Our Journeys
Southern Africa
November 8 to 22, 2021
Journey Highlights
Come to know a striking nation brimming with vibrant energy. Embark on thrilling game drives into the top national parks to spot the legendary Big Five. Visit the beautiful landmarks scattered across Cape Town and Johannesburg. On our memorable extension, board the famous Rovos Rail bound towards inviting Pretoria. Awaken all your senses on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Browse the highlights and map on the cards below by swiping or pressing the arrows.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
A spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur, marvel at one of the world’s natural wonders, Victoria Falls. Take off on the ‘Flight of the Angels’ helicopter ride to enjoy the most outstanding views of the thundering falls. Over a kilometre long, be amazed by the longest curtain of cascading water in the world.
Private Safaris
Private Safaris
Embark on an exhilarating experience into the national parks and game reserves of South Africa and nearby destinations. With striking wildlife perched mere feet away and majestic scenery along the horizon, the powerful energy of the animal kingdom will blow you away as you visit a Private Game Reserve as well as Chobe National Park.
The whole trip was so organized and having the big 5 right before your eyes was amazing. Thank you and we are intending to travel with you again.
Rovos Rails
Rovos Rails
Step aboard a luxurious Victorian train, and prepare for one of the top-rated rail experiences in the world. During a Journey on the Rovos Rail, enjoy the perfect harmony of luxury, comfort and nature, as this classic chariot from a bygone era carries a few fortunate guests through the most breathtaking landscapes of Africa.
Another excellent Journey! Rovos Rail an amazing experience. The whole trip has been a wonderful experience and too many highlights to mention.
Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Town is a rare cultural gem. Wander through the Castle of Good Hope, explore the beauty that lies inside Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Reach the plateau summit of Table Mountain, visit the penguins at V&A Waterfront, and tour the historically significant Robben Island.
Cape Wine Region
Cape Wine Region
Wide stretching wineries span across the rolling landscape in the heart of South Africa’s renowned wine region. Home to some of the world’s most beautiful vineyards, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are nestled in the mountain slopes just outside Cape Town. With an aromatic selection of vibrant flavours, try the South African Chenin Blanc and Red Pinotage at Neethiling Wine Estate.
Great lodge, good food & excellent guides. We saw plenty of animals & the guides went out of their way for us to take great pictures.
Journey Map
Journey Map
Click this card to view the detailed map.
Journey Itinerary
See Detailed ItineraryDEPART FOR CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Enjoy a private car ride to the airport. Meet your Journey Manager, fellow travellers and board your flights to Cape Town, South Africa.
Start your Journey with us by enjoying a private car pick up service from your home. Upon arrival at the airport, guests departing from the Toronto airport are assisted with their check-in. Meet your Journey Manager and fellow guests, and board your flights to Cape Town, South Africa. Our Journey Manager travels with you to take care of all the details throughout the Journey, allowing you to focus on your experience.
Overnight flight

WELCOME TO CAPE TOWN
Upon arrival tonight in Cape Town, our local guide greets us and takes us to our hotel. Settle in and get a good night’s rest in preparation for a big day of sightseeing tomorrow.
Victoria & Alfred Hotel, Cape Town (4 nights)
Perched between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain, Cape Town is a rare cultural gem. An amalgamation of different nationalities and indigenous tribes, this beautiful city is filled with diverse multicultural pride. Upon arrival, our local guide greets us and takes us to our hotel. Settle into your room and get a good night’s rest before a big day of sightseeing tomorrow.

CAPTIVATING CAPE TOWN
Today, see the pentagon-shaped Castle of Good Hope, marvel at the panoramic views of Cape Town and the ocean as a cable car climbs to the plateau summit of Table Mountain, explore Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and visit the historically significant Robben Island. (B,L,D)
Today, discover the ‘Mother City’ of South Africa, known as Cape Town. Visit the inspiring pentagon-shaped Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving building in South Africa and the beautiful Company’s Garden, a large public park in the heart of the city. Journey on a cable car to the incredible plateau summit of Table Mountain, then discover the attractions at Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the oldest working harbour, before touring Robben Island, a former prison island that once housed Nelson Mandela.

CAPE POINT & KIRSTENBOSCH GARDENS
Relax on a morning boat cruise from Hout Bay Harbour to Duiker Island. Visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, then amble along Boulders Beach to see the African Penguin colony. Enjoy a stop at the world’s greatest Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. (B,L,D)
Relax on a morning boat cruise from Hout Bay Harbour to Duiker Island, a sanctuary for Cape fur seals. Visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve which is globally recognized for its unique flora and diverse fauna. Visit Boulders Beach to see the African Penguin colony that call this small piece of coastline home. Enjoy a stop at the stunning Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, known as one of the greatest in the world.

THE CAPE’S WINE REGION
Tour Stellenbosch in the heart of the Cape’s wine region. Visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum and discover exquisite wine with a tasting and cellar tour at Neethiling Wine Estate. (B,L,D)
The 2nd-oldest town in South Africa, Stellenbosch is known for its natural beauty, oak-lined avenues, Cape Dutch architecture, and of course its wine routes. Stellies, as it’s affectionately known, is a university town, so despite its heritage it retains a youthful vibe. Surrounded by wine farms, the town is abuzz with hotels, wine shops, cafés, restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and museums.
Relive history at the Stellenbosch Village Museum before wandering through the oak-lined streets of this picturesque town during free time. Following lunch in a local restaurant, meander through flavours and cellars with a wine tasting and cellar tour at Neethlingshof Wine Estate. Located just outside of Stellenbosch, this historic estate boasts a beautiful example of a Cape Dutch-style manor and produces a range of wines. (B,L,D)

CAPE TOWN TO KRUGER
Say farewell to Cape Town and board the flight to Kruger. The rest of the day is at your leisure; relax by the pool, rejuvenate in the garden, or read a book on the patio, it’s completely up to you! (B,L,D)
Perry’s Bridge Hollow Hotel, Hazyview (1 night)

The Explore
With Confidence Plan
Your safety and comfort during any Journey with us is our top priority. Learn about how we are taking your safety seriously.
The Rovos Rail Experience
Step aboard a luxurious Victorian train, and prepare for one of the top-rated rail experiences in the world.
During a Journey on the Rovos Rail, enjoy the perfect harmony of luxury, comfort and nature, as this classic chariot from a bygone era carries a few fortunate guests through the most breathtaking landscapes of Africa.
Even before you embark, the locomotive’s refinement is evident on the exterior of its vintage wood-panelled coaches. That same attention to detail is carried throughout the lounge car, in the form of upholstery leather couches, and delicately-piped icing on cakes served during afternoon tea.
This luxury doesn’t come at the cost of comfort, of which there is plenty on board. In your private 10-square-metre Deluxe suite, kick your shoes off and watch the vistas pass by, interspersed with wildlife sightings, through your picture window. Take in the same views with a drink in hand, from the open-air observation car at the rear of the train.
On this train ride unlike any other, the Journey truly is as exciting as the destination. Recapture the romance of what it is like to explore the world by rail.



Rovos Rail Extension Itinerary
Download full itineraryBOARD THE ROVOS RAIL
Following a morning at your leisure, we walk to the nearby station and board the Rovos Rail for our Journey to Pretoria. We gather in the lounge and observation cars before enjoying dinner on route to Malindi. (B,L,D)
Rovos Rail, Deluxe Cabin (3 Nights) – Overnight in Malindi
This morning is at your leisure to enjoy the amenities of the hotel. Following lunch, we walk the short distance to the train station and begin check in. Board the Rovos Rail for the beginning of our rail Journey towards Pretoria. There will be time for freshening up before joining fellow travellers in the lounge car before dinner. (B,L,D)

HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
We begin the day with an early morning game drive (when the animal kingdom is most active). Following lunch, we continue our Journey towards South Africa along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line passing Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. (B,L,D)
You will receive an early morning wake-up call today for your game drive at the Hide. We go on a game drive in the morning because it is when the animal kingdom is most active! Hwange is home to one of the largest populations of African wild dogs left in Africa and it is also a great place to see other interesting creatures like bat-eared foxes, genets and caracals. We return to the train for brunch and continue our Journey towards South Africa.
Following travelling from along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres – we pass by Bulawayo as we turn southwest towards Botswana. Mr. Rhodes ordered that the streets of Bulawayo be wide enough to allow an ox-wagon with its full complement of 16 oxen to turn a complete circle! Thus it has the distinction of having the widest streets and longest railway platforms in the world.
Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is served in the dining cars en route Mbalabala for overnight.



LIFE ON BOARD ROVOS RAIL
Revel in a full day onboard this world-famous train as we continue our rail Journey. In the morning we cross the green & grey Limpopo River to Musina. We then enjoy lunch as we cross the Tropic of Capricorn. During tea time, we pass the Warmbaths (Bela-Bela) named for its mineral waters, and Nylstroom, once believed to be the source of the Nile. (B,L,D)
Revel in a full day on board this world-famous and elegant train as we continue our spectacular rail Journey. Let yourself be transported to a bygone era as you sip tea in the lounge car, admire the views from the observation car or simply relax with your favourite book in hand. The train crosses the Limpopo River to Musina. In Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories, the ‘Elephant’s Child’ departs his family for the “great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees, to find out what the Crocodile has for dinner.” The train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn and we travel through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela), so named for its mineral waters and Nylstroom, christened by the Voortrekkers as the source of the Nile River as the town’s river happened to be north-flowing. Pass the edge of the escarpment where the Highveld drops precipitously.


PRETORIA & HOME
On arrival in Pretoria, we disembark the Rovos Rail, and our local guide introduces us to Afrikaans and African culture through iconic landmarks, such as the Voortrekker Monument, the Church Square, and the Nelson Mandela statue. Following lunch we spend time exploring and shopping in the affluent Sandton suburb before we bid “chionekedzo” and make our way to the airport, to board our flights back home. Enjoy our private car to your home. (B,L,D)
This morning we arrive at Pretoria Station in Pretoria, fondly nicknamed the Jacaranda City, and are met by our guide. We Familiarize ourselves with Afrikaans and African culture on a tour of Pretoria, the administrative and diplomatic centre of South Africa. See such landmarks as the iconic Voortrekker Monument, the Church Square, and the Nelson Mandela statue located at the Union buildings. Following lunch we spend time exploring and shopping in the affluent Sandton suburb before we bid “chionekedzo” and make our way to the airport, to board our flights back home. Enjoy our private car to your home.


Signature Inclusions on This Journey
THE JOURNEYS DIFFERENCEIn addition to our essentials, your Journey includes our following Signature Inclusions:


24/7 Professional Journey Manager
- Will travel with you from Canada and handle every detail
- In addition to knowledgeable local guides


Memorable Private Excursions
- Private excursions crafted by our team
- All sightseeing & entrance fees included


Private Car Pick-up Service
- Within a 200-kilometre radius, let your Journey begin in elegant comfort with a private chauffeured car to the airport


Generous Tips & Gratuities
- For the porters, local guides, hotel staff & many more, paid by us on your behalf
Our essentials included with your Journey:
- 12 nights in outstanding hotels & lodges
- 3 night aboard the Rovos Rail (with the extension)
- All meals included
(15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 15 dinners)
(with the extension: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners) - Round-trip airfare from Toronto with KLM
2 regional flights with South African Airways - All taxes as well as port & service charges
- “Whisper” radios included for use during excursions
- Flights from select Canadian gateways for only $100
- Other gateways & travel classes available
- Porterage for one piece of luggage per person
- Hassel-free visas handled & processed for Canadian citizens
- Complete information & assistance leading up to your departure
- Branded overnight carry-on or backpack
Hotels
VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL, CAPE TOWN
In a converted waterfront warehouse dating from 1904, this ultra-chic hotel has views over Alfred Basin and the city centre to Table Mountain. Upscale rooms with contemporary interiors feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen smart TVs and minibars, as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Some have sea and mountain views, while others overlook a plaza.
PERRY’S BRIDGE HOLLOW HOTEL, HAZYVIEW
Set in a beautiful garden, Perry’s Bridge Hollow Hotel offers relaxed, yet sophisticated accommodation. Rest in one of the 31 spacious rooms, admire the views from your own private patio or spend time floating in the swimming pool. Leave feeling refreshed and revived.
PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, BECKS SAFARI LODGE
Becks Safari Lodge, combines luxe living and innovative design with a deep appreciation for the South African bushveld. Overlooking the Makhutsi River, Becks Safari Lodge is located in the Karongwe Game Reserve. In addition to stunning views and intimate accommodations, this lodge features a handsome lounge, impressive deck, and 20-metre infinity pool.
THE PALAZZO MONTECASINO, JOHANNESBURG
Considered to be the most beautiful and romantic hotels in South Africa, the award-winning Palazzo Hotel in Johannesburg is the epitome of elegance. It features enchanting Tuscan-inspired architecture, reflected in the luxurious accommodation, spectacular gardens and attentive service.
VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL, VICTORIA FALLS
The Victoria Falls Hotel, popularly known as ‘The grand old lady of the Falls,’ is situated in Victoria Falls National Park. This grand hotel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World group. The Edwardian-style five-star hotel, built in 1904, was recently redecorated and refurbished to eloquently combine the charm of the old with the convenience of the new.