THE ULTIMATE AFRICAN ADVENTURE
13 JUNE - 12 JULY 2020
South Africa consistently ranks amongst the top “must visit” destinations of the world according to acclaimed travel writers. And there are no surprises why. An eclectic mix of first and third world cultures, landscapes and people come together in an incredible melting pot to form one of the most diverse destinations in the world often and appropriately described as a “world in one country”. If it’s a unique and awe inspiring experience you are after, South Africa fits the bill.
But this trip is about way more than just South Africa, it’s about exploring Southern Africa as we also visit eSwatini (Swaziland), Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. From bustling cities with mega shopping centres that rival the best in Europe to the remote safari camps of the greater Kruger National Park. From the majestic mountains of the Fairest Cape to the dusty hills of eSwatini, Southern Africa has something to offer everyone. Experience the diversity of South Africa and her people, safari in the wilds of Botswana, marvel at the beauty of the mighty Victoria Falls, listed as one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Visit a high density township, interact with the people, learn about their past and their hopes for the future. Enjoy game viewing in the Chobe National Park in northern Botswana, noted for some of the highest concentration of elephant to be found in Africa today. Visit commercial farms in South Africa, sample the wines of the Cape and so much more. Step back in time to the days of refined travel and enjoy three nights on board Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa travelling between Pretoria and Victoria Falls. And to end off this, the Ultimate African Adventure, relax on a two day river cruise on the Chobe River bordering Botswana and Namibia.
Africa is a destination you must visit at least once in your lifetime. You’ll find that once you do, a part of this continent remains with you and beckons you to return. The best way to experience Africa is in a small group and doesn’t it make sense to go with a local?
But this trip is about way more than just South Africa, it’s about exploring Southern Africa as we also visit eSwatini (Swaziland), Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. From bustling cities with mega shopping centres that rival the best in Europe to the remote safari camps of the greater Kruger National Park. From the majestic mountains of the Fairest Cape to the dusty hills of eSwatini, Southern Africa has something to offer everyone. Experience the diversity of South Africa and her people, safari in the wilds of Botswana, marvel at the beauty of the mighty Victoria Falls, listed as one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Visit a high density township, interact with the people, learn about their past and their hopes for the future. Enjoy game viewing in the Chobe National Park in northern Botswana, noted for some of the highest concentration of elephant to be found in Africa today. Visit commercial farms in South Africa, sample the wines of the Cape and so much more. Step back in time to the days of refined travel and enjoy three nights on board Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa travelling between Pretoria and Victoria Falls. And to end off this, the Ultimate African Adventure, relax on a two day river cruise on the Chobe River bordering Botswana and Namibia.
Africa is a destination you must visit at least once in your lifetime. You’ll find that once you do, a part of this continent remains with you and beckons you to return. The best way to experience Africa is in a small group and doesn’t it make sense to go with a local?
- Escorted from New Zealand by ex Zimbabwean, Clyde Whitmore.
- Small group tour - maximum 16 guests.
- Tour South Africa, eSwatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana & Namibia over four fabulous adventure filled weeks.
- Discover Cape Town & the Cape Peninsula, Table Mountain, Stellenbosch and travel along the picturesque Garden Route.
- Visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, the superb Cango Caves, the magnificent Blyde River Canyon and many more of the prime attractions of Southern Africa.
- Interact with the animals of Africa - mingle with monkeys, stroll through the largest free-flight aviary in the world, learn how ostrich are commercially farmed.
- Safari in four of the top rated National Parks in Southern Africa - the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Hwange National Park & Chobe National Park.
- Step back in time to the bygone days of travel aboard the elegant Rovos Rail Pride of Africa on a three day journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls.
- Relax on a two day river cruise aboard the Chobe Princess traversing the Chobe River which borders Botswana and Namibia.
- Enjoy authentic local experiences. Visit a traditional African village in South Africa, travel with and meet local people.
- Quality accommodation in hand picked graded establishments.
- Meals are a safari in themselves! Dine under the stars, in the home of locals and at some of the finest restaurants in Southern Africa. Breakfast and a main meal are included daily, on many days all meals are included - see itinerary.
Saturday13 June 2020 ~ As our departure from Auckland tomorrow morning is too early to connect from regional New Zealand, guests from the regions fly to Auckland this afternoon.
Meal inclusions: Snacks
Sunday 14 June 2020 ~ Depart Auckland early this morning bound for Cape Town. Our journey takes us through Sydney and Johannesburg with a late evening arrival into the “Mother City” as she is affectionately known.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch & dinner in flight.
Monday 15 June 2020 ~Welcome to Africa! This morning we set off on a city orientation tour and begin with a wander through the Bo Kaap or Malay Quarter, a colourful neighbourhood steeped in history and dating back to the 1700's. Cape Town lies at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain and next we board a cable car to the top of the mountain for stunning views over the city and surrounding Cape Peninsula. In the afternoon we embark on a fascinating walking tour through the streets of Cape Town. Our local Guide uses the bustling streets of the city, old buildings and squares, people and places as props to develop the story of Dutch and British rule, slavery and apartheid, freedom and democracy.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Tuesday 16 June 2020 ~ Our touring today takes us around the picturesque Cape Peninsula. We journey along the dramatic Chapman’s Peak Drive, widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most scenic roads, en-route to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. At Cape Point we take the funicular to the vantage point for a magnificent view over the Cape of Good Hope and across the bay to the distant Hottentot's Holland Mountains. Continuing towards the historic naval town of Simons Town we call at Boulders Beach, a protected inlet and home to a colony of endangered African Penguin. Our day concludes with a wander through the renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Wednesday 17 June 2020 ~This morning we're off to Langa, the oldest of Cape Town's high density townships. Our local Guide takes us on an informative walk through the streets of Langa relating what it was like growing up in the township, its past and what the future holds for its residents. Late morning we make our way to the V & A Waterfront, home to over 450 world class retailers and very much the heart of this vibrant city. This afternoon sees us at Groot Constantia, the oldest vineyard in the Cape, established by Commander Simon van der Stel in 1679. A splendid country estate tucked away on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Groot Constantia is the ideal setting for the production of top quality wines.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Thursday 18 June 2020 ~ The Dutch introduced vines to the Cape in the mid 1600’s and the charming town of Stellenbosch has grown up out of the wine industry in the region. This morning savour traditional food and drink as we wander the historic streets of South Africa’s second oldest town and learn about the history of this area. After a traditional "heritage lunch" the afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you'd like to relax end sample more of the wines produced locally. Maybe a spot of shopping is on your agenda; whatever your fancy the afternoon is free for you to enjoy.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Friday 19 June 2020 ~ We bid farewell this morning to the City of Cape Town and travel over the mountains towards the town of Robertson. Here we break our journey for an insightful visit to a local farm where we learn all there is to know about olives. Our journey takes us along Route 62, said to be the longest wine route in the world and through the towns of the semi desert, Klein Karoo. The valley is approximately 250kms long and our destination this evening is Oudtshoorn the “Feather Capital” of South Africa.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Meal inclusions: Snacks
Sunday 14 June 2020 ~ Depart Auckland early this morning bound for Cape Town. Our journey takes us through Sydney and Johannesburg with a late evening arrival into the “Mother City” as she is affectionately known.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch & dinner in flight.
Monday 15 June 2020 ~Welcome to Africa! This morning we set off on a city orientation tour and begin with a wander through the Bo Kaap or Malay Quarter, a colourful neighbourhood steeped in history and dating back to the 1700's. Cape Town lies at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain and next we board a cable car to the top of the mountain for stunning views over the city and surrounding Cape Peninsula. In the afternoon we embark on a fascinating walking tour through the streets of Cape Town. Our local Guide uses the bustling streets of the city, old buildings and squares, people and places as props to develop the story of Dutch and British rule, slavery and apartheid, freedom and democracy.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Tuesday 16 June 2020 ~ Our touring today takes us around the picturesque Cape Peninsula. We journey along the dramatic Chapman’s Peak Drive, widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most scenic roads, en-route to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. At Cape Point we take the funicular to the vantage point for a magnificent view over the Cape of Good Hope and across the bay to the distant Hottentot's Holland Mountains. Continuing towards the historic naval town of Simons Town we call at Boulders Beach, a protected inlet and home to a colony of endangered African Penguin. Our day concludes with a wander through the renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Wednesday 17 June 2020 ~This morning we're off to Langa, the oldest of Cape Town's high density townships. Our local Guide takes us on an informative walk through the streets of Langa relating what it was like growing up in the township, its past and what the future holds for its residents. Late morning we make our way to the V & A Waterfront, home to over 450 world class retailers and very much the heart of this vibrant city. This afternoon sees us at Groot Constantia, the oldest vineyard in the Cape, established by Commander Simon van der Stel in 1679. A splendid country estate tucked away on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Groot Constantia is the ideal setting for the production of top quality wines.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Thursday 18 June 2020 ~ The Dutch introduced vines to the Cape in the mid 1600’s and the charming town of Stellenbosch has grown up out of the wine industry in the region. This morning savour traditional food and drink as we wander the historic streets of South Africa’s second oldest town and learn about the history of this area. After a traditional "heritage lunch" the afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you'd like to relax end sample more of the wines produced locally. Maybe a spot of shopping is on your agenda; whatever your fancy the afternoon is free for you to enjoy.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Friday 19 June 2020 ~ We bid farewell this morning to the City of Cape Town and travel over the mountains towards the town of Robertson. Here we break our journey for an insightful visit to a local farm where we learn all there is to know about olives. Our journey takes us along Route 62, said to be the longest wine route in the world and through the towns of the semi desert, Klein Karoo. The valley is approximately 250kms long and our destination this evening is Oudtshoorn the “Feather Capital” of South Africa.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Flower sellers - Cape Town
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Table Mountain
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Zululand
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Saturday 20 June 2020 ~ This day begins with a guided tour of the superb Cango Caves in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains. Considered one of South Africa’s prime natural wonders, the caves are home to some of the largest stalagmite and stalactite formations in the world. Next we call at the Cango Wildlife Ranch where you have an opportunity to view the wildlife and learn about the ranch’s involvement with cheetah conservation. Our final activity today is a visit to Safari Ostrich Farm where you may enjoy an ostrich steak for lunch then learn how these birds are commercially farmed in the region.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Sunday 21 June 2020 ~ The route out of Oudtshoorn and over the Outeniqua Mountains follows the ancient routes of the elephants and takes us towards the City of George and onward to the town of Knysna. There’s free time to wander the picturesque Knysna Quays Waterfront before we continue on to Cairnbrogie, a South African dairy farm situated on the outskirts of the town of Plettenberg Bay. See how dairy farming is done in this part of the world, many similarities, and many differences.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Monday 22 June 2020 ~ Said to be the largest free flight aviary in the world, Birds of Eden covers 23 000 square metres of forest and is home to over 3 500 specimens and 280 species of African birds. A saunter through the aviary is an excellent way to learn about these beautiful birds. Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary is the world’s first free roaming multi species primate sanctuary and here we go on a monkey safari, walking with and amongst these fascinating and often farcical animals.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Tuesday 23 June 2020 ~ A flight this morning takes us up the east coast and to the province of Kwa Zulu-Natal and the City of Durban. The seaside town of Umhlanga Rocks is our base for tonight. Our hotel is situated directly opposite the Gateway Theatre of Shopping and the remainder of this afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy all that is available at this very large centre.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Wednesday 24 June 2020 ~ Our journey takes us north today along the Kwa-Zulu Natal coastline towards to the town of Eshowe. Step back in time this morning and enter the world of Shaka, King of the Zulus at his Great Kraal overlooking Phobane Lake. Tales of ancient lore and legend abound whilst the spectacular dance show is a sight to behold. Meet the Chief and the Sangoma (traditional healer), learn about Zulu village life, their culture and traditions. We continue inland heading towards Zululand and to our base for the next two nights near the Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Thursday 25 June 2020 ~ Up bright and early this morning for our first safari into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, one of South Africa’s largest game reserves and noted for its rhino conservation programme. Elephant, giraffe, lion, hyena, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest are just a few of the many animals that this reserve is home to. Mid-morning we return to the lodge for breakfast and the remainder of the day is at leisure until we make our way back to the park in the afternoon for another game drive.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, high tea & dinner.
Friday 26 June 2020 ~ Leaving South Africa today we cross the border into the Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland) at the Golela Border Post. The contrast between South Africa and eSwatini is marked and interesting. Tradition is the cornerstone of life in Swaziland and the country is ruled by one of the only remaining monarchs left in Africa. We visit a Swazi candle factory before our arrival in the Ezulwini Valley where we stay overnight.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Sunday 21 June 2020 ~ The route out of Oudtshoorn and over the Outeniqua Mountains follows the ancient routes of the elephants and takes us towards the City of George and onward to the town of Knysna. There’s free time to wander the picturesque Knysna Quays Waterfront before we continue on to Cairnbrogie, a South African dairy farm situated on the outskirts of the town of Plettenberg Bay. See how dairy farming is done in this part of the world, many similarities, and many differences.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Monday 22 June 2020 ~ Said to be the largest free flight aviary in the world, Birds of Eden covers 23 000 square metres of forest and is home to over 3 500 specimens and 280 species of African birds. A saunter through the aviary is an excellent way to learn about these beautiful birds. Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary is the world’s first free roaming multi species primate sanctuary and here we go on a monkey safari, walking with and amongst these fascinating and often farcical animals.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Tuesday 23 June 2020 ~ A flight this morning takes us up the east coast and to the province of Kwa Zulu-Natal and the City of Durban. The seaside town of Umhlanga Rocks is our base for tonight. Our hotel is situated directly opposite the Gateway Theatre of Shopping and the remainder of this afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy all that is available at this very large centre.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Wednesday 24 June 2020 ~ Our journey takes us north today along the Kwa-Zulu Natal coastline towards to the town of Eshowe. Step back in time this morning and enter the world of Shaka, King of the Zulus at his Great Kraal overlooking Phobane Lake. Tales of ancient lore and legend abound whilst the spectacular dance show is a sight to behold. Meet the Chief and the Sangoma (traditional healer), learn about Zulu village life, their culture and traditions. We continue inland heading towards Zululand and to our base for the next two nights near the Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Thursday 25 June 2020 ~ Up bright and early this morning for our first safari into the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, one of South Africa’s largest game reserves and noted for its rhino conservation programme. Elephant, giraffe, lion, hyena, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest are just a few of the many animals that this reserve is home to. Mid-morning we return to the lodge for breakfast and the remainder of the day is at leisure until we make our way back to the park in the afternoon for another game drive.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, high tea & dinner.
Friday 26 June 2020 ~ Leaving South Africa today we cross the border into the Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland) at the Golela Border Post. The contrast between South Africa and eSwatini is marked and interesting. Tradition is the cornerstone of life in Swaziland and the country is ruled by one of the only remaining monarchs left in Africa. We visit a Swazi candle factory before our arrival in the Ezulwini Valley where we stay overnight.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Sabi Sands
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Chobe National Park
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Hluhluwe Imfolozi
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Timbavati
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Saturday 27 June 2020 ~ At the Ngwenya Glass Factory, our first stop for the day, craftsmen and women breathe life into enchanting interpretations of the animals and birds of Africa with each item made from 100% recycled glass. We continue our journey through mountainous northern Swaziland and cross the border back into South Africa at a point close to the Mozambique border. Our destination tonight is a charming lodge on a private estate near the town of White River in Eastern Mpumalanga.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Sunday 28 June 2020 ~ The Panorama Route, so called for its magnificent scenery, is our touring route today. We’ll view the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon on earth, visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a fascinating geological feature of the area and enjoy the superb vistas from God’s Window before returning to White River where we overnight.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Monday 29 June 2020 ~ A leisurely morning until we set off for the Sabi Sands Game Reserve which adjoins the Greater Kruger National Park. The origins of the Park date back to the 1920's when a large number of people held hunting concessions in the area over the dry winter months. The fences that divided the land are long gone and the reserve now totals some 19 500 square kilometres. The Park is approximately 360kms long and averages 65km wide though at its widest is 90kms from east to west. Enjoy an afternoon game safari before retiring to our comfortable lodge for the night.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner
Tuesday 30 June 2020 ~ Setting off at sunrise on our morning game safari one wonders what will we see today, how many of the “Big Five” will we tick off? Returning to the safari lodge mid-morning we relax and enjoy the facilities before we venture off on another safari activity in the afternoon.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, high tea and dinner.
From the Game Ranger’s Diary……………This morning the guests were very keen to see a leopard, so we decided to head east and search for tracks. On our way there we found a large herd of elephant – at least 30 individuals. It was a very relaxed herd feeding all around the vehicle. We left the herd of elephants and proceeded eastwards and as if it was scripted, Lamula – a large male leopard – was lying right next to the road sunning himself. He eventually got up and started to head south. A common duiker caught his attention and he began to stalk it. He was about four metres away when he stood on a twig, and the sound gave away his position, giving the little duiker a chance for a quick getaway. This afternoon, as if ordered, a healthy breeding herd of elephants came down to drink at the dam while we were having high tea. We immediately set off to acquaint ourselves with our super-sized visitors. As we drove around the dam, the herd had just started to disperse on the open area. Smaller family groups lazed around as if on a community picnic. Going from group to group we were treated to glimpses into the private lives of these great pachyderms. As youngsters played and moms did what moms do on such occasions – catch up with family members – a young bull elephant of about two years old flexed his tiny muscles, approaching the vehicle with a display of threatening behaviour, and then charging off to his mother as he lost his nerve. We left the elephants to attend to their business and headed east as lions were on the wish list this evening. Meandering through the bush on winding roads, in golden sunshine, we were once more reminded of just how special this area really is. We were in luck - lions had killed a buffalo close to a dam in the north eastern portion of our area. Heading in that direction, we were treated to sightings of zebra, nyala, bushbuck, wildebeest and giraffe. We found a well-fed pride lounging around the dam and we watched two young lions feeding and scrapping around the buffalo carcass. After a time the pride settled down to the business of digesting a large portion of buffalo already consumed, and we bade them farewell.
Wednesday 1 July 2020 ~ We leave the province of Mpumalanga behind us today climbing out of the lowveld, which averages 260m above sea level, and up into the highveld and to the City of Pretoria at around 1350m above sea level. From densely wooded bush to open savannah the journey is interesting particularly when you consider that this region is thought to be one of the oldest inhabited by man with fossil evidence indicating the area was occupied some three million years ago.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Sunday 28 June 2020 ~ The Panorama Route, so called for its magnificent scenery, is our touring route today. We’ll view the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon on earth, visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a fascinating geological feature of the area and enjoy the superb vistas from God’s Window before returning to White River where we overnight.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Monday 29 June 2020 ~ A leisurely morning until we set off for the Sabi Sands Game Reserve which adjoins the Greater Kruger National Park. The origins of the Park date back to the 1920's when a large number of people held hunting concessions in the area over the dry winter months. The fences that divided the land are long gone and the reserve now totals some 19 500 square kilometres. The Park is approximately 360kms long and averages 65km wide though at its widest is 90kms from east to west. Enjoy an afternoon game safari before retiring to our comfortable lodge for the night.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner
Tuesday 30 June 2020 ~ Setting off at sunrise on our morning game safari one wonders what will we see today, how many of the “Big Five” will we tick off? Returning to the safari lodge mid-morning we relax and enjoy the facilities before we venture off on another safari activity in the afternoon.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, high tea and dinner.
From the Game Ranger’s Diary……………This morning the guests were very keen to see a leopard, so we decided to head east and search for tracks. On our way there we found a large herd of elephant – at least 30 individuals. It was a very relaxed herd feeding all around the vehicle. We left the herd of elephants and proceeded eastwards and as if it was scripted, Lamula – a large male leopard – was lying right next to the road sunning himself. He eventually got up and started to head south. A common duiker caught his attention and he began to stalk it. He was about four metres away when he stood on a twig, and the sound gave away his position, giving the little duiker a chance for a quick getaway. This afternoon, as if ordered, a healthy breeding herd of elephants came down to drink at the dam while we were having high tea. We immediately set off to acquaint ourselves with our super-sized visitors. As we drove around the dam, the herd had just started to disperse on the open area. Smaller family groups lazed around as if on a community picnic. Going from group to group we were treated to glimpses into the private lives of these great pachyderms. As youngsters played and moms did what moms do on such occasions – catch up with family members – a young bull elephant of about two years old flexed his tiny muscles, approaching the vehicle with a display of threatening behaviour, and then charging off to his mother as he lost his nerve. We left the elephants to attend to their business and headed east as lions were on the wish list this evening. Meandering through the bush on winding roads, in golden sunshine, we were once more reminded of just how special this area really is. We were in luck - lions had killed a buffalo close to a dam in the north eastern portion of our area. Heading in that direction, we were treated to sightings of zebra, nyala, bushbuck, wildebeest and giraffe. We found a well-fed pride lounging around the dam and we watched two young lions feeding and scrapping around the buffalo carcass. After a time the pride settled down to the business of digesting a large portion of buffalo already consumed, and we bade them farewell.
Wednesday 1 July 2020 ~ We leave the province of Mpumalanga behind us today climbing out of the lowveld, which averages 260m above sea level, and up into the highveld and to the City of Pretoria at around 1350m above sea level. From densely wooded bush to open savannah the journey is interesting particularly when you consider that this region is thought to be one of the oldest inhabited by man with fossil evidence indicating the area was occupied some three million years ago.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Lounge Car - Rovos Rail
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The Pride of Africa
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Thursday 2 July 2020 ~ Today step back to the romantic days of travel in a bygone era as we board Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa for the 1600 kilometre journey to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Experience travel in true five star luxury on this magnificent train as we make our way to the Zimbabwe border. Rest, relaxation and indulgence would be a good description of a typical day on board.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, high tea & dinner
Friday 3 July 2020 ~ We cross the border today into Zimbabwe at the town of Beitbridge, situated on the Limpopo River which marks the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe. Relax in the elegant lounge car, enjoy a game of cards, a spot of reading or simply reflect on our African Adventure to date. Meals are a safari in themselves aboard the Pride of Africa and are served in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the dining cars. Overnight the train parks at Mpopma Siding on the outskirts of the City of Bulawayo.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, high tea & dinner
Saturday 4 July 2020 ~ Leaving Bulawayo this morning our journey takes us in a northwest direction and ultimately alongside the legendary Hwange National Park. Often game can be seen from the train and, time permitting, we will have an off train excursion this afternoon into the park. Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, proclaimed in 1928 and home to over 100 mammals and 400 bird species.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, high tea & dinner
Sunday 5 July 2020 ~ As we near the Victoria Falls this morning thoughts turn to the early pioneers who literally walked from the Cape Colony to Matabeleland North. Imagine their astonishment when in this parched countryside they came upon the immense chasm and gorges of the spectacular Victoria Falls! Go to sleep tonight listening to the roar of the Falls known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, the smoke that thunders.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner
Monday 6 July 2020 ~ The Victoria Falls lie halfway along the course of the 2700km long mighty Zambezi River. Here the water plunges 100m into a chasm to create the largest curtain of water in the world, which, at the height of the high water season, stretches the full 1.7km width of the river. Following our morning tour of the Falls we visit the local curio market and have a walk through the village of Victoria Falls.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Tuesday 7 July 2020 ~ This day is entirely at leisure for you to relax and spend as you wish with no group activities planned or included. Maybe you'd like to return to the Falls for another look. Perhaps you'd like to see them from the air on a "Flight of Angels" helicopter trip. There's a zipline, flying fox and bungy jump for the adventurous or it could be that you'd just like to put your feet up for the day, again the choice is yours.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, high tea & dinner
Friday 3 July 2020 ~ We cross the border today into Zimbabwe at the town of Beitbridge, situated on the Limpopo River which marks the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe. Relax in the elegant lounge car, enjoy a game of cards, a spot of reading or simply reflect on our African Adventure to date. Meals are a safari in themselves aboard the Pride of Africa and are served in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the dining cars. Overnight the train parks at Mpopma Siding on the outskirts of the City of Bulawayo.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, high tea & dinner
Saturday 4 July 2020 ~ Leaving Bulawayo this morning our journey takes us in a northwest direction and ultimately alongside the legendary Hwange National Park. Often game can be seen from the train and, time permitting, we will have an off train excursion this afternoon into the park. Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, proclaimed in 1928 and home to over 100 mammals and 400 bird species.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, high tea & dinner
Sunday 5 July 2020 ~ As we near the Victoria Falls this morning thoughts turn to the early pioneers who literally walked from the Cape Colony to Matabeleland North. Imagine their astonishment when in this parched countryside they came upon the immense chasm and gorges of the spectacular Victoria Falls! Go to sleep tonight listening to the roar of the Falls known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, the smoke that thunders.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner
Monday 6 July 2020 ~ The Victoria Falls lie halfway along the course of the 2700km long mighty Zambezi River. Here the water plunges 100m into a chasm to create the largest curtain of water in the world, which, at the height of the high water season, stretches the full 1.7km width of the river. Following our morning tour of the Falls we visit the local curio market and have a walk through the village of Victoria Falls.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Tuesday 7 July 2020 ~ This day is entirely at leisure for you to relax and spend as you wish with no group activities planned or included. Maybe you'd like to return to the Falls for another look. Perhaps you'd like to see them from the air on a "Flight of Angels" helicopter trip. There's a zipline, flying fox and bungy jump for the adventurous or it could be that you'd just like to put your feet up for the day, again the choice is yours.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Chobe National Park
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Chobe Princess
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Wednesday 8 July 2020 ~ Late morning we leave the Victoria Falls and make our way to the town of Kasane in neighbouring Botswana. After completing border formalities we take a short boat ride on the river to our home for the next two nights - the Chobe Princess, a luxury houseboat that plies the waters of the the Chobe River. Buffalo, crocodile, hippo, elephant are generally found in very generous numbers in this area.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Thursday 9 July 2020 ~ Game viewing by boat is an entirely different way to see the animals. Watch the hippo wallowing in the cool of the river, see crocodile basking in the sun and in the late afternoon perhaps we will be treated to a herd of elephant enjoying an afternoon dip. Enjoy a sunset like no other this evening as the sun sets on our African Adventure.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Friday 10 July 2020 ~ Sadly our adventure draws to a close today as we make our way back to New Zealand. Afternoon flight to Johannesburg with onward overnight flight to Sydney.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Saturday 11 July 2020 ~ Late evening arrival into Auckland. Overnight in Auckland for those guests resident in the regions.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner on flights.
Sunday 12 July 2020 ~ Morning flights to regional points in New Zealand.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Thursday 9 July 2020 ~ Game viewing by boat is an entirely different way to see the animals. Watch the hippo wallowing in the cool of the river, see crocodile basking in the sun and in the late afternoon perhaps we will be treated to a herd of elephant enjoying an afternoon dip. Enjoy a sunset like no other this evening as the sun sets on our African Adventure.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Friday 10 July 2020 ~ Sadly our adventure draws to a close today as we make our way back to New Zealand. Afternoon flight to Johannesburg with onward overnight flight to Sydney.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner.
Saturday 11 July 2020 ~ Late evening arrival into Auckland. Overnight in Auckland for those guests resident in the regions.
Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner on flights.
Sunday 12 July 2020 ~ Morning flights to regional points in New Zealand.
What's included:
- Flights ex New Zealand to, from and within Africa in Economy Class. Option to upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class on longhaul flights.
- Services of a Tour Host ex New Zealand and local Guides in Africa.
- Ground transportation in air conditioned vehicles.
- Three nights aboard the Pride of Africa in Pullman Suites with the option to upgrade to Deluxe or Royal Suites.
- Two nights aboard the Chobe Princess cruising the Botswana/Namibian border
- Quality accommodation throughout in graded establishments.
- Full breakfast and dinner daily. On many days all meals are included as per the itinerary above.
- All entrance fees to sightseeing attractions, National Park fees and Government levies.
- Tips, gratuities and porterage.
- Visa charges.
What's not included:
Price : $23 485.00 per person, twin share.
Price : $31 465.00 single.
Optional flight upgrades per person:
Rovos Rail optional upgrades per person and subject to availability:
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, telephone calls.
- Optional excursions or sightseeing.
Price : $23 485.00 per person, twin share.
Price : $31 465.00 single.
Optional flight upgrades per person:
- Economy Class to Premium Economy Class Sydney - Johannesburg - Sydney sectors only - from $2500.00*
- Economy Class to Business Class Auckland - Sydney - Johannesburg - Cape Town and Johannesburg - Sydney - Auckland sectors only from $4500.00
Rovos Rail optional upgrades per person and subject to availability:
- Pullman to Deluxe Suite: from $1700.00 per person twin share, $2550.00 single.
- Pullman to Royal Suite: from $3400.00 per person twin share, $4950.00 single.
Please note the itinerary above is subject to alteration and final confirmation.
Full Terms and Conditions are detailed on our booking forms and are available for perusal at your request.
Full Terms and Conditions are detailed on our booking forms and are available for perusal at your request.