A Customized Journey by
Rail Through Southern Africa, September 1-20, 2000
Private Game Reserve Option: September 19-23, 2000
Itinerary
September 1, Friday - USA-Miami-Depart
Today you will fly to Miami International Airport where our safari
begins as
we board South African Airways Flight #204 departing at 5:00
p.m. for Cape
Town, South Africa.
September 2, Saturday - Arrive Cape Town, South
Africa
Arrive in Cape Town at 12:40
p.m. and after proceeding through customs and
immigration formalities, we will be met by our local representative
and
transferred to the five-star Table Bay Hotel located in the heart
of the
exciting Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Opened in April 1997,
this hotel
prides itself on attention to detail and personal service that
is evident
>from the moment you arrive. All of the 329 rooms and suites
offer an
awe-inspiring view of Table Mountain, Table Bay or the bustling
harbor. The
waterfront itself offers many shops, boutiques, cinemas, theaters,
restaurants, cafes and bistros. We will find it a lively area
with many
places of interest nearby. Our evening is at leisure so that
we may explore
this beautiful city on our own.
Overnight: Table Bay Hotel
September 3, Sunday (B) - Cape Town
Today we will have a morning at leisure to relax after our long
flight. You
may wish to take a stroll along the waterfront and do a little
shopping.
This afternoon our guide will pick us up at our hotel for a half-day
tour of
the city including the South African Museum, Malay quarter, and
other
historical sites, such as the Castle, Parliament and Signal Hill.
We will
ascend to the top of Table Mountain via the newly reopened cable
car,
weather permitting. The panoramic vista from the mountain overlooking
the
city and the sea beyond is spectacular. The last stop of the
day is at the
waterfront where we will board a sunset cruise and sip sparkling
wine as we
watch the sun slowly slip below the horizon.
Overnight: Table Bay Hotel
September 4, Monday (B,L) - Cape Town-Cape
Point-Cape Town
After breakfast, we meet our local guide and drive through the
seaside
villages of Camps Bay, Clifton, and Sea Point. Next, we experience
one of
the world's most spectacular mountain roads, Chapman's Peak Drive,
en route
to Hout Bay. A charming fishing village with a large harbor,
Hout Bay is
regarded as the center of the South African snoek fish and crayfish
industries. Then it's off to Cape Point where we will visit the
Cape Point
Nature Reserve and the Cape of Good Hope, where the warm waters
of the
Indian Ocean mix with the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Owen Hardy,
IRT Society president, calls it "one of the most awesome
sights you'll ever
see in your life." Next we will enjoy a wonderful seafood
lunch at a
restaurant situated on the coast overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Time
permitting, we also will pay a visit to Boulders Beach to visit
the resident
penguin colony which has made itself at home here in the warm
waters, and
along the sandy beaches of South Africa. We will visit the Kirstenbosch
Botanical Gardens on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, another
of Mr.
Hardy's favorites. These world-renowned gardens are dedicated
to the
preservation of the indigenous plants of Southern Africa. Some
6,000
different species are grown here, including many species of protea,
erica
and fern. The Cape Province Region is one of the six floral kingdoms
of the
world. We will return to our hotel for the evening. Dinner this
evening will
be on our own.
Overnight: Table Bay Hotel
September 5, Tuesday (B,L,D) - Union Limited
-Cape Town-Wine Lands
After breakfast we will transfer
to the Cape Town train station. Here we
will board the restored, steam-hauled, 60-passenger Union Limited
run by the Transnet Historical Foundation. This foundation raises
funds for railway
preservation in South Africa.
Although this train is not as luxurious
as other trains on our tour,
accommodations are in comfortable compartments with two lower
berths. All compartments have a wash basin with running water.
Clean showers and toilets are located at the ends of the coaches.
The six suites on this train offer in suite bathrooms with showers.
Wonderful five-course meals are served in the dining car, and
wines and drinks may be purchased from the bar. Steam
photographers take note: dramatic lighting, breathtaking sunsets
and
stunning smoke effects, along with magnificent views, will provide
you with
unrivaled photographic run-by opportunities of many classes of
locomotives
at carefully selected locations.
In keeping with the Transnet Heritage
Foundation's pledge to preserve the
heritage of rail and steam, all the coaches and locomotives have
been
restored to be as authentic as possible. Many of the original
fittings have
been retained, although sleepers have been upgraded with gas-heated
showers.
We steam out of Cape Town at 11 a.m.
and travel through the northern suburbs
of Bellville and beyond and soon find ourselves in the splendor
of Paarl
Valley. A locomotive service stop at Dal Josafat sees us steaming
onwards to
Hermon where we join the branch line to Porterville.
Says Mr. Hardy concerning this train:
"The Union Limited offered
authenticity in every detail. One thing that meant was steam,
steam, and
more steam..."
We travel through some of loveliest wine
lands in the world: Riebeek-Kasteel
and Riebeek-West, two villages on the slopes of rugged Kasteelberg,
a
solitary mountain dominating this section of the Berg River Valley.
After
winding back and forth across the Berg river a couple of times,
we arrive at
the farming center of Porterville, a picturesque town founded
in 1863 on the
slopes of the beautiful Olifantsriver Mountains. Here we will
have a
traditional South African braai or barbecue and wine tasting.
Our train
leaves at 11 p.m. for a late evening run back to Hermon and the
main line.
Here we change direction for the overnight run to Worcester.
Overnight: Union Ltd. Compartment
September 6, Wednesday (B,L,D) - Union
Limited - Breede River Valley
In Worcester we will change to vintage diesels for the run to
Hartenbos and
the Indian Ocean. We will travel through the wine and fruit growing
area of
Robertson to Ashton. This area is is well known for its peach
and apricot
orchards which dot the landscape. Since this is springtime in
the area,
these orchards should be ready to burst into bloom, covering
the countryside
in sweet fragrant pink and white blossoming trees. This area
is also well
known for its horse farms. Most of the country's top racehorses
are bred
near here. Staying at the foot of Langeberg mountain range, we
first tackle
the Bonnievale bank before entering the wheat-growing areas of
Swellendam
and Heidelberg. After a short stop at Riversdale to fill our
coaches with
water, we have another heavy climb towards Albertinia. Shortly
after
Albertinia we cross the Gouritz River Bridge. This is where bungee
jumping
originated in South Africa. Another heavy climb out of the Gouritz
River
gorge takes us to Hartenbos, one of the popular holiday resorts
on the
Indian Ocean for an overnight stay. This afternoon we will visit
the harbor
town of Mossel Bay by bus. Portuguese explorers first landed
here in 1500,
and many famous navigators including Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco
da Gama
replenished their fresh water supplies here from a spring. One
of these
Portuguese captains left his report in the trunk of a large milkwood
tree
for collection by the next fleet before heading back to Portugal
and thus
started the first "post office." There are many museums
including a Maritime
Museum with a replica of Dias' ship and many places of interest
nearby.
Overnight: Union Limited Train Compartment
September 7, Thursday (B,L,D) - Union Limited-Garden
Route
We leave Hartenbos at 6:30 a.m.
passing through some of the most spectacular land and seascapes
in South Africa. We steam along the coast past Klein Brak River.
After crossing the Maalgaten and Gwaaing gorges, we arrive in
George at the foot of the majestic Outeniqua mountain range.
Once again we change steam locomotives and tackle the spectacular
Montagu Mountain Pass cut through the Outeniqua Range which is
the rail link between George and Klein Karoo. During this journey
the train climbs over 3,000 feet in 15 miles as it snakes its
way through tunnels and along narrow ledges till it reaches the
desert country of the little Karoo. We arrive in the ostrich
capital of Outshoorn in time for lunch. This afternoon we tour
Oudtshoorn visiting the Cango Wildlife Ranch where rare and endangered
animals are part of a captive breeding program. You will have
the opportunity to pet a cheetah if you
wish! Lion and leopard are also at home here and over 400 crocodiles
bask in
the sun. Afterwards, we will visit a working ostrich farm for
a tour. We
will learn the history of ostrich farming in the area and hear
about the old
ostrich barons of the early 1900s. We also will have a chance
to ride an
ostrich. After our tour it's back to the train. We steam on through
some
more Klein Karoo scenery towards Camfer. Here we start our descent
via the
Montagu Pass to George where the train will stay for the night.
Overnight: Union Limited
September 8, Friday (B,L,D) - Union
Limited- Garden Route
We change steam locomotives for the run on the preserved Museum
line to
Knysna. The view is outstanding as we chug along the coastal
resorts and
through the wetlands where many of aquatic birds feed, and towering
forests
where woodland species nest. The rugged mountains and the restless
sea
combine to create a breath-taking view. We arrive in Knysna early
afternoon
for an overnight stay.
Knysna, a popular holiday resort town
ranks among the best in the world with
its ideal setting, overlooking the lovely Knysna Lagoon . Two
huge sandstone
cliffs known as the Heads guard the entrance to the lagoon.
Overnight: Union Limited
September 9, Saturday (B,L,D) - Union
Limited- Garden Route
This morning we take a cruise on the blue Knysna lagoon (weather
permitting)
and view these giant cliffs close-up. Later this morning, continuing
along
the Garden Route, we steam out of Knysna and make the steep climb
to
Keytersnek. We cross the Swartvlei lagoon at the village of Sedgefield
and
the bridge at Ebb and Flow before arriving at Wilderness. Shortly
after
Wilderness we cross the Kaaimans River Bridge, arguably the most
photographed railway bridge in the world. This is also a runby
opportunity
where passengers can photograph the train on the bridge.
Then it is on through Victoria Bay for
the climb to George. There we change
locomotives and continue until we reach sea level at Groot Brak
River. We
bid farewell to our steam engine at Hartenbos and start the overnight
run
behind diesel to Worcester.
Overnight: Union Limited
September 10, Sunday (B) - Union Limited-Cape
Town
We depart early behind steam and enter the colorful fruit-growing
areas at
Wolseley. We follow the Kleinberg river through the Tulbagh Kloof
mountain
pass, past the Wheatlands of Gouda and Hermon before our last
locomotive
service stop at Dal Josafat. We have a final run through the
wine lands at
Paarl and then steam to Cape Town for arrival at 11:30 a.m. Our
guide will
pick us up at the railway station for our short transfer to the
elegant
Mount Nelson Hotel. For almost 100 years this traditional hotel
has been the
home of visiting celebrities, statesmen and royalty from around
the world.
Set on eight acres of private grounds and gardens, this hotel
is an oasis
within the city, offering its guests comfort and privacy. The
remainder of
the afternoon and evening are at leisure. This afternoon perhaps
you might
wish to enjoy the hotel's high tea, a colonial tradition.
Overnight: Mount Nelson Hotel
September 11, Monday (B,L,D) - Blue Train-Capetown-Pretoria
After breakfast, our guide will
transfer us to the posh Blue Train lounge at
the train station for a very special trip. We will depart on
the
world-renowned and newly redone Blue Train from Cape Town through
the scenic
landscape to Johannesburg. The train has been superbly redesigned
to offer
discerning guests the best that modern technology and superior
service can
provide.
Each compartment will have a fully appointed
bathroom en suite with
gold-plated fittings and Italian marble floors and vanities,
a telephone, a
television and individually-controlled air-conditioning. The
interiors of
the new Blue Train are stunning with book-matched anigre veneer
paneling
providing a backdrop to the crisp white linen, rich royal blues,
navies,
deep golds and warm yellows of the fabrics in each suite. As
Owen Hardy puts
it: "The modern Blue Train is in a class all its own."
A video channel will
allow guests to access short documentaries about the area through
which the
train is traveling, while a large screen in the club car will
provide a
driver's-eye view of the track ahead, courtesy of a camera mounted
on the
front of the locomotive. We will enjoy fabulous gourmet meals
and fine wines
in the elegant dining car and perhaps an after-dinner cognac
in the lounge
car as the train rolls on through the night.
Overnight: Blue Train Deluxe Compartment
September 12, Tuesday (B) - Blue Train - Pretoria-Sandton
This morning we will enjoy a
delicious breakfast onboard. Then all too soon
our journey on the most sophisticated train in the world will
come to and
end as we arrive at Pretoria Station at 1 p.m. Upon arrival at
the station
we will be met and begin a short tour of Pretoria, the administrative
capitol of South Africa. Late this afternoon, we will be transferred
to our
hotel, the Michelangelo, a new 5-star luxury property, located
in the
fashionable Sandton suburb. Shopping, dining and entertainment
are all
conveniently located nearby. We are on our own tonight for dinner;
there are
many excellent restaurants to choose from within walking distance
of our
hotel. Overnight: Michelangelo Hotel
September 13, Wednesday (B) - Sandton-Pretoria-Lesedi
Cultural Village
After a leisurely breakfast, our guide will pick us up from our
hotel. Our
first stop will be the de Wildt Cheetah Farm. This research center
is
world-renowned for its successes in breeding and studying the
cheetah, king
cheetah, brown hyena and wild dogs. We will tour the ranch and
enjoy lunch
continuing on to Lesedi Cultural Village ("the places of
light"). Lesedi is
a multicultural African village set amongst the pristine bushveled
and rocky
hills. Located at Lesedi are a number of different homesteads
or traditional
villages. Each homestead is inhabited by a family of elders,
wives and
children, from one of the many tribes of Southern Africa. We
may see the
Xhosa with their beautiful thatched homes and red blankets, the
colorful
murals of the Ndebele, the Pedi courtyards and rhythmic drums,
and the
unique straw hats and sturdy mountain ponies of the Basotho.
A few huts in
each village have been set aside for visitors, where you will
be guests at
the cultural boma for an experience of a lifetime. Enjoy a delicious
meal
around the fire as the tribe members perform traditional dances,
sing and
tell stories. This is truly a memorable experience.
Overnight: Michelangelo Hotel
September 14, Thursday (B,L,D) - Rovos Rail-Pretoria
This morning our guide will pick
us up at the hotel and escort us to the
lovely Capital Park Station, the new home of Rovos Rail. From
here we begin
our memorable two-night journey aboard the Rovos Rail's ultra
luxurious
Pride of Africa. Upon arrival at the station, we will meet our
fellow
travelers and enjoy a champagne reception prior to our 10 a.m.
departure.
The Pride of Africa consists of up to 19 coaches which can be
drawn by
either steam, diesel or electric locomotives operating at various
stages of
the journey. A medical practitioner, hair stylist and historian
will
accompany the train. Each of the tastefully appointed Deluxe
suites has a
twin or double bed, a lounge area and a private en-suite bathroom
with hot
water, shower, shaver outlet, toilet and basin.
The De Luxe sleeper coaches were built by the South African Railways
between
1933 and 1970. They each contain six De Luxe suites.
The observation and bar car dates to
1936 and was built by the South African
Railways at the Pretoria Works. Its windows have been enlarged
to ensure an
unobstructed view, and one end of the coach has been glassed
in. It seats 30
guests comfortably. It also boasts a rear outdoor seating area.
Breakfast, lunch and a formal dinner
are served (one sitting only) in a
charming Victorian atmosphere. One of a new series of A22 twin
cars built in
1924 at the Pretoria Works, one diner was christened "Shangani."
Seven pairs
of carved wooden roof-supporting pillars and arches characterize
this diner.
It seats 44 passengers.
Relive the golden age of luxury train
travel as we travel on this five-star
rail safari. The beautifully restored coaches with their polished
wood and
cut glass interiors and shiny brass fittings are both comfortable
and
stylish. Use of traditional furnishings and period decor are
complimented
with modern conveniences. Each air-conditioned twin or double-bedded
suite
has its own en suite bathroom with shower. Enjoy delicious cuisine
served in
the romantic dining car accompanied by some of the finest South
African
wines as the train travels through the night. Rovos Rail's Pride
of Africa
provides sumptuous, old-world elegance and luxury of a type perhaps
never
equaled, even during the 1920s, the era this train is supposed
to evoke.
Use of steam has become increasingly
difficult over the past years, as more
and more water and coaling facilities have been scrapped. Wherever
practical, Rovos trains may be drawn by any one of four vintage
steam
locomotives. Where facilities no longer exist, diesel or electric
locomotives will be used.
Overnight: Pride of Africa - Deluxe Suite
September 15, Friday (B,L,D) - Rovos
Rail- Bulawayo
Mid morning today we cross the border at Beit Bridge into Zimbabwe.
We can
spend some time in the lounge car today as we sit back, relax
and let the
panorama of the African landscape unfold around us as the train
travels to
Bulawayo. Upon arrival in Bulawayo we may enjoy a tour of the
city (time
permitting). This evening the train will chug out of Bulawayo
heading
towards Victoria Falls, "the smoke that thunders,"
passing through one of
Africa's greatest game sanctuaries, Hwange National Park.
Overnight: Pride of Africa - Deluxe Suite
September 16, Saturday (B,D) - Rovos Rail- Victoria
Falls
A few years after the original railway line reached Bulawayo,
it was
extended north, reaching Victoria Falls in 1903. This line took
on a
character of its own and has a claim in railway history as part
of the
fabled, though never completed, "Cape to Cairo" route.
Breakfast is served as our Rovos Rail
train runs through the Deka
conservation area and climbs the escarpment to Zanguja siding.
We cross the
Matetsi River before rolling into Zambezi National Park. The
train will
arrive at Victoria Falls at approximately 11 a.m. Upon arrival
at Victoria
Falls Station, we will be collected and transferred to the Victoria
Falls
Hotel. The hotel came into its own in 1904 when the Cape to Cairo
Railway
reached the Falls. This traditional Edwardian-style hotel has
been extending
a warm welcome to guests for nearly 100 years. Recently the hotel
has been
carefully refurbished to modernize the facilities without losing
the grand
old-world charm and style of the hotel. Set in acres of lush
lawns and
exotic flora, the hotel is a short walk from the craft village
or a
five-minute walk to the falls themselves. This afternoon we will
take a
walking tour of the falls. From beside Livingstone's statue ("Dr.
Livingstone, I presume?") overlooking Devils Cataract, we
gaze at the cloud
of spray billowing from the chasm 100 meters below. We walk through
the rain
forest and from vantage points along the width of the falls,
view Cataract
Island, the Main Falls, Livingstone Island, Horseshoe Falls,
Rainbow Falls
and the Boiling Pot.
At sunset, we take a "sundowner cruise" on the Zambezi
River. Wine, beer,
soft drinks and canapés are served as crocodiles and hippos
surface along
the banks of the river, monkeys chatter and elephants trumpet.
Relax as the
sun slowly slips down beyond the horizon.
This evening we enjoy a very special
African dinner buffet complete with
entertainment at the Jungle Junction restaurant located on the
grounds of
our hotel.
Overnight: Victoria Falls Hotel
September 17, Sunday (B,L,D)-Train de Luxe: Hwange
Game Reserve
In 1902, the grandest train in Africa rolled out of Cape Town
on its way to
Bulawayo. It was called the Train de Luxe, the brainchild of
Cecil Rhodes.
It was built to permit quality travel over his proposed Cape
to Cairo
railway.
This morning we will return to the Victoria
Falls rail station to board the
Train de Luxe to ride a recreation of this historic train, which
today
offers a family like atmosphere-we'll doubtless visit with the
charming
owners, Geoff and Sheelagh Cooke. We will check into our comfortable
compartments and begin our fascinating train journey to Bulawayo
on this
completely restored train. The modern-day Train de Luxe accommodates
just 40 passengers. The coaches were built in England in 1952
for first-class use.
They are beautifully refurbished and paneled in African mahogany.
We will enjoy a scrumptious breakfast
in the dining car as the train slowly
steams out of the Victoria Falls Station.
The National Railways of Zimbabwe provides
the steam locomotives and
operating crews. It is the intention that all tours that run
between
Bulawayo and Victoria Falls be operated exclusively by steam
for the entire
distance. The train is pulled by a 15th Class 4-6-4+4-6-4 Garratt
articulated locomotive. These locomotives were built in England
and Belgium
between 1949 and 1952. Designed as mixed passenger and freight
locomotives,
their large driving wheels allow a good turn of speed, resulting
in their
nickname on the railway of "Greyhounds." A Garratt
can burn up to one ton of
coal per hour.
IRT Society members have reservations
in Ivory Class cabins. The original
wood-paneled coaches have been refurbished with cupboards, drawers,
chairs
and new beds. Ivory Class offers twin and single cabins. The
twins consist
of two lower berths. You may upgrade to Ivory Class suites, which
have twin
lower berths and offer a separate sitting area. All Ivory Class
accommodations have a wash basin with hot running water. Toilet
and shower
facilities in all Ivory Class coaches are conveniently located
at the ends
of the cars.
An upgrade to Emerald Class also is available.
Emerald Class compartments
are spacious with separate bedroom and sitting areas, are air-conditioned
and offer private bathroom and shower facilities. Some cabins
have twin
beds; others have a double bed.
Today we can sit back, relax and view
the panoramic landscape slowly passing
by our window as we gently roll along. Time can be spent in the
21-seat
lounge car. The lounge also was built in 1957 and was one of
the last built
with a timber frame and exterior.
Granite hills dominate the countryside
and wild animals can be spotted from
the train. When we arrive at Dete Station afternoon, safari vehicles
will
take us on a game drive into Hwange National Park. Here we can
view and
photograph the wildlife at close range in their natural habitat.
Later this evening we will enjoy a delicious five-course dinner
served in
the 28-seat dining car "Zambezi." Built by Rhodesia
Railways in 1957, the
dining car has oval windows, which impart a distinctive 1950s
feel.
Full silver service is used at all meals.
Tables are set with white damask,
crested china and silver plate. Menus are predominantly English
Table
d'hôte, but efforts are made, wherever suitable, to introduce
a local flavor
to the cuisine.
The train will depart from Dete Station at 2 a.m. and travel
through the
night towards Bulawayo.
Overnight: Train de Luxe
September 18, Monday (B,L,D) - Arrive
Bulawayo-Matopos National Park
Breakfast is served in the dining car before the train pulls
into Bulawayo
Station at 9 a.m. Bid farewell to the train staff and your new
friends prior
to your transfer to Matopos National Park, located approximately
35 miles
southwest of Bulawayo. This park is home to giraffe, eland, wart
hog,
leopard, wildebeest and sable antelope and also boasts the world's
largest
concentration of black eagles, which nest high in the granite
rock
formations. The summit offers a "view of the world"
according to Cecil
Rhodes, famous explorer and industrialist, who arranged to be
buried here.
The Matopos National Park is best known for its rock paintings
left behind
by ancient Kalahari bush people. There are over 100 examples
of rock art
dating back to 2,000 BC. We will stay at the Matobo Hills Lodge.
Each chalet
here is built on a granite ridge and offers an unforgettable
view over the
Maleme Valley.
Overnight: Matobo Hills Lodge
September 19, Tuesday - Matopos Hills
National Park
There is much to do here. We will have the morning to explore
the
surrounding area, view cave paintings, visit a local village,
enjoy
horseback riding, walk, or go for a game drive in an open vehicle.
Perhaps
you prefer to enjoy the stunning views while relaxing around
the swimming
pool built into a natural cleft in the granite rocks. This is
a place of
great beauty and tranquility.
This afternoon we will be transferred
to the airport in time for the South
African Airways flight #007, departing 12:40 p.m., arriving 2
p.m. in
Johannesburg. Upon arrival we will connect with the South African
Airways
flight #203 back to Miami, departing at 5:40 p.m.
September 20, Wednesday - Arrive Miami
Welcome back to Miami International Airport at 5:25 a.m. Here
we connect to
flights back home.
Independent Private Game Reserve Option
September 19, Tuesday (B) - Bulawayo-Johannesburg
This afternoon, we will be transferred to the Bulawayo airport
in time for
the South African Airways Flight #007 departing at 12:40 p.m.
arriving at 2
p.m. at Johannesburg. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, we will say
goodbye to
tour participants leaving for the US today. Those continuing
on will be met
and transferred to our hotel so that we can pack a small bag
and prepare for
our visit to the exciting game reserve tomorrow. Enjoy the evening
on your
own tonight.
Overnight Michelangelo Hotel
September 20, Wednesday (B,L,D) -
Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana
This morning we will transfer to the Lansaria airport to board
our safari
flight. The view is spectacular as we wing our way over this
vast wilderness
to Mashatu Game Reserve, located in the eastern section of Botswana,
bordering South Africa and Zimbabwe. Situated overlooking a bustling
water
hole, where Baobab trees dot the landscape, accommodations are
in large
twin-bedded chalets. Each room is air-conditioned with en suite
bathroom
facilities.
It is a refuge of great "bushveld"
comfort and service, blending in
harmoniously with the game lands and teeming wildlife surrounding
the camp.
For many on the Society's last journey to Africa, Mashatu was
a highlight.
There are many activities offered here, including day and evening
game
drives and bush walks with experienced licensed guides. This
park is known
for its large pride of lion; the animals are often seen stalking
their prey
down by the water hole. Herds of zebra and eland gather on the
plains to
feed in large numbers and elephant travel throughout the park
feasting on
tree branches, pods and grasses as they plod along. This is truly
an
untouched wilderness.
Overnight Mashatu Game Reserve
September 21, Thursday (B,L,D) - Mashatu
Game Reserve
From the riverine forest of the Limpopo, through to the arid
rocky outcrops
of Moutlouse Ruins, Mashatu covers 70,000 acres of diverse rich
game land,
home to a wealth of wildlife ranging from the huge elephant of
"the herds of
Sashe," down to the most delicate and colorful birds. Enjoy
an early-morning
game walk or drive. Perhaps you want to relax in the afternoon
and take a
swim in the lovely, secluded swimming pool, or buy a few African
curios in
the gift show. Later in the afternoon, you may wish to take a
game drive
where you can savor the fiery beauty of a brilliant African sunset
before
returning to the lodge. A wonderful dinner waits served around
a blazing
fire with a blanket of stars overhead. Drift off to sleep tonight
in your
comfortable chalet, listening to the sounds of the bush surrounding
you.
Overnight Mashatu Game Reserve
September 22, Friday (B) - Mashatu
Game Reserve
Awaken early this morning to the sound of bird calls as a new
day dawns in
the bush. Today you may wish to spend the morning on one last
game drive
searching for any species that may have eluded you thus far.
We will return
to the lodge for hearty breakfast. Then we will bid our new friends
at camp
goodbye as we board our safari flight back to Lansaria Airport.
Here we will
be met and transferred to the Johannesburg Airport for this evening's
South
African Airways flight #203 departing at 5:40 p.m. back to the
USA.
Arrive U.S.
Welcome back to Miami International Airport at 5:25 a.m. Here
we can connect
to our flights for home.
Please note: All
flight numbers and times listed in this itinerary are
subject to change and should be reconfirmed at least 24 hours
prior to
departure.
International Airfare:
Miami/Cape Town - Bulawayo/Johannesburg/Miami
Coach $1,639
Business Class $5,270
First Class on request
Add-ons are available from many cities.
All airfares based on current rate of
exchange and subject to change prior
to ticketing. Airfare has a $350.00 per ticket cancellation/change
fee once
ticket has been issued.
Land Arrangements Include:
Main Tour:
Accommodations as listed in spacious deluxe twin-bedded hotels
and lodges
with private en suite bathrooms;
Train de Luxe: Ivory Class Suites are twin-bedded with small
separate
seating areas, and Ivory Class compartments are twin-bedded.
All cabins have
hot running water and a basin. Toilet and shower facilities are
available in
each car. Compartments in Emerald Class Suites are twin- or double-bedded
with separate seating areas and are air-conditioned with private
en suite
bathrooms, including showers;
Deluxe Class Twin Suites on the Rovos Rail train are twin-bedded
with
private en suite bathroom and shower. A limited number of Royal
Suites are
available on a request-basis. Royal Suites are larger than the
Deluxe
Suites and take up half a train carriage. The Royal Suite also
has en suite
shower and bathroom. Both Deluxe and Royal Suites are air-conditioned.
Compartments on the Union Limited have 2 lower berths and running
water in
a basin. A very limited number of suites is available with private
en suite
bath and air conditioning.
Deluxe class Twin Suite on the Blue Train. Compartments on the
train are
twin-bedded with private en suite bathrooms and shower. Luxury
Suites,
available on request, are slightly larger and contain a bathtub
en suite.
Table d'hôte meals as indicated: B=breakfast, L= lunch,
D=dinner.
Porterage between airport, all hotels, trains and to the airport.
(Note:
Porterage to and from airport is included only for passengers
on our tour's
flights.)
All transfers and sightseeing tours as listed in air-conditioned
bus or
minivan, with English speaking driver/guide.
Lesedi Cultural Village visit.
Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls.
African Spectacular Dance Performance.
Walking tour of Victoria Falls.
Services of local guides, hosts and staff while on tour and on
the trains.
All taxes and tourist levies on included elements of tour.
Private Game Reserve Option Includes:
All airport transfers as listed
1 night's accommodation at the Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton
Seat-in-plane on safari flights, as listed in itinerary
Accommodations as listed in spacious deluxe twin-bedded air-conditioned
chalet with private en suite bathrooms
Table-d'hote meals as indicated
Safari transportation in specially designed open vehicles
Game viewing, including park entrance fees
Services of local rangers, hosts and staff while at camps
Not Included:
International airfare, regional airfare, costs of obtaining passports,
personal expenses, travelers insurance, excess baggage fees,
phone calls,
telexes or faxes, gratuities to train personnel, meals other
than those
listed on the itinerary, beverages and laundry, airport departure
taxes. Any
other items not specifically stated.
Please note: the following are for IRT Society members only.
Non-members add
$50 per-person.
Land arrangements, based on double occupancy
Cost Per Person $7,150 $6,950 (If booked
by 1/20/00)
Single Supplement $2,768 $2,568 (If booked by 1/20/00)
Independent Private Game Reserve Option:
Cost Per Person $1,519 $1,319 (If booked
by 1/20/00)
Single Supplement $285 $265 (If booked by 1/20/00)
Optional Upgrades on the Trains:
*These will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
All prices are
per-person, double occupancy.
Train DeLuxe
Emerald Class Suite $225
Ivory Class Suite $130
Union Limited
Suite $875
(space limited- only six suites available)
Blue Train
Luxury Suite $98
(on request basis)
Rovos Rail
Royal Suite $555
(on request basis)
All rates are per-person prices, are
based on current rate of exchange, and
are subject to change.
Tour Conditions
How to Book:
Call our tour desk at 1-800-IRT-4881 to make a reservation. A
deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required. Deposits can
be made by
check or credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or Discover). Reservations
are on a
first-come, first-served basis. Final payment is made by check
90 days
before departure.
Passport: A
valid passport is required, valid for six months after departure
from U.S.
Cancellations: Notice
of cancellations must be received by this office in
writing before 90 days prior to departure and are subject to
a $250
per-person administrative fee. Final payment is due 90 days before
the trip.
Cancellations occurring within 90 days prior to the trip are
nonrefundable
unless the space is resold. In the event the space is resold,
a refund,
equal to the resale value of the space, is made after deduction
of the $250
per person administrative fee and applicable airline cancellation
penalties.
No refunds will be made in the event of "no-shows"
or cancellations the day
of the trip. No refund will be given for unused portions of the
tour. No
refund for airline tickets once issued.
Insurance: We
highly recommend that all passengers protect themselves with
tour insurance to cover your costs in case you must cancel your
journey. We
will send you a brochure upon confirmation of your reservation.
Please
note: in order to waive preexisting medical conditions exclusions
in the
tour insurance, insurance must be post-marked within seven days
of date of
deposit.
Minimum Participants: This tour must have at least 15 passengers in
order to
qualify for special group rates.
Prices:
This tour price is based on currency exchange rates in effect
at the
time of printing. In the event of revaluation or devaluation
of U.S.
currency, the tour operator reserves the right to make adjustments.
Price does not include: Passport and visa fees; personal expenses such
as
laundry; telephone calls; meals and alcoholic beverages not listed
in the
included section; optional sightseeing excursions; services other
than those
specifically mentioned in the included section; accident; sickness,
trip
cancellation and baggage insurance; and excess baggage charges
on aircraft.
Please note that transfers to and from the airport are included
only for
those passengers booked on our tour's flights.
Medical:
Any physical or mental condition which may require special medical
attention must be reported in writing. All Society trips require
some
walking to take full advantage of the transportation systems
of each country
we visit.
Baggage:
Baggage and personal effects are taken at owner's risk throughout
the trip and baggage insurance is strongly recommended. Porterage
of two
large bags is included.
Locomotive Cab Rides: Cab rides on the Train De Luxe are available
if
prearranged, as indemnity papers must be signed in advance.
Responsibility: The
Society of International Railway Travelers, Inc. (IRT)
and Hardy Publishing Co., Inc. (HPC), parent company of The Society
of
International Railway Travelers, act only as agents for the passenger
with
respect to travel services. IRT and HPC do not own or operate
any of the
suppliers of services or accommodations for your trip. As a result,
IRT and
HPC are not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure
to act
of any such supplier of any other third party over whom IRT and
HPC has no
control.
We can assume no responsibility nor liability
in whole or in part for any
delays, delayed or changed departure or arrival, missed carrier
connections,
loss, damage, weather, strikes, acts of God, circumstances beyond
our
control, force majeure, war, quarantine, criminal activity, expense,
accident, sickness, injury or death to person or property, or
mechanical
defect, failure, or negligence of any nature howsoever caused
in connection
with any accommodations, restaurant, transportation or other
services, for
any substitution of hotels or of common carrier equipment beyond
our
control, with or without notice, or for any additional expenses
occasioned
thereby. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable
factors
you are required to spend an additional night, you will be responsible
for
your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. No refund will be made
for any
unused portion of the tour due to these causes or voluntary cancellations.
Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
No revisions of the printed itinerary
or the "included" section are
anticipated; however, IRT and HPC reserve the right to make changes
at any
time and for any reason, with or without notice, and IRT and
HPC shall not
be liable for any loss whatsoever to passengers by reason of
such
cancellation, substitution or changes. All fares as well as ship
and train
schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, special
programs, and
guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change without
prior
notice. IRT and HPC shall not be required to refund any portion
of the fare
or make any other compensation under these circumstances. IRT
and HPC cannot
be responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers that may
result due to
operational and/or itinerary changes, regardless if the passenger
and/or IRT
and HPC make the flight arrangements. Any additional expenses
resulting from
the above will be paid by the individual passenger. IRT and HPC
reserve the
right to substitute a similar category for those listed in this
brochure.
IRT and HPC reserve the right to increase the tour price in the
event of
cost increases due to changes in air fares, currency fluctuations
or fuel
surcharges and such increases are to be paid to IRT and HPC by
the tour
participant upon notice to the tour participant of such increases.
The air tickets when issued shall constitute
the sole contract between the
air company concerned and the purchaser of these tours and/or
passenger.
The airlines and other transportation
companies concerned are not to be held
responsible for any act, omission, or events during the time
passengers are
not on board their conveyances.
By forwarding of deposit, the passenger
certifies that he/she does not have
any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would
create a
hazard for him/herself or other passengers and accepts the terms
of this
contract.
IRT and HPC reserves the right to decline
to accept or retain any person as
a tour member should such a person's health, mental condition,
physical
infirmity or attitude jeopardize the operation of the tour or
the rights,
welfare, or enjoyment of other participants. Refunds will be
made in
accordance with the cancellation policy listed above.
Rates quoted are based on tariffs and
exchange current at the time of
printing and are subject to changes therein, at or before the
time of
departure. No revisions of the printed itinerary or its included
features
are anticipated; however, the right is reserved to make any changes
without
notice, that might become necessary, with the mutual understanding
that any
additional expenses will be paid by the individual passenger.
Baggage is at
the owner's risk throughout the trip, unless insured. The right
is retained
to refuse any application for reservation(s), cancel any reservation(s)
or
decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour
group at any
time.
Rates:
Prices quoted are based on fares in effect at the time of printing
and are subject to change prior to departure. Upon payment of
a deposit,
tour participants indicate acceptance of the above terms and
conditions.
Optional Activities that may be Dangerous:
Depending on the itinerary you
have selected, optional activities furnished by independent suppliers
will
be available at some of the places you will visit. SOME OF THESE
ACTIVITIES
CARRY WITH THEM THE INHERENT RISK OF SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.
These
activities include, but are not necessarily limited to: (a) walking
safaris;
(b) horseback /elephant back safaris; (c) camel safaris; (d)
canoe
trips,white-water rafting and river cruises; (e) hot-air balloon
trips and
(f) gorilla-tracking on foot (g) Steam engine foot-plate rides
(g)
helicopter rides (h) scuba diving i) Shark diving (j) Boat rides.
You should
be aware that YOUR SAFETY CANNOT BE GUARANTEED. Should you elect
to
participate in such activities while you are on tour, you are
of course,
free to do so. However, you must understand that such participation
will be
at your own risk, and that THE SOCIETY OF INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY
TRAVELERS,
INC. AND CREATIVE TRAVEL DESIGNS, INC. ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY
FOR YOUR
SAFETY.
Complaints: We
strive to offer the very best value in travel services to our
members. However, if you have a complaint during your journey,
please bring
it to the attention to your tour leader. Should the problem remain
unsolved, please write to the Society at its main office (Hardy
Publishing
Co., and the Society of International Railway Travelers are located
at 1810
Sils Ave., Louisville, KY). We will not accept liability for
any claims not
made to us within two months of completion of your journey. All
claims will
be settled by arbitration in Louisville, Kentucky.
Please
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The International Railway Traveler®
