South Africa & Rovos Rail privately guided

ABOUT THIS TRIP

On this trip, you travel as a couple, family or group of friends with your own private tour guide (either German or English-speaking), who is available to you almost all the time. The trip can be started depending on the start dates of the Rovos Rails. You will spend the night in selected upscale accommodation. Of course, the itinerary can be adapted to your individual wishes at any point. The price per person depends on the size of your private group.

A trip on the Rovos Rail, the "Pride Of Africa", is a very special experience. In the most luxurious train in the world, you will travel through the wine regions, the Karoo and the goldfields. Of course, you won't miss out on the country's highlights such as Cape Town, the Winelands, Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route.

Please note: Our privately guided tours are designed for groups of people who have already been confirmed in advance. If you are interested in joining a group, please look under "Small group tours".

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 19x overnight stays in the Superior Plus category (4 to 5-star guesthouses and lodges)
• 19 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
• Air-conditioned vehicle according to group size
• Five game drives in an open off-road vehicle
• Domestic flight from Durban to Port Elizabeth in Economy Class
• Excursions and entrance fees according to program
• Private tour guide (German or English of your choice) and 24-hour hotline (English-speaking) on site
• Comprehensive travel documents (with an individual tour book and a travel guide per room)
• Virtual meeting with the tour guide before departure on request
• Insurance according to German travel law incl. travel price insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Drinks and meals not specified
• Long-haul flights from/to Europe (we are happy to arrange suitable flights on request)
• optional excursions, other personal expenses, tips
• Travel insurance

Tour description and prices as PDF

We also offer this trip in the Deluxe category *****.

Day 1: Welcome to South Africa (approx. 380 km)
You will be met at Johannesburg airport by your private tour guide. The journey starts in an easterly direction through the province of Mpumalanga, the land of the rising sun. Your destination is the small town of Hazyview near the Kruger National Park. The afternoon is at your leisure here and you can relax after your long journey.
Overnight stay with half board - Tanamera Lodge (Luxury Chalet) in Hazyview

Where you stay
Tanamera Lodge is situated near Hazyview, very close to the Kruger Park and the attractions of the Panorama Route with a fantastic view of the Lowveld. The 7 chalets are equipped with bath/WC, fan, minibar, tea/coffee maker, TV and veranda. The lodge offers a pool, a garden and a lounge.

Day 2: Panorama Route
Today you set off for the highlights of the Panorama Route. Your first stop is the impressive "God's Window". Here you can see as far as the Kruger Plain on a clear day. Continue to the Bourke's Luck Potholes. Here, erosion has created deep swirl holes and a canyon in the dolomite rock. Finally, you will visit the Blyde River Canyon, which is 26 kilometers long and 800 meters deep. The "Three Rondavels" can also be seen from here: Huge, round rocks that are reminiscent of the huts of the locals. Of course, the impressive waterfalls on the Panorama Route, such as Berlin Falls, Lone Creek Falls and Lisbon Falls, are not to be missed along the way. Let your tour guide show you their two favorites. In the afternoon, return to Hazyview via the Long Tom Pass.
Overnight stay with half board - Tanamera Lodge (Luxury Chalet) in Hazyview

Day 3: Nkomazi Game Reserve (approx. 190 km)
After a leisurely breakfast, we continue southward. Located between Badplaas and Baberton at the foot of the Makhonjwa Mountains, the Nkomazi Game Reserve is still considered a true hidden gem. The landscape is characterized by mountain ranges, wide river valleys, and impressive grasslands. Unlike in the state-run Kruger Park, only overnight guests are allowed access to the private reserves, ensuring nothing stands in the way of breathtaking wildlife viewing. In the afternoon, you’ll take part in your first game drive in an open-top 4x4 (in English, conducted with other participants), followed by a traditional dinner around an open campfire (weather permitting).
Your tour guide will spend the duration of your stay outside the reserve. However, shared accommodation at the lodge is also available for an additional fee.
Overnight stay with half board – Nkomazi Game Reserve (Luxury Tent) near Badplaas

Where you stay
The private Nkomazi Game Reserve offers exclusive accommodation, far away from the tourist crowds. Komati Tented Lodge is situated on the banks of the Komati River with beautiful views of the surrounding area. Each of the 12 tented suites offers plenty of privacy with its own large sun deck and plunge pool. In addition, there is an extra-large king-size bed, comfortable heating and cooling, ceiling fan, minibar, safe and en-suite shower with an outdoor bathtub.

Day 4: On Safari
The day begins early with a game drive in an open-top 4x4 (conducted in English, shared with other guests). Back at the lodge, a delicious breakfast awaits you. Now you have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the lodge’s amenities. In the afternoon, you’ll head out again for exciting wildlife viewing in the reserve (conducted in English, shared with other guests). The Nkomazi Game Reserve is home to four of the “Big Five” (only buffalo are missing), many other animal species, unique plants, as well as geological wonders and Bushman rock paintings.
Overnight stay with full board – Nkomazi Game Reserve (Luxury Tent) near Badplaas

Day 5: St. Lucia (approx. 410 km)
After another game drive in the early morning (English-speaking, with additional persons) and breakfast, you will be picked up by your tour guide. You set off south and reach the resort of St. Lucia at the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park in the late afternoon. The small town lies at the mouth of the Lake St. Lucia Lagoon on a narrow spit of land, bordered by the St. Lucia Estuary to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Serene Estate (Luxury Parkside Suite) in St. Lucia

How you live
The modern design of the Serene Estate impresses with its minimalist architecture. The challenge was to achieve an optimal synthesis between architecture and landscape. Bright colors and lighting effects were used to create an African ambience. The 5 rooms are equipped with bath/WC, air conditioning, fan, minibar, TV, safe, hairdryer, WLAN and tea/coffee making facilities. The guest house has a pool and a garden.

Day 6: Hluhluwe National Park
Early in the morning, we set off in an open off-road vehicle to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, the oldest and perhaps most beautiful game park in South Africa (English-speaking, guided tour with additional persons). The two game reserves Hluhluwe and Imfolozi were founded back in 1897 to protect the last remaining rhinos. In 1998, the two parks and the corridor between them were merged to form the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, which is now the fourth largest game park in the country with over 96,000 hectares. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is known for its large rhino population, but it is also home to the Big Five. You will then return to St. Lucia and take part in a boat tour in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in the afternoon (English-speaking, with additional persons). This is not only home to around 1500 crocodiles, but also around 800 hippos.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Serene Estate (Luxury Parkside Suite) in St. Lucia

Day 7: iSimangaliso Wetlands
In the morning, you will take part in a boat tour in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (English-speaking, with additional persons). This is not only home to around 1500 crocodiles, but also around 800 hippos. The rest of the day is at your leisure, but your tour guide will of course be on hand if you are planning excursions in the surrounding area. The beautiful Cape Vidal in the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, for example, is highly recommended. (Entrance fees not included in the tour price). Cape Vidal in the seemingly endless St. Lucia Wetlands is famous for its Beach & Bush Experience. Discover wonderful wildlife in this magnificent, green national park as well as the best beaches in the whole country. But the beach directly in St. Lucia is also a great place to spend a relaxing day.

Optionally (for a fee), you have the chance to discover South Africa's nocturnal animals in the iSimangaliso National Park on a night game drive (English-speaking, with additional persons).
Overnight stay with breakfast - Serene Estate (Luxury Parkside Suite) in St. Lucia

Day 8: Departure for the Garden Route (approx. 260 km)
After a relaxed start to the day, you set off today on the famous Garden Route. You drive to Durban Airport and fly to Port Elizabeth together with your tour guide. There you have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Explore the city or enjoy some peace and quiet in your guesthouse.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Mantis No. 5 Boutique Hotel (Luxury Suite) in Port Elizabeth

Where you stay
You will stay at the luxurious Mantis No 5, a first-class restored Art Deco hotel in the Summerstrand district. The beach is only about 150 meters away and you will also find numerous stores and restaurants in the immediate vicinity. The boutique hotel has a fine dining restaurant, a private cinema, a lounge, a pool, a fitness center and a spa area. The 9 suites are all equipped with bath/WC, balcony/terrace, seating area, minibar, Nespresso machine, TV, air conditioning and safe.

Day 9: Tsitsikamma National Park (approx. 280 km)
You travel on to Tsitsikamma National Park, which is part of the Garden Route National Park with its hiking trails, beaches and waterfalls. You first make a flying visit to the Big Tree, a centuries-old yellowwood tree that is more than 40 meters high. You then visit the mouth of the Storms River. A leisurely, short hike takes you to the famous Suspension Bridge with its fantastic views (access to the bridge may be closed due to weather conditions). In the afternoon, you will reach the beautiful Nature's Valley, where you will have some time to relax on the secluded beaches or go hiking. In the evening you reach Knysna, the heart of the Garden Route.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Villa Afrikana (Standard Suite) in Knysna

Where you stay
You will stay in the luxurious Villa Afrikana with great views over the lagoon and the dense forests of the hinterland. The very personal and stylish atmosphere of your warm hosts invites you to linger and feel at home. The 6 suites have bath/WC, TV, tea/coffee maker, fan, safe and hairdryer. The guest house offers a pool, a lounge and a garden.

Day 10: Knysna
Today is at your leisure, but your tour guide is of course available for excursions in the varied surroundings. The Wilderness National Park, for example, is ideal for a day trip. Or drive to the impressive viewpoint on the Eastern Head directly at the entrance to the lagoon and then enjoy a relaxing day on a beautiful sandy beach. In the evening, round off the day with a leisurely boat tour on the lagoon (English-speaking, with additional people).

Optionally, you can also take part in other activities (for a fee, English-speaking, carried out with other people).
Township tour: This takes place in the morning or afternoon and lasts around 3 hours. True to the motto "Meet the locals", you will visit the small township on the outskirts of Knysna. Here you will meet the residents and learn about education, housing and the health system.
Whale watching: On the whale watching tour, you take a small boat out to sea and, with a bit of luck, get up close to the large marine mammals! The tour takes place during the whale season from June to November and you should be seaworthy.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Villa Afrikana (Standard Suite) in Knysna

Day 11: Oudtshoorn (approx. 120 km)
You leave the coast via the scenic Outeniqua Pass and reach the arid hinterland. Once you have arrived in the ostrich capital of Oudtshoorn, you will discover the stalactite cave landscape of the Cango Caves on a guided tour (English-speaking, with additional persons). Numerous chambers of the huge cave system offer an impressive variety of enormous stalactite formations. Afterwards, you will get up close and personal with these large, flightless birds on an ostrich farm and learn many amazing details about the animals and their breeding on a very informative tour (English-speaking, guided tour with additional persons). Your destination is a cozy guesthouse in Oudtshoorn.
Overnight stay with half board - Pictures Guest House (Deluxe Room) in Oudtshoorn

Where you stay
The charming Pictures Guest House is luxurious and modern in the heart of the Klein Karoo. It consists of just three rooms, all of which are individually decorated and have air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, tea/coffee station, TV and a private balcony. The guest house offers a pool, a terrace, a lounge and a fitness room. Culinary highlights include an extensive breakfast with home-baked bread and a delicious three-course evening meal at the table d'hôtel, which can be pre-booked on request.

Day 12: Route 62 & Winelands (approx. 260 km)
Today you continue along the famous and scenically unique Route 62, the former connecting route between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. This route exudes a certain Wild West atmosphere, hence the similarity in name to the legendary Route 66. You then reach Robertson, which has developed into one of the most popular Cape Winelands towns with its numerous Jakaranda trees (blossom in November), oak avenues and many Victorian buildings. Here, in the idyllic Wine Valley, you will enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery before arriving at your guesthouse.
Overnight stay with half board - Fraai Uitzicht (Luxury Cottage) in Robertson

Where you stay
The Fraai Uitzicht 1798 wine estate is remarkable in every respect: the restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best in the wider area, the fantastic four-star guest house is beautifully situated in the vineyards and wine has finally been made again since 2006. The 10 rooms have bath/WC, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, veranda and some have an outdoor shower. The guest house has a pool, beautiful gardens, a restaurant and a wine cellar.

Day 13: Cape Town & Table Mountain (approx. 170 km)
After breakfast, the journey continues to the beautiful small town of Stellenbosch in the middle of the Western Cape. The second oldest town in the country has a beautiful historic town center with many buildings in the Cape Dutch architectural style. Cafés, restaurants and stores invite you to stroll and linger. You then reach Cape Town, the "Mother City", and explore the city's sights. The colorful Bo-Kaap district hides a long history, the centrally located Company's Garden invites you to take a relaxing stroll amidst the hustle and bustle of the city and on Greenmarket Square you can store for all kinds of handicrafts and souvenirs. If the weather is good, you can of course visit Table Mountain, the city's landmark, and enjoy the fantastic view. If the cable car is closed, you can alternatively enjoy the view from the Cape Wheel Ferris wheel at the V&A Waterfront.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Winchester Hotel (Junior Sea-Facing Suite) in Cape Town

Your Stay at th
The Cape Dutch architectural style of the lovingly renovated Winchester Hotel exudes an atmosphere of pure elegance. Located directly on the waterfront promenade of the popular Sea Point neighborhood, restaurants, cafés, shops, and the V&A Waterfront are just a short walk away. This boutique hotel features a restaurant, a beautiful courtyard, a pool, and free Wi-Fi. The 76 rooms feature a bathroom, air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, and a safe. The Loft Rooms and Classic Rooms overlook the courtyard. The Junior Suites offer views of either the ocean, Table Mountain, or Lion’s Head. The Family Suites have two bedrooms that share a bathroom and a lounge area.

Day 14: The Cape Peninsula
You set off on a day trip to the Cape Peninsula. First you stop in Muizenberg and marvel at the colorful little houses that can be found on every postcard. Continue along False Bay via Kalk Bay to Simon's Town, where you will visit the famous penguin colony. You then drive to the Cape of Good Hope National Park with the Cape of Good Hope and via Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, on to Hout Bay with its small fishing port. In the late afternoon you will arrive back in Cape Town, where you will say goodbye to your tour guide.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Winchester Hotel (Junior Sea-Facing Suite) in Cape Town

Day 15: Cape Town
This day in Cape Town is at your leisure. Take advantage of the excellent shopping opportunities or culinary offerings at the V&A Waterfront, for example. The ferries to the former prison island of Robben Island also depart from here. Or stroll through the lively city center and the Company's Garden and visit one of the many museums located there.
Overnight stay with breakfast - Winchester Hotel (Junior Sea-Facing Suite) in Cape Town

Day 16: Rovos Rail – Pride of Africa
Today, in time for the departure of the Rovos Rail, our transfer partner (English-speaking) will take you to the Cape Town train station. At 11 a.m., the “Pride of Africa” departs Cape Town, and as you soon enjoy your first lunch on board, you’ll travel through the beautiful wine region of the Western Cape.
The Rovos Rail is undoubtedly the most luxurious way to spend your vacation in South Africa. The four trains, each with 24 lovingly restored vintage cars, are a rolling five-star hotel. All cars are air-conditioned and offer every conceivable comfort. Each train has a dining car, a lounge car, and an observation car at the end of the train. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, with additional items available for order. In the afternoon, cake is served in the lounge car. Dinner is a multi-course meal. In addition, a 24-hour butler service is available to every guest.
Overnight stay with full board – Rovos Rail (Pullman Suite)

How you live
There are two to five luxurious suites per carriage and each carriage has its own service staff available around the clock. Each suite is air-conditioned (hot/cold) and has its own shower/WC, tea/coffee maker, minibar, hairdryer, socket for shaver. High-quality toiletries and small treats round off the perfect service.
The Pullman suites are approx. 7 square meters in size and have a comfortable foldaway bed that converts into a couch during the day. The Deluxe Suites are approximately 11 square meters in size and have a double bed and a small lounge area. The Royal Suites are approximately 16 square meters in size and have a double bed and lounge area as well as a larger bathroom with bathtub. All suites can also be booked with a twin bed configuration, i.e. with two single beds (then a bunk bed in the Pullman Suite).

Day 17: Rovos Rail - Pride of Africa
In the morning you reach the historic town of Matjesfontein, which you can explore on a leisurely stroll after breakfast. Of particular interest here is the museum at the railroad station and a unique collection of historic cars and railroad carriages. The journey then continues through the barren beauty of the Karoo semi-desert, which was once a huge inland lake. Enjoy the magnificent views and indulge in culinary delights on board the Rovos.
Overnight stay with full board - Rovos Rail (Pullman Suite)

Day 18: Rovos Rail - Pride of Africa
Today you reach the diamond town of Kimberley. The world's largest diamond deposit was discovered here in 1871 and diamond fever broke out. At peak times, over 50,000 miners populated the town and lived in tents and huts. Kimberley's layout still bears witness to its turbulent history: crooked streets and no orientation to guide you. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the city still has a certain charm, which you will experience on a guided tour (in English, with additional people). Of course, a visit to the Diamond Museum and the Big Hole, the largest hole dug by human hands, is a must.
Overnight stay with full board - Rovos Rail (Pullman Suite)

Day 19: Arrival in Pretoria
As you enjoy another hearty breakfast today, the Rovos crosses the Witwatersrand goldfields. At noon, you’ll be served another delicious lunch as the Rovos slowly approaches its destination. Around 4:00 p.m., you will arrive at the Pretoria train station. There, a driver from our transfer partner will be waiting to take you to your accommodation (English-speaking, may be shared with other guests). The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, and you can reflect on this memorable time aboard the “Pride of Africa.”
Overnight stay with breakfast – Bohemian House (Luxury Garden Room) in Pretoria

Where you stay
You will stay in the luxurious and centrally located Bohemian House, a beautiful property in a cozy garden. The ten rooms all have their own bathroom/WC. A separate door gives you access to your private balcony or veranda. All rooms also have extra-long beds. The accommodation offers a pool, a garden and a restaurant.

Day 20: Goodbye South Africa
Your trip ends after breakfast. To coincide with your flight, a transfer service (English-speaking) will take you to Johannesburg airport.