Tracks of Africa

Day 1 - UK - In flight

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Cape Town.

Day 2 - Cape Town

We arrive in Cape Town and after checking in at the hotel, the rest of the day is free to explore. The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is ideal for getting your bearings and experiencing some of the delicious South African cuisine on offer.

Day 3 - Cape Town

Today we set out for a tour of this exceptionally picturesque city, with its backdrop of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and Devil’s Peak. We take an exhilarating trip by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting).

Day 4 - Cape Town

We have the whole day free to enjoy Cape Town and the surrounding area. You could take an optional excursion to the dramatic Cape Point peninsula or a winelands tour.

Day 5 - Arniston

We drive east towards Hermanus, where we have free time. There’s plenty to see and do here; perhaps wander along the shore and you may be lucky enough to spot whales from July to November. We’ll continue on to Arniston, a pretty fishing and holiday village. This little pocket of tranquillity, characterised by its lime-washed, thatched houses, remains unspoilt. You can look forward to wonderful views of the Indian Ocean from our hotel.

Day 6 - Knysna

We head to pretty Knysna, in the heart of the Garden Route and famous for its stunning blue lagoon. It’s a lovely place to explore at your own pace.

Day 7 - Knysna

Sail across the Knysna Lagoon and journey into the Featherbed Nature Reserve. We stop at magnificent viewpoints and our specialist guide highlights the area’s history, flora and fauna. There’ll be time for an optional guided walk through the coastal forest and fynbos. We return to Knysna later, where the remainder of the day is free.

Day 8 - George - Johannesburg - Pretoria

We depart for the small town of George and take a flight to Johannesburg. On arrival, we’ll transfer to Pretoria and our hotel.

Day 9 - Rovos Rail

Most of the day is free to explore a little of Pretoria. Later this afternoon, we’ll head to the lovely colonial-style Rovos Rail Station at Capital Park, Pretoria and board Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa. Rediscover the golden age of travel as we begin our spectacular four-night journey all the way to Victoria Falls. Delicious food and wine are a key part of South African holidays and you'll enjoy fine cuisine with wine pairings in the elegant dining car.

Days 10-11 - Rovos Rail (Matobo National Park)

Spend a day at leisure on board. We’ll cross the Tropic of Capricorn and later the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe as we continue heading north. Take advantage of the Observation Car as we wend our way through the countryside, breaking once in a while of course for a refreshing drink from the bar and a sumptuous lunch and dinner. En route to Zimbabwe’s second city and its industrial capital, Bulawayo, we’ll glide through baobab country - wide-trunked trees often used to store water. In the afternoon of day 11, we’ll head out on a visit to Matobo National Park, home to fascinating bushmen caves decorated with rock art. We’ll also visit the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the Prime Minister of the Cape Colony in the late-19th-century, though now a divisive figure.

Day 12 - Rovos Rail (Hwange National Park)

After traversing one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line (114km) between Gwaai and Dete, and then following the eastern edge of Hwange National Park, we alight after lunch for an exciting game drive. The nation’s largest wildlife area covers 14,650 square kilometres and is home to around 100 species of mammal and 400 species of bird. With over 40,000 elephants, you’re sure to spot one of these majestic creatures from your safari vehicle.

Day 13 - Victoria Falls - Chobe National Park

As our home on the tracks makes its final journey, make sure to secure your spot in the Observation Car as it leads the train into the town of Victoria Falls. This is where we say farewell and make our way across the border to Botswana and Chobe National Park. There’ll be opportunities to join an optional magical sunset cruise or game drive before dinner.

Day 14 - Chobe National Park

Our morning starts with a game drive in open-sided 4WD vehicles. Late afternoon we embark on a sunset cruise along the Chobe River to spot all the wonderful wildlife that comes to the river at sundown. You may see rare and endemic birds, migratory species and water birds, including the majestic fish eagle.

Day 15 - Victoria Falls

We transfer by road to Zimbabwe and the town of Victoria Falls. This afternoon we enjoy a cruise on the mighty Zambezi River - sit back and enjoy a refreshing drink in the warm African sun observing the wildlife of the Zambezi. Magical!

Day 16 - Victoria Falls

Following an introductory talk on David Livingstone, today we visit the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, a wonderful finale to the tour. Nothing can prepare you for the excitement of seeing the beautiful sight that so entranced Livingstone all those years ago.

Day 17 - Victoria Falls - In flight

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Day 18 - UK

Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.