits. Physical, culinary or cerebral, there is no limit to the experiences you will find here. Among your stops will be a visit to the Howick Falls as well as beer tasting (Pickled Pig, Pie Eyed Possum, Whistling Weasel) at the Nottingham Road Brewing Company a micro brewery.
3. Southern Drakensberg Birding Trail: We travel through the midland’s of KZN and into the foothills of the Drakensberg to Bulwer in the Southern Drakensberg region. We will then do a guided walk in Pursers Bush an indigenous forest dominated by Yellowwood trees. It is the habitat of the rare Cape Parrot (350 of the 800 left in the world live here). Many different bird species, such as the Sakabula, Bald Ibis and Grey Crown Crane could be spotted here. Lunch will be served along the board walk (for guests’ own account) in the company of the unofficial mayor and long time resident of Bulwer.
4. Drakensberg Hiking Trail: The hike takes place in the Cobham region of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site, shortly after starting out you will walk through a Mcheche forest the last of the woody plants as you head towards the tree line, en route your guide will point out flowering plants in season, marvel at the Clarence Sandstone Formations and begin to get an understanding of the geology of the area, and keeping an eye out for the wildlife of the area. You make your way along a clear mountain stream to Boundary Rocky, where Captain Allen Gardiner and Wagon Master Dick King had to abandon their mission of finding a direct route through the mountains from Durban to Cape Town. Here you have the opportunity to view Bushman rock art and swim in the pools. On the return journey stop of at the Bushman’s workshop, where the materials where collected and primitive tools where made, a visit to Allan’s Shelter where mysteriously the paints are on the ceiling of the shelter, a short walk and you’re back at the reception area have completed a 8.5 kilometer hike.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Sani Pass / Lesotho: NB: YOUR PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS ACTIVITY! Our vehicles will take you to the town of Underberg from where you will board other vehicles that will take you up the magnificent Sani Pass. Starting at 1540 metres above sea level you will follow the deep valley incised by the Mkhomazana River summit at 2873 m - with almost 1000 m climbed in the last 8 km of your trip. This is the only road link between KwaZulu-Natal and the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. After reaching the summit, travel a little way into Lesotho to the village of Skierring, visit one of the family dwellings and sample the traditional bread and beer of these hardy mountain people. After a packed lunch we will turn around for the spectacular descent and return to Underberg.
Guests rejoin the train in Cedara and the train travels overnight to Bloemfontein.
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Day 9: Bloemfontein
Learn about South Africa’s deep history. Bloemfontein is the seat of the South African judicial system. At the end of the 19th century it was also the capital of one of the old Boer republics, namely the Orange Free State.
LAND EXCURSION
1. Bloemfontein - Kimberley: We will spend the morning visiting the Women’s Memorial at the Anglo-Boer War Museum. This monument is a reminder of life in the concentration camps and commemorates the 27 000 women and children who died in these camps. The Museum shows graphically the hardship endured by all. An orientation drive follows of Bloemfontein known as the Rose City, and the capital of the Free State province. Our lunch stop is at the Loch Logan Waterfront, next to the cities newly renovated stadium for the 2010 World cup. Lunch (guests’ own account). In the afternoon follows a drive up onto Naval Hill which presents several beautiful panoramic views of the city & ending the day at the former State Presidents residents “Olivenhuis” which now houses an extensive collection of South African arts. The gardens offer a relaxing atmosphere to end the day before returning to the train.
2. Kimberley - Bloemfontein: After breakfast guests embark on buses for a drive to Kimberley. Highlights in Kimberley include a visit to the Big Hole Mine Museum, William Humphrey Art Gallery and the Macgregor House War Museum. Guests will have lunch in Kimberley at own account. Return to meet the train at Kimberley station.
3. Kimberley - Bloemfontein: After breakfast guests remain onboard the train as it journeys to Kimberley. Highlights in Kimberley include a visit to the Big Hole Mine Museum, William Humphrey Art Gallery and the Macgregor House War Museum. Guests stop for lunch before they head to Kimberley where they will be joining the train en route to Worcester. (Afternoon; distance traveled: ± 250 km).
The train travels overnight to Worcester.
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Day 10: Winelands/Overberg Region
Visit the famous winelands or the scenic mountain passes.The fertile green valleys of the Cape Winelands are surrounded by proud mountain ranges. A Mediterranean climate and winter rainfall create some of the best wines in the world. The rich, fertile soils along the Breede River and the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl areas have become justly famous for their Whites, Reds, Sherries, Ports and Brandies. The Overberg region to the southeast embraces mountains, valleys and coastal areas and annually welcomes the Southern Right Whale to its waters.