African Collage: Pretoria – Cape Town

Overview

Highlights

• Knysna
• Addo Elephant Park
• Women’s Memorial
• Anglo Boer War Museum
• Sandstone Heritage Trust

Itinerary

1. Day 1PRETORIA

   Please check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. Should you wish to join a tour of Rovos Rail Station and visit our museum, we suggest arriving two hours prior to departure. Depart from Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. The train travels on the eastern line through the harsh coal-mining area of eMalahleni (Witbank) – where Rovos Rail was founded – and Middelburg, known as the “stainless steel capital of Africa”. The Dutch railway building company, NZASM, built this line between Pretoria and Lourenço Marques (Maputo) from 1893 to 1895. Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal Please ensure the Train Manager or Guest Services Manager has your passport.

   Meals: Dinner

2. Day 2AT LEISURE ON BOARD

   Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. The rolling hills of eMakhazeni (Belfast), eNtokozweni (Machadodorp) and Emnothweni (Dullstroom) are a welcome sight and are renowned for the genteel yet skilful sport of trout fishing. Lunch is served in the dining cars. Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is served in the dining cars. The train travels to Malelane. Dress: Formal

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3. Day 3KRUGER PARK BORDER: MPAKA, ESWATINI KAMBAKU GOLF CLUB *LEOPARD CREEK

   Breakfast is served in the dining cars. Enjoy a game drive in the Kruger National Park with lunch and an opportunity for curio shopping. Return to the train. Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is served in the dining cars. The train travels to Mpaka. Border formalities. Dress: Formal 05:30 16:30 19:30 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure. Transfer to Kambaku Golf Club (±45 min) for tee off and lunch. *If available, golf at Leopard Creek may be booked on request for your own account. Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is served in the dining cars. The train travels to Mpaka. Border formalities. Dress: Formal The famous Kruger Park (2-million hectares) is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and home to an impressive number of species, e.g. 336 species of trees, 49 species of fish, 34 species of amphibians, 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds and 147 species of mammals including the Big Five. Spionkop Addo Elephant National Park Bloemfontein Kroonstad Golela Johannesburg INDIAN OCEA N ATLANTIC OCEA N SOUTH AFRICA BOTSWANA NAMIBIA ESWATINI CAPE TOWN Kruger National Park K a r o o Battlefield Talk & Nature Drive Champagne Sports ... PRETORIA Game Drive Kambaku .... Hluhluwe Game Drive Durban City Tour & Botanical Gardens Durban Country Club/ Cotswold Downs Port Elizabeth Game Drive Humewood Knysna Lagoon Tour & Overnight Fancourt & Pezula/Simola Drakensbe r g Drakensberg Eswatini Visit Royal Swazi/NkonyeniGolden Gate & Clarens Visit City Tour Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm & Cango Caves VisitMatjiesfontein Winelands Prince Albert Altered route between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town due to fire and flooding

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4. Day 4ESWATINI BORDER: GOLELA, SOUTH AFRICA ROYAL SWAZI/NKONYENI

   Breakfast is served in the dining cars. Transfer (±90 min) to Swazi Candles and Mantenga Cultural Village for a visit with lunch. Return to the train (±75 min). Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is served in the dining cars. The train travels to Hluhluwe. Border formalities. Dress: Formal 06:00 14:00 16:30 19:30 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure. Transfer (±75 min) to Royal Swazi OR Nkonyeni for tee off and lunch. Return to the train (±75 min). Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is served in the dining cars. The train travels to Hluhluwe. Border formalities. Dress: Formal The tiny Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland) covers only 17000km2, most of which is mountainous. For such a small country, it is surprising that it sustains two capital cities: Mbabane is the administrative capital, and Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital. In April 2018, Swaziland changed its name to the Kingdom of eSwatini (meaning “place of the Swazi”) and is an absolute monarchy. It is landlocked and borders South Africa and Mozambique. At Swazi Candles, guests are invited to interact with the artisans as they make a variety of candles. Woodcarvings, colourful textiles and superb basketwork are also on display. Mantenga is nestled in the mountains overlooking ‘Execution Rock’. The village is a living museum of old traditions that represents the classic Swazi lifestyle of the 1850s.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5. Day 5HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK

   Continental breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure. Transfer (±30 min) to Hluhluwe for a game drive. As the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa, Hluhluwe encompasses 960km² of hilly topography in central Zululand and is known for its rich wildlife and conservation efforts. It is the only state-run park in KwaZulu-Natal with all Big Five animals and is a prime birding destination. Lunch is served in the dining cars. Travel south along the Indian Ocean coastline. Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6. Day 6DURBAN DURBAN/COTSWOLD DOWNS

   Breakfast is served in the dining cars. Enjoy a tour of Durban, a visit to the botanical gardens and lunch at Umhlanga’s beachfront. Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and enjoys importance due to its industry and large port. The train traverses the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is served. Dress: “Africa” Theme or Smart Casual 06:00 15:00 16:30 19:30 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure. Transfer to Durban Country Club (±15 min) OR Cotswold Downs (±30 min) for tee off and lunch. The train traverses the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is served in the dining cars. The train travels to Ladysmith. Dress: “Africa” Theme or Smart Casual

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7. Day 7SPIONKOP CHAMPAGNE SPORTS RESORT

   Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09:00. Transfer (±30 min) to Spionkop Lodge to hear the historic tale of the Battle of Spionkop and walk in the footsteps of Churchill and Gandhi. Enjoy lunch. Afternoon nature drive OR relax at the lodge. Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal 06:00 15:30 16:30 19:30 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure. Transfer (±75 min) to Champagne Sports Resort for tee off and lunch. Return to the train (±75 min). Tea in the lounge and observation cars Dinner is served in the dining cars. The train travels to Harrismith. Dress: Formal The Drakensberg Mountains were first named by the Voortrekkers who thought the unbroken chain of heavily weathered peaks reminded them of the spines on a dragon’s back, hence the name ‘Dragon Mountain’ or Drakensberg in Afrikaans.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8. Day 8GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL PARK & CLARENS

   Breakfast is served in the dining cars. Take a drive through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The park’s most notable features are its golden ochre and orange-hued deeply eroded sandstone cliffs and outcrops, especially the Brandwag Rock. Visit the small and picturesque town of Clarens situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. Enjoy an early lunch (own account). Transfer (±60 min) to the Sandstone Heritage Trust, a large agricultural estate that houses an impressive collection of heritage trains, tractors, busses, cars and military vehicles. Return (±60 min) to the train in Bethlehem. Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9. Day 9BLOEMFONTEIN

   Breakfast is served in the dining cars. Enjoy a tour of Bloemfontein including the Women’s Memorial and Anglo Boer War Museum. The train traverses the Karoo, a vast and beautiful semi-desert stretching across the great South African plateau inland from the Cape coast with scattered towns and villages. Cross the dry southeastern region with its variety of grasses, hardy shrubs, tumbleweeds and succulents and descend the Great Escarpment towards the coast. Lunch is served in the dining cars. Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal Bloemfontein is the seat of the South African judicial system. At the end of the 19th century it was also the capital of the old Boer Republic of The Orange Free State. Bloemfontein is capital of the Free State Province and is also known as the Rose City. Loch Logan Waterfront is next to the city’s newly renovated stadium, which was one of the venues during the 2010 Soccer World Cup. The Women’s Memorial at the Anglo Boer War Museum is a reminder of life in the concentration camps and commemorates the 27 000 women and children who died in these camps. The Museum itself is a graphic depiction of the hardship endured by all during the war and relates the history of South Africa from 1652.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

10. Day 10ADDO ELEPHANT PARK HUMEWOOD

    Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. Lunch is served in the dining cars. Enjoy a game drive in Addo Elephant Park, South Africa’s third largest national reserve stretching from the semi-arid Karoo, over the Zuurberg Mountains and down through the Sundays River valley to the coast. The park is home to one of the densest African Elephant populations on earth – roughly 600+. Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal 07:00 19:30 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure. Transfer (±90 min) to Humewood Golf Course for tee off and lunch. Return to the train in Port Elizabeth. Known as the “Friendly City” or “Windy City”, Port Elizabeth is a major seaport oriented towards automotive assembly, manufacturing and export industries. Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

11. Day 11KNYSNA PEZULA/SIMOLA

    Please pack an overnight bag for your stay at Fancourt. Tog bags have been placed in your suite for your convenience. Breakfast is served in the dining cars. Transfer (±90 min) from Port Elizabeth Station to Oudebosch Farm Stall. Enjoy a refreshment stop at Oudebosch. Transfer (±90 min) to Knysna for a lagoon ferry ride with lunch. Transfer (±60 min) to Fancourt and check in. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Fancourt. Dress: Smart Casual 06:00 07:30 09:00 09:30 19:00 Please pack an overnight bag for your stay at Fancourt. Tog bags have been placed in your suite for your convenience. Breakfast is served in the dining cars. Transfer (±90 min) from Port Elizabeth Station to Oudebosch Farm Stall. Enjoy a refreshment stop at Oudebosch. Transfer (±90 min) to Pezula OR Simola for tee off and lunch. Check-in at Fancourt Estate after golf. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Fancourt. Dress: Smart Casual George and Knysna sit between the majestic Outeniqua Mountains to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. The Knysna Heads – two sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon connecting the estuary with the sea – is a dramatic viewpoint. The Garden Route is a narrow coastal terrace lying between the deep-set coastal cliffs rising sheer out of the sea and the mountains a short distance inland – a topology that facilitates heavy rainfall, hence the name as it is always lush and green.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

12. Day 12OUDTSHOORN FANCOURT

    montagu/outeniqua 06:30 10:00 13:30 15:00 19:30 You may call Reception to collect your bag or take it to check-out on departure. Breakfast is served until 09:30. Check out. Transfer (±60 min) to an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn for a visit followed by lunch. Transfer (±30 min) to the Cango Caves for a visit. Transfer (±150 min) to Prince Albert Rd Station. Dinner is served in the dining cars, The train travels to Matjiesfontein. Dress: “1920s” Theme or Smart Casual 06:30 13:30 16:30 19:30 You may call Reception to collect your bag or take it to check-out before tee off. Breakfast is served until tee off at Fancourt. After lunch, enjoy the scenic drive (±180 min) to Prince Albert Rd Station to rejoin the train with a refreshment stop en route. Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is served in the dining cars, The train travels to Matjiesfontein. Dress: “1920s” Theme or Smart Casual This semi-desert region is situated at the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountains where many rivers, streams and falls have their origins. The great natural wonder of the Cango Caves has colourful underground chambers with breathtaking limestone formations. Oudtshoorn is regarded as the centre of the Klein Karoo and is famous for feathering the world in the time of the boa and grand hats. The ostrich boom of the early 20th century turned out many millionaires who, in turn, created elaborate lifestyles in this remote part of Africa.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

13. Day 13CAPE TOWN

    Please ensure luggage is ready for collection 15 minutes before arrival and that you have your passport. Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. Trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Western Cape towards the coast. Lunch is served in the dining cars. Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Arrive at journey’s end at Cape Town Station.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Rates and dates

Current rates only, in Malaysian Ringgit per person.

Where you stay

Royal Suite

The wood-panelled sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. The Royals each take up half a…

Deluxe Suite

The wood-panelled sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. The Deluxes accommodate one or…

Pullman Gold Suite

The wood-panelled sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. The Pullmans, used on our short…

Good to know

Royal Suites

(±16m2 /±172ft2 ) each take up half a carriage and are spacious and elegant. Each has its own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. BEDS: Double 200x189 • Split Twin 200x75.

Deluxe Suites

(±10m2 /±108ft2 ) have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. BEDS: Lengthways Double 189x189 • Crosswise Double 189x160 • Split Twin 189x75.

Pullman Gold Suites

(±7m2 /±76ft2 ) on LONG journeys only (dependent on capacity) have an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day the suite is setup with split twin beds configured as couches. BEDS: Double 189x189 • Split Twin 189x75.

Children

We do accommodate children but we kindly ask parents to be sensitive to the adult nature and atmosphere of the train by keeping them respectful and quiet. Long journeys are not recommended for under 13s. Children between 0-2 years old are not permitted to travel. There are no child-minding facilities or activities available for children on board.

Acceptable clothing

Shirts with collars and sleeves must be tucked in

Traditional long or short golf trousers

Short trousers with knee-length stockings or short white socks

Ladies skirts or culottes must be knee-length

Not acceptable

T-shirts, vests or sleeveless shirts

Denim jeans

Sweatpants or cargo pants

Drawstring shorts

Shoes without socks

Cross-trainer sports shoes

Gallery