Safari, Train and The Cape - 11 Day Safari

Experience the wildlife charms of the Phinda Private Game Reserve, featured in the 2010 issue of Condé Nast Traveler (US) Gold List of the World’s Best Places to Stay (in the Africa and Middle East category).

Enjoy the colourful history and bustling vibe of Johannesburg.  Board the Rovos Rail for a romantic classical train journey.  Explore the beautiful beaches and spectacular scenery of Hout Bay in Cape Town.

Day 1 - 4: Phinda Private Game Reserve

This safari begins at OR Tambo International Airport and ends at Cape Town International Airport.

On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport you will be warmly welcomed by a member of our team, who will help you onto your scheduled domestic flight to Richards Bay. (Flight fare not included) On arrival at Richards Bay Airport you will board your light aircraft flight to Phinda Private Game Reserve.

Set within easy reach of the Indian Ocean coastline and the famous iSimangaliso / Greater St Lucia Wetland Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda Private Game Reserve is known for its abundant wildlife, diversity of habitats and wide range of safari activities. Thanks to its coastal rainfall pattern, the Reserve enjoys a lush, green environment that contains seven distinct ecosystems. Phinda is often referred to as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’. This fascinating variety of landscape and vegetation shelters an abundance of wildlife, including not only the Big Five but many rarer and less easily spotted species, such as the elusive cheetah or the scarce black rhino.

With only a handful of lodges sharing an area of 23 000 hectares, and expert rangers and trackers in search of prime wildlife sightings, guests are assured an exclusive game viewing experience. Adding to Phinda’s wildlife charms, the marine diversity of nearby Sodwana Bay on the coast is easily accessible. Scuba diving, fishing and even turtle watching are some of the adventures available from Phinda. Spend four nights at Mountain Lodge at Phinda Private Game Reserve.

Adventures include twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, nature walks, excellent birdwatching and riverboat cruises along the Mzinene River. Optional Phinda Adventures are available at an additional cost.
Explorer: Mountain Lodge at Phinda Private Game Reserve (B, L, D)

Day 5: Johannesburg

Today you will be flown by light aircraft to the Richards Bay Airport. On arrival at Richards Bay Airport you will board your scheduled domestic flight to OR Tambo International Airport.

A member of our team will be waiting at OR Tambo International Airport and will chauffeur you to your hotel.

Johannesburg, the second largest city in Africa is known as the greatest gold-mining area on earth.  This vibrant city is not just an industrial giant, it is the heart of the country’s economy. From traditional ‘muti’ (medicine) shops, to exclusive boutiques in upmarket malls, theatres, museums, cultural villages, restaurants, beautiful walks in indigenous gardens and more, Johannesburg is a diverse cultural melting pot, deserving of its name ‘iGoli’ – or ‘City of Gold’.

Enjoy one night at Tintswalo At Waterfall in a luxury suite.
Explorer: Tintswalo At Waterfall (B, L, D)

Day 6 & 7: Rovos Rail

Today you will be driven to Capital Park Station, where you will board the glamorous Rovos Rail.

Snaking its way through the picturesque destinations of Cape Town, KwaZulu Natal, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, George, Tanzania, Zambia and Namibia – which provide some of Africa’s most prized landscapes – the family-run Rovos Rail offers its guests dramatic vistas and superlative luxury. Rohan Vos began his love affair with trains in 1985, buying his first coaches with the intention of hitching them to a South African Railway’s train for family holidays. Rovos Rail was officially launched in 1989. The train offers guests a novel way of discovering Africa, capturing the romanticism of the colonial era with its beautifully restored engines and coaches. It has earned international acclaim for its world-class cuisine, five-star accommodation and its choice of picturesque destinations and travel packages.

Wrap yourself in the romance of a classical train journey with two nights on board Rovos Rail in a deluxe suite.
Explorer: Rovos Rail (B, L, D)

Day 8 & 9: Hout Bay

Upon your arrival at Cape Town Station you will be met by a member of our team who will drive you to your hotel.

The idyllic coastal village of Hout Bay is nestled near the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. It was given its name (meaning “wood bay” in Afrikaans) by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 because of the dense forests that once covered the area. Today, Hout Bay is the centre of the crayfish and snoek industry, with its bustling fishing harbour adding to the charisma of this secluded village. Visitors will find a wonderful selection of adventures such as hiking, sailing, kayaking and cycling, as well as attractions such as Seal Island and the World of Birds. However, it is Hout Bay’s beautiful powder white beaches that are the main drawcard – perfect for intimate picnics and many languid hours spent soaking up the warm South African sun.

Enjoy three nights at Tintswalo Atlantic in a luxury suite.
Explorer: Tintswalo Atlantic (B, L, D)

Day 11: Departure

After a delicious breakfast you will be driven to Cape Town International Airport.