South Africa: 10-Day Luxury Tour with Prestigious Blue Train Journey & All-Inclusive Kruger Safari

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The Accommodation – From glamorous nights on the super-luxe Blue Train to bespoke sophistication at The Dulini Collection lodges nestled in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve

If you think you have 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 Cape Town to Pretoria, the country’s capital city, in sheer luxury. Think: personal butlers ready to meet your every need, high teas, formal dinners boasting the finest local wines and world-class cuisine, and super deluxe suites with air-conditioning, lavish under-floor heating, opulent marble and gold-fitted bathrooms and scented bath salts.

Three nights of your incredible journey will be spent at the super lavish Dulini Collection – three bespoke lodges nestled on a scenic riverbank in Sabi Sand 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 The Dulini Collection 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.

You will also spend three nights in the shadow of the spectacular Table Mountain at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, a five-star oasis of timeless glamour in the bustling heart of Cape Town. And one night at the private-estate-turned-luxury-villa of Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, one of Johannesburg’s most awarded boutique hotels.

The Experiences – Enjoy exclusive private touring through Cape Town and the Winelands, board one of the world’s most luxurious trains and get up close and personal with South Africa’s wildlife

Few cities on earth have a landscape as spectacular as Cape Town. From the magnificent Table Mountain to the glistening waters of V&A Waterfront, this is a city where beauty abounds. Delve a little deeper with a private morning tour of the city and discover the magnetic culture – a wonderful melting pot of multi-cultural 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 have 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 where your guide will tailor the wineries you visit to your tastes and preferences. Then enjoy a glass of your favourite drop over a long, laid-back lunch at a local and award-winning restaurant.

Your exhilarating tour will end on a high, at none other than the famed Greater Kruger National Park. Base yourself in the conservation area of Sabi Sand Game Reserve – located in the Southwestern 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.

Victoria Falls Extension – Discover the grandeur of Victoria Falls including a spectacular helicopter flight

Don’t want your incredible journey to come to an end? Extend your tour with two days in Zambia and Zimbabwe discovering the magnificence of Victoria Falls.

One of the original Seven Natural Wonders of the World — and a sight that sits atop many bucket lists — these falls are best appreciated from vantage points at both sides. This two-kilometre sheet of falling water forms where the Zambezi River plunges into a deep gorge. Seen from the ground, it’s one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls – the water’s mist and rainbows can be seen from over 20 kilometres away – though the view from the air, where the full scale of the falls is apparent, is even more astounding.

Included in your tour is a spectacular scenic helicopter flight that will have you flying over this natural phenomenon.

At the end of each day, return to safari elegance at The Royal Livingstone Hotel where you will wake up in high-end luxury as you witness zebras wandering the hotel grounds and wind down with the flaming sun setting to a backdrop of Victoria Falls.

10-Day Tour

The tour begins at Cape Town Airport (CPT) on Day 1 and ends on arrival at Johannesburg Airport (JNB) on Day 10. Please do not book flights until your tour is confirmed.

Included in your package 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.

12-Day Victoria Falls Extension

The 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.

The tour ends on Day 12 at approximately 11am after breakfast. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Livingstone Airport (LVI).

You MUST complete your booking form within 48 hours of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements you may wish to make, including assistance with international flights, with no booking fee to you.

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.

Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements. Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Important Destination Information

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.

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town

Welcome to Cape Town (CPT). Your Luxury Escapes experience starts on arrival as you are met off the aerobridge by a local representative, whisked past all the queues and fast-tracked through immigration 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 luxe with tranquil indulgence, three nights at this hotel will have you ticking off a bucket list destination in utter sophistication.

This evening is at your leisure to enjoy the beautiful grounds of your historic 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.

Accommodation: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel

​Day 2: Cape Town & Table Mountain

After breakfast, enjoy a private guided morning tour of Cape Town city 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 boast a breathtaking landscape and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of the above and so much more. Your private guide will have you discovering 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 we walk through the peaceful Company Gardens and visit the Castle of Good Hope, Grande Parade and District Six Museum — a moving memorial to the forced movement of 60,000 inhabitants of various races in District Six during South Africa’s 1970s Apartheid. Finally, marvel at the colourful houses and cobbled streets of the Cape Malay Quarter and end your morning with a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain for stunning views of the city (this is weather dependent).

The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore this fascinating city on your own.

Accommodation: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

​Day 3: The Winelands

After breakfast, you will depart on a private full-day tour of the Winelands. Located only 45 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, the areas of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. They boast picturesque Cape Dutch architecture, giving a sense of South Africa’s Dutch colonial history, as do the Village Museum’s period houses and gardens. Stop through the beautiful town of Stellenbosch for a walking tour around this historic town’s oak-shaded streets brimming with cafés, boutiques and art galleries.

Continue onto the dramatic Franschhoek Valley – the food and wine heart of the country – where splendid wine and tantalising international cuisine is created. Your private guide will tailor visits to the many wine estates of the area to suit your preferences and your tastes. Indulge in tastings at selected wineries while enjoying stunning views of the rolling hills and surrounding vineyards. Relax over lunch at one of the local, award-winning restaurants and soak up the rich history and culture of this beautiful region.

Return to Cape Town late this afternoon where the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Tastings and Lunch

​Day 4: The Blue Train

This morning is at leisure. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a walk around the hotel’s extensive grounds or perhaps visit the bustling waterfront before your private transfer this afternoon to Cape Town Train Station.

The ultimate in luxury rail travel, The Blue Train has been operating since 1946 and gives you a unique and ultra-glamorous way to experience some of southern Africa’s magnificent landscapes and landmarks. As you watch the beauty of South Africa unfold, indulge in world-class cuisine and the finest South African wines with personal butlers ready to meet your every need.

Accommodation: The Blue Train

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

​Day 5: The Blue Train

After breakfast onboard, we stop at Kimberley Station where you will disembark for an off-the-train excursion at this historic town. Kimberley is the capital of the Northern Cape Province and has notable historical importance because of its diamond mining past and the siege during the Second Boer War. Fortunes were made here by entrepreneurs such as Cecil Rhodes and Barney Barnato. The famed diamond company, De Beers, can also trace its roots to the early days of this mining town.

Enjoy a tour of the Kimberley Open 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 as we continue our journey towards Pretoria.

The rest of the day is at your leisure – sit back, relax and watch the passing scenery from the privacy of your De Luxe cabin.

This afternoon enjoy high tea in the lounge car before dressing for a formal dinner served with fine South African wines.

Accommodation: The Blue Train

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

​Day 6: Pretoria – Johannesburg

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast aboard the Blue Train before arriving into Pretoria Train Station in the late 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, was once a private estate and sits on perfectly manicured grounds. In summer you can enjoy al fresco 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 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 staging post for your onward adventure into the African bush.

Accommodation: Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Meals: Breakfast

​Day 7: Johannesburg – Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park

This morning you are transferred by private car to Johannesburg Airport. Enjoy exclusive lounge access before boarding your flight to Skukuza. Skukuza acts as the gateway to the famous Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve — one of the premier parks that make up the Greater Kruger National Park — a conservation area where the Big Five game animals can be discovered.

Your home for the next three nights is the incredible Dulini Collection — three beautiful lodges of bespoke character nestled on the stunning riverbank. All three properties, Dulini, Leadwood and River Lodge, are within close proximity of one another and offer unparalleled game viewing where it is not uncommon to spot elephants, leopards and other game animals frequenting the trails through and beyond the camp. Enjoy game viewing 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 Sand Private Game Reserve, make your experience at the Dulini Collection one that you will not 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 Sand 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.

Accommodation: The Dulini Collection

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

​Days 8–9: Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Over the next two days, be prepared to experience exceptional game viewing in the hands of experts. Game drives at Dulini Private Game Reserve are taken 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 Sand 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 in looking 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 that you catch the tail end of the night exploits of nocturnal creatures. This is an essential two to three-hour safari experience that ends in a lavish breakfast back at camp.

The option of daily bush walks is offered by our field guides. This serves to highlight those aspects of nature one may miss on a drive and expose you to the energy and excitement of being immersed in the striking surrounding environment.

An extended day 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 a daytime game and the emerging routines of nocturnal beasts on the prowl. There is nothing quite as enthralling as pursuing the hunt of the big cats. The excitement of each drive is interrupted by refreshment breaks, to accommodate any call of the wild and revitalize you with a sundown cocktail.

Accommodation: The Dulini Collection

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

​Day 10: Sabi Sand Game Reserve – Johannesburg

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 and you can continue on your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast

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Extension – Victoria Falls

​Day 10: Sabi Sand Game Reserve – Victoria Falls, Zambia

After your final morning game drive, enjoy breakfast before you are transferred to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) for your flight to Livingstone (LVI), Zambia – the gateway to the magnificent Victoria Falls and one of the original natural wonders of the world.

On arrival, you will be met and transferred by water taxi to your luxury hotel. Overlooking the majestic Victoria Falls, the Royal Livingstone Hotel is a five-star haven steeped in African customs with hints of European influences felt in the deep verandas, generous spaces and cool courtyards.

This evening you’ll enjoy a striking sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River aboard the African Queen. Sip on your favourite sundowner as you relax and enjoy the riverine vegetation and exciting wildlife – including unique birds, hippos and the occasional crocodile. In the drier months, wildlife such as elephants and many antelope species can be seen grazing on the riverbanks or swimming across to the smaller islands.

Accommodation: Royal Livingstone Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

​Day 11: Victoria Falls

Today, enjoy a private tour of Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. David Livingstone was the first European to visit the Falls and named it after Queen Victoria. To the locals, it is known as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – The Smoke that Thunders – an accurate description of what happens when the waters of the Zambezi River plunge over the 1700-metre-wide and 100-metre-deep chasm, creating a shower of spray and deafening noise.

Your private guide will take you on an exploration of both the Zambian and the Zimbabwean sides of the falls to ensure that you get the best vantage points, no matter the time of year you are travelling. From January to June, the Zambian side of the Falls benefits from the increased water flow over the Falls and paths enable one to explore the rainforest, right up to the danger point.

During our tour, we visit the Eastern Cataract of the Falls and cross the footbridge to the Knife Edge — a perfect vantage point to view the Falls as well as the ‘boiling pot’: where the river turns and heads down the Botoka Gorge. During the dry period from September to early December, there is little or no water on the Zambian side of the falls so a tour on the Zimbabwean side of the falls is a must.

A highlight today is an included scenic helicopter flight that allows you to see Victoria Falls from an entirely different perspective. Enjoy an unforgettable 15-minute flight over this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon to get a better perspective of the sheer size and beauty of this incredible sight.

This afternoon is at your leisure to relax in the beautiful hotel grounds or for further exploring.

Accommodation: Royal Livingstone Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

​Day 12: Depart Livingstone

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Livingstone’s Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Zambia in time for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast