This journey offers an amazingly comprehensive view of South Africa taking in the internationally regarded "must see" locations. As the train travels the length and breadth of the country guests can enjoy the great variety of landscapes, shorelines, cultures and lifestyles that the "Rainbow Nation" has to offer.

Pre-day - Johannesburg

You will be met on arrival at OR Tambo International Airport and transferred to the train. Having a pre-day allows guests to acclimatise and unpack prior ot the first day of touring. The pre night includes dinner, bed and breakfast and the possibility of choosing from the additional activities listed below, subject to your arrival time and availability of vehicles and guides.

Optional Extras

1. The Cradle of Humankind:
Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves

Our visit to this World Heritage Site starts at hte Maropeng Visitors' Centre, continuing to the Sterkfontein Caves where there are many prehistoric fossils on display.

These include the two world renowned hominid finds, namely Mrs. Ples discovered in 1947 and Little Foot discovered as recently as 1997.

2. Lesedi Cultural Village

We visit this multi-cultural African village set amongst pristine bushveld and rocky hills. Experience the culture of five of South Africa's major indigenous tribes; the Xhosa, the Zulu, the Pedi, the Basotho and the Ndebele. Lunch is included.

3. Sandton City

Sandton is the financial hub of Johannesburg and a retail mecca! Two extensive Malls, Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square offer a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Nelson Mandela Square features a large open piazza and vast statue of its namesake.

4. Gold Reef City and Apartheid Museum

Situated on the old site of Crown Mine which closed in the 1970s, Gold Reef City is an entertainment centre and theme park showcasing Johannesburg as it was at the time of the Gold Rush. In addition to the many activites included in the entrance fee, guests can go down a gold mine at a small additional cost. The Apartheid Museum is a dynamic and powerful multi media presentation of the political regime in South Africa until 1994.

5. East Rand Mall

A modern shopping centre where you will find banks, supermarkets and exclusive shops as well as a good selection of restaurants.

The train departs in the evening for Mpumalanga.

Day 01 - Panorama Route

1. Panorama Route

In 1873 gold was discovered in the area around the quaint town of Pilgrim's Rest, now a living museum and National Monument. Further along the escarpment are the great Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes and God's Window, great natural features of the area. (Full day, Distance traveled: ±280 km).

Guests return to meet hte train at Nelspruit station after which we depart for Kaapmuiden.

Day 02 - Kruger National Park

1. Kruger National Park

The world renowned Kruger National Park offers a unique 2 million hectare wildlife experience. Game drives are conducted in our air-conditioned vehicles. (Full day, Departure time depends on the season, as gates open and close with sunrise and sunset. Distance traveled: ± 220 km).

Optional Extras

2. Private Game Reserve

During the late morning you will be transferred to a private game lodge where you will enjoy lunch, an evening game drive, dinner, overnight and an early morning game drive, returning after breakfast to join the rest of the group in the Kruger Park. Game viewing (in our air-conditioned vehicle) will be done en-route back to the train. (Bookings subject to availability. Due to the 24-hour cycle of the private reserve, which starts before lunchtime, it is not possible to do this optional extra as well as the Panorama Route).

The train remains stationary tonight in Kaapmuiden.

Day 03 - Kruger National Park or Swaziland

1. Kruger National Park

Guests can opt for further game viewing in the park conducted in our air-conditioned vehicles. (Full day, Departure time depends on the season, as gates open and close with sunrise and sunset. Distance traveled: ± 220 km).

2. Tour through Swaziland
You will need your passport for this tour!

Drive from Kaapmuiden into Swaziland where we will visit the Swazi Market, a glass factory and candle making factory, stopping at Mantenga Lodge for lunch. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 350 km).

Optional Extras

Open Vehicle Safari

Guests can choose to join a game drive on an open safari vehicle, specifically designed to ensure safety as well as optimum game viewing. Lunch (Guests' own account) will be at one of the rest camps in the park. Game viewing continues for the remainder of the afternoon.

The train departs in the evening for Johannesburg.

Day 04 - Pretoria / Johannesburg / Soweto

1. Pretoria and Soweto

We will spend the morning in Pretoria, the administrative captital of South Africa, visiting the Union Buildings, the grand bronze statue of Oom Paul (Kruger( and the impressive Voortrekker Monument. In the afternoon we travel to Soweto to visit the Hector Petersen Memorial and the only street in the world home to two Nobel Peace Laureates. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 200 km).

2. Johannesburg and Soweo

Our day starts at Constitution Hill in Braamfontein in the centre of Johannesburg, new home of the Constitutional Court and site of Johannesburg's notorious Old Fort Prison Complex. We then need onto the Newtown Precinct to visit Museum Africa previosly known as the market of Johannesburg. This is followed by a lunch break (Guests' own account) in the suburb of Rosebank. In the afternoon, we visit some of the sites of Soweto.

The train departs Johannesburg for Durban in the evening.

Day 05 - Durban

1. Durban City Tour

Durban is South Africa's third largest city and an important sea port. This orientation tour will allow you to experiece the mix of old and new, and see where Africa meets the Orient and the West. At the end of the morning we willd rop you at either the Botanical Gardens or at uShaka Marine World, where you can have lunch and spend the afternoon (all entrances and lunch for your own account). You will be picked up again at an arranged time later in the afternoon. (Morning. Distance traveled: ± 50 km).

2. Durban Spiritual Tour

This tour incorprates visits to temples of many different faiths. We visit a tranquil monastery, a Hari Krishna Temple, Phoenix, the spiritual settlement created by Mahatma Gandhi, and the Juma Musjid, the largest mosque in South Africa, as well as the Kencra Hindu Temple and Community Centre. Lunch in between is in Durban for guests' own account. (Full day, Distance traveled: ± 150 km).

3. Umgeni River Bird Park & Beach Day

On our way to the beaches of north Durban we visit the Umgeni River Bird Park. The rest of the day can be spent at hte beach, or shopping in the late afternoon at hte nearby Gateway Shopping Centre. Our vehicles will collect you from wherever you chose to spend your leisure time to retun to the train. (Full day of relaxation. Distance traveled: ± 60 km).

The train remains stationary in Durban.

Day 06 - Northern Zululand

1. Shakaland and Hluhluwe-Umfollozi Park

Leaving the train early, this tour visits Shakaland Cultural Village, and takes guests to Zulu Nyala Heritage Hotel for lunch (Guests' own account). After lunch the tour continues with a game drive in our air conditioned vehicles through the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, oncethe exclusive royal hunting ground of King Shaka. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 200 km).

Guests stay at Shakaland Lodge for the night.

Day 07 - Southern Zululand

1. Zulu Nyala Game Reserve and St Lucia

Early morning game drive in the lodge's 4x4 safari vehicles. After breakfast guests depart with the Shongololo vehicles and visit the St Lucia Wetlands, including a cruise on the St Lucia Esturay. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 250 km).

Optional Extras

1. St Lucia boat based whale tours

Seasonal from ± June - December. Mroning activity from St Lucia.

Day 08 - Ladysmith - Midlands / Southern Drakensberg

1. Battlefields

Trace the course of the Anglo Boer War at the Siege Museum as well as sites of mnay famous battles such as Spioenkop. Other highlights include Wagon Hill, where British and Boers both suffered heavy losses. Visitors also gain insight into the early lives of Winston Churchill and Ghandi. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 350 km).

2. Midlands Meander

The famous Midlands Meander in KZN is a unique mix of more than 160 places to eat, drink and shop. A selection of local arts and crafts and world-class restaurants can be found along this route. Among your stops will be a visit to the Howick Falls as well as beer tasting at the micro brewery of the Nottingham Road Bewing Company. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 200 km).

3. Southern Drakensberg walking trails

Energetic guests can enjoy a guided walk in the Xumeni Forest. Lunch will be at Creighton (Guests' own account). (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 250 km).

Optional Extras

Sani Pass / Lesotho
You will need your passport for this tour!

Our Shongololo komibs will take you to Underberg where you will change vehicles for the ascent of the magnificent Sani Pass, the only road link between KZN and the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. After reaching the 2873m summit, we make an equally spectacular descent. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 300 km).

The train departs Ladysmith for Bloemfontein in the evening.

Day 09 - Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein

Arriving in Bloemfontein after a morning on board the train, guests will be taken for lunch at The Waterfront (Guests' own account) followed by a short orientation on tour of hte city. Seat of the South African judicial system and known as The Rose City, Bloemfontein is home to The Women's Memorial at the Anglo-Boer War Museum and from Naval Hill guests enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the city. (Afternoon. Distance traveled: ± 30 km).

The train departs in the early evening from Bloemfontein to Port Elizabeth.

Day 10 - Port Elizabeth

1. Addo Elephant National Park

A short drive from the station is Addo Elephant National Park, a sanctuary for over 350 elephants, where game drives will be conducted in our air-conditioned vehicles. Game drives will continue into the afternoon after lunch (Guests' own account). (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 160 km).

2. Addo Elephant Park and Port Elizabeth city tour

After a morning tour of Addo and lunch in Port Elizabeth (Guests' own account) guests will be taken on a tour of the Friendly City, stopping at several historical buildings in the city centre. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 170 km).

Optional Extras

Township Tour

This half day tour of townships within the Nelson Mandela Metropole offers an insight into and better understanding of the new South Africa. (Afternoon activiity which can be combined with Option 2 above. Distance traveled: ± 80 km).

The train travels over night to Oudtshoorn.

Day 11 - Klein Karoo

1. Cango Caves and Swartberg Pass

Oudtshoorn enjoyed a boom in the early 20th century with the trade in ostrich feathers. We visit an ostrich farm, followed by the Cango Caves. We continue via the Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert, returnning to Oudtshoorn via the spectacular Meiringspoort drive, descending the Robinson Pass back towards Mossel Bay. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 280 km).

2. Ostrich Farm and Mossel Bay

After a visit to an ostrich farm you travel via the Robinson Pass to Mossel Bay. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 200 km).

3. Ostrich Farm visit and train ride to Mossel Bay

After a morning visit to an ostrich farm, guests return to Shongololo Express to take in the scenic beauty of the spectacular Montagu Pass and the Onteniqua Mountain range as the train journeys to Mossel Bay. (Morning excursion before departure for Mossel Bay. Distance traveled: ± 20 km).

Optional Extras

1. Cango Crocodile and Cheetahland

Cango Crocodile Reptile Farm is home to over 200 Nile Crocodiles. After this visit we travel to Cheetahland to see a collection of these magnificent predators on view on large natural enclosures.

2. Seal Island Trip

Enjoy a late afternoon boat cruise to Seal Island to view seals and hopefully dolphins and whales in season.

The train remains stationary in Mossel Bay for the night.

Day 12 - Garden Route

1. Old Passes Route and Knysna

Drive from Mossel Bay to George via the Old Passes route to Knysna. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 250 km).

2. Mossel Bay (Museum) and day at leisure

We tour the Dias Museum celebrating the arrival of Bartholemeu Dias at Mossel Bay at 1488 and visit the famous Old Past Office Tree, a mail repository for passing ships.

3. Robberg Nature Reserve

A number of walks are offered, ranging from gentile strolls to reasonably difficult. On our way back to Mossel Bay, we stop at the Knysna Quays, time permitting. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 280 km).

The train journeys overnight to Worcester.

Day 13 - Winelands / Overberg Region

1. Historic heart of the Winelands

We drive via Villiersdorp and the Franschhoek Pass to Francschhoek where we visit the Huguenot Memorial. Our journey continues over the Hellshoogte Pass. In Stellenbosch, we enjoy our lunch break (Guests' own account) after which we drive through to Paarl. One wine tasting is included in this excursion. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 275 km).

2. Scenic Mountain Passes and Hermanus

We travel via the Overberg towns of Villiersdorp and Botrivier to Hermanus, where, during the whale season (roughly from July to November) we can view Southern Right Whales. In the afternoon we travel on the coastal road past Betty's Bay and onto Clarence Drive towards the Mother City to meet the train. One wine tasting is included in this excursion. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 350 km).

Optional Extras

1. Shark cage diving (Gansbaai)

Brace guests will be picked up in Hermanus and taken to Gansbaai, where their encounter with the Great White awaits them. (Full day which can be combined with parts of Option 2 above. Weather dependent).

2. Whale watching boat cruise (Hermanus)

Every year from around July to December watch the magnificent Southern Right Whales within 50 meters of the boat. (Can be combined with Option 2 above and is eather dependent).

Guests will spend the night on the train in Cape Town.

Day 14 & 15 - Cape Town

(Please note: All the activities below will be covered over Days 14 & 15, but as some are weather dependent, the order in which we visit them may vary).

Cape Point

We will visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, world-renowned for the beauty and diversity of its displays of Cape flora. This is followed by a visit to Hout Bay and a drive to Simon's Town. A visit to the Boulders Penguin Colony is included in this option as well as a visit to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 150 km).

Cape Town City Tour

Starting with a cable car ascent of Table Mountain (weather permitting and at your own cost) our city tour continues with a walk through the Company Gardens, followed by a visit to the Bo-Kaap Museum. On our way to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront we will stop at Diamond Works.

Our lunch stop (Guests' own account) will be at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. In the afternoon we will drive through District 6, ending the tour with a visit to the Castle of Good Hope. (Full day. Distance traveled: ± 100 km).

Optional Extras

(The activities below can only be done on the day of the Cape Town City Tour excursion).

1. Two Oceans Aquarium

The Aquarium is located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and offers an exciting insight into the indigenous fresh and seawater creatures of South Africa.

2. Robben Island Tour

Renowned during the apartheid years as the prison in which Nelson Mandela and other heroes of the struggle were incarcerated. Robben Island is now a World Heritage Site.

3. Helicopter Flight

Various helicopter flight options are offered departing from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and starting from only 15 minutes duration (including only the city bowl) to half an hour or longer (also including the Cape Peninsula).

4. Table Mountain

Experience an awesome ride up Table Mountain in a cable car. The view from the top of Table Mountain is spectacular. This activity is weather dependent.

The train remains stationary in Muizenberg for two nights. On Day 14 an evening shuttle service will be available to take guests to/from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Day 16 - Transfer Day

Guests transferring to an hotel will be taken during the morning. For guests departing on flights later in the day from Cape Town International Airport, other activities can be undertaken in the morning including a stroll around the False Bay area.

DEPARTURES

RATES
2010 - Priced from ZAR 35,000.00 (Ivory Class) to R 54,000.00(Emerald Class) per person sharing.
2011 - Priced from ZAR 38,000.00 (Ivory Class) to R 57,000.00(Emerald Class) per person sharing.

Children between 7 and 12 will pay 50% of the pp sharing rate

Rates Include
Arrival transfer airport - train, Departure transfer train - airport, Accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis (as per itinerary), Free choice of daily scheduled land excursions
Rates Exclude
Airfares (National / International), Lunches, Beverages, Purchases of a personal nature, Pre night Accommodation (From R 677.00 to R 1,267.00 per person sharing, dinner, bed & breakfast basis), Visas where applicable.

BOOK THIS TRIP 

The Southern Cross    Dune Express    The Good Hope  Shongololo Express