Today, enjoy a guided morning tour of Cape Town’s most iconic sights, including Table Mountain.
Begin with a drive past key landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope, the Grand Parade and the baroque-style City Hall. Travel along Adderley Street, where you will see Saint George’s Cathedral, the Anglican Diocese of Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Pass by the peaceful Company’s Garden before continuing to the historic Cape Malay Quarter, also known as Bo-Kaap, where the cobbled streets and colourful houses reflect the cultural heritage of the Cape Malay community.
Next, discover the history of South Africa’s Diamond and Gold Trade with a visit to a diamond-cutting and jewellery manufacturing demonstration, where skilled experts showcase the craftsmanship behind these precious stones.
Finally, weather permitting, ascend to the top of Table Mountain via the revolving cable car, where you can admire breathtaking views of the city, its beaches, and, on a clear day, even Robben Island and Cape Point.
The rest of the afternoon is yours at leisure.
Please Note: Table Mountain visit is weather dependent. Table Mountain is closed to visitors between July – August (subject to change) for annual maintenance.
The Winchester Hotel stay
After breakfast, depart on a full-day tour of the Winelands. Located only a 45-minute drive from Cape Town’s coast, these picturesque towns within the Boland region dates 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.
Begin the day in Paarl, a town set against a backdrop of rolling vineyards and dramatic mountain ranges. Visit a local estate for a wine tasting and a cellar tour before continuing on to Franschhoek Valley – the gourmand heart of the country – where splendid wines and tantalising international cuisine are created. Here, a wine tasting awaits at one of the region’s renowned estates, with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and towering peaks.
Continue to the beautiful town of Stellenbosch for a guided walking tour down oak-shaded streets brimming with cafes, boutiques and art galleries, passing a mix of Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings that reflect its long winemaking heritage. Enjoy a final wine tasting at a carefully selected winery.
Perhaps 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.
The Winchester Hotel stay
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a stroll around the hotel’s leafy gardens before your transfer to The Blue Train at Cape Town Train Station. You’ll be offered a light snack and drinks in the Blue Train pre-departure lounge before being ushered aboard by your coach’s personal butler. Then, departing at noon, this premier ‘hotel-on-wheels’ will speed you toward captivating Johannesburg.
The ultimate in luxury rail travel, The Blue Train has been operating since 1946 and gives you a unique and glamorous way to observe South Africa’s magnificent landscapes and landmarks. Indulge in world-class cuisine and the finest South African wines while golden grasslands and the sub-tropical bushveld unfold outside the coaches’ panoramic windows.
The Blue Train journey
Enjoy a relaxing morning with breakfast onboard, with free leisure time until a delicious lunch.
Early this afternoon, stop at Kimberley Station and toast to your adventures with a sherry before disembarking for a three-hour excursion in this well-known gem 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 its 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.
The rest of the day is at 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 with cognac and cigars are served in the Club Car after a formal dinner service.
The Blue Train journey
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 northwest provinces of South Africa en route to Johannesburg.
As evening approaches, arrive at Pretoria Station and receive a transfer to The Residence Hotel. Boasting designer suites and luxe facilities, this hotel delivers impeccable service from the moment you arrive.
Once your check-in is complete, you have the remainder of the day to explore at your leisure. Set out to discover the jacaranda-lined streets of the Houghton neighbourhood or stay in to take advantage of this boutique retreat with a dip in the pool or a brief session in the aerobics room. Boasting designer suites and luxe facilities, this hotel delivers impeccable service from the moment you arrive.
The Blue Train journey
The Residence Hotel stay
This morning, take a group transfer to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Board your flight to Hoedspruit, gateway to the open grasslands of the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve — the world-renowned game reserve adjacent to 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 Moditlo River Lodge. With a name aptly translating to ‘place of the elephant’, this safari setup offers unparalleled game-sighting opportunities with superb views over the grasslands. Ramble through the grounds or spend time on the outdoor pool deck with a drink in hand while you look out over the African bushveld. Exquisite dining and expert guides will make your stay one to remember.
Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve wildlife safari
Over the next two days, get ready to experience exceptional game viewing in the hands of experts at Moditlo River Lodge. Daily drives in the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve 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. From herds of elephants to elusive big cats, you’ll come face-to-face with Africa’s most iconic wildlife.
Drift silently above the plains on a breathtaking hot air balloon safari, watching the sunrise over the bush as you spot animals from a bird’s-eye view. Explore the legendary Panorama Route, where dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls and the vast Blyde River Canyon create one of South Africa’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. For those passionate about conservation, a visit to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre offers an intimate look at rescued wildlife and the vital work being done to protect them.
Back at the lodge, unwind with a rejuvenating spa treatment infused with African botanicals or simply soak in the serenity of the reserve. With all your meals included, end each night by remarking on the natural wonders you’ve seen over cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients, served in the open air accompanied by the serenade of the African bushland. Don’t forget to stop into the cocktail lapa for a pre-dinner cocktail, a glass of wine or post-meal digestif and unwind by a crackling fire.
Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve wildlife safari
Spend a full day enjoying the serene surroundings of Moditlo River Lodge. Relax on the deck overlooking the river, take in the sights and sounds of wildlife, or simply unwind with a book in your luxurious lodge. All meals and beverages, including local spirits, wines and beers, are included, ensuring a truly indulgent and effortless safari experience.
Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve wildlife safari
Fuel up for the day ahead with a hearty breakfast before checking out and transferring to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) for your flight to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), Zambia. You’re now upon the threshold of the magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the original natural wonders of the world.
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your opulent accommodation. The oldest luxury hotel in Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls Hotel is a five-star haven offering a sense of tranquillity amid serene lily ponds and broad verandas overlooking the majestic Victoria Falls.
This evening you’ll enjoy an unforgettable sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River aboard the African Queen. Relax and sip on a sundowner as you enjoy views of the waterland vegetation and wildlife – including unique birds, hippos and the occasional crocodile. In the drier months, wildlife such as elephants and antelopes can be seen grazing on the riverbanks or swimming to the smaller islands.
Today, enjoy a tour of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. To the locals, this incredible formation is known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or ‘the Smoke that Thunders’ – an accurate description of the vision seen when waters of the Zambezi River plunge over a 1,700-metre-wide and 100-metre-deep chasm, creating a mist of spray and a mighty roar.
Your guide will take you on an exploration of both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the falls – visit the Eastern Cataract of the falls and cross the footbridge to the Knife Edge where you’ll get a perfect vantage point of the waterfall as well as the ‘boiling pot’ where the river turns and heads down the Botoka Gorge.
A highlight today is an included scenic helicopter flight that allows you to see Victoria Falls from an entirely different perspective. You’ll take an unforgettable 15-minute flight where you’ll be able to truly witness the sheer size and beauty of this natural phenomenon.
The afternoon is at your leisure – relax on the beautiful hotel grounds or set out for further exploring on your own.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to spectacular Nantwich Lodge in Hwange National Park. Upon arrival, check in, freshen up and settle into your comfortable accommodation.
Spend the next two nights in the African bush, enjoying a range of game activities, all-inclusive meals and drinks, with all park fees taken care of.
Choose two shared activities per day, from expertly guided game drives – half-day, full-day or night drives – led by knowledgeable guides who share insights on the park’s wildlife and ecosystem. Alternatively, explore the bush on guided walks or try birdwatching in this diverse habitat.
For a unique perspective, guests can also access the lodge’s Hidden Eye Safari Hide, perfect for observing wildlife up close.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Nantwich Lodge safari stay
Spend another full day soaking in the wilderness of Hwange National Park, again choosing from the lodge’s range of included activities. Embark on game drives, guided bush walks, or relax at the lodge while enjoying birdwatching and the abundant wildlife that surrounds you.
This morning you may take one last opportunity for a game drive, before transferring back to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) for your onward travel.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours