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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Cape Town, Kruger National Park & the Blue Train

South Africa rail journey from Cape Town to Kruger aboard the Blue Train

Illustration of Cape Town, Kruger National Park & the Blue Train

Vacations By Rail operates this 11-day escorted tour from Cape Town to Kruger National Park, combining South African coastal landmarks, vineyard experiences, and safari wildlife viewing. The route begins in Cape Town with four nights exploring Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, and the Stellenbosch wine region. Days 5 and 6 are spent aboard the Blue Train, a luxury heritage train with deluxe cabins and formal dining, traveling from Cape Town through the diamond city of Kimberley to Pretoria. The final three nights are at a lodge-style hotel at Kruger National Park's entrance, with two full-day jeep safaris led by expert rangers. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, and all guided tours, safaris, meals (except some dinners), and coach travel are included. The pace alternates between exploratory days in cities and towns, relaxed time on the train, and active safari days.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights to and from South Africa are not included; airport transfers are also extra.
  • Day 1 involves an independent transfer to the hotel in Cape Town; you make your own way from the airport.
  • Travel insurance is not included in the from-price but can be arranged separately.
  • The itinerary includes coach travel between some destinations (Johannesburg to Kruger on Day 11 is by coach); this is not solely a rail tour.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Cape Town

    Arrival in South Africa's 'Mother City'

    Touching down in Cape Town today, transfer independently to our hotel in the heart of the city. After checking in, the rest of the day is free to begin exploring and dining independently.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Cape Town

    Cape of Good Hope & Boulders Bay

    A full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, the Flying Dutchman Funicular railroad, Simon's Town for lunch, and Boulders Bay to see the African penguins.

  3. Day 3overnight: Cape Town

    Table Mountain & lunch in the Cape winelands

    Cable car to the top of Table Mountain, then a coach to the Stellenbosch Valley for a traditional Cape Dutch farmhouse braai lunch and wine tasting.

  4. Day 4overnight: Cape Town

    A free day in beautiful Cape Town

    Free day to explore Cape Town further, options include Bo-Kaap, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or the V&A Waterfront.

  5. Day 5railovernight: train

    Experiencing old-world charm on the Blue Train

    Transfer to the station to board the Blue Train. A butler escorts guests to their private cabin. Afternoon tea, aperitifs, formal dinner and drinks in the Club Car.

  6. Day 6railovernight: train

    Uncovering the Diamond City of Kimberley

    Breakfast onboard, arrival in Kimberley, a coach ride to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum and the Big Hole, then reboarding the train for dinner.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Sandton

    Disembarking the Blue Train in Pretoria

    Final breakfast and lunch aboard the Blue Train before arrival in Pretoria this evening; motorcoach transfer to the hotel in Sandton for dinner.

  8. Day 8overnight: Kruger

    To the world-acclaimed Kruger National Park

    Depart Sandton by coach for the luxury lodge-style hotel at the entrance to Kruger National Park. Free afternoon, welcome drink before dinner.

  9. Day 9overnight: Kruger

    Wildlife viewing in the Kruger National Park

    Full-day jeep safari with a skilled ranger tracking the Big Five, picnic lunch, return to the lodge for dinner.

  10. Day 10overnight: Kruger

    A second safari day in the Kruger Park

    A second full-day safari with a skilled ranger, picnic lunch, final dinner at Kruger Park Lodge.

  11. Day 11

    Traveling home

    Free time after breakfast to soak up Kruger National Park before setting off back to Johannesburg by coach for the journey home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: visit the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, then see the African penguin colony at Boulders Bay.
  • Day 3Day 3: cable car to the top of Table Mountain, followed by a traditional Cape Dutch braai lunch and wine tasting in the Stellenbosch Valley.
  • Day 5Day 5: board the Blue Train in Cape Town; a butler escorts you to your private deluxe cabin for afternoon tea, aperitifs, and formal dinner.
  • Day 6Day 6: arrive in Kimberley and visit the Big Hole Open Mine Museum before returning to the train for dinner.
  • Day 9Day 9: full-day jeep safari in Kruger National Park with a skilled ranger tracking wildlife, including the Big Five.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 8 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • 2 nights in a Deluxe Cabin aboard the Blue Train
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast each day, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
  • High tea each day onboard the Blue Train
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes two nights aboard the Blue Train in a Deluxe Cabin traveling from Cape Town to Pretoria via Kimberley, plus all coach transfers and travel throughout the tour.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides a Tour Manager throughout the entire 11-day journey, plus expert local guides on all tours and safaris.
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners. High tea is served daily aboard the Blue Train.
Which hotels are used?
Southern Sun Waterfront in Cape Town (4 nights), The Maslow Hotel in Sandton (1 night), and Kruger Gate Hotel in Kruger National Park (3 nights).
What is not included?
Flights to South Africa, airport transfers, and travel insurance are not included.
How much walking is involved?
The tour has a Mobility Rating 2, which includes Table Mountain cable car access, boardwalk walking at Boulders Bay to view penguins, and full-day jeep safaris in Kruger National Park.

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