Cape Town, Blue Train, Eswatini and Kruger
A phenomenal fourteen-night itinerary incorporating vibrant cities, luxurious rail, traditional culture and outstanding game viewing. We love how this itinerary showcases some of the best bits of this stunningly diverse country.
Cape Town
On arrival at Cape Town airport you will be collected and taken to your hotel where you can either choose to relax for the rest of the day or venture out to enjoy the fantastic sights right on your doorstep. With no jet-lag you will be energized to fully embrace all that is on offer here over the next three nights. From the fascinating tour of Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison, to the up close and personal experience with the African penguins at Boulders Beach and the stunning views from Table Mountain, there is so much to enjoy in this the mother city of South Africa.
Three nights will be enjoyed at the Twelve Apostles Hotel, with panoramic views of the crystal blue Atlantic Ocean.
Blue Train
The next two nights are definitely a highlight for us as you travel one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. As you step onto the Blue Train you will be transported back to the luxury, style and grace of a bygone era. The journey between Cape Town and Pretoria takes 31 hours and during this time you will be treated to fine dining with scrumptious meals accompanied by first class wine and attentive, non-intrusive service from your on-board butler.
Pretoria
Your arrival time into Pretoria is at 10:30am so you will have plenty of time to experience this, one of the countries three capital cities. Historical sights, leafy suburbs and old architecture greet you at every corner. If you are lucky enough to be here in October or November you will marvel at the Jacarandas lining the streets in full purple bloom. Museums are plentiful and the Pretoria National Botanical Garden is well worth a visit.
We love the Court Classique hotel in Pretoria with its’ grand tree-lined entrance and extremely comfortable rooms.
Eswatini (Swaziland)
Once you have picked up your car, it is time to head off on a five-hour drive to Eswatini. Officially re-named in 2018, Eswatini is an area known for its friendly people, wilderness reserves and unique colourful Swazi culture. As you will have two nights here, we recommend that you book onto a cultural tour where you will enjoy stops at a craft centre, a candle factory and a cultural village as well as being entertained with a lively dance spectacle complete with African drums.
Elegant and welcoming, our recommendation for this area would be The Royal Villas situated within easy access to shops and restaurants.
Hazyview
Another 5-hour drive through lush, panoramic, breathtaking scenery and you will arrive in the next destination on your amazing trip. Hazyview is a sub-tropical farming town well known for bananas and macadamia nuts. Some gentle activities in this area include horse riding through the hills, a visit to a coffee farm or a splash in one of the many waterfalls in the area.
After days of sightseeing and being immersed in culture, we think you may be in need of some complete relaxation and this is what we have found in our next offering, Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa. Located right next to the Sabie River, with fabulous dining and luxury tented accommodation, this is the perfect place to completely unwind over the next two nights.
Kruger National Park
Just a two-hour drive from Hazyview and you will be in the world-renowned Kruger National Park. This is your chance to really engage with mother nature and experience some of the best game viewing on offer in South Africa. As well as iconic wildlife there are over 130 other mammals and over 500 bird species to be found here – a photographers’ paradise.
Your final four nights will be at Thornybush Game Lodge with its’ stylish rooms complete with private decks perfect for sitting with a refreshing drink whilst enjoying the sweeping vistas ahead of you. We truly believe that this will be the perfect ending to a perfect holiday.
After your early morning game-drive it is time to drive to Hoedspruit airport where you will drop off your car and take your flight home via Johannesburg.
This safari can be tailored in any way to meet your personal needs including length of trip, accommodation and experiences included, with or without international flights. Contact one of our safari designers now to discuss your safari ideas.
What's Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights and transfers
- Car hire
- 14 nights accommodation as detailed above
- All National Park fees and entrance fees for activities detailed
Price Information
Prices start from £5395pp/€5995pp/$7395pp
