Destinations: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kimberley, Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Kruger National Park
Destinations: Victoria Falls, Livingstone
Embrace the natural beauty of South Africa on a once-in-a-lifetime, 10-day luxury tour. Experience the glamour of a bygone era with a two-night journey aboard the Blue Train, one of the world’s most exclusive railway journeys. Discover the vibrancy of Cape Town and the beauty of the Dutch-influenced Cape Winelands with exclusive private touring and tastings at award-winning wine cellars. Witness the magnificence of the Big Five game animals in the celebrated and incredibly vast Mluwati Concession, hidden in the wilderness of Kruger National Park, during a stay at the Hamiltons Tented Camp — a stylish experience a la ‘Out of Africa’ that offers uncompromising elegance, all-inclusive dining and an array of wildlife without the crowds, making this secluded destination a photographer’s paradise.
Retire to opulent accommodations with three nights in The Winchester Hotel, a lavish mansion set on the shoreline of Cape Town, and one night of glamour at The Residence Johannesburg, a five-star hotel that delivers impeccable service and old-world charm. Providing daily breakfast and unique gourmet dining experiences, domestic flights to whisk you to your next destination and expert guides to take care of the fine details, this tour tenders nothing between you and an unforgettable African adventure.
Your journey takes you to: Johannesburg — Pretoria — Kimberley — Cape Town — Mluwati Concession, Greater Kruger National Park — Johannesburg.
Destinations: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kimberley, Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Kruger National Park
Destinations: Victoria Falls, Livingstone
Welcome to South Africa! After arriving at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), you will be met by a local representative and introduced to your driver for a private transfer to your hotel.
Boasting designer suites and luxe facilities, The Residence Johannesburg delivers impeccable service from the moment you arrive. Once your check-in is complete, you have the remainder of the day (depending on arrival time) to explore at your leisure. Set out to discover the jacaranda-lined streets of Houghton, arrange to visit a nearby golf club, or stay in to take advantage of this boutique retreat with a few rounds of tennis, a dip in the pool or a brief session in the aerobics room. As night falls, consider taking time to sample the culinary creations and locally produced wines at a white-clothed table in the hotel’s dining room or ask your concierge to book you in at one of the city’s hottest dining venues.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a stroll around the hotel’s manicured gardens before your private transfer to The Blue Train at Pretoria Train Station. You’ll be offered a light snack and drinks in the exclusive pre-departure lounge before being greeted and ushered aboard by your coach’s personal butler. Then, departing at noon, this premier “hotel-on-wheels” will speed you toward captivating Cape Town.
The ultimate in luxury rail travel, The Blue Train has been operating since 1946 and gives you a unique and glamorous way in which to observe South Africa’s magnificent landscapes and landmarks. Indulge in world-class cuisine and the finest South African wines while gilt grasslands and the sub-tropical bushveld unfold through the coaches’ panoramic windows.
After breakfast on board, we stop at Kimberley Station where you will disembark for a three-hour excursion in this gem-riddled region. Kimberley is the capital of the Northern Cape province and has notoriety due both to its historical diamond-mining industry and a siege during the Second Boer War. Entrepreneurs Cecil Rhodes and Barney Barnato made their fortunes here. The famed diamond company, De Beers, traces its roots to the early days of this mining town.
Enjoy a tour of the Kimberley Mine Museum followed by a visit to the Big Hole, an open-pit and underground mine claimed to be the largest hole in the world excavated by hand. Return to the train for lunch and sherry as we continue our journey toward the Atlantic.
The rest of the day is at your leisure — sit back, relax, and watch the passing scenery from the privacy of your De Luxe Suite. High tea is available in the Lounge Car and cognac and cigars are served in the Club Car after a formal dinner service.
Wake to a refined breakfast and watch the golden morning light spread across Africa’s plains while sipping your morning coffee or tea. Today the train will cross the expanse of the Great Karoo, a semi-desert wasteland that gives way to fields of blooming Namaqualand daisies and succulents as you head west. Watch the cobalt shadows of the Hex River Mountains take shape as the range looms overhead. You’ll enjoy one last gourmet lunch with butlers at your beck and call.
As evening approaches, arrive at Cape Town Station and receive a transfer to The Winchester Hotel. An impressive oasis on the edge of bustling Cape Town, this contemporary mansion is only a five-minute complimentary shuttle ride away from the bounty of shopping and sightseeing at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Relax in the heated outdoor pool or take a journey into Cape Town to experience the Mother City for yourself.
Today, enjoy a private, guided morning tour of local sights including the famous Table Mountain. Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans — nestled between the slopes of the iconic 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 flaunt a breathtaking landscape and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to boast all of the above and so much more. Your engaging local expert will take you to visit the breadth of them.
Begin at wonderful Greenmarket Square where you can see local artisans selling their 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 the District Six Museum — a stirring memorial to the forced removal of 60,000 inhabitants of various races from its locality during South Africa’s 1970s apartheid. Finally, marvel at the colourful houses and cobbled streets of the Cape Malay Quarter before ending your morning with a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain for its stunning vistas over the city (weather permitting).
The rest of the afternoon is yours at leisure.
After breakfast, depart on a private full-day tour of the Winelands. Located only 45 minutes’ drive from Cape Town’s coast, most picturesque towns within the Boland region date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. They boast Cape Dutch architecture, providing a sense of South Africa’s colonial history, as do the Village Museum’s period houses and gardens. Stop through the beautiful town of Stellenbosch for a walking tour down oak-shaded streets brimming with cafés, boutiques and art galleries.
Continue on to the dramatic Franschhoek Valley — the gourmand heart of the country — where splendid wines and tantalising international cuisine are created. Your private guide will introduce you to the many wine estates of the area with an itinerary tailored to your preferences. Indulge in tastings at selected wineries while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.
Select a bottle of your favourite vintage to bring back and enjoy during a slow evening as you return to Cape Town late this afternoon.
This morning you are transferred by private car to Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Enjoy exclusive lounge access before boarding your flight to Skukuza. This isolated town acts as the gateway to the open grasslands of the Mluwati Concession — one of the premier, private reserves that make up the Kruger National Park, a conservation area that serves to protect lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo.
Your home for the next three nights is the incredible Hamiltons Tented Camp. This safari setup offers unparalleled game-sighting opportunities with superb views of the river and grasslands. Ramble the raised timber walkways from the lodge to your tented suite — one of only six — boasting a private plunge pool and interior epitomising romance, with canopies of abundant netting and beautiful bathrooms to boot. Butler service, exquisite dining and expert guides will make your stay one to remember.
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 SUV, you will have the perfect vantage from which to experience the very best that Kruger National Park has to offer.
End this magical day by watching the sunset over the expansive plains before returning to camp for a lavish dinner.
Please note: Lunch may not be available due to timing of flight operations
Over the next two days, get ready to experience exceptional game viewing in the hands of experts. Drives in the Mluwati Concession are led by professional and passionate rangers and trackers who have a wealth of knowledge with which to unravel the intricate nuances of the African bush. Many grew up in the area and thus, their knowledge of the environment is unrivalled. Additional activities available at the lodge include bird watching, bush dinners and bushwalks (additional costs may apply, subject to availability)
Set out on a morning game drive as you explore the 100,000 square kilometres of pristine wilderness and golden sweetveld and sourveld pastures that make up the Mluwati Concession. Keen ornithologists will delight at the aviary on display with over 500 bird species — spot the banana beak of the southern yellow-billed hornbill and the freckled tufts of the crested barbet. After returning to camp for a lunch spread, head back out for an evening safari and keep your eyes peeled for dusky sightings of majestic lions and lurking leopards. End the night with remarking on the natural wonders you’ve seen over cuisine prepared with locally-sourced ingredients, accompanied by the serenade of the African bushlands.
Make the most of your last full day in the Mluwati Concession by setting out at dawn for an early morning game drive to catch the tail end of night exploits by nocturnal creatures. After your thrilling expedition, enjoy a lavish breakfast back at camp and take advantage of the extravagant facilities of your tent one last time.
You may also consider the option of daily bush walks accompanied by field guides, which serve to highlight those aspects of nature one could miss while driving and expose you to the energy and excitement of being immersed in the magnificent parklands. Spend time birdwatching as the wind sweeps across the savannah. Notice how its tempo dies down when the intensity of the African heat begins to subside. Embark on one final evening drive to witness nocturnal prowls beginning. There is nothing quite as enthralling as the hunt of big cats. You’ll return to savour a dinner under starlit skies in the open-air dining circle near camp as you witness the quiet comings and goings of the grasslands.
This morning you may take one last opportunity for a game drive before you are transferred to Skukuza Airport (SZK) for your included flight back to Johannesburg (JNB). Your safari adventure comes to an end now, and you can continue your onward journey.
Please note: The morning game drive may not be available due to timing of flight operations
Few cities on earth have a landscape as spectacular as Cape Town. From the magnificent Table Mountain to the glistening waters of Victoria & Albert Waterfront, this is a city where beauty abounds. Delve in with a private morning tour of the city and discover the magnetic culture — a wonderful melting pot of influences that colours everything from architecture and artwork to cuisine.
A private, full-day tour of the stunning Winelands, only 45 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, will see you visiting the centuries-old vineyards and stunning Cape Dutch architecture of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek — towns that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Enjoy a highly-personalised experience during which your guide will tailor the itinerary of wineries you visit to your taste. Then enjoy a glass of your favourite drop over a long, laid-back lunch at a local, award-winning restaurant.
If you believe you’ve experienced a luxury train journey, think again. Welcome aboard the Blue Train — defining a new kind of luxury. Operating since 1946 and recognised as one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world, The Blue Train will whisk you from Pretoria to Cape Town, the country’s capital city, in grandeur. Think high tea, formal dinners boasting the finest local wines and world-class cuisine, personal butlers ready to meet your every need, and super-deluxe suites with air-conditioning, under-floor heating, opulent marble- and gold-fitted bathrooms and sumptuous goose-down bedding.
Your exhilarating tour will end on a high, at none other than the famed Kruger National Park. Base yourself in the conservation area of Mluwati Concession — located in the southern section of the park. Embark on game drives led by expert local guides and trackers, who will share personal stories and help you spot these elusive animals. Dubbed the ‘Big Five’ purely because they are the five most difficult animals in Africa to seek out on foot, there’s nothing more majestic than watching lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos in their natural habitat. It is an experience you will never forget.
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
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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.
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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
Please Note:
Blue Train & Hamiltons Tented Camp Inclusions
Travel Insurance
Passports & Visas
Traveller Details
Tour Pace
Travel Styles
Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:
Your tour begins at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and ends at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) with roundtrip airport transfers. The extended tour ends at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI).
Return 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 O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) by 3pm on Day 1 and depart from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) after 7pm on Day 10 for the regular tour. For the extended tour, please book your flights to depart from Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) after 10am on Day 12.
Return airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only. Please note that an extra surcharge will be applicable for arrivals before 6am and departures after 11pm.
You MUST complete your booking form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements — including flights.
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 in Johannesburg 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 would 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
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.
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 30 July 2024, 4.50pm AEST: Updated Day 9 itinerary. Added in further information on Day 7 lunch and Day 10 Game Drive availability. Added information about Cape Town activities, Daily Bush Walk and Kruger National Park flight availability to Fine Print.