A Customized Journey by Rail Through Southern Africa
Meet your guide: Geoff Cooke, 2001 Trip
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart U.S.
Today you will fly from the U.S. to Cape Town, South Africa.
Day 2
Arrive Cape Town, South Africa
Arrive in Cape Town this afternoon and proceed 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 HotelDay 3
Cape Town (B)
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 re-opened 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 HotelDay 4
Cape Town - Cape Point - Cape Town (B, L)
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 will be on your own tonight.
Overnight: Table Bay Hotel
Day 5
Union Limited - Cape Town - Wine Lands (B, L, D)
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 en 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. CompartmentDay 6
Union Limited-Breede River Valley (B, L, D)
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 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 CompartmentDay 7
Union Limited - Garden Route (B, L, D)
We leave Hartenbos in the morning, 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 Oudtshoorn 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
Day 8
Union Limited - Garden Route (B, L, D)
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 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 LimitedDay 9
Union Limited - Garden Route (B, L, D)
This morning we take a cruise on the blue Knysna lagoon (weather permitting) and view these giant cliffs close-up. We will then continue along the garden route. Later this morning 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 one of our runby opportunities 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 LimitedDay 10
Union Limited - Cape Town (B)
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 early afternoon arrival.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
Day 11
Blue Train - Cape Town - Pretoria (B, L, D)
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, navys, 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
Day 12
Blue Train - Pretoria - Sandton (B)
This morning we will enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then all too soon our journey on the most sophisticated train in the world will come to an 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 capital 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
Day 13
Sandton - Pretoria - Lesedi Cultural Village - Sandton (B, L, D)
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 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 bushveld 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 various tribes perform traditional dances, sing and tell stories. This is truly a memorable experience. Later tonight we will proceed to our hotel for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Michelangelo HotelDay 14
Rovos Rail - Pretoria (B, L, D)
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 journey aboard 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 10:00 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. Use of steam has become increasingly difficult over the past years, as more and more water and coal 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. A medical practitioner, hair stylist and historian will accompany the train. Each of the tastefully appointed Deluxe suites is air-conditioned with 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 journey from Pretoria to Pietersburg. These 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 is complimented with modern conveniences. 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.
Lunch will be served as the train travels to Witibank, a rich Coal-mining area where an intrepid young Winston Churchill leapt aboard a freight train to escape his Anglo-Boer War captors. Pride of Africa retraces his route towards Mozambique, reaching its highest point at Belfast (643 feet) before descending the breathtaking Drakensberg Escarpment. The descent between Waterval Boven and Waterval Onder is one of the most challenging rail tracks in the world as the train winds through many switchbacks and tunnels. Enjoy dinner as we travel through sub-tropical Mpumalanga bushveld to Nelspruit and the Crocodile River Valley.
Overnight: Pride of Africa, Deluxe Suite
Day 15
Rovos Rail - Kruger Park (B, L, D)
Follow the edge of the world-famous Kruger Park towards Hazyview and Hoedspruit, the heart of South Africa's celebrated game-viewing paradise. After breakfast, we get off the train for an exciting game park excursion to view some of Africa's fabulous wildlife. Departure from the Park will be at noon. Spend some time in the lounge car today as we sit back, relax and let the panorama of the African landscape unfold around us. The train will ascend to the Highvelt through the tangled indigenous forest of Magoebaskloof with its deep gorges and ancient cliffs, before arriving in the high-lying land of the primeval Baobab tree.
Overnight: Pride of Africa - Deluxe Suite
Day 16
Pietersburg- Victoria Falls (B, D)
Breakfast is served as the train travels past tea estates, trout streams and natural woodlands followed by some of South Africa's vast citrus farms. The train will arrive at Pietersburg at approximately 8 a.m. Here we will transfer to the Pietersburg Airport and board a classic vintage aircraft for the two-hour flight to the incomparable Victoria Falls, located on the mighty Zambezi River. Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, we'll zip through customs and transfer to the Victoria Falls Hotel.The Victoria Falls Hotel came into its own in 1904 when the planned Cape to Cairo Railway reached the falls. This traditional Edwardian style hotel has been extending a warm welcome to guests for nearly 100 years. It has recently 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 Devil's 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, we'll 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 HotelDay 17
Victoria Falls (B, D)
This morning we transfer to the Victoria Falls Rail Station where we will board the Steam Safari Express Train. We will begin our scenic train journey by crossing the famous railroad bridge built just down-stream from the falls so that the passengers may feel the spray as it falls upon the coaches while crossing the bridge as requested by Cecil Rhodes. We then continue our journey along the Zambezi River to Livingstone, Zambia. We will enjoy a scrumptious breakfast complemented by champagne with orange juice, tea or coffee. A brief stop will be made in Livingstone for anyone who wishes to visit the Railway Museum housed in an old locomotive shed just off the main road. The train will then return to Victoria Falls arriving by 12:30 p.m.From here we will be transferred to the airport for our Air Namibia flight departing for Windhoek. Upon arrival in Windhoek, we will be met and transferred to the Windhoek Hotel & Country Club.
The Windhoek Hotel & Country Club is an oasis in the desert. Encircled by an 18 hole championship golf course, this luxurious hotel and casino offers its guests a variety of sports, entertainment and nightlife. Throughout the hotel the hues and patterns of the neighboring Namib Desert have inspired the decor. Each of the comfortable rooms have an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, direct dial telephone, color TV, mini bar, hair dryer and balcony. Named after the trees that dot the desert horizon, the Kokerboom Restaurant offers a superb a la carte menu and specialty buffet. Light meals are served on the terrace overlooking the swimming pool. In addition to the golf course there are two floodlit tennis courts, a driving range and bowling green. The entertainment center and casino boasts a huge range of slot machines, roulette, poker and blackjack as well as a range of video games. The hotel also has a complimentary shuttle bus which takes guests into the town of Windhoek. We will dine at the hotel this evening.
Overnight: Windhoek Hotel & Country ClubDay 18
Windhoek - Swakopmund (B, D)
Transfer from Windhoek Country Club to Windhoek Airport for the short flight to Walvis Bay. Here we will be met and transferred to our five-star hotel in Swakopmund. This hotel has been built in and around the old railway station building, which has been immaculately restored to its former glory. From the light and airy reception area to its 90 spacious rooms and suites, the hotel combines hospitality, service and style. The bedrooms are built around a courtyard with palm trees, fountains and an outdoor swimming pool. Each room is tastefully decorated and has a mini bar, air-conditioning, television, tea/coffee facilities, direct-dial telephone, hair dryer and full en-suite bathroom. The Victoria Style Platform 1 Restaurant offers an a la carte menu and specialty buffet. The fully equipped casino and extensive entertainment center incorporates cinemas, specialty shopping and Tavern Bar with live entertainment. It is a comfortable walk from the hotel to either the beach or the center of town. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure. Tonight, we'll reconvene for dinner at the hotel's African Route Cafe.
Overnight: Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Center, SwakopmundDay 19
SwakopmundWalvis BayPelican PointSwakopmund (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we meet our guide at the hotel for a full day motorcoach tour of Pelican Point and Sandwich Harbor. We first head to the historical town of Walvis Bay, where we visit the Harbor and dry docks. Our first stop is the Walvis Bay Wetland and Nature Reserve, the richest coastal wetland in Africa, where approximately 250,000 migratory birds come to feed during the dry season. This is one of the best places in Africa to see flamingos in their pink abundance. Next we visit the Salt works. Covering an area of over 7,000 acres, it produces 500,000 tons of salt per year for export to South Africa.At the oyster-farming project next to the Salt works, we can taste fresh oysters if available. At Pelican Point a colony of seals play in the surf and a solitary jackal patrols the beach. The light of the 34 meter lighthouse has guided seamen safely into the Harbor for the past 80 years. We'll enjoy lunch on the beach next to the wreck of an old whaler. Afterwards we'll have a chance to photograph the wreck of "Elly", a trawler that ran aground in 1994. It is quite an adventure to reach the isolated lagoon at the base of towering dunes. Weather permitting, we drive further south, or else we head back to Walvis Bay. En route we drive through the Kuiseb River Delta with its fresh water reservoirs hidden beneath the shifting sand. We climb a solitary dune for a superb view of the Salt works and town, and then return to Swakopmund. Dinner tonight will be at our hotel.
Overnight: Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Center, Swakopmund
Day 20
Swakopmund Desert Express (B, D)
We depart the hotel this morning and head to town. The beautiful town of Swakopmund is often described as "a slice of Germany on the edge of a desert". Many of the buildings date to the turn of the century and are built in the Art Nouveau architectural style. We'll visit the German Evangelic Lutheran Church and parsonage, the St. Antonius Hospital, the Kaiserliches Bizirkgericht and Woerman house, as well as the jetty, which was built in 1904. Next we visit a dealer in semi-precious stones; here Namibian gemstones can be seen in both natural and polished form.Our next stop is the new aquarium. Its huge main tank has an all glass walk -through tunnel and depicts a typical West Coast reef. We can see all the fish and related organisms found beneath the Namibian waves. You can even pick up and handle them at the unique touch pool! Next, we tour Karakulia, a carpet weaver where stunning carpets and wall hangings are made from the wool of Karakul sheep. Our last stop is the "Martin Luther," a steam tractor imported from Germany in 1896 to replace ox-wagon transportation.
Later this afternoon we will be transferred from our hotel to the Desert Express train for the fascinating journey across the hinterland of the Namib Desert to Windhoek. The Desert Express has been winding through the beautiful Namib Desert since April 1998. It was designed and built by Namibia's leading engineers and designers using the most modern technology and equipment available. This train was truly born in Africa, and you will see the unique colors and textures of Africa reflected everywhere: the burnt amber leather upholstery, rich golden and red wood, the silver lightness of glass. Animal motifs taken from the surroundings tastefully echo the landscape through which you travel. This journey has been carefully planned to take best advantage of Namibia's dramatic sunsets and the lonely break of dawn across her endless landscapes.
Departing Swakopmund we travel along the coastal dunes and via The Khan Valley where the train stops on a siding so that we may enjoy a guided nature walk into this amazing landscape. We may enjoy sundowners (cocktails) in the desert as the setting sun turns the surrounding countryside shades of brilliant orange, gold, pink and purple before sinking behind the distant hills. Return to the train and enjoy drinks in the lovely Spitzkoppe lounge car or relax in your spacious compartment, complete with en-suite shower and toilet and wonderfully wide windows for watching the beautiful scenery slip by. Dinner is served on board in the elegant and spacious Welwitschla restaurant as the train makes it way under a galaxy of stars. The train stops for the night at a siding near Friederichsfelde, a perfect place for star gazing.
Overnight: Desert ExpressDay 21
Desert Express - Windhoek; Depart for U.S. (B)
After breakfast this morning, the train calls at Okapuka Game Ranch. Here we have the opportunity to view the lions being fed. Have your camera ready for this great photo opportunity! We return to the train and all too soon this journey comes to an end as we arrive into Windhoek station at 10:00 a.m. Here we will disembark from the train and say farewell to the new friends we have made. Transfer to Windhoek Airport for flight back to Johannesburg, connecting to flights home.Day 22
Arrive U.S.
Welcome home to the U.S.! Flight arrives 8:30 a.m. Board connecting flights home.
Independent Private Game Reserve Option
Day 21
Windhoek-Johannesburg
On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, the group will be met and transferred by motorcoach to our hotel. We will return to the unforgettable Michelangelo Hotel, with its impressive entrance lobby atrium rising eight stories and topped by a majestic dome in glass and steel. Scenic elevators overlook the atrium with its arches, columns and decorative balustrades. Marble and sandstone finishes add to the elegance.
Enjoy an evening at leisure. Have dinner in one of the hotel's two fine restaurants. The Piccolo Mondo Restaurant can accommodate up to 130 people in style. The Il Ritrovo bar and lounge serves light meals and cocktails.
Overnight: The Michelangelo HotelDay 22
Ngala Game Lodge
The group will be transferred back to Johannesburg International Airport in order to catch our morning flight to Skukuza. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to Ngala Game Lodge in the Kruger National Park.Ngala Game Reserve offers the only private lodge within the five million acre Kruger National Park and is famous for its lions and big herds of elephants. The magnificent camp, unmatched service and the romantic atmosphere make Ngala a unique and unforgettable experience.
The lodge features 20 luxurious chalets with en suite bath and shower facilities. Secluded in leafy woodlands, Ngala's guest areas include a spacious thatched lounge, bar and dining area with impressive open fireplaces, shaded swimming pool and sundecks. Dinner, prepared by a cordon bleu chef, is served in a candlelit courtyard or in the open air "boma" (outdoor dining area). Breakfast and lunch are served in the dining room, which opens to a lovely garden of indigenous trees. Guests can go on game drives or walks, or spend the day relaxing around the pool, bird watching, stargazing and enjoying sundowners.
Enjoy one of the lodge's fabulous dinners together tonight.
Overnight: Ngala Game LodgeDay 23
Ngala Game Lodge
If you choose, take an early morning game drive before planning the rest of your day over breakfast. The day is at your leisure you may participate in scheduled drives and walks or venture off on your own. Or you may choose to simply rest in these beautiful surroundings. Whatever you decide to do, be sure not to miss any meals! We'll enjoy our final dinner together tonight.
Overnight: Ngala Game LodgeDay 24
Depart Africa
We close our African tour with one final morning game drive followed by breakfast at the Lodge. We then transfer back to the Skukuza Airport to catch our flight to Johannesburg, then on to the U.S.Day 25
Arrive U.S.
Welcome back the U.S. Flight arrives at 8:30 a.m. Connect to flights home.
Land Arrangements Include:
Main Tour:
Accommodations as listed in spacious deluxe twin-bedded hotels and lodges with private en suite bathrooms;
Deluxe Class Twin Suites on the Rovos Rail: 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
Table d'hôte meals as indicated: B=breakfast, L= lunch, D=dinner.
Private Game Reserve Option Includes:
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.The following prices are for IRT Society members only. Non-members add $50 per-person.
Save $400 per person if booked by July 12!
Land Arrangements, based on double occupancy
Cost per person $7,195
Single Supplement $2,768
Independent Private Game Reserve Option:
Cost per person $2,047
Single Supplement $786
Optional Upgrades on the Trains:
*These will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. All prices are per-person, double occupancy.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.
South African Airways Flights to Africa
Society of International Railway Travelers' Southern Africa Rail Tour
COSTS:
Coach: $1,294 (+ tax @ $70) for the international air
$500 + tax for internal air within AfricaInternational Business class: $5,830 (+ tax of @ $70) for international air
$500 + tax for internal air within Africa (no business class offered)Please note that all air charges and taxes are subject to change until ticketed. You will not have to pay for these tickets until the time of final payment. If you decide you want to book our group air, please tell us any special needs you have at the time of booking, such as seat requests, frequent flier program, if applicable, and any special meals you may require.
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 pre-existing medical conditions exclusions in the tour insurance, insurance must be post-marked within ten days of date of deposit.
Minimum Participants: The main 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. Please note that transfers and baggage handling to/from airport included only if traveling with the IRT group on its group flight.
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. Please note that baggage limitations vary from country to country, depending on where The Society travels. In general, porterage of one larger bag is included from hotel to hotel. When traveling to countries where IRT offers group flights, porterage and transfer is included from the airport to hotel and vice versa. When not traveling with IRT's group flights, this is not included. Passengers will be expected to abide by the stated baggage number and weight limits specified in pre-tour documents.
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, changes in the itinerary, 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.
When issued, the air tickets shall constitute the sole contract between the air company concerned and the purchaser of these tours and/or passenger. Please note that advertised air rates can change before ticketing. 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 or final payment by either check or credit card, 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.
Behavior: Passengers are expected to behave in a reasonable manner toward other passengers, IRT personnel and other persons with whom we have contact during our tour. If a passenger behaves, in the opinion of our tour leader, in a way likely to disrupt the enjoyment or endanger the safety of other passengers, the tour leader will issue him with a verbal warning. Should this not resolve the matter, a second, written warning will be issued. If the disruptive behavior continues after the second warning, then the passenger will be removed from the tour and will have to make his own arrangements to return home. No refunds for the untraveled portion of the tour will be entertained. 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.
Acceptance of terms: Upon payment of a deposit, by either check or credit card, tour participants indicate acceptance of all stated IRT and HPC 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: walking safaris; horseback /elephant back/camel safaris; canoe trips, white-water rafting and river cruises; hot-air balloon trips and gorilla-tracking on foot; steam engine foot-plate rides, cab rides or photo run-bys; helicopter rides scuba diving; shark diving;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. assumes no responsibility for your safety.
Complaints: The stated mission of The Society of International Railway Travelers is to offer the very best in rail travel around the globe for our members. However, if you have a complaint during your journey, please bring it to the attention to your tour leader as quickly as you can. Should the problem remain unsolved, please write to the Society at its main office at 1810 Sils Ave., Louisville, KY). Our desire is to set things right. We cannot accept liability for any claims not made to us in writing within two months of completion of your journey. We also cannot tender any refunds for any reason outside the terms set forth above. All claims will be settled by arbitration in Louisville, Kentucky.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-IRT-4881
www.irtsociety.com
AOE Pacific Coast Explorer
AOE Trans-Canada
Austria
Mexico
New Zealand
Royal Canadian Pacific
South Africa
Switzerland
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