Our Journeys
Southern Africa
October 28 to November 11, 2024
Journey Highlights
Experience an extraordinary Journey through a nation that’s brimming with vibrant energy and rich history. Feel the pulse of the wild during thrilling game drives, where encounters with the majestic Big Five will leave you in awe. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Cape Town and Johannesburg, where every landmark tells a unique story. Extend the adventure aboard the renowned Rovos Rail, weaving through landscapes on your way to the charming city of Pretoria. This isn’t just a trip; it’s a personal odyssey, an unforgettable chapter in your story.
With a maximum group size of 16, and only 4 cabins available on the renowned Rovos Rail, spaces are limited so secure your spot today!
Browse through 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 waterfall in the world.
Private Safaris
Private Safaris
Embark on an exhilarating experience into the national parks and game reserves of South Africa and Botswana. 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.
Full Detailed Itinerary
Detailed ItineraryDepart for 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 |
Meals: | — |
Cape Town
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.
Overnight: | Cape Town, Victoria & Alfred Hotel |
Meals: | — |
Cape Town
Today, discover the ‘Mother City’ of South Africa, known as Cape Town. See 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. This afternoon enjoy some free time to explore this amazing city on your own.
Overnight: | Cape Town, Victoria & Alfred Hotel |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Cape Point & Kirstenbosch Gardens
From its rugged, rocky outcrops and sheer cliffs to the fynbos covered plains, the Cape Peninsula holds much in store for us today. 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.
Overnight: | Cape Town, Victoria & Alfred Hotel |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
The Cape’s Wine Region
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. Enjoy lunch followed by a wine tasting and cellar tour at Jordan Estate Winery. Gary and Kathy Jordan have been making world-class wines since 1993 on a farm with a history going back over 300 years
Overnight: | Cape Town, Victoria & Alfred Hotel |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Cape Town to Kruger
This morning, we say farewell to Cape Town and board our flight to Kruger Mpumulanga Airport. On arrival we are met by our local guides and transferred to our hotel for lunch. 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.
Overnight: | Hazyview, Perry’s Bridge Hollow |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
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 entire experience, 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
Detailed ItineraryBoard the Rovos Rail
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.
Overnight: | Malindi, Rovos Rail |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Hwange National Park
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.
Overnight: | Beitbridge, Rovos Rail |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day On Board
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.
Overnight: | Pyramid, Rovos Rail |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Pretoria & Home
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.
Overnight: | Flight |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch |
Signature Inclusions on This Journey
Our 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
- 4 night aboard the Rovos Rail (with the extension)
- All meals included
(11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners)
(with the extension: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 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
- 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, Hazyview
Named after a Canadian, ‘Perry’s Bridge’ in South Africa holds a unique history tied to his story and the establishment of a farm and trading post (Perry’s Bridge Trading Post).
Perry’s Bridge Hollow offers contemporary accommodation in chalets surrounded by indigenous trees in an ever-green Lowveld garden, providing a cool climate in sub-tropical Africa. Boasting top-class amenities, the rooms also feature indoor and outdoor showers so guests can enjoy the night skies or African sunrises. Custom-designed furniture by Hans van der Merwe adds stately sophistication to each room in the breezy Lowveld garden setting.
Makalali Main Lodge, Makalali Game Reserve
By embracing eco-friendly practises and the local cultural tradition, Makalali Private Game Reserve offers guests a unique and memorable experience. The 26,000 hectares conservancy west of Kruger National Park is home more than 1,000 wild animals including the Big Five. The newly built five-star main lodge features well-appointed rooms with easy access to all amenities.
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.
All-Inclusive Fares
Double Occupancy – Base Fare
Single Occupancy – Base Fare
Double Occupancy – Rovos Rail Extension
Single Occupancy – Rovos Rail Extension
Prices are per guest in CAD, all taxes included. *Limited* Single Occupancy for the Rovos Rail is available upon request.