This 16-day journey enables participants to visit six countries. The route is carefully crafted to deliver stunning experiences every day. The train travels leisurely between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls, allowing numerous calls at destinations in South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. As the tracks unfurl you will gain rare insight into the cultural and geographical cocktail that makes Southern Africa so vibrant and exciting.
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Pre-Day:Johannesburg
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. Tour add-ons that could be undertaken, include the following:
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Day 1:Pretoria / Johannesburg / Soweto
Should you only arrive at Johannesburg International Airport today, you will be met upon arrival and transferred to the train. Please note that you should arrive no later than 08:00 at the airport in order to participate in the day's excursions. 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. The train departs in the evening from Johannesburg to Nelspruit.
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Day 2:Swaziland
The tiny Kingdom of Swaziland covers only 17 000 square kilometers, making it the second smallest country in Africa. Tour through Swaziland: Guests will enter Swaziland by road from South Africa. The drive will present amazing view of the Ezulwini Valley and the Komati River. This day in Swaziland will introduce you to everyday life in Africa's smallest kingdom. The Swazi Market is a hive of activity and displays a wide variety of skillfully crafted woodcarvings, colourful textiles and superb basketwork for which Swazi's are renowned. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 400 km). Guests leave the train in Nelspruit and they will meet the train at Mpaka Station in Swaziland. The train departs in the evening to Maputo.
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Day 3:Maputo (Mozambique)
Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, offers an exciting mix of culture and buildings reminiscent of trends set by African, Portuguese and early Colonial traditions. The city swings along to a beat that is like no other in Africa. It enables you to experience true African hospitality. Old Catholic churches rest side-by-side with Mosques and Fortresses, Victorian Mansions and other buildings from a bygone era. It's a city of contrasts and excitement that provides an ideal meeting point for social and business ventures. Evening Activity Dinner will be enjoyed at a local seafood restaurant.The train remains stationary at Maputo Station over night.
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Day 4:Maputo (Mozambique)
Guests will get a good impression of the character of the city. A visit to the municipal market is followed by a stop at the old Fortaleza, which dates back to 1769. Other interesting city sites include the Catholic Cathedral, the Civic Centre, Louis Trichardt Trek Memorial, Samora Machel Statue, the Jardim Tunduru (Botanical Gardens) and the Iron House (Casa do Ferro). The Polana Hotel, built in the 1920s, with its striking white exterior and stunning decor, is the best-known landmark in the city. From the garden one can see Xefina Island. Next we visit an art gallery where furniture and sculptures are made out of old AK47 weapons. A drive along the marginal takes us to Costa do Sol. At Costa do Sol there is an opportunity to relax while having a cold drink. Lunch (guests' own account) will be at Mundos restaurant or in one of the other restaurant or hotels in town. After lunch we head back to the train. An afternoon high tea will be served on board while we rock'n roll through the countryside. (Half day; distance traveled: ± 60 km). The train departs from Maputo at around 15:00 and travels to Komatipoort where we will over night. DAY 05 - Kruger National Park
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Day 5: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. Game drives will be conducted in our air-conditioned vehicles.
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Day 6: Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga means "Land of the Rising Sun". It is a province of extraordinary natural beauty. Guests will have a choice of either visiting either Kruger National Park or Nelspruit. 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. Game drives will be conducted in our air-conditioned vehicles. Nelspruit: Nelspruit is considered the gateway to the Mpumalanga Province. With its sub-tropical climate and abundant sunshine the town forms an ideal base from where to explore. It is also the trading centre for the surrounding fruit growing area. The fertile soil and subtropical climate provide perfect conditions for the production of citrus and tropical fruits (mainly mango, banana, avocado, macadamia and pecan nuts). The Lowveld Botanical Gardens just outside the town have a rare collection of plant species and the first man-made rain forest. Lunchtime will be spent at the Riverside Mall. In the afternoon you will head to the nearby Sudwala Caves and Dinosaur Park. A guided tour in the caves will expose your senses to primitive Africa. Guests rejoin the train in Nelspruit and stable for the night.
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Day 7:Panorama Route
Guests depart the train this morning from Nelspruit. 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 diggers. 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. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 280 km).
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Day 8:Day On The Rails To Zimbabwe
Guests spend the day relaxing on the train through the countryside of the different provinces - Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Limpopo Province. We cross the border into Zimbabwe at Beit Bridge and head onto Rutenga Station where guests spend the night and depart for Great Zimbabwe the next morning. Lunch will be served on the train this day. There will be informative talks held by the guides on the train.
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Day 9: Great Zimbabwe
Largest Monument in Africa South of the Pyramids: We travel from Rutenga through attractive granite hill country to Great Zimbabwe. Situated on the south-eastern edge of the central plateau, Great Zimbabwe is an impressive monument. It is the largest pre-colonial monument south of the Egyptian pyramids - a most celebrated achievement of the African people indeed. One can stroll amongst the ruins of an ancient city built by the Rozwi people and discover how they lived and how they mined gold and silver, which were ultimately taken out of Africa by Arabic and Portuguese traders. Magical fables such as the story of King Solomon's Mines find their origins here. This tour is followed by lunch at the Great Zimbabwe Hotel (guests' own account), before rejoining the train. Guests rejoin the train at Rutenga and travel to Somabhula over night.
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Day 10: Antelope Park, Gweru
Antelope Park - Walk with lions and Lion cub viewing: Today there is one highlight:- Walk with Lions in Antelope Park. This activity takes approximately one and a half hours and offers an amazing photo opportunity. The long-term project here aims to reintroduce the offspring of captive bred lions into the wild. The lions accompanying you on walks average between 3 and 15 months of age. No leashes, no collars - the lions roam free with you through the African bush. You may even be fortunate enough to experience a lion stalking some of the wildlife species which abound in Antelope Park. Back to the camp, you will also have the opportunity for about 20 min to view and interact with lion cubs.
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Day 11: Bulawayo and Matobo National Park
Option 1. Matobo Hills and an Art Gallery: Matobo means "bald headed ones" and aptly describes the dramatic hills and granite rocks of this area. Highlights include a visit to the burial place of Cecil John Rhodes, who gave his name to Rhodesia, as Zimbabwe was previously known, and an inspection of a Bushman cave. There will be time for lunch (guests' own account) before visiting the Natural History Museum, which is one of the best of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Lastly, we take a drive through the city and visit an Art Gallery. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 150 km). Option 2. Matobo Hills and the Railway Museum: Matobo means "bald headed ones" and aptly describes the dramatic hills and granite rocks of this area. Highlights include a visit to the burial place of Cecil John Rhodes, who gave his name to Rhodesia, as Zimbabwe was previously known, and an inspection of a Bushman cave. There will be time for lunch (guests' own account) before visiting the Natural History Museum, which is one of the best of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Lastly, we take a drive through the city and visit the Railway Museum. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 150 km). The train travels to Dete Station over night.
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Day 12:Hwange National Park
Zimbabwe's premier National Park is known for its Lion population. Situated in the north-west corner of Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is the nation's largest wildlife area and contains a variety of animals and bird species. Covering 1 462 000 hectares, Hwange is roughly the same size as Belgium. An early morning game drive in the park is followed by breakfast at the Sable Valley Lodge. After a morning of game viewing, lunch (guests' own account) will be at the Sikumi Tree Lodge. There will be an opportunity to relax at the pool for a while before we resume our game viewing later in the afternoon. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 120 km). The train departs for Victoria Falls in the evening.
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Day 13:Livingstone (Zambia)
Guests will walk across the Zambezi River over the famous Rail/road Bridge. Our first stop is on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls before continuing to the town of Livingstone, named after David Livingstone, the Scottish visionary, who had an insatiable appetite for exploration and a desire to open Africa to the world. The existence of the Falls had of course been known to local tribes people. Livingstone, upon hearing stories about "Mosi oa Tunya" (the smoke that thunders), arranged to be taken there by dugout canoe. On November 16, 1855 he came to the northern end of what is now Livingstone Island and from there crawled to the edge of the precipice and beheld the spectacle of the waterfall for the first time. We visit the Livingstone Museum before heading to the Waterfront Lodge for lunch. Our last visit in the afternoon will be at the Fifth Gorge for a spectacular view of the Zambezi River. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 70 km). Evening Activity An off-rail dinner is planned for this evening. The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night.
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Day 14: Chobe National Park (Botswana)
A 70-kilometre ride brings us to the Botswana border, where we cross into the famous Chobe National Park. There is a great array of wildlife and the Chobe Elephants are well respected, as are the Hippos in the river. Highlights include a game drive in 4x4 vehicles and a river cruise on the Chobe River. Lunch (guests' own account) will be taken at a waterfront lodge where there is a swimming pool. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 200 km). The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night.
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Day 15: Victoria Falls
The Falls form the largest single "curtain" of falling water on earth measuring 1708 m wide. On average the curtain is 92 m deep. The spray plume can rise to 500 m and can be seen from as far as 70 km away. In full flood, over 550 million litres of water per minute cascade over the brink. Because the Falls are so wide, there are numerous safe vantage points provided, from where you will be able to get various views of the Falls and the roiling water as it crashes into the gorge and the constant plume of spray that maintains the Rain Forest. The forest is an attraction on its own and many of the trees are marked to help identification. They include Fig, Mahogany, Date Palm, Milkwood and Ebony. The bird life is also prolific and species that may be seen include the colourful Sunbird and large Trumpeter Hornbill. The sound of the water can be heard from kilometers away and up close this muted 'thunder' becomes a roar. Craft and curio shops abound with enough variety for everyone to find something to take home as a souvenir. (Morning; distance traveled: ± 15 km). The afternoon is spent at leisure.
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Accommodation
Each train has its own bar, dining and accommodation carriages. As in any hotel, bedding and towels are provided and cabins are serviced daily. All cabins have storage space, hand basins with running water, plug points and a room safe.
Ivory Class - twin beds or a single bed (coupe) with fan. Shared bathroom facilities with a shower and two toilets per carriage.
Gold Class - twin beds with private bathroom, air-con and heating.
Commodore Class - twin beds with private bathroom, air-con and heating.
Emerald Class - twin or double beds with private bathroom, small lounge area, air-con and hairdryer.
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