Destinations: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Matjiesfontein, Cape Town, Kimberley
Destinations: Victoria Falls, Livingstone
Embark on an exclusive journey through the natural beauty of South Africa on a once-in-a-lifetime luxury tour. Begin in vibrant Cape Town with a stay at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel – a five-star oasis from one of the world’s best luxury brands, set in the heart of the city. Set out to explore the iconic Table Mountain during a private tour, then relax at the end of the day amid timeless elegance with only the finest modern comforts.
Next, experience the glamour of a bygone era aboard the celebrated Rovos Rail, one of the world’s most luxurious train experiences. This three-night journey from Cape Town to Pretoria offers a seamless blend of heritage and indulgence. Explore the townships of Matjiesfontein and Kimberley as you savour all-inclusive drinks and dining onboard, then watch the world go by as you relax in the observation car.
Then, experience the thrill of an African safari as you seek out the Big Five in the vast Sabi Sands Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Prepare for an escape like no other at the stunning Dulini, a luxury lodge that offers unsurpassed five-star service, gourmet all-inclusive dining and the region’s best game viewing. Delight in expertly guided game drives and savour the exclusivity of a truly tailored experience.
Your private adventure includes return airport transfers and premium domestic flights from Johannesburg to Skukuza, featuring lounge access at Johannesburg airport. Every detail of this escape has been designed to offer an unrivalled level of sophistication, making it a journey of a lifetime.
Destinations: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Matjiesfontein, Cape Town, Kimberley
Destinations: Victoria Falls, Livingstone
Welcome to Cape Town. Your Luxury Escapes tour starts on arrival at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) as you are guided by a local representative to a private car that will transfer you to your luxury historic hotel located at the foot of Table Mountain.
Step inside a world of timeless glamour at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel – a five-star oasis in the bustling heart of Cape Town. Fusing modern-day luxury with tranquil indulgence, two nights at this hotel will have you ticking off a bucket list destination in utter sophistication.
The evening is at your leisure to enjoy the beautiful grounds of your vibrant hotel. Take the opportunity to enjoy one of the locally-produced wines on the terrace overlooking the gardens, sample some of the finest cuisines the country has to offer at one of the hotel’s restaurants or ask your concierge to book you into one of Cape Town’s hottest dining venues.
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel five-star stay
After breakfast, enjoy a private guided tour of Cape Town city, including the famous Table Mountain. Resting at the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, nestled between the slopes of Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own.
Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast a breathtaking landscape and spectacular natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of the above and so much more. With your private guide, you’ll discover Cape Town’s many local and historical sites.
Visit the wonderful Greenmarket Square, where you can see local artisans at work selling their beautiful wares. Learn about the rich history, culture and architecture of Cape Town as you walk through the peaceful Company’s Garden and visit the Castle of Good Hope, Grand Parade and District Six Museum — a moving memorial to the forced movement of 60,000 inhabitants of various races during South Africa’s 1970s apartheid. Finally, marvel at the colourful houses and cobbled streets of Bo-Kaap, formerly known as the Malay Quarter, and end your morning with a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain for stunning views of the city (weather dependent). The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore this fascinating city on your own.
Please note: Table Mountain visit is weather dependent. Table Mountain is closed to visitors between July – August 2025 for annual maintenance.
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel five-star stay
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before meeting your private transfer to Cape Town Station to board Rovos Rail in time for an afternoon departure.
The ultimate in luxury rail travel, Rovos Rail has been operating since 1989 and gives you a unique and ultra-glamorous way to experience some of southern Africa’s magnificent landscapes and landmarks. Look out your window to marvel at the ever-changing landscapes and indulge in world-class cuisine onboard for a formal dinner.
Suite Upgrades available on request: For heightened luxury aboard your opulent hotel on the rails, request a spacious Deluxe Suite, complete with private lounge area, or a decadent Royal Suite, boasting a half-carriage of sophistication, including a Victorian bath and separate shower.
All-inclusive Rovos Rail journey
After breakfast, you’ll disembark for an opportunity to stroll through the historic village of Matjiesfontein in the morning. Explore the museum of historic cars and railway carriages to the right of the Lord Milner Hotel. After your short stop, you’ll rejoin the train and travel through the Karoo, a vast semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea. In the afternoon, enjoy high tea in the lounge car before dressing for a formal dinner.
All-inclusive Rovos Rail journey
Gaze out the window in the morning and wake for a delicious breakfast on board before arriving to Kimberley Railway Station, where you will disembark for an off-the-train excursion at this historic town. Enjoy a tour of the Kimberley Open Mine Museum followed by a visit to the Big Hole, an open pit and underground mine believed to be the largest hole in the world excavated by hand. Then, return to the train for lunch as the journey continues towards Pretoria.
The rest of the day is at your leisure – sit back, relax and watch the passing scenery from the privacy of your cabin. In the afternoon, enjoy high tea in the lounge car before dinner hosted onboard.
All-inclusive Rovos Rail journey
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast aboard before arriving at Pretoria Railway Station mid-morning, where you will be met and transferred by private car to your luxury hotel, located in one of Johannesburg’s finest neighbourhoods.
This elegant villa hotel, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, sits on perfectly manicured grounds that were once part of a private estate. In summer, you can enjoy alfresco meals overlooking the large pool, lush lawns and majestic trees. In winter, you can curl up next to the roaring fireplaces. Be sure to indulge in the Balinese-style spa with its outdoor massage and hydro areas (additional cost). Located just minutes from the centre of Jo’burg city life, this high-end stay is the ultimate resting place before your onward adventure into the African bush.
This morning, you are transferred by private car to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Enjoy exclusive lounge access before boarding your flight to Skukuza. Skukuza acts as the gateway to the famous Sabi Sands Game Reserve — one of the premier parks that make up Greater Kruger, an area of protected land to the west of Kruger National Park.
Your home for the next three nights is the incredible Dulini — three beautiful lodges of bespoke character nestled on the stunning banks of the Sand and Mabrak River. All three properties, Dulini Moya, Dulini Leadwood and Dulini River, are within close proximity of one another and offer unparalleled wildlife viewing. It is not uncommon to spot elephants, leopards and other Big Five game animals frequenting the trails through and beyond the camp. Enjoy the views from your intimate suite – all equipped with private plunge pools and interiors that epitomise romance, with canopies of mosquito nets and beautiful bathrooms.
Exquisite dining and an unmatched wine cellar, together with the best guides in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, make your experience at Dulini one you will not soon forget.
Enjoy a sumptuous lunch before embarking on your first game drive this afternoon in search of the Big Five. From the comfort of your luxuriously appointed vehicle, you will have the perfect vantage point to experience the very best that the Sabi Sands Game Reserve has to offer.
End this magical day with a special sundowners’ experience in the African bush. Watch the sunset over the expansive plains before returning to camp for a lavish dinner.
All-inclusive Dulini lodge stay
Over the next two days, be prepared to experience exceptional game viewing in the hands of experts. Game drives are guided by professional and passionate rangers and trackers who have a wealth of knowledge to unravel the intricate nuances of the African bush. Many grew up in the area, and thus, their knowledge of the environment is unrivalled. 10,000 hectares of pristine wilderness are traversed in the comfort of six-seat open land rovers. With the teeming biodiversity of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and the skilled interpretation of bush signs by astute Shangaan trackers, no two game drives are ever the same. Trackers and rangers partner together to look for fresh animal tracks and sensitively follow elusive animals into ravines and through the thicket to ensure a vivid and exhilarating wildlife encounter.
The Dulini day begins at dawn. An early morning game drive ensures you catch the tail end of the night exploits of nocturnal creatures. This essential two to three-hour safari experience ends in a lavish breakfast back at camp. The option of daily bush walks is also on offer, highlighting the aspects of nature you may miss on a drive and exposing you to the energy and excitement of being immersed in the striking surrounding environment.
An extended period of relaxation in the tranquillity of the Dulini setting allows you to share bush tales, record memories in your safari journal, indulge in the culinary temptations of our chef or simply unwind.
The excitement of the safari begins again after tea, when the intensity of the African heat begins to subside. This game drive coincides with the close of business for the daytime game and the emerging routines of nocturnal beasts on the prowl. The excitement of each drive is interrupted by refreshment breaks to accommodate any call of the wild and revitalize you with a sundown cocktail.
All-inclusive Dulini lodge stay
This morning, you have one last opportunity for a final game drive before you are transferred to Skukuza Airport (SZK) for your included flight back to Johannesburg (JNB), where your safari adventure comes to an end.
Your journey begins on an elegant note with a stay at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel in Cape Town. A true five-star oasis from one the world’s best luxury brands, the hotel first opened its blush pink doors in 1899. Since then, it has been welcoming visitors to the heart of Cape Town, where they can easily explore the slopes of Table Mountain or wander the city streets. After days of exploring, wander the property’s iconic gardens or unwind by the pool with a cocktail in hand — the perfect way to start your busy journey.
If you think you have experienced a luxury train journey, think again. Welcome aboard the Rovos Rail, where you will be whisked from Cape Town to Pretoria in sheer luxury. with all dining and drinks included throughout your journey. Think high teas, formal dinners boasting the finest local wines and world-class cuisine, and impressive suites with air-conditioning, lavish furnishings, opulent bathrooms and extra-special touches throughout.
Three nights of your incredible journey will be spent at the lavish Dulini – three bespoke lodges nestled on a scenic riverbank in Sabi Sands Game Reserve – part of the famous Greater Kruger National Park. The view of the valleys and mountains, the enchanting sunrises and African sunsets and the variety of game species that graze nearby create a serene ambience that makes the lodges at Dulini a truly spectacular experience.
By day, embark on exhilarating game drives and spot elephants, lions, giraffes and leopards. By night, unwind in your private, in-lodge plunge pool surrounded by the lush landscape beyond. Rustic and sanded wooden decks open to an expansive backdrop of the national park while sandstone bathrooms welcome you with sunken bathtubs and romantic outdoor showers – it’s the perfect setting to reconnect with nature.
Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your traveller information details in full.
Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.
Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours
Date Changes
Itinerary Amendments & Changes
Surcharges
Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.
We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.
Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
Please note:
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Transfers
Tipping:
Please Note:
Travel Insurance
Passports & Visas
Traveller Details
Tour Pace
Travel Styles
Fully Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.
Partially Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.
Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.
Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:
The 10-day tour begins at Cape Town Airport (CPT) and ends on arrival at Johannesburg Airport (JNB), with return airport transfers. The extended tour ends at Livingstone Airport (LVI), with return airport transfers.
Return international flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
Please book your flights to arrive at Cape Town Airport (CPT) at any time on Day 1. Included in your package on Day 10 is a domestic flight from Skukuza Airport (SZK) to Johannesburg Airport (JNB) on your final day (Day 10). If connecting to another flight this day, please do not book your onward flight to depart before 7pm.
The Victoria Falls tour extension begins with an included one-way, economy-class flight from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) to Livingstone Airport, Zambia (LVI) after breakfast on Day 10. Please book your onward flights to depart from Livingstone Airport (LVI) at any time on Day 12.
Private return airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only, unless you have booked your pre- and post-accommodation with Luxury Escapes. If you have booked your pre- or post-accommodation with us, please advise our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com to arrange your transfer.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
**Need flights? **Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
South Africa
Time zone: UTC +2
Telephone: +27
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas. Travellers are advised to inform their bank of their travel plans.
Language: South Africa recognises 11 official languages, however, the most widely spoken are Afrikaans, English and Zulu
Climate: Varies by region. Winter falls between June and August, while summer is from December to February.
Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.
Zimbabwe (extension only)
Time zone: GMT+2
Telephone: +263
Currency: Both the Zimbabwe Dollar and US Dollar are currently in use.
Accessing money: ATMs may not be able to provide cash with an international debit card and changing money is only possible at officially licenced banks and exchange bureaus. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas. Travellers are advised to inform their bank of their travel plans.
Language: Zimbabwe recognises 16 official languages, however, the most widely spoken are Shona, English and Ndebele.
Climate: Varies by region. Winter falls between May and August, while summer is from September to May.
Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.
Update 1 October, 9am AEST: Rovos Rail suite upgrade details updated. Table Mountain closure information updated for 2025.
Update 20 September, 10am AEST: Rovos Rail suite upgrades are now available as Optional Experiences.
Update 30 July 2024, 1.25pm AEST: For upcoming August departures in 2024 Table Mountain Cableway has temporarily shut down for its annual maintenance until 2 Sep 24.
Update 25 July 2024, 12.15pm AEST: Superior Upgrade added for specific departure dates. Amendments have bee made to Fine Print to stipulate tipping guidance and early morning breakfast alternatives. Maximum age is now 70.
Update 8 March 2024, 1.15pm AEDT: New 2025 dates have been added. Amendments have been made to Fine Print to stipulate different conditions across these dates, as well as to cover most up-to-date terms of Luxury Escapes Tours.
Update 17 January 2024, 10.55AM AEDT: Update to Important Information regarding shared service details.
Update 2 February 2024, 1.15pm AEDT: Update to Important Information and Day 2 Itinerary regarding Table Mountain annual maintenance shutdown period.