Animals on the range in South Africa

Our Journeys

Southern Africa

Land Tour
15 Days
$12,990 CAD
All inclusive from, per guest, double occupancy.
Rovos Extension Available
Current Date Selected

March 18 to April 1, 2024

Land Tour
15 Days
$12,990 CAD
All inclusive from, per guest, double occupancy.
Rovos Extension Available
Current Date Selected

March 18 to April 1, 2024

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 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.

— Mr. and Mrs. Magnusson from St. Paul, MB

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.

— Mr. Strano from Phelpston, ON

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.

— Mr. Fournier & Mrs. Thomas from Thomas, ON

Journey Itinerary

DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1

Depart 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:
Day 2

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:
Day 3

Cape Town

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.

Overnight: Cape Town, Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4

Cape Point & Kirstenbosch Gardens

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.

Overnight: Cape Town, Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5

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. 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.

Overnight: Cape Town, Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6

Cape Town to Kruger

This morning, we say farewell to Cape Town and board our flight to Kruger Mpumulanga Airport. Enjoy a local lunch in White River before checking in to the hotel. 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, Sabi River Sun Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7

Blyde River Canyon

Meander down a seemingly endless river canyon during a visit to the Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. This awe-inspiring stretch of landscape offers some of the most beautifully scenic vista in South Africa. The Bourke’s Luck Potholes mark the beginning of the canyon and comprise intriguing geological formations at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers.
Continuing to Makalali Game Reserve, we arrive at the lodge in time for lunch. The reserve is located west of the Kruger National Park to offer guests an ethnic-style retreat within 26,000 hectares of bushveld. This afternoon, venture off on a 4×4 game drive through the reserve to view some of the incredible wildlife. We return to the lodge to relax and enjoy dinner.

Overnight: Makalali Private Game Reserve, Makalali Main Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8

Private Game Reserve

Makalali is a Big Five game area and home to various antelope species such as impala, nyala and kudu, as well as predators like hippo and crocodiles. Its bushland borders the banks of the Nbesi River that are not only wildlife rich, but also support an astounding variety of indigenous flora. Rise early this morning for sunrise 4×4 game drive when the game is most active. Take the rest of the morning for breakfast and lunch to relax at the lodge before another 4×4 game drive late this afternoon.  We return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Makalali Private Game Reserve, Makalali Main Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9

Kruger to Johannesburg

Embark on a final sunrise 4×4 game drive this morning before we board our flight in Hoedsruit for Johannesburg. In the afternoon enjoy lunch before we settle into our hotel.

Overnight: Johannesburg, Palazzo Montecasino
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10

Historic Johannesburg

Spend some time in the vibrant city of Johannesburg. Begin with a visit to the thought-provoking Apartheid Museum and get a glimpse into the history of racial segregation. This fascinating museum is dedicated to recounting the history of the rise and fall of apartheid in 20th-century South Africa. Then, tour the iconic township of Soweto, made famous for its role in the struggle against apartheid, end the day with a visit Nelson Mandela’s former home, now a National Heritage Site and museum.

Overnight: Johannesburg, Palazzo Montecasino
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11

Flight to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Following breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. On arrival your Journey Manager takes care of your visa formalities and we are met by our local guide and driver and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or take in the view of Victoria Falls from the hotel property before we enjoy dinner.

Overnight: Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12

Victoria Falls, The “Flight Of The Angels” & Zambezi River Cruise

Marvel at one of the world’s natural wonders, as we reach Victoria Falls. Shared by two countries, Zimbabwe to the south and Zambia to the north, Victoria Falls is the only waterfall in the world with a length of more than a kilometre and a height of over one hundred metres. Originally called Mosi-oa-Tunya “the smoke that thunders” by the local tribes, the falls were renamed after Queen Victoria by famous explorer David Livingstone in 1855. Following lunch at a nearby restaurant, take to the air with a stunning ‘Flight of the Angels’ over these magnificent, thundering falls followed by a visit to a local craft market to admire the handiwork of local artisans.

This evening, embark on a serene river cruise on the Zambezi River. The immense, calm waters of the Zambezi River lend themselves to leisurely boat cruises amongst the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding wilderness. As you peacefully drift along the river, watch the wildlife that congregates along the riverbanks in the coolness of the late day.

Overnight: Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13

Chobe National Park (Botswana)

Venture out on a wonderful full-day excursion to Botswana’s Chobe National Park, one of the best locations for game viewing. Famed for having the highest concentration of elephants found anywhere in Africa, it is also known for hosting the densest population of game on the continent. Cruise along the Chobe River this morning, and savour a tasty buffet lunch at the Chobe Safari Lodge, which sits idyllically on the riverbank. Then, we venture further into Chobe National Park on a game drive to enjoy the abundance of wildlife.

Overnight: Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 & 15

Return home OR ROVOS EXTENSION

This morning guests flying home bid “chionekedzo” and make their way to the Victoria Falls airport, to board our flights to Johannesburg and back home. Enjoy our private car to your home.

Please note that your Journey Manager will accompany the guests on board the Rovos Rail.

Overnight: Flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Private car ride to and from the airport to begin your Journey
Private car ride to and from the airport to begin your Journey
Private car ride to and from the airport to begin your Journey

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 ITINERARY
Day 14

Board 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: Rovos Rail
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15

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.

Overnight: Rovos Rail
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16

Matobo National Park

This morning we enjoy a game drive in Matobo National Park, a World Heritage Site with bushmen caves, rock art and dramatic granite hills. It is also the site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave atop the summit of Malindidzimu – ‘hill of benevolent spirits’ with a ‘view of the world’. Lunch is served onboard as the train descends to Gwanda. Dinner is served in the dining cars enroute to Beitbridge for border formalities.

Overnight: Rovos Rail
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17

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: Rovos Rail
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 18 & 19

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

THE JOURNEYS DIFFERENCE

In 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 nights 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
  • 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

Day 2-6

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.

VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL, CAPE TOWN - Bay
VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL, CAPE TOWN - Room
VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL, CAPE TOWN - Exterior
Day 6-7

Sabi River Sun Resort, Hazyview

Close to the gates of one of the world’s most famous safari parks, the Sabi River Sun Resort in Hazyview is a dream destination for a truly special wildlife experience. With a location near the banks of the Sabie River and close enough to explore Blyde River Canyon, there is no shortage of natural splendour nearby.

Day 7-9

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.

Day 9-11

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.

The Palazzo Montecasino - Lobby
The Palazzo Montecasino - SuiteThe Palazzo Montecasino - Suite
The Palazzo Montecasino - Exterior
Day 11-14

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.

Victoria Falls Hotel - Resturant
Victoria Falls Hotel - Pool
Victoria Falls Hotel - Exterior
Victoria Falls Hotel - Suite
March 18 to April 1, 2024

All-Inclusive Fares

Double Occupancy – Base Fare

$12,990

Single Occupancy – Base Fare

$16,490

Double Occupancy – Rovos Rail Extension

$6,500

Single Occupancy – Rovos Rail Extension

$9,990
Extension dates: March 31th – April 5nd, 2024

Prices are per guest in CAD, all taxes included. Single Occupancy for the Rovos Rail is available upon request.

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