Summary
Short description
A four-day tailor-made railway journey from Cape Town to Johannesburg
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
History & culture | Rail journey | Relaxation
This four-day rail trip across South Africa is the perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country. This 1,600 km meander introduces you to the grasslands of the gold rich Highveld to the haunting bareness of the Great Karoo: trundle through spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Cape.
Your journey’s start will be in Cape Town, the capital city of South Africa that’s cradled by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head. Highlights of the north and south bound routes include a visit to the historic town of Matjiesfontein, an authentically preserved Victorian village, and in Kimberly, where you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy a city tour and to make a visit to the Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest man-made excavation, the Big Hole. Finish in Johannesburg with a half-day visit of the creative and cultural township of Soweto where you'll learn about its history and visit its famous soccer stadium.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Pretoria
Transfer from your hotel to the rail station, where you’ll board the majestic Rovos Rail, staying in the Pullman Suite. Catering to a maximum of 80 passengers in comfort and luxury, there's either a 72-bed or a 44-bed train to choose from.
Stay: Rovos Rail (Deluxe)
Meals: D
Day
2
Kimberly
Today, you’ll arrive in Kimberly at 10:00, and you’ll embark on a visit of the town. Whilst in the town, you will have the opportunity to visit a number of fantastic attractions, including the Big Hole and the Diamond Mine Museum. At 12:30, depart Kimberley and precede overnight via De Aar and Beaufort West to Matjiesfontein.
Stay: Rovos Rail (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
3
Matjiesfontein – Johannesburg
In the morning, enjoy a scenic visit to the historic village of Matjesfontein, before departing for Cape Town via Touws River and Worcester. Arrive in Cape Town at approximately 18:00, and transfer to your hotel.
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Johannesburg
The morning is free at your own leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities. In the afternoon, embark on a half-day tour of Soweto on a scheduled tour. Soweto is a lively, cultured and exciting town that bares the scars of apartheid, and is a very interesting place to visit. Whilst on your half-day tour of Soweto, visit the Hector Pieterson Museum, pass Mandela House and take time to visit the fascinating little museum.
Continue to Regina Mundi Church, the site of many secret underground meetings of the then banned political parties. Finally, visit the largest football stadium in Africa, Soccer City, which hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening and final matches. Your tour finishes with a transfer to the airport.
This extension is suitable for…
offer
Early booking offer – Save up to £450pp
Book by: 31 January 2025
Turn out from Cape Town’s welcoming charms, golden-sand beaches and iconic skyline to taste your way through South Africa’s finest vineyards in the endlessly rolling Winelands before discovering the world’s best land-based whale watching in Hermanus.
offer
Free night at Bushman's Kloof during May-Aug – Save up to £340pp
Book by: 31 January 2025
Pair the headline acts of Cape Town with some off-the-beaten track luxury in Paternoster and the spectacular Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve.
Pricing
Any element of this extension can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
4-day extension
from £1,410 pp
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