Welcome to South Africa! From the airport, you’ll be transferred to your choice of Cape Town hotel, and you have three days to explore the city.

You’re free to go at your own pace, or we can pre-book day tours and experiences for you. A guided city tour offers the perfect introduction to Cape Town, as you discover the most iconic landmarks and travel to the top of Table Mountain. You could take a day trip to the Cape Winelands, or go on a whale watching cruise.

Make sure to pay a visit to the Victoria & Albert Waterfront, with its relaxed dining and great views, and wander around the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, with its brightly coloured houses. For a beach day, head to Camps Bay or Clifton Beach.

Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront or similar

Embark on a scenic rail journey aboard luxury Rovos Rail as you travel from Cape Town to Pretoria. Rovos Rail aim to recreate the glamour of a bygone era, with opulent and traditional Victorian furnishings, and luxurious hospitality.

As you depart from the city, soak in the scenery of towering mountain ranges and lush vineyards. Relax in your choice of cabin, and enjoy a carefully curated menu in the dining carriage, where you can get to know fellow travellers.

The next morning, you’ll arrive in the historic village of Matjiesfontein, disembarking to explore. In the afternoon, the scenery transforms as you enter the Great Karoo semi-desert region. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the Karoo the next day, as you visit the Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole in Kimberley.

Your choice of cabin (see below)

All meals and selected drinks onboard

Continuing through the broad grassland plains of the Highveld this morning, your Rovos Rail journey draws to a close in Pretoria.

Depending on your arrival time in Pretoria, you may have time to explore the city’s Union Buildings before you head to your hotel. Alternatively, there is a Rovos Rail Station Museum, where you can enjoy a guided tour, learning about the railway’s history.

Castillo de Monte or similar

Head to the world-famous Kruger region for three days on a ‘Big 5’ safari, staying at your choice of Kruger Lodge (recommendations below).

Kruger National Park and the Greater Kruger region offer some of the best game viewing and wildlife opportunities in the world, so keep a lookout for the big cats, elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe and more.

Days typically begins with early morning coffee or tea, followed by a thrilling game drive with pre-packed breakfast. Your guide will endeavour to spoil you with sightings of the ‘Big 5’, and a variety of game and bird life. Return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax, before heading out for another game drive in the evening.

Your choice of Kruger Lodge (see below)

All meals at your safari lodge

Your luxury rail and safari holiday draws to a close today. If you’re ready to head home, fly back to the UK from Johannesburg Airport.

Alternatively, you can extend your holiday. Why not add a beach stay in the Seychelles, or continue to Botswana or Zimbabwe? Just let our Africa Experts know what you’d like to do.

If you’re seeking a relaxed and intimate stay, then Jock Safari Lodge is perfect. It’s a small lodge, situated within a private concession, surrounded by Kruger National Park. It’s positioned at the confluence of two seasonal river beds, attracting an abundance of wildlife in the rainy season. Even in the dry season, you’ll commonly find elephants digging in the sand to find water.

Jock Safari Lodge boasts individual thatched suites, each with air-conditioning, an outside deck, a plunge pool, an outdoor shower and bathtub. There is also the option to sleep out under the stars.

Arathusa Safari Lodge can be found within Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, in the Greater Kruger.

Stay in a comfortable thatched suite, either facing the waterhole or the bush. All of the suites at Arathusa Safari Lodge feature en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and a private outdoor seating area.

Between game drives, cool off in the infinity pool overlooking the waterhole, or relax in the lounge. There is also a spa, offering a range of treatments and an outdoor boma for dinners under the stars.

One-of-a-kind Kruger Shalati is housed within a restored train on the historic Selati Bridge above the Sabie River. Within Kruger National Park, you can enjoy fantastic views and wildlife sightings as animals gather around the river.

The Carriage Suites are sleek and modern but thougtfully decorated, showcasing local artwork. You can expect an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, complimentary WiFi, a mini bar and a small deck or balcony. If you upgrade to a Bridge House Suite, you even have your own private plunge pool.

There are also three plunge pools available to all the guests, and a deck overlooking the Sabie River. Spa treatments are available within your suite too.

The compact but comfortable Pullman Suites accommodate one or two passengers in bunk, double or split twin beds and have an en-suite with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, beds are converted into a sitting area. A dedicated host is always available and services the suites daily.

Deluxe Suites accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds and have their own lounge area and en-suite with shower, toilet and basin.

The Royal Suites each take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and en-suite with Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. They accommodate one or two passengers in double or split twin beds.