Overview
Few things are more romantic than dining by candlelight in fine dresses and coattails as the clacking of old-school carriages echoes through rolling hills and valleys. This is travel by luxury rail. This tour is very popular with our travellers who are looking for a special way to celebrate an occasion – engagements, honeymoons, milestone birthdays & golden anniversaries. We combine your rail journey with a classic safari in Kruger and a trip to beautiful Cape Town for the best of South Africa.
Upon arrival at Johannesburg airport, you'll be met and transferred to the Federal Air charter lounge for your charter flight to Kruger. When you check-in at the lounge, you'll have the opportunity to repack and store excess baggage if necessary before boarding the aircraft.
After a short flight to Sabi Sand, your ranger will welcome you at Singita's airstrip and and escort you to your lodge for check in and some welcome refreshments. Singita Boulders Lodge is a luxury safari lodge built within the rocky geometry of the Singita Private Game Reserve in Sabi Sand. This family-friendly lodge offers a mini rangers programme to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy night time game drives and guided walking safaris. Game viewing in Sabi is unrivalled anywhere else in Kruger with the Big 5 virtually guaranteed, as this is the best reserve to spot the shy and elusive leopard.
After a final game drive and bush breakfast you will be transferred to the airstrip for your return flight to Johannesburg before heading to nearby Pretoria where you'll spend the night.
The arty Menlyn Boutique Hotel is conveniently located just across the road from the Menlyn shopping centre. You can relax at your hotel pool and dine at the sought-after Black Bamboo restaurant, or head out into SA's administrative capital and take a tour of the botanical gardens and the Voortrekker Monument, voted the historical monument with the best design in the country.
You will be collected and transferred to the Rovos Rail station in Pretoria, where you will be welcomed with a glass of champagne in the private departure lounge while your bags are tagged and loaded aboard the most luxurious train in the world.
Your overnight journey takes you through spectacular scenery on your way to the Mother City of Cape Town. In the old days of rail travel, privileged travellers were lavished with attentive service and every imaginable comfort. Rovos Rail has recreated this experience for today, allowing you to step back in time to an era of sophistication and elegance.
During the day you can unwind in the observation or lounge cars, where sweeping wing-backed chairs and deep sofas are perfect for observing the countryside. In the evenings you’ll dress for dinner in your most glamorous evening clothes (jacket and tie for men) before heading to a pre-1940’s dining car for a romantic, genteel dining experience. And yes, you will have your own personal butler.
Wake up, stretch and call your personal butler for a cup of coffee...what way to start your day! As you roll into the Mother City you'll be met by some of the most beautiful scenery of your rail journey.
Once at the station with all your bags unloaded, you'll be collected and transferred to your hotel. Choose from 5-star sumptuousness at the 12 Apostles or a pocket-friendly luxury boutique hotel in the city centre - our consultants will help you find the perfect place for you.
Your rental car will be delivered to your hotel, ready for you to explore the city. Don’t miss out on a helicopter flip over the Atlantic Seaboard or a picnic lunch in the Winelands, a sundowner at the top of Table Mountain or a summer open air concert in Kirstenbosch Botanical garden. We'll book you into internationally renowned restaurants and also guide you to secret spots that only locals know. Our consultants will assist you with a list of must-do activities and book all your excursions.
Your magical tour of South Africa comes to end with a transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your departure flight.
Notes: The departure dates of this itinerary are determined by the train schedules. You can choose between Rovos Rail and the Blue Train, each of which operates similar routes on different dates. This itinerary can easily be done in reverse and can also include a few nights in the Winelands region if you prefer. The tour is fully customisable according to your preferences and budget.