The Pearl of
Africa
Trip Details
Cape Town | Johannesburg | Umhlanga | Durban | SABI SAND GAME RESERVE
- Summary
- Itinerary
- Pricing
- Options & Add-ons
Relax
- On a magnificent luxury train journey as you gaze at scenic countryside views from the train’s observation car.
Taste
- Savor gourmet cuisine at the Azure Restaurant.
- High Tea experience at the Oyster Box Hotel.
- Enjoy elegant dining with fine wines on board Rovos Rail.
Experience
- Thrilling close encounters with Africa’s untamed wildlife.
- Try to spot a leopard in this area famed for its leopard sightings.
Choice
At additional cost:
- Explore picturesque towns and taste superb wines on a Winelands Tour.
- Photograph dramatic cliffs and adorable penguins on a Cape Peninsula Tour.
- Stroll through magnificent botanical displays on a Kirstenbosch Tour.
- Try delicious curry at the Oyster Box Hotel.
The experience promotes and educates our guests on sustainable consumption and production and educates our guests on the importance of natural ecosystems or wildlife conservation and contributes to their restoration or repopulation with a stay at Bushman's Kloof. To further reduce their carbon footprint at Bushmans Kloof, indigenous herbs and vegetables are picked daily from their organic garden and incorporated into dishes on the menu. All vegetable waste is composted, minimizing landfill contribution, and reducing the need for chemicals to fertilize and enrich the soil in their garden.
Day 1 - Cape Town
On arrival at Cape Town Airport, you will be met by a Lion World Travel Representative and transferred to the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa. The cosmopolitan city of Cape Town is fifteen minutes away by complimentary shuttle.
Enjoy a complimentary three course dinner at Azure Restaurant.
Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa - Classic Room (D)
Day 2 - Cape Town
Today is at leisure for independent exploration. We would be happy to assist in pre-planning and arranging sightseeing tours to suit your interests.
Perhaps take the shuttle to the vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront to browse or shop at the array of shops, craft markets and restaurants.
Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa - Classic Room (B)
Day 3 - Cape Town
A day of leisure to explore Cape Town or on request we can arrange additional sightseeing or a car rental.
Cape Town and its surrounding areas offer enough activities to keep you occupied for a long time. You can frolic on the beach with penguins by day and spend the evening savoring every bite of a world-class meal in a sophisticated urban restaurant.
Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa - Classic Room (B)
Day 4 - Cape Town
Your final day in Cape Town to explore historic and cultural sites, world-class museums and bustling markets, inviting beaches and lush gardens.
Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa - Classic Room (B)
Day 5 - Cape Town/Bushmans Kloof
Transfer by road to the 5 star Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat, nestled in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains.
There are a variety of lodge activities including nature drives, guided rock art excursions, botanical walks, canoeing, archery, fly fishing, hiking, swimming, special interest presentations (birding, stargazing and entomology) for you to enjoy.
Accommodation: Bushmans Kloof - Luxury Room (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Bushmans Kloof
Bushmans Kloof is a refuge of luxury within the untamed wilderness of the Western Cape. The sparsely populated region is well known in South Africa for its spectacular natural features, Bushman rock art and jaw-dropping displays of colour in the flower season. The dominant characteristic of the geography is unusual sandstone formations and turrets.
Accommodation: Bushmans Kloof - Luxury Room (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Bushmans Kloof/Cape Town/Johannesburg
Depart by road to Cape Town Airport to connect with your scheduled flight to Johannesburg for your one-night stay at the 5 star Melrose Arch Hotel, in an area with a variety of trendy retail shops, outstanding restaurants and leisure amenities. The pool deck which features oversized galvanized buckets, a heated swimming pool with underwater music and furniture in the shallow end.
Accommodation: Melrose Arch Hotel - Standard Room (B)
Day 8 - Johannesburg / Rovos Rail
Transfer to Rovos Rail's private station in Pretoria where you will be welcomed warmly before boarding the luxurious train for your two-night journey to Durban. This journey includes luxury accommodation, all meals, alcoholic and other beverages, 24-hour full room service and bar facilities and excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide (where applicable).
The 5 star Pride of Africa offers opulence of a bygone era with subtle modern innovations. Enjoy fine cuisine complimented by a selection of fine South African wines, in luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows.
Lunch and dinner will be served on board.
Accommodation: Rovos Rail - Deluxe Cabin (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Rovos Rail
Disembark and join a game drive in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve. Return to the train for brunch as the train moves along to your next stop. In the afternoon, disembark and take a drive to Spionkop Lodge (directly translated this means 'spy head' in English).
Once you arrive you have a choice between two excursions: an escorted tour of the battlefields or a game drive in the Spionkop Game Reserve.
Return to the train for dinner.
Accommodation: Rovos Rail - Deluxe Cabin (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Durban/Umhlanga
Today you will visit Ardmore Ceramics Gallery and enjoy tea in the garden. At noon, the train will depart and arrive at journey's end in Durban. Once you have disembarked, you will be met and transferred to the Oyster Box Hotel on the Kwa-Zulu Natal Coast.
One of South Africa's quintessential hotels, the 5 star Oyster Box Hotel stands majestically on Umhlanga's beachfront, with views of the Indian Ocean, the iconic lighthouse and direct beach access. This colonial-styled hotel is a 5-minute walk from Umhlanga Village Centre which offers a selection of shops, restaurants and bars.
During your stay you will have traditional English high tea served in the Palm Court, with everything from freshly baked scones, pastries, quiches and cakes to finger sandwiches and savories.
Insider tip: Be sure to have a photograph taken with the hotel's most well-known resident - Skabenga The Cat!
Accommodation: Oyster Box Hotel - Classic Room (B)
Day 11 - Umhlanga
Enjoy your day at this oasis of relaxation. You may choose to indulge in a spa treatment or simply relax in the pool and gardens.
The food is an experience, so be sure to try out the restaurant's serving of ethnically inspired menus.
Accommodation: Oyster Box Hotel - Classic Room (B)
Day 12 - Umhlanga / Durban / SABI SAND GAME RESERVE
Transfer to Durban’s King Shaka Airport and fly to Kruger-Mpumalanga Airport. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the 5-star Simbambili Game Lodge, located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Each suite has its own plunge pool and Sala overlooking the watering hole - perfect for relaxing between game drives.
The area is famed for its abundant wildlife. You will be reaching for your camera on the early morning and late afternoon game drives, leg by qualified guides and trackers on open safari vehicles.
Accommodation: Simbambili Game Lodge - Suite (B, L, D)
Day 13 - Simbambili Game Lodge
A day of wilderness experience begins with morning and afternoon game drives. You are accompanied by highly skilled game rangers who provide interesting information and anecdotes about the inhabitants of the bush. While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are just as captivating.
Accommodation: Simbambili Game Lodge - Suite (B, L, D)
Day 14 - SABI SAND GAME RESERVE/Johannesburg/Depart
After an early morning game drive to track the animals that may have eluded you so far, followed by breakfast, you will be transferred to Kruger-Mpumalanga Airport for your flight to Johannesburg to connect with your flight back home. (B)
Return home with a lifetime of memories!
Add-Ons
Victoria Falls in Style - From USD $1,699
Experience a fabulous blend of luxury tented accommodations, game drives, river cruises and the impressive Victoria Falls for an exciting add-on! Victoria Falls in Style is a 3-night package. Spend one night in Johannesburg and enjoy two nights in Victoria Falls staying in a stunning tented lodge on the Zambezi River.
Cape Town Day Tours, South Africa
PRICING AVAILBLE ON REQUEST
Cape Town, the Mother City, is historically, culturally, and visually, the most diverse, breathtakingly scenic and vibrant city you’ll have had the pleasure to visit! From its achingly beautiful natural attributes to its colourful culture; from decadent wine farms to captivating history and architecture - it’s tourist heaven. There’s no finer way to savour its pleasures than a guided day tour with Thompsons Touring & Safaris – from wonderful winelands and wine tastings, to riding the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, we’ll take you there in style, with great taste.
Please note the Scheduled Tour prices below have additional drop off and pick up points and will have other guests on board. The Private Tour pricing offers a vehicle and driver just for your use and allows more flexibility – please note that the venues visited will have other guests – it is just the vehicle and driver that is on a private basis. Pricing for both the scheduled and private options are per person based on a minimum of two people. Tours do get booked out quickly so to avoid disappointment we suggest booking well in advance of travel.
Cape Town City Tour - Half Day
Departs: Daily between 7:35am and 8:30am. Returns: Approximately 12:30pm.
This tour is designed to orientate and give you a full-color insight into the extraordinary magic of Cape Town. First enjoy a cable car ride to the summit of the legendary Table Mountain (weather permitting) for panoramic views, including the City and surrounding layout of this southernmost tip of Africa (tickets are for your own account). Next up you will pass one of the country’s oldest colonial buildings, The Cape Castle and the Company Gardens. Then you’ll be driven past Parliament Buildings, City Hall which is where Nelson Mandela made his first public speech after his release from prison and the Slave Lodge. Next, it’s up the cobblestoned hills to the beautifully colorful homes of the Bo-Kaap in the Malay Quarter. The tour ends on a sparkling note, with a visit to a diamond works where you’ll watch a professional diamond cutter as he creates every girl’s dream stone. Perhaps you’ll be taking one home.
Cape Point Tour - Half Day
Departs: Daily between 7:45am and 8:45am. Returns: Approximately 12:30pm.
The Cape Peninsula and Cape Point is wild, rugged, and undoubtedly one of the most memorable coastlines you’ll have encountered. The trip begins with a drive along Millionaires Paradise, eyeing the glamorous homes of Clifton Beach and Camps Bay which leave you in no doubt as to how it earned its title. From there, it’s on towards the charming coastal town and working harbor of Hout Bay - translated from Dutch it literally means Wood Bay. Then, driving over the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive with its breathtaking views you’ll arrive at the Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park and its rugged, intriguing landscape.
Next up is a visit to the delightful African penguin colony at Boulders beach (for your own account), before moving on to the historical naval port of Simon’s Town. It’s a wonderful half-day spent on the wilder side of this exquisite Cape coastline.
Stellenbosch Winelands Tour - Half Day
Departs: Mondays to Saturdays between 12:45pm and 1:45pm. Returns: Approximately 5:30pm.
Stellenbosch with its Cape Dutch architecture, is the warm and wonderful heart of the Cape Winelands, and is surrounded by stunning wine estates. It’s truly the prettiest town, home to one of the country’s prestigious universities, and you’ll love exploring the fine art galleries, the architecture, the history, and the curious and quaint shops. You’ll be taken on a leisurely drive to acquaint you with the area, before being introduced to the wine-making process in a fascinating cellar tour. Of course you‘ll have a chance to taste the wine for which this area is renowned, and no doubt, you’ll leave with a favorite bottle or two under your arm. Stellenbosch is arguably one of the Province’s most beautiful towns. Please note not all galleries and shops are open on Sundays. Tour includes one wine tasting and one cellar tour.
Robben Island
Departs: Daily, weather permitting. Ferries depart at 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Tour lasts approximately 3½ hours.
Board the Robben Island Ferry at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and take part in a half day Robben Island tour (the ferry ride is scheduled even on the private option).
For nearly 400 years, Robben Island was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment for political "troublemakers" and social outcasts. During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality.
Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs. Nelson Mandela was one of them.
Those imprisoned on the Island succeeded on a psychological and political level in turning a prison 'hell-hole' into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation.
Robben Island came to symbolize, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity. Today, you will be escorted around the island, and given insight into the past and how the human spirit triumphs.
Bo-Kaap cooking safari - Half Day
Departs: Daily (subject to availability of the chef) at 10:30am Returns: Approx 1:30pm
Learn how to prepare traditional Cape Malay dishes (mixing spices, making a curry paste, making curry, samosa, and chili bites) and gain firsthand insight into this community. Enjoy the fruits of your labor at a 3-course sit down lunch (includes soft drinks and spicy tea). A parting gift of spices and heirloom recipes allows you to recreate these memories at home.
Feathers and Fins - Half Day
Departs: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 12:45pm and 1:45pm. Returns: Approximately 5:30pm.
This entertaining, family friendly, trip includes a visit to the Hout Bay World of Birds where adults and children can get up close and personal with nature, with over 400 different species to discover including birds, reptiles, mammals - don’t forget to visit the walk through monkey jungle! The tour continues with some of the finest beach views on the coastal drive to the Two Oceans Aquarium in the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where a magical underwater world awaits. Learn about mysterious deep sea creatures, dangerous predators and see a real “happy feet” family. Touch pools and tidal walks are part of the fun while puppet shows and play areas are on offer for younger children. Older children are not forgotten, interesting facts, fascinating discoveries, shark encounters and the chance to discover what really lies beneath the blue! Bring your family on this fun tour to see, touch, learn and play....who knows, they may even find NEMO! Includes entrance to World of Birds and the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Sea Kayaking - Half Day
Departs: Daily, subject to weather.
Weather dependant and excludes transfers – prices available on request.
One of the most unique places in the world - a penguin colony in suburban Cape Town! And the best way to see it is from the water. You’ll leave from Simon's Town Waterfront and paddle past the civilian and Naval Harbor and out to Boulder's Beach. After visiting the penguins, stop on a lovely semi-private beach for refreshments, swimming, and snorkeling (snorkels and bottled drinking water provided.) The double kayaks are very stable and perfect for those with no paddling experience.
Cape Town Tours - Full Day
Cape Winelands Tour
Departs: Mondays to Saturdays between 8:00am and 9:00am. Returns: Approximately 5:30pm.
This is a superb day exploring the exceptional Winelands region with its heavenly scenery. The area is rich with history, and you can’t help but feel it as you visit this region. Experience a wine cellar tour, where you’ll learn all about the process of winemaking, and have the chance to savor the wines. Visit the charming little town of Franschhoek, pass by the impressive Huguenot Monument, and enjoy lunch (your own account) – the town is known as the gourmet capital of South Africa. After lunch, the tour takes you over the Helshoogte Mountain Pass to the pretty university town of Stellenbosch. You will have time to stroll through this little town, absorbing the quaintness, and enjoying the shops! A trip to the Winelands isn’t complete without a wine tasting, so you’ll visit two different wine estates. And of course, you’ll be able to purchase your favorite wine to take back home! Includes two wine tastings.
Cape Peninsula Tour
Departs: Daily between 7:45am and 8:45am. Returns: Approximately 6:00pm.
*Please note that this tour is different to the Lion World Travel Peninsular Tour as offered on certain packages*
On this tour you will see why the area earned the name of The Fairest Cape. Sit back and relax, as you’re driven along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire’s Paradise – from Clifton to Camps Bay, to the exclusive beach hamlet of Llandudno – towards the charming working harbor of Hout Bay where you can embark on an up-close-and-personal Seal Island cruise lasting about 45 minutes if you choose to (for your own account). If you choose not to do the cruise you will have time to browse the shops and markets and perhaps enjoy a morning coffee at one of the restaurants at Mariners Wharf – the first harbor-front emporium in Africa.
You then wind your way along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, hugging the cliffs and relishing the breathtaking ocean views. After a stop for lunch (your own account), visit the wild and beautiful Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park, an integral part of the world-renowned Cape Floral Kingdom.
After, you’ll head back along the coast towards the City, visiting the historic naval port of Simon’s Town and the endearing African penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach (for your own account).
Next, you’ll head inland to the last stop of the day. In the summer months this will be at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. With the sun setting over the tall peaks of Table Mountain, the last rays sparkle on the trees and flowers. In the winter months (May 1st to Aug 31st), the last stop is at Groot Constantia where you’ll stop for a wine tasting and cellar tour of South Africa’s oldest wine estate.
Cape Town Tours - Evening Options
Sunset and Beach Dinner
Departs: Daily, September - May only. Between 5:30pm and 6:00pm. Returns: Approximately 10:00pm.
Join your host and head out of the city before sunset. Savor a chilled glass of sparkling wine while overlooking one of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches and taking in the sunset. You’ll be shown how to find the Southern Cross in the night sky (if the moon isn’t too bright!), before enjoying dinner at a sensational ‘out of town’ restaurant offering seafood and South African specialties.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion let us know and we can arrange request a separate table. As you return to the hotel, you’ll be able to enjoy the city lit up at night. Everything is taken care of – just enjoy!
Tailor made days out
We can also tailor make tours to match your interests or simply arrange for you to have a vehicle and driver available with no plan in mind to take you wherever you feel like going. Cape Town has so much to offer including Architecture, Art, and local clothing designers.
In addition to the beautiful Winelands, Cape Point and City tours, consider a family day out, to see seals, penguins, monkeys and butterflies; splash out on a hot shopping extravaganza; or indulge in a gourmet food and wine tour.
We can also arrange for you to go golfing, hiking cycling and sandboarding amongst other activities – please let us know if you would like more information on these activities!
All touring is based on using an air-conditioned 7-seater vehicle with a tour guide/driver.
Half Day Private Tours
Departs: Daily, on request. Trip can run from either 8:00am to 12:30pm or 1:30pm to 6:00pm and covers up to 150km (93 miles) of driving.
Half day custom trip with private vehicle and driver/guide.
Full Day Private Tours
Departs: Daily, on request. pickup time of 9:00am, drop-off time of 5:00pm and covers up to 250km (150 miles) of driving.
Full day custom trip with private vehicle and driver/guide.
Prices are per person in US Dollars, for land arrangements only, based on double occupancy accommodations. Based on a minimum of 2 passengers to operate. Single supplement pricing available on request.
Contact us fo 2024 rates.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation as specified
- Rovos Rail: All beverages served on board the train, guided sightseeing excursions and associated entrance fees, room service, limited laundry service
- Private road transfers as specified
- All services as specified
- All transfers as specified
- Meals as specified – including a complimentary dinner at the Azure Restaurant at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
- High Tea at the Oyster Box Hotel
- Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicles
- Game viewing as arranged by Simbambili Game Lodge
- Lion World Travel Representative meet and greet upon arrival
Exclusions:
- All international and domestic flights, fuel surcharges and taxes
- Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
- All other services not mentioned
- Gratuities/Tips for game rangers/trackers, Rovos Rail staff, hotel staff, guides and drivers
- Costs of obtaining Passports or Visas
- Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption and Medical Insurance are required for the entire duration of your travels – please note that insurance for this trip is a mandatory requirement from suppliers in Africa – proof of insurance must be provided before bookings are confirmed. It is your personal responsibility to ensure you have sufficient insurance coverage.
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