Cape Town, Rovos Rail & safari adventure

Begin your journey in style with access to a premium UK airport lounge, enjoying a range of complimentary amenities before your overnight flight to Cape Town. 

Following your arrival, you'll be met by your private driver who will transfer you to the esteemed Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, an exquisite property gracefully positioned within the Table Mountain National Park. Check in to the hotel on arrival, spending the next four nights in this luxury oasis. Just ten minutes south of Camps Bay, its rural and secluded location is still within easy reach of the city, which is served by a complimentary shuttle service. 

Over the next few days, we've included a series of excursions, beginning with a private Cape Town city tour with a trip to Table Mountain for breathtaking panoramas of the Cape Peninsula, followed by visits to the Cape Point lighthouse, the Flying Dutchman Funicular and a full day tour of the Cape Winelands.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, savouring the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Afterwards, a private transfer will whisk you away to Cape Town International Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival, another private transfer will seamlessly transport you to Pretoria, where you'll spend the night at the luxurious Castello di Monte. Designed in the style of a grand Italian villa, the hotel exudes an air of timeless sophistication and rustic charm. Spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Stay: Castello Di Monte

After breakfast, make your way to the railway station, ready for a truly extraordinary journey aboard Rovos Rail, Africa's most iconic train. Step into a bygone era of refined travel as you board, before leaving Pretoria behind and settling into your plush cabin, surrounded by rich wood paneling and thoughtful amenities. As the train serpentines across the breathtaking Highveld, you'll be captivated by rolling grasslands, rugged ridges, and the distant Drakensberg mountains. Indulge your senses at lunch as the train journeys towards Heidelberg, the site of the first Rand gold strike, and Balfour, a small mining town. The gourmet culinary experience takes place in the opulent dining cars, where the finest ingredients are paired with exquisite wines and presented with impeccable style.

As the day unfolds, enjoy a delightful afternoon tea in the comfort of the lounge and observation cars. Marvel at the vibrant hues of the landscape and traverse the historic goldfields of the Witwatersrand while taking in stunning vistas. Then, ascend the historic Majuba Hill, the site of a pivotal battle that shaped South African history. As the day draws to a close, indulge in a formal dinner that will tantalise your senses. The evening will conclude as the train glides through the charming town of Elandslaagte.

The day dawns with breakfast served in the dining car as the train continues south through Kwazulu Natal, towards Nambiti Game Reserve. On arrival, you will disembark the train and set off for an exhilarating game drive through this private game reserve of over 20,000 acres. With incredible biodiversity including savannah, grasslands and thornveld, Nambiti offers the chance to encounter the majestic Big Five and a myriad of other wildlife such as zebras, hippos, hyenas, giraffes, impalas, elands and over 200 species of birds. Rejoin the train briefly in time for a satisfying brunch, before you'll be transferred to Spionkop Lodge, where you'll have the choice between a historical tour of the Battle of Spionkop or another game drive in the 11,000-acre reserve. As the day draws to a close, a formal dinner awaits in the elegant dining car as the train journeys towards Estcourt, offering a culinary experience to match the day's adventures. Along the way, passengers can keep an eye out for the Winston Churchill Memorial, a significant historical landmark.

A leisurely breakfast is served in the dining cars as you gaze out at the breathtaking panorama of rolling hills and lush valleys. By 10:00 AM, the train descends the escarpment to Lions River. Here, disembark for a stimulating cultural experience at the renowned Ardmore Ceramics Gallery, where talented artists draw inspiration from nature and Zulu folklore, giving life to imaginative and vibrant ceramic pieces. Return to the train for a delicious lunch served in the dining cars as you witness the awe-inspiring Valley of a Thousand Hills unfold before your eyes. Your train journey concludes as you arrive at Durban Station and transfer to your hotel.

Over the next three days, get to know this vibrant coastal city, offering a wealth of opportunities for exploration. Stay in one of South Africa's most celebrated hotels, paired with a pristine beachfront setting and beautiful views of the iconic lighthouse. Enjoy days at the beach, rejuvenate at the world-class spa, or sample traditional seafood, meat dishes and fresh oysters. We've also included a half day city tour featuring highlights from the botanical gardens to Victoria Street market and a stop at the Cube for some beautiful panoramic views over Durban.

This morning, you'll bid farewell to Durban as you take a scenic journey to the serene Phinda Mountain Lodge, set in the prestigious Hluhluwe National Park in the far north-east of the country. Your luxurious suite overlooks the majestic reserve, with picturesque mountains in the distance. The reserve spans over 22,000 hectares, has seven unique ecosystems, and is home to the Big Five and over 380 bird species. Relax in the lodge's grounds, which features a beautiful swimming pool and a rejuvenating spa. 

During the course of the next three days, experience the thrill of private, inclusive game drives, where you'll have exclusive access to the reserve's wildlife. Encounter the majestic Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffalo—as well as other fascinating creatures like giraffes, zebras, and hyenas. For a more intimate wildlife experience, take a guided bush walk. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the reserve's pristine landscapes, sharing insights into the local flora and fauna. Unwind each evening with spa treatments and starlit dinners, taking in the serene beauty of the reserve from your private deck.

After a heartfelt farewell to the reserve, a private transfer will take you to Richards Bay Airport for your flights back to the UK via Johannesburg.