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Luxury Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria and Kruger National Park

Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria plus a Kruger safari

Illustration of Luxury Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria and Kruger National Park

Railbookers' Luxury Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria and Kruger National Park runs 14 days and 13 nights, starting in Cape Town and ending in Johannesburg. The trip opens with four nights in Cape Town, including a Cape Peninsula drive to Hout Bay and Cape Point and a day touring Franschhoek's wine estates, among them the 1692 farm Babylonstoren. On day 5 the Rovos Rail Discover train departs for a three-night journey to Pretoria, stopping at Kimberley's Big Hole and passing through Golden Gate Highlands National Park. From Pretoria, a short flight covers the distance to Kruger National Park for three nights at a game lodge (Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, or similar), with twice-daily open-vehicle safaris in search of the Big Five. The trip closes with two nights in Johannesburg and a city tour through Soweto and Constitution Hill. It suits travelers who want a single luxury itinerary combining a classic rail journey with a proper safari, rather than assembling the two separately.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Pretoria hotel (Castello di Monte, or similar) and the Kruger lodge (Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, or similar) are both listed as 'or similar', so the exact property booked may differ.
  • Kruger National Park is reached by a short flight from Pretoria rather than by rail, with a return flight to Johannesburg afterward.
  • The evidence for this listing does not include specific departure dates; confirm current scheduling and availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Cape Town

    Your Journey Begins in Cape Town

    Welcome to South Africa! On arrival at the airport, you will be met by our representatives and transferred to your luxury hotel for a four-night stay. (Overnight Cape Town)

  2. Day 2overnight: Cape Town

    Cape Town

    Today enjoy a private half-day city tour, passing iconic landmarks and sites such as the Castle of Good Hope, St. George's Cathedral, the Company Gardens, and the vibrant Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Continue to join a sparkling tour, and witness the art of diamond cutting and the careful craftsmanship of jewelry manufacturing by skilled experts. Discover the history of the Diamond and Gold Trade in South Africa. You will be offered the option of continuing to Table Mountain, where you can ascend to the top, weather permitting by the revolving cable car. (Overnight Cape Town)

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3overnight: Cape Town

    Cape Town

    Make sure your camera is fully charged today, as you head out of the city on a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast. Visit the village of Hout Bay, one of Cape Town's best-kept secrets. Here there is an option to take a short boat trip to Duiker Island to view the Cape Fur Seals, which inhabit the island. Next is the Cape Point Nature Reserve which includes an abundance of wildlife. On your return to Cape Town, follow the coastline along False Bay and visit the Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach, then enjoy refreshments on the slopes of Table Mountain. (Overnight Cape Town)

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Cape Town

    Cape Town to Franschhoek

    Embark on a unique journey through scenic vineyards on an open-side tram and tram bus. Explore historic wine estates, including Babylonstoren, a well-preserved Cape Dutch farm dating back to 1692. Guided by an expert, discover the rich history of the French Huguenots in Franschhoek village. Enjoy the perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and fine wines. (Overnight Cape Town)

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5railovernight: onboard

    Overnight Onboard Rovos Rail

    Bid farewell to Cape Town today as you begin your three-night luxury adventure by train to Pretoria. Relax in opulent surroundings and savor exquisite cuisine as the train glides through stunning landscapes towards Pretoria. Unwind in your elegant cabin and indulge in the impeccable service and amenities offered on board. (Overnight onboard)

    Meals: B, L, D

  6. Day 6railovernight: onboard

    Overnight Onboard Rovos Rail

    Wake up to breathtaking scenery as the Rovos Rail continues its voyage towards Pretoria. Today, enjoy a captivating excursion to Kimberley, known for its diamond mines and rich history. Visit the Big Hole, the largest man-made excavation site in the world, and explore the fascinating Diamond Mine Museum. Immerse yourself in the stories of the diamond rush era before returning to the train for a sumptuous dinner. (Overnight onboard)

    Meals: B, L, D

  7. Day 7railovernight: onboard

    Overnight Onboard Rovos Rail

    As the Rovos Rail meanders through the picturesque landscapes, marvel at the beauty of the Golden Gates Highlands National Park. Admire the majestic mountains, rolling hills, and vibrant flora that surround you. Relax in the elegant lounges, savor delectable meals, and engage in conversation with fellow travelers as you continue your unforgettable rail journey. (Overnight onboard)

    Meals: B, L, D

  8. Day 8railovernight: Pretoria

    Pretoria

    Breakfast is served onboard the train and then you have another morning to relax and enjoy the onboard facilities on the train. Lunch is served in the restaurant cars and then, in the early evening, you'll pull into the station at Pretoria and disembark. A private transfer will be waiting to take your luxury hotel (Castello di Monte or similar). (Overnight Pretoria)

    Meals: B

  9. Day 9overnight: Kruger National Park

    Kruger National Park

    Transfer to the airport this morning, for a short flight to one of the world's largest and most popular game reserves, a true bucket-list destination for those who love experiencing wildlife and adventure. On arrival, you will be escorted to your luxury resort (Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, or similar) for a three-night stay. (Overnight Kruger National Park)

    Meals: B, L, D

  10. Day 10overnight: Kruger National Park

    Kruger National Park

    Included for your whole time in the park are open vehicle safaris by day and night, entrance fees, environmental awareness walks, and all meals and drinks. You will have an abundance of chances to traverse the terrain in search of the 'Big Five', and in the evening your accommodation will offer expansive decks and luxurious surroundings to enjoy the star-studded African skies at night. (Overnight Kruger National Park)

    Meals: B, L, D

  11. Day 11overnight: Kruger National Park

    Kruger National Park

    Spend a final day in this wildlife paradise today. Whether it's out-tracking a pride of lions or watching a herd of elephants quenching their thirst at a watering hole, this is the place to see it. With over 135 mammals and 500 varieties of birds, it truly is a jaw-dropping experience just being here. (Overnight Kruger National Park)

    Meals: B, L, D

  12. Day 12overnight: Johannesburg

    Johannesburg

    Bid farewell to Kruger National Park as you are escorted to the local airport for a flight back to Johannesburg. Here you will be met and transferred to your luxury, city center hotel for a two-night stay. (Overnight Johannesburg)

    Meals: B

  13. Day 13overnight: Johannesburg

    Johannesburg

    Today enjoy an exclusive city tour, you will delve into the captivating history of Johannesburg, famously known as the city of gold while immersing yourself in the dynamic neighborhood life of Soweto. Explore significant landmarks like Constitution Hill, home to the Constitutional Court and the historic Johannesburg Old Fort Prison. Discover the cultural gems of Walter Sisulu Square - Kliptown Open Air Museum and pay your respects at the poignant Hector Pieterson Memorial. Behold the iconic Soweto Towers and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Vilikazi Street, where an authentic street market awaits to enchant your senses. (Overnight Johannesburg)

    Meals: B

  14. Day 14

    Your Journey Ends in Johannesburg

    Following breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight home. B

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4A day touring Franschhoek's wine estates by open-side tram, including Babylonstoren, a Cape Dutch farm dating to 1692
  • Day 5The three-night journey aboard Rovos Rail begins as the train departs Cape Town for Pretoria
  • Day 7The train passes through Golden Gate Highlands National Park
  • Day 10A full day of open-vehicle safari drives in Kruger National Park, tracking the Big Five by day and night
  • Day 13A city tour of Johannesburg and Soweto taking in Constitution Hill and Walter Sisulu Square

Included

  • 4 nights' luxury hotel accommodation including breakfast in Cape Town 1 nights' luxury hotel accommodation including breakfast in Pretoria 2 nights' luxury hotel accommodation including breakfast in Johannesburg 3 nights' luxury Game Lodge all-inclusive accommodation, including all entrance fees, and activities. 3 nights in a Pullman Suite onboard Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria including: All meals and drinks All off-board experience All freshly prepared meals Private half-day city tour of Cape Town Private full-day Cape Peninsula including Kirstenbosch Private full-day Franschhoek Wine Tram & Babylonstoren Farm Experience Private full-day city tour of Johannesburg Return flights from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park Private airport/hotel/station transfers throughout

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes 3 nights in a Pullman Suite aboard Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria, with all onboard meals and drinks included.
Is Kruger National Park reached by train?
No. After disembarking the train in Pretoria, a short flight covers the distance to Kruger National Park, with a return flight to Johannesburg afterward.
Is this trip independent or escorted?
It is an independent rail vacation, arranged by Railbookers, with private guided tours and private transfers at each stop.
What is included at the Kruger lodge?
The 3-night stay at the game lodge (Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, or similar) is all-inclusive, covering open vehicle safaris by day and night, entrance fees, environmental awareness walks, and all meals and drinks.
What hotels are included?
4 nights in Cape Town, 1 night in Pretoria (Castello di Monte, or similar), and 2 nights in Johannesburg, all luxury hotels including breakfast.
Which train is used?
Rovos Rail Discover, traveling from Cape Town to Pretoria.

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