Unforgettable Travel Company

South Africa by Train

  • Duration7 Nights
  • StyleRail Journey
  • When to GoYear Round
  • Price GuideFrom £4,755 Per Person
Experience South Africa by rail on this 7-night highlights itinerary. You will start your itinerary in Johannesburg, where you will spend a night relaxing and recovering after your international flight. The following morning, you will board the luxury train, Rovos Rail. Traveling through the Karoo – a semi-desert landscape – as well as lots of destinations like Kimberly, Worcester in the Hex River Valley, and Matjiesfontein. You will have the opportunity to disembark the train and explore historic towns, making photographic memories along the way.

On board, step back in time and enjoy the luxurious train journey itself. You will be on an all-inclusive basis which means all meals and drinks are included so sit back and enjoy; Whether it’s high tea served in the lounge, or attending dinner dressed formally. You will arrive at Cape Town station, where you will be transferred privately to your hotel. You will spend the final three days in Ellerman House in Cape Town – one of the most luxurious properties in the city. Enjoy Cape Town at your leisure, with a private Cape Peninsula Tour included and other excursions available for us to plan for you.

At a Glance

  • Day 1
    • Johannesburg

      • Arrival and private transfer to a boutique hotel
  • Day 2 - 4
    • Rovos Rail

      • Private transfer to Rovos Rail Station
      • Luxury and historic rail journey through interesting locations
      • All meals and drinks included
  • Day 5 - 8
    • Cape Town

      • Arrival into Cape Town and private transfer to hotel
      • 3 nights in a luxurious hotel known for its wine and art
  • Meet Our Expert

    Gemma D Souza

    Africa Specialist

    With family roots in Kenya, it became a continent I have naturally gravitated towards. I’ve traveled extensively around East and Southern, working with luxury camps, guides, and rangers for over eight years. I am enthralled by Africa and would happily talk about this diverse continent’s wildlife, cultures and experiences all day, every day.

    CALL US ON: +44 208 004 2345
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    What's Included

    • 3 nights Pullman Suite on Rovos Rail on a fully inclusive basis including tours in itinerary
    • Rovos Rail journey between Johannesburg and Cape Town, enjoying the beautiful scenery of South Africa along the way
    • 1 night in the Residence in Johannesburg on a B&B basis
    • 3 nights in Ellerman House in Cape Town on a B&B basis
    • Private Transfers as listed in the itinerary
    • Private Full Day Peninsula Tour – tailor made to meet your requirements (lunch excluded)
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated staff
    • Price per person sharing based on low season departures. Supplement applied to higher season departures

    What's not Included

    • International flights
    • Gratuities
    • Visas if required
    • We strongly advise all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance

    Day by Day Itinerary

    • Day 1

      Arrive into Johannesburg

      You will be met on arrival in Johannesburg and transferred to the Residence to spend a night. If you arrive at the international airport in the morning, we can organize an excursion for you in the afternoon such as a museum tour or a visit to Soweto. Alternatively, relax in the beautiful property of the Residence and get ready to board the Rovos Rail the next morning.

      Accommodation Options:

      • The Residence

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      • The Winston Hotel

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    • Day 2 - 4

      Rovos Rail, South Africa

      Today you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to the Rovos Rail Station. You will then spend 3 nights on board the luxury train. Once you are on board and settled into your suite you can join your fellow travelers in the lounge car and observation car. The train reaches Worcester in the Hex River Valley before climbing 750m up the face of the escarpment. The train arrives at the first of four tunnels on the pass.

      Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. You will disembark at Matjiesfontein for an opportunity to stroll through the historic village. Of special interest is the museum on the platform and a collection of historic cars and railway carriages to the right of the Lord Milner Hotel. Dinner is served in the dining cars and the dress code is formal.

      On the second day, you will travel through the Karoo, a vast semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea. Over millions of years, volcanic matter was ground down and deposited as silt upon the seabed to form what geologists call the Karoo system. Lunch is served in the dining cars before you disembark to enjoy a tour of Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole. Capital of the Northern Cape, Kimberley is well known for the discovery of diamonds that led to its establishment in 1871. Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Klerksdorp and the dress code is formal.

    • Day 5 - 7

      Cape Town

      You will arrive at Cape Town station and be met by a private driver to transfer you to your hotel. You will spend 3 nights in Ellerman House which is one of the most luxurious properties in Cape Town. Views from Ellerman House overlook the slopes and mountains of Lion’s Head, as well as the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

      The hospitality, food, and service at Ellerman House is second-to-none, and you will be welcomed into the family from the moment you arrive. Ellerman House is famed for its extensive collection of art and wine, so make sure you take time to appreciate the gallery and the wine cellar. After three nights on Rovos Rail, this is the perfect place to finish your South Africa trip, enjoying this cosmopolitan city at your own pace.

      Accommodation Options:

      • Ellerman House

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      • The Silo Hotel

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    • Day 8

      Depart Cape Town

      Enjoy your breakfast before checking out. Your driver will meet you and transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

    Let’s make this itinerary yours.

    Speak to our experienced Destinations Experts about designing this itinerary around your budget and needs

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