Rovos Rail, Cape Town & Big Five

ABOUT THIS TRIP

A trip on Rovos Rail, the "Pride of Africa," is a very special experience. On the most luxurious train in the world, you will travel across South Africa from the Cape to the north (or vice versa) through the diverse landscapes of the wine regions, the Karoo semi-desert, and the Highveld. Along the way, you will take part in two excursions: In Kimberley, you will visit the Diamond Museum and the famous Big Hole, and in Matjiesfontein, you will enjoy a nostalgic city tour. Before the train journey, you will discover the highlights of Cape Town, the Mother City, on privately guided day tours. And since no stay in South Africa is complete without a safari, you will experience the Big Five and all other African wildlife in the malaria-free Marakele National Park northwest of Johannesburg.

You stay in luxury class accommodation with perfect service. The same naturally applies to the Rovos Rail. This trip starts on certain fixed dates in Cape Town or Johannesburg. Please ask for your personal offer. This trip can be customized around the train journey according to your wishes.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 3x Cape Town
• 3x Rovos Rail
• 1x Pretoria
• 2x Waterberg

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 9x overnight stay in the Deluxe category *****
• 9x breakfast, 5x lunch, 5x dinner
• private transfers according to program
• one-way trip on Rovos Rail with activities
• private day tour Cape Town City
• private day tour Cape Peninsula
• four game drives in Marakele National Park
• Access to the airport lounge on the day of departure
• Comprehensive travel documents according to the booked tour itinerary
• Local offices with 24-hour hotline (German/English)
• Travel insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Meals not mentioned
• not mentioned or optional activities
• Flight performance
• Entrance fees and conservation fees not mentioned
• other personal expenses, tips
• personal travel insurance
• Continuous tour guide

DAY 1: CAPE TOWN

ONEWAY TRANSFER FROM CPT AIRPORT

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 1 TO DAY 4:

CAPE TOWN

Welcome to the Mother City. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. To get an overview, your first excursion should be to Table Mountain. A drive along Chapmans Peak Drive, an impressive coastal road that leads past the penguin colony at Boulders Beach to the Cape of Good Hope, is also a must. On the way, you can visit the oldest wine estates on the Cape in Constantia. The V&A Waterfront is inviting with its countless stores and restaurants. The ferries to the former prison island of Robben Island also depart from here. On weekdays, you can explore the city center, the colourful Bo-Kaap district and the Company's Garden on foot without hesitation.

The historic Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa originally served as the harbour master's private residence and welcomes its guests in a luxurious ambience. Located directly on the V&A Waterfront, you can stay here in the heart of the city and still enjoy the tranquillity of the large garden away from the hustle and bustle. The seven luxurious rooms all have a bathroom/WC, a balcony or terrace, air conditioning, satellite TV, a minibar, a tea/coffee station and a safe. The hotel, which is one of the 25 most luxurious hotels in South Africa, offers you a pool, a garden, a terrace, a fitness center, a spa area (for a fee) and free WLAN.

DOCK HOUSE BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA (LUXURY ROOM)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 1 TO DAY 4:

CAPE TOWN

OPTIONAL UPGRADE STARTING AT €3,000 PER PERSON

Welcome to the Mother City. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. To get an overview, your first excursion should be to Table Mountain. A drive along Chapmans Peak Drive, an impressive coastal road that leads past the penguin colony at Boulders Beach to the Cape of Good Hope, is also a must. On the way, you can visit the oldest wine estates on the Cape in Constantia. The V&A Waterfront is inviting with its countless stores and restaurants. The ferries to the former prison island of Robben Island also depart from here. On weekdays, you can explore the city center, the colourful Bo-Kaap district and the Company's Garden on foot without hesitation.

This luxury hotel is the new star in Cape Town and sets standards in art, architecture, style, and design. The location is ideal, right next to the V&A Waterfront Clock Tower with a wide selection of shops and restaurants, as well as a fantastic view of the harbor and Table Mountain. The lower part of the building, an elaborately restored grain silo, houses the Zeitz Museum of Modern Art Africa, the only museum on the entire continent dedicated exclusively to contemporary African art. The Silo Hotel has an exclusive rooftop terrace with a pool and bar, a restaurant, another bar in the building, and a spa area (for a fee). The 28 luxurious and individually designed rooms and suites have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, TV, safe, minibar, coffee machine, and balcony. The Silo Rooms are approximately 44 square meters in size. The two-story Duplex Suites are approximately 80 square meters in size and overlook either the harbor or Table Mountain. The Deluxe Superior Suites are approximately 65 square meters in size and feature spectacular five-and-a-half-meter-high curved glass windows. The Family Duplex Suites are approximately 120 square meters in size and have two bedrooms. The Royal Suites are approximately 130 square meters in size and also have two bedrooms.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

THE SILO HOTEL (DUPLEX SUITE)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 1: CAPE TOWN

FULL DAY PRIVATE CAPE TOWN CITY SPLENDOUR

You will be picked up from your accommodation in the morning by your private English-speaking tour guide. You set off on a day trip to the highlights of the Mother City, Cape Town. Table Mountain is the landmark par excellence and therefore the first port of call, provided the mountain is not closed due to the weather. You will then visit the lively city center with the shady Company Gardens, the famous market on Greenmarket Square and the colourful Bo-Kaap district. Continue to the Waterfront with its many cafés, restaurants and stores. You can also visit the Two Ocean Aquarium or one of Cape Town's many museums, such as the Castle Of Good Hope, the Museum Of Modern Arts Africa, the District Six Museum or the National Museum. Depending on the time, you can also discover the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. You will be dropped off at your accommodation in the late afternoon.

This is a privately guided English-language day tour; no other guests will be joining you. The itinerary can be tailored to your individual preferences on-site (depending on time constraints), so admission fees and costs for activities, food, and drinks are not included in the price (you will pay for these expenses on-site).

DAY 2: CAPE TOWN

FULL DAY PRIVATE CAPE POINT & PENINSULA

Your private English-speaking tour guide will pick you up from your accommodation in the morning. You set off on a day trip to the highlights of the Cape Peninsula. Along the Atlantic suburbs of Camps Bay and Llandudno, you will reach the small harbor of Hout Bay. Here you can take a boat trip to a colony of seals (optional). Continue along the beautiful Chapmans Peak Drive (if open) towards Cape Point with the famous Cape of Good Hope. On the way you make a nice stop for a delicious lunch. If time permits, you can also visit the Cape Point Vineyard. On the way back from the Cape, the next stop is the famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach. After a short stroll through the picturesque Simons Town, the journey continues back towards Cape Town. You will be dropped off at your accommodation in the late afternoon.

This is a privately guided English-language day tour; no other guests will be joining you. The conservation fees for Cape Point and Boulders Beach are included in the price; you will pay for lunch and any optional expenses on site.

DAY 4: CAPE TOWN

ONEWAY TRANSFER CAPE TOWN LOCAL

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 4 TO DAY 7:

CAPE TOWN

The Rovos Rail is definitely the most luxurious way to spend your vacation in South Africa. The trains with their lovingly restored nostalgic carriages are a five-star hotel on wheels. All carriages are air-conditioned and offer every conceivable comfort. Each train has a dining car, a lounge car and a viewing car at the end of the train. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, extras can be ordered. In the afternoon, cakes are served in the lounge car. Dinner is a multi-course menu. A 24-hour butler service is also available to every guest.

On the journey from Cape Town to Pretoria, there are stops in Kimberley with a visit to the Diamond Museum and the famous Big Hole as well as in Matjiesfontein with a nostalgic city tour. The trip starts on day 1 at 16:00 at Cape Town train station and ends on day 4 at 10:00 at Pretoria train station.

The deluxe suites are approx. 10 square meters in size and have a comfortable bed and a small lounge area. Two single beds can also be booked on request. The suite is air-conditioned (hot/cold) and has its own bathroom with shower/WC, a tea/coffee maker, a minibar, a safe and a hairdryer. High-quality toiletries and small treats round off the perfect facilities.

ROVOS RAIL CAPE TOWN TO PRETORIA (3 NIGHTS) (DELUXE SUITE)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS

DAY 4 TO DAY 7:

CAPE TOWN

OPTIONALLY UPGRADEABLE FROM € 1,780 PER PERSON

The Rovos Rail is definitely the most luxurious way to spend your vacation in South Africa. The trains with their lovingly restored nostalgic carriages are a five-star hotel on wheels. All carriages are air-conditioned and offer every conceivable comfort. Each train has a dining car, a lounge car and a viewing car at the end of the train. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, extras can be ordered. In the afternoon, cakes are served in the lounge car. Dinner is a multi-course menu. A 24-hour butler service is also available to every guest.

On the journey from Cape Town to Pretoria, there are stops in Kimberley with a visit to the Diamond Museum and the famous Big Hole as well as in Matjiesfontein with a nostalgic city tour. The trip starts on day 1 at 16:00 at Cape Town train station and ends on day 4 at 10:00 at Pretoria train station.

The Royal Suites are approx. 16 square meters in size and have a comfortable bed and a lounge area. Two single beds can also be booked on request. The suite is air-conditioned (hot/cold) and has its own bathroom with shower/WC and separate bathtub, a tea/coffee maker, minibar, safe and hairdryer. High-quality toiletries and small treats round off the perfect facilities.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

ROVOS RAIL CAPE TOWN TO PRETORIA (3 NIGHTS) (ROYAL SUITE)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS

DAY 7: PRETORIA

ONEWAY TRANSFER PRETORIA LOCAL

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 7 TO DAY 8:

PRETORIA

Pretoria is the capital of South Africa and shares the seat of government with Cape Town and Bloemfontein. In contrast to vibrant Johannesburg, Pretoria shines with its diverse history. The most important sights are the Union Buildings on a hill with a great view of the city, the former home of state founder Paul Kruger, the central Church Square and the Voortrekker Monument. As a major city, Pretoria naturally also has countless shopping opportunities, restaurants and cafés to offer. A visual highlight is the month of October, when the blossoms of the Jakaranda trees transform entire streets into purple avenues.

Stay at the elegant Castello Di Monte, a luxurious Tuscan-style property with a cozy garden in the quiet suburb of Waterkloof Ridge. The highlights of Pretoria can be reached in around 15 minutes by car. The nine rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a TV, a safe and free WiFi. The Terrace Rooms also have a balcony or terrace. The suites are more spacious with their own lounge area. The accommodation offers a pool, a sun terrace, a garden, a restaurant and a lounge.

CASTELLO DI MONTE (PRESIDENTIAL SUITE)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 8: PRETORIA

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO MARAKELE

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 8 TO DAY 10:

WATERBERG

The malaria-free Marakele National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 670 square kilometers. It is located around three hours' drive northwest of Johannesburg, in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, a region that is still quite untouched and scenically beautiful. You can even find the now rare yellowwood trees, mighty cedars, fever trees and cycad palm fern trees up to 5 meters high. The park is home to the Big Five and almost all other African wildlife species. The endangered Cape vultures are spectacular. More than 800 breeding pairs live in the park, the largest population of this vulture species in South Africa.

The luxurious Marataba Mountain Lodge, one of only two lodges in the area, is located in a 23,000-hectare private concession within Marakele National Park. Exclusive wildlife viewing is therefore guaranteed. The lodge consists of just five modern, detached chalet suites, each with a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, safe, tea/coffee making facilities, minibar, fireplace, and terrace. The lodge offers free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor deck with a pool and fire pit, a spa area (for a fee), and a treehouse for overnight stays under the open sky (weather permitting, subject to availability).

For each overnight stay, you will take part in two guided game drives in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. Optionally, you can take part in bush walks and river safaris.

MARATABA MOUNTAIN LODGE (LUXURY ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 10: WATERBERG

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO JOHANNESBURG

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 10: JOHANNESBURG

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LOUNGE

As an SA Travel customer, you are something very special and enjoy the comfort that otherwise only Business or First Class travelers can enjoy. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle at the airport on the day of departure and keep your vacation relaxation going for as long as possible.

You will have access to the airport lounge at your international departure airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban. The lounge offers free drinks, snacks, newspapers, TV, WiFi and washing and shower facilities (facilities may vary depending on the lounge). You can use the lounge at the earliest four hours before your departure. Please note that lounge capacity is limited, especially at smaller airports, and access cannot always be guaranteed or there may be waiting times at the entrance.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking and are based on the number of participants stated. Errors excepted. Alternative availability, seasonal overlaps or exchange rate fluctuations may lead to price changes. Please request your personal tour offer with your desired travel dates. This tour offer does not include flights.

The child rate applies to one child under the age of 12 staying in their parents' room. One child under the age of two stays free of charge. For children aged 12 and over, the adult rate generally applies. Not all accommodation allows children of all ages.

We recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance and travel health insurance to cover the costs of assistance, including repatriation in the event of accident, illness or death. We can provide a corresponding offer on request.

A passport is required to enter the country. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Minors under the age of 18 may need to carry additional documents. We will inform you of the exact requirements before you book. Travelers who have stayed in an area at risk of yellow fever must provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

This trip is malaria free.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please ask for suitable offers.

The organizer of this trip is South Africa Travel GmbH & Co. KG, Buddestraße 9, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany, Tel +49 521 33676880.

START DATES OF OUR TRAIN SAFARIS

The start dates of our train safaris depend on the respective departures of the Rovos Rails. Please enquire about your preferred period and we will send you an individual offer. The pre- and post-train program can be adapted to your wishes at any point.

APPROXIMATE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Long-haul flights to Southern Africa in Economy Class cost from EUR 900, while prices can be well over EUR 1000 in the high season. Flights in Premium Economy Class are available from 1500 EUR, in Business Class flights cost from 2500 EUR (per person for outward and return flights). All prices are average values depending on the airline and season. The actual prices at a given time depend on the number of bookings and may vary. Early booking is recommended, especially in the high season.

A light lunch costs about 5 EUR (small salad, soup) to 8 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger) per person; dinner costs about 10 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to over 12 EUR (steak, fish) up to 22 EUR (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer, or soft drinks cost about 1.70 EUR per cup or glass. Prices may vary up or down depending on the region or type of restaurant.

Entrance fees to national parks cost between EUR 5 and EUR 25 per person per day, depending on the size and popularity of the park. Entrance fees to museums or other attractions cost between EUR 3 and EUR 20 per person. Children under the age of 12 usually pay half price.