African Collage Rail Safari
Safari Information
- Departure; Scheduled departure dates
- Duration; 13 Days / 12 Nights
- Lodging; Aboard Rovos Rail
- Group Size; Minimum 1
- Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
Embark on an Unforgettable Safari Adventure Combining the Elegance of Rovos Rail and the Thrill of Africa’s Untamed Wilderness
Imagine a journey where opulence meets untamed nature, where every moment feels like an escape into a dream. This is exactly what awaits on this extraordinary safari experience aboard the Rovos Rail. From the moment you step onto the train’s rich, wood-paneled carriages to the moment you set foot in the untouched splendor of Africa’s wilderness, you’ll be swept into a world of unmatched luxury and adventure. It’s an experience carefully tailored for those seeking the perfect blend of comfort and excitement.
At the heart of this incredible safari lies the Rovos Rail, often referred to as “the most luxurious train in the world.” Its magnificently restored vintage carriages exude timeless elegance, featuring fine dining, plush suites, and panoramic windows for capturing every breathtaking view. Combined with stops at some of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, the itinerary effortlessly delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The train becomes more than just transportation; it’s your personal gateway to some of the most extraordinary landscapes and wildlife encounters Africa has to offer.
From thrilling game drives through wildlife-rich reserves to indulgent evenings spent recalling the day’s adventures over gourmet meals, every detail of this safari is crafted to perfection. Whether you’re ticking the Big Five off your bucket list or simply soaking in the majesty of Africa’s sunsets, this is a voyage that promises lasting memories. For adventurers who demand the best of both worlds, this remarkable combination of the Rovos Rail’s elegance and Africa’s untamed wilderness is truly unparalleled.
Day 1: Pretoria to eMalahleni
- 18:00: Depart from Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. The train travels on the eastern line through the harsh coal-mining area of eMalahleni (Witbank)—where Rovos Rail was founded—and Middelburg, known as the "stainless steel capital of Africa".
- Historical Note: The Dutch railway building company, NZASM, built this line between Pretoria and Lourenço Marques (Maputo) from 1893 to 1895.
- 19:30: Dinner is served in the dining cars.
- Dress: Formal.
Day 2: Highveld to Malelane
- 07:00: Breakfast is served until 10:00. Enjoy the rolling hills of eMakhazeni (Belfast) and Emnothweni (Dullstroom), which are renowned for the genteel yet skillful sport of trout fishing.
- 13:00: Lunch is served in the dining cars.
- 16:30: Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
- 19:30: Dinner is served as the train travels toward Malelane.
- Dress: Formal.
Day 3: Kruger National Park to Mpaka
- 06:30: Leisure Guests enjoy a game drive in the Kruger National Park—a world leader in environmental management and home to the Big Five.
- Golfers: Transfer to Kambaku Golf Club for tee-off and lunch. Leopard Creek may be booked on request for your own account.
- 19:30: Dinner is served as the train travels to Mpaka for border formalities into eSwatini.
- Dress: Formal.
Day 4: eSwatini to Hluhluwe
- 08:00: Leisure Guests visit Swazi Candles and the Mantenga Cultural Village, a living museum representing the classic Swazi lifestyle of the 1850s.
- Golfers: Transfer to Royal Swazi or Nkonyeni for tee-off and lunch.
- 19:30: Dinner is served. The train travels to Hluhluwe, re-entering South Africa via the Golela border.
- Dress: Formal.
Day 5: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park to Durban
- 06:00: Transfer to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park for a game drive. As the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa, it is the only state-run park in KwaZulu-Natal featuring all Big Five animals.
- 12:30: Lunch is served as the train travels south along the scenic Indian Ocean coastline.
- 19:30: Dinner is served in the dining cars.
- Dress: Formal.
Day 6: Durban to Ladysmith
- 09:00: Leisure Guests enjoy a tour of Durban, visiting the botanical gardens and lunching at Umhlanga's beachfront.
- Golfers: Transfer to Durban Country Club or Cotswold Downs for tee-off and lunch.
- 15:00: The train departs Durban and traverses the spectacular Valley of a Thousand Hills.
- Dress: "Africa" Theme or Smart Casual.
Day 7: Spionkop & The Drakensberg
- 09:00: Leisure Guests visit Spionkop Lodge to hear the historic tale of the Battle of Spionkop and walk in the footsteps of Churchill and Gandhi.
- Golfers: Transfer to Champagne Sports Resort for tee-off and lunch.
- 19:30: Dinner is served as the train travels toward Harrismith.
- Dress: Formal.
Day 8: Golden Gate Park & Clarens
- 08:00: Drive through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, famous for its golden ochre and orange-hued sandstone cliffs, including the Brandwag Rock.
- 09:30: Visit the picturesque town of Clarens in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains.
- 13:00: Transfer to the Sandstone Heritage Trust, which houses an impressive collection of heritage trains and agricultural machinery.
- 19:30: Dinner is served as the train departs Bethlehem.
- Dress: Formal.
Day 9: Bloemfontein to the Great Karoo
- 08:00: Tour Bloemfontein, the "City of Roses," including the Women's Memorial and Anglo-Boer War Museum.
- 10:30: The train traverses the Great Karoo, a semi-desert region once home to an enormous inland sea.
- 19:30: Dinner is served as the train descends the Great Escarpment toward the coast.
- Dress: Formal.
Day 10: Addo Elephant National Park
- 13:00: After lunch, enjoy a game drive in Addo Elephant Park, home to one of the densest African Elephant populations on earth (roughly 600+).
- Golfers: Tee off at Humewood Golf Course in the morning.
- 19:30: Dinner is served as the train travels toward Port Elizabeth.
- Dress: Formal.
Day 11: Knysna & Fancourt (Hotel Stay)
- Note: Please pack an overnight bag for your stay at Fancourt.
- Leisure Guests: Transfer to Knysna for a lagoon ferry ride to the dramatic Knysna Heads.
- Golfers: Tee off at Pezula or Simola.
- 19:00: Dinner and overnight stay at the luxury Fancourt Estate in George.
- Dress: Smart Casual.
Day 12: Oudtshoorn & Matjiesfontein
- 10:00: Leisure Guests visit an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, followed by a tour of the Cango Caves to see breathtaking limestone formations.
- Golfers: Tee off at Fancourt’s Montagu or Outeniqua courses.
- 15:00: Rejoin the train at Prince Albert Rd Station.
- Dress: "1920s" Theme or Smart Casual.
Day 13: Winelands to Cape Town
- 07:00: Breakfast is served as the train trundles through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Western Cape.
- 13:00: Final lunch is served in the dining cars.
- 18:00: Arrive at journey's end at Cape Town Station.
- Dress: Smart Casual.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ITINERARY ALSO RUN IN REVERSE
Rates form part of a safari itinerary
- African Collage Rail Safari Rates
- Per person sharing
- Rates are in South African Rands
- *Rates may vary according to season
- Accommodation
- All meals
- All local alcoholic and other beverages
- 24-hour full room service
- Bar facilities
- Limited laundry service
- Excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide (where applicable)
- Entrance fees to places of interest, per itinerary
- Government tax
- Visas
- Items of a personal nature
- Flights (domestic and international)
- Staff gratuities
- French Champagne
- Memorabilia purchases
- Off train costs and purchases
- Fully comprehensive travel insurance
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