Johannesburg Pretoria Soweto Archives - Tales from Africa Travel

Pretoria to Victoria Falls Rovos Rail Tour

Henko Wentholt — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 10:57:29 +0000

Victoria Falls
Traveling by train through Africa
Observatory car
Observatory balcony
Double deluxe cabin
Twin deluxe cabin
Dining car one
Dining car two
Safari in Hwange
The Smoke that Thunders
Victoria Falls
Extend your journey from Cape Town

Pretoria to Victoria Falls Rovos Rail Tour

3 or 4 day City and Bush Break

If you ever dreamt about a romantic railway journey, the Pretoria to Victoria Falls Rovos Rail tour certainly fits the bill. This short City and Bush Break takes you on board the most luxurious train in the world. You’ll travel in style from the buzzle of Pretoria to the thunder of the Smoke that Thunders, the mighty Victoria Falls. In between you’ll experience train travel like it was in the 1920’s, some of the most spectacular landscapes of Africa and the thrill of a safari.

This spectacular train journey is also available in reverse, or you can add the fascinating train journey from Cape Town to Pretoria.

The adventure begins

This adventure begins with the train’s departure from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Travel north through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela), so named for its mineral waters, and Nylstroom, christened by the Voortrekkers as the source of the Nile River as the town’s river happened to be north-flowing. Pass the edge of the escarpment and cross the Tropic of Capricorn towards Bulawayo, second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country. Travel along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114km – before traversing Hwange National Park, a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary where a game drive excursion is enjoyed. Arrive at the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River where this sojourn ends. The surrounding areas offer travellers many recreational opportunities including cruises, whitewater rafting as well as superb game viewing and photo safaris.

Choose your favourite option

This City and Bush Break is also available in reverse. Depending upon railway capacity, this journey could be routed through Botswana. You have the option of choosing the 3-night journey or the new 4-night journey, which includes a local village stop and a chance to explore the game and prolific birdlife of a 1000ha ranch. On selected dates you also have the option extend your train journey and take the train all the way from Cape Town to Victoria Falls. See the different itineraries below for all the details.

If you want to spend more time in Victoria Falls we can book your hotel and activities – not a standard hotel, but exactly what and how you want it.

The advantage of booking Rovos Rail with us

If you book this tour with Tales from Africa Travel, you are guaranteed the same rates as when booking direct. You also get our additional services like a personal consultant, all carbon offsetting of your journey and full bespoke services from airport to airport (transfers, extra nights, return flights, add-ons etc.). Want to know more about these advantages?

Highlights of the Pretoria to Victoria Falls Rovos Rail Tour

Ride the 5 star Rovos: the most luxurious train in the world
Choose between a 3 night or 4 night option
Perfect as a short City and Bush Break
Visit Pretoria and the Railway museum
Cross the Tropic of Capricorn
Bulawayo
Travel along one of the longest stretches of straight railway
Safari in Big Five Hwange National Park
The mighty Victoria Falls
Bespoke optional extension and activities in Victoria Falls
Extend your journey from Cape Town to Pretoria with the Rovos Rail and also get:
- Cape Town
- two extra nights on the Rovos train
- one or two luxury hotel nights in Pretoria between the two railway journeys
- Historic Matjiesfontein

Details of the Pretoria to Victoria Falls Rovos Rail Tour

Underneath you can download the itineraries for the 4 or 5 day Pretoria to Victoria Falls and vice versa Rovos Rail Tours.

In each itinerary you will find:

the day to day itineraries
train specifications,
full information on the available suites and amenities
general information about the journey

Note: find here the dates planned until September 2022 and for October 2022 and 2023

Download the Pretoria to Vic Falls itinerary

Download the Vic Falls to Pretoria itinerary

Download the Cape Town to Vic Falls v.v. itinerary

Map of the tour

Rovos Rail or Shongololo Express?

Though both are luxurious, there is a clear difference between the Rovos Rail and the Shongololo Express. The Rovos Rail is more luxurious and the journey is focused on the train ride experience, intermingled with visits and excursions. The cabins are larger than on the Shongololo Express and the amenities are on a 5 star level. All meals and local baverages are included. If you like pampering and luxury, this is the train for you.

With the Shongololo Express the primary focus is on the off-train experiences and excursions, whilst the train ride is an important secondary focus. The cabins are smaller in size and the amenities are on a 4 star level. Meals on the train are included, other meals and all beverages not. If you are more adventurous minded, this is the train for you.

Bespoke private experiences

Use our unique tours and experiences as a source of inspiration for your exclusive holiday. Tell us what you like and what you don’t like in this tour, or any particular tour that speaks to you. Or let us know in general what experiences you would like to have. Based on what you tell us we’ll make a bespoke, unique tour for you. We’ll keep adjusting the itinerary, accommodations and way of travel until you have YOUR perfect holiday. Your exclusive experience of a lifetime.

This is experiential travel at its best. Nothing is set in stone, all can be combined, adjusted, changed to make your own bespoke holiday! Here are some more ideas to inspire you.

Want to know more? Read how it works. On everything we do for you, our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Statement are fully applicable.

BOOK WITH US

The post Pretoria to Victoria Falls Rovos Rail Tour appeared first on Tales from Africa Travel.

Southern Cross Shongololo Express Rail tour

Henko Wentholt — Sun, 02 May 2021 17:39:00 +0000

Southern Cross Shongololo Express

12 day The Romance of Rail Tour

The Southern Cross Shongololo Express is a wonderful 12-day panoramic African train journey between Pretoria and Victoria Falls. Travel across the Drakensberg Mountains to join the Panorama Route with game viewing in Kruger. Tour Maputo, capital of Mozambique, before exploring the mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland. Enjoy a game drive at Kapama and a visit to the Great Zimbabwe Monument. Tour Antelope Park and Matopos, site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave. Continue to Hwange for game viewing. Arrive in Victoria Falls for a walking tour of the village and the thunderous falls. End with a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi. Available in reverse.

The advantage of booking Shongololo Express with us

If you book this tour with Tales from Africa Travel, you are guaranteed the same rates as when booking direct. You also get our additional services like a personal consultant, all carbon offsetting of your journey and full bespoke services from airport to airport (transfers, add-ons etc.). Want to know more about these advantages?

Highlights of the Southern Cross Shongololo Express

Ride the 4 star Shongololo Express: the most adventurous train in Africa
Full day tour of Soweto and Pretoria
Excursion along the Panorama route and Graskop Gorge lift
Full-day game viewing in Kruger National Park
visit of vibrant Maputo in Mozambique, a mix of old and new
Travel through Swaziland
Game drive in Kapama Game Reserve
Visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
Great Zimbabwe Monument, the largest precolonial monument south of the Egyptian pyramids.
Antelope Park, home to the African Lion and Environmental Research Trust (ALERT) lion rehabilitation programme
the dramatic hills and granite rocks of Matopos NP
Full-day game viewing in Hwange National Park
the world-famous Victoria Falls

The tour in reverse direction visits the same highlights.

Details of the Southern Cross Shongololo Express rail tour

Underneath you can download the itineraries for the 12 day Pretoria to Victoria Falls and Victoria Falls to Pretoria tours. Both tours visit the same places but in reverse order.

In each itinerary you will find:

the day to day itineraries for this year and next year
train specifications
full information on the available suites and amenities
general information about the journey
Note: dates of operation for 2021 are still limited to one 21 October 2021 departure, but more dates will be planned if more nationalities are allowed to travel to South Africa. Also, more dates are planned in 2022.

Download Pretoria to Victoria Falls itinerary 12 days

Download Victoria Falls to Pretoria itinerary 12 days

Map of the tour

Rovos Rail or Shongololo Express?

Dress code on Rovos Rail is smart casual during the day, formal in the evening. On the Shongololo Express the dress code is more informal and smart casual in the evening.

Bespoke private experiences

This is experiential travel at its best. Nothing is set in stone, all can be combined, adjusted, changed to make your own bespoke holiday! Here are some more ideas to inspire you.

Want to know more? Read how it works. On everything we do for you, our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Statement are fully applicable.

BOOK WITH US

The post Southern Cross Shongololo Express Rail tour appeared first on Tales from Africa Travel.

Rovos Namibia Safari Rail Tour

Henko Wentholt — Sun, 02 May 2021 17:13:00 +0000

Rovos Namibia Safari Rail Tour

12 day The romance of rail tour

The Rovos Namibia Safari Rail Tour is a spectacular 11 nights/12-day odyssey, starting in Pretoria. It winds its way through the stunning Kalahari desert to the coast of Namibia, a country of compelling beauty, abundant sunshine and seemingly endless horizons.

First stop is Kimberley to visit the Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum village. Then we continue across the Karoo to Upington for a walking tour and wine tasting. After crossing the border, visit the Fish River Canyon. This is second in size to the Grand Canyon, followed by tours of historical towns Lüderitz, Kolmanskop and Keetmanshoop.

Enjoy a night at a Sossusvlei lodge surrounded by the dramatic dunes of the Namib-Naukluft Park. Visit the natural Sesriem Canyon and the 170m-high star dune “45”. Leave the vast stillness of the Kalahari Desert for a tour of Windhoek and an overnight stay in Etosha with game-viewing activities. Arrive at journey’s end in the seaside town of Walvis Bay.

The Rovos Namibia Safari Rail Tour is also available in reverse.

The advantage of booking Rovos Rail with us

If you book this tour with Tales from Africa Travel, you are guaranteed the same rates as when booking direct. You also get our additional services like a personal consultant, all carbon offsetting of your journey and full bespoke services from airport to airport (transfers, add-ons etc.). Want to know more about these advantages?

Highlights of the Rovos Namibia Safari Rail Tour

Ride the 5 star Rovos Rail: the most luxuruous train in Africa
The enormous Big Hole and mining museum in Kimberley
Wine tasting along the Orange River
See the Great Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world
Transverse the great Kalahari Desert by train
Kolmanskop ghost town
Wild desert horses of Aus
Prehistoric Quiver Tree Forest
The spectacular high red sand dunes of Sossusvlei
Lodge overnight in the spectacular Namib Dessert
City tour and railway museum in Windhoek
Game drives and lodge stay in Etosha National Park
End in Walvis Bay with good flight connections

Details of the Rovos Namibia Safari Rail Tour

Underneath you can download the itineraries for the 11 nights/12 day Pretoria to Walvis Bay in Namibia and Walvis Bay to Pretoria tours. Both tours visit the same places but in reverse order.

In each itinerary you will find:

the day to day itineraries for this year and next year
train specifications
full information on the available suites and amenities
general information about the journey

Download Pretoria to Namibia itinerary 12 days

Download Namibia to Pretoria itinerary 12 days

Map of the tour

Bespoke private experiences

This is experiential travel at its best. Nothing is set in stone, all can be combined, adjusted, changed to make your own bespoke holiday! Here are some more ideas to inspire you.

Want to know more? Read how it works. On everything we do for you, our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Statement are fully applicable.

BOOK WITH US

The post Rovos Namibia Safari Rail Tour appeared first on Tales from Africa Travel.

Cape to Dar Rovos Rail Tour

Henko Wentholt — Sat, 01 May 2021 17:41:00 +0000

Cape to Dar es Salaam Rovos Rail Tour

15 day The Romance of Rail Tours

The Cape to Dar Rovos Rail Tour is one of the most famous in the world. This epic 15-day train journey travels through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. The sojourn begins in Cape Town taking guests to the historic village of Matjiesfontein and the diamond town of Kimberley.

The capital city of Pretoria with some short tours is followed by two nights in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Continue through Botswana into Zimbabwe where guests overnight at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

After crossing the mighty Zambezi River, the train joins the Tazara line in Zambia and continues to Chisimba Falls where guests enjoy a bushwalk. The train climbs to the Tanzanian border then descends into the Great Rift Valley negotiating the tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the spectacular escarpment. Climbing again, it traverses the Selous Game Reserve – the largest on the continent and a vision of timeless Africa – before the bustling arrival in Dar es Salaam the following day. And top it off with our insider tip: add a beach holiday in Zanzibar to your train tour!

The Cape to Dar es Salaam Rovos Rail Tour is also available in reverse.

The advantage of booking Rovos Rail with us

If you book this tour with Tales from Africa Travel, you are guaranteed the same rates as when booking direct. You also get our additional services like a personal consultant, all carbon offsetting of your journey and full bespoke services from airport to airport (transfers, add-ons etc.). Want to know more about these advantages?

Highlights of the Cape to Dar es Salaam Rovos Rail Tour

Ride the 5 star Rovos: the most luxurious train in the world
Cape Town
Historic Matjiesfontein
The Big Hole and diamond museum in Kimberley
Visit Pretoria and the Railway museum
Game drives and 2 nights Lodge stay in Madikwe Game Reserve
The mighty Victoria Falls
Ride the famous Tazara line through Zambia and Tanzania
Visit Chisimba Falls
Traverse the Great Rift Valley
Discover the wild Selous NP, Africa’s largest game reserve
Extend your journey from Dar es Salaam to exotic Zanzibar

Details of the Cape to Dar es Salaam Rovos Rail Tour

Underneath you can download the itineraries for the 15 day Cape Town to Dar es Salaam Rovos Rail tour and for the Dar es Salaam to Cape Town Rovos Rail tour.

In each itinerary you will find:

the day to day itineraries for this year and next year
train specifications,
full information on the available suites and amenities
general information about the journey

Note: dates of operation for 2021 are still limited to 25 September and 12 October 2021 departure, but more dates will be planned if more nationalities are allowed to travel to South Africa. Also, more dates are planned in 2022.

Bespoke Zanzibar extension

It’s a short flight to the exotic island of Zanzibar. Explore the narrow alleys of the historic Stone Town, where if feels like time stood still since the sultans ruled this wonderful place. Visit the house from where David Livingstone starting his exploration of Africa. Eat fresh octopus in one of the many excellent restaurants or visit Freddy Mercury’s childhood home.

It’s a world of difference between the hustle and bustle of the old Stone Town and the peace of the empty white sandy beaches. Swim, snorkel or dive in the warm Indian Ocean and see the sun rise over the beach of your exclusive resort. Walk from your suite straight into the ocean or relax in the spa with an Ajurvedic massage. The perfect end, or beginning, for this epic train journey.

Download the Cape to Dar itinerary

Download the Dar to Cape itinerary

Map of the tour

Rovos Rail or Shongololo Express?

Bespoke private experiences

This is experiential travel at its best. Nothing is set in stone, all can be combined, adjusted, changed to make your own bespoke holiday! Here are some more ideas to inspire you.

Want to know more? Read how it works. On everything we do for you, our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Statement are fully applicable.

BOOK WITH US

The post Cape to Dar Rovos Rail Tour appeared first on Tales from Africa Travel.

African Collage Rovos Rail Tour

Henko Wentholt — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 08:43:00 +0000

African Collage Rovos Rail Tour

10/11 day Romance of Rail Tour

This panoramic 10-day sojourn winds its way from Pretoria to Cape Town and includes a golfing and non-golfing itinerary. It is a true African Collage of the best experiences in South Africa on the exclusive, luxurious Rovos Rail – the most luxurious train in the world.

After a game drive in Kruger Park, you travel through Swaziland to Hluhluwe for game viewing and along the coast to Durban for a city tour. Traverse the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Spionkop Lodge, the perfect base for exploring the mountains, bush, birds and battlefields of the region. Continue to Port Elizabeth for a game drive at Addo Elephant Park. Then travel on to Oudtshoorn for an ostrich-farm visit followed by an impressive descent through the Outeniqua Mountains to George. After visiting the natural paradise of Knysna, the train traverses the spectacular Garden Route to the Winelands and Cape mountains before this magnificent expedition ends in Cape Town.

This tour is also available in reverse as a Cape Town to Pretoria 11 days tour and then includes one night extra in eSwatini.

The advantage of booking Rovos Rail with us

If you book this tour with Tales from Africa Travel, you are guaranteed the same rates as when booking direct. You also get our additional services like a personal consultant, all carbon offsetting of your journey and full bespoke services from airport to airport (transfers, add-ons etc.). Want to know more about these advantages?

Highlights of the African Collage Rovos Rail

Ride the 5 star Rovos: the most luxurious train in the world
Golfing and non-golfing itineraries available
Addo Elephant Park game drive
Cape Town
Journey through the Cape Winelands
Play the African Collage courses
Drakensberg Mountains
Durban tour
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park game drive
Traverse the Karoo
Boat cruise on the Knysna lagoon
Kruger Park game drive
Mantenga Cultural Village visit
Oudtshoorn ostrich farm tour
Traverse the Outeniqua Mountains
Pretoria
Hear the historic tale of Spionkop
Spionkop Reserve game drive
Trundle through the Valley of a 1000 Hills

Details of the African Collage Rovos Rail

Underneath you can download the itineraries for the 10 day Pretoria to Cape Town tour and for the 11 day Cape Town to Pretoria tour. On both tours there is a program each day for those that want to golf and those that want to do it as a leisure tour.

In each itinerary you will find:

the day to day itineraries for this year and next year
train specifications,
full information on the available suites and amenities
general information about the journey
specified information about the golfing courses. Dependent on availability are these: Leopard Creek/White River/Mbombela, Nkonyeni, Durban Country Club/Beachwood/Zimbali, Champagne Sports Resort, Humewood, Fancourt and Ernie Els Oubaai

Note: dates of operation for 2021 are still limited to 8 November 2021 departure, but more dates will be planned if more nationalities are allowed to travel to South Africa. Also, more dates are planned in 2022.

Download Pretoria to Cape Town itinerary 10 days

Download Cape Town to Pretoria itinerary 11 days

Map of the tour

Rovos Rail or Shongololo Express?

Dress code on Rovos Rail is smart casual during the day, formal in the evening. On the Shongololo Express the dress code is more informal and smart casual in the evening.

Bespoke private experiences

This is experiential travel at its best. Nothing is set in stone, all can be combined, adjusted, changed to make your own bespoke holiday! Here are some more ideas to inspire you.

Want to know more? Read how it works. On everything we do for you, our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Statement are fully applicable.

BOOK WITH US

The post African Collage Rovos Rail Tour appeared first on Tales from Africa Travel.

Ecotour National Parks of South Africa

Henko Wentholt — Sat, 06 Mar 2021 13:10:00 +0000

Ecotour National Parks of South Africa

22-day round trip, South Africa

Ecotour National Parks of South Africa – the name says it all. This epic journey takes you on an adventure through the national parks of South Africa. Safaris don’t come completer than this. Each area has its own landscape, ecosystem and wildlife, so you get to know all faces of wildlife. Meeting the Big Five on land is already incredibly impressive, but you’ll literally go beyond that into Big Six territory when you add the sea.

Mix this with wonderful landscapes, stunning exclusive ecolodges and bespoke conservation experiences and the most pristine beaches, and you have the recipe for the best safari ever!

This tour does not only live up to it’s name, Ecotour National Parks of South Africa, but moreover confirms to all standards of a Fair Trade Holiday.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

Highlights of the Ecotour National Parks of South Africa

Unique three-day Conservation Safari in Marakele NP
Three days in Botswana’s exclusive Thuli Game Reserve
Discover old ruins and granite ‘koppies’ in beautiful Mapungubwe NP
Travel along the stunning Panorama Route
Three days of walking safaris in the famous Kruger NP
Two day horse riding safari: ride between giraffes and sleep in a cave
Bush to Beach: three days on a tropical beach
The Big Six: look for whales in the Indian Ocean

Ecotour National Parks of South Africa in detail

The City of Gold welcomes you for your first few days in Africa. You’ll stay in a game reserve and have your very first game drive the next morning. Find out why Africa is called the home of civilization with a visit to the Cradle of Humankind and see where the first people really came from.

After this, the Marakele National Park is surrounded by the Waterberg Mountains and makes for the best sunsets you will ever experience while searching for the Big Five. Here you have an unique experience: a three day Conservation Safari. You will not just join a safari, but actively participate in the conservation activities that make a game reserve tick! Enjoy exploring on foot, become skilled at recognizing an animal by his unique paw prints, put your ear to the ground and listen to the beat of Africa.

Conservation Safari

Together with your guide you’ll design your own Marataba experience. You can do day- and night drives, but also join the conservation activities like:

wild walking: traversing Marataba on foot will take you to places that very few have been before.
Take part in the tracking and monitoring of the area’s key species and assist in the compilation of ID kits using the latest technology.
Help set up new and existing camera traps, change the batteries and inspect the footage to see what really goes on behind the scenes.
Assist in the collection of crucial information by logging wildlife species and observing interactions.
Participate in focused tree planting, wrap trees for protection against elephant damage and observe flora rehabilitation in action.
Learn about the park control centre and how it operates (cloud-based activity).
Rare species monitoring: monitor and track some of the rare and secretive species of the area, including hyena, aardwolf, honey badger, pangolin and aardvark.

Land of the Baobab and ancient ruins

Then traverse into Botswana where the Northern Thuli Game reserve will be your home for the next few days. The majestic baobabs form the backdrop to an unforgettable safari experience in the desert area. Feel the African sun on your back and let the smell of the bush fill up your lungs. Feel the excitement of spotting the cat species that are in abundance here. Bump into a herd of Elephant stopping from a drink from the majestic Limpopo River. Etch the views in your memory. For views like this, you will find nowhere else in the world but here.

The Ecotour National Parks of South Africa continues to Mapungubwe, where ancient civilizations once ruled. The ruins are the site where the historic Golden Rhino was found. It’s proof of Africa’s great civilization before the arrival of the Europeans. Find out about the myths and the legends of the once-powerful people of Mapungubwe. Then go and explore the beautiful landscape where four of the Big Five roam. The confluence where 3 countries meet is a sight to behold.

Walking safari in the Kruger NP

Next, the panorama route owes its name to the spectacular views. Stop at God’s window to take a peek at the beautiful landscape over a kilometer below you and find out if Bourke really had some luck at his potholes. The Three Rondawels with their brown frame and green roofs tower over the valley. Descend with a glass elevator in a deep gorge. Make certain you take all of it in and soak in the beauty that surrounds you.

No Ecotour National Parks of South Africa can be complete without the Kruger National park, South Africa’s most famous game reserve, much flatter and greener than the earlier parks. Get ready to go on an early morning game walk with an experienced ranger where you will experience the bush waking up. Maybe you will be lucky enough to see an early morning hunt. Instead of a safari on foot to search for the bushveld residents, learn to track and be with the game in their natural habitat, you can also go on game drives in dedicated open safari vehicles.

Go on a horseback safari

Spend the next 3 nights in eSwatini (former Swaziland) where you can have a unique two-day tour on horseback. You’ll ride between giraffes, zebras and antelopes through the Mlilwane nature reserve. One night you’ll rough it in a cave and have some local cuisine prepared over an open fire like how it was done back in the days. You ride back to the comfort of your lodge the next day. Not a horse rider? Go walking or cycling at your own pace between the animals.

Bush to beach: the Big Six

Finally, the wildlife of South Africa spreads well past the beaches. Depart for the Kingdom of the Zulu to one of South Africa’s most pristine beaches, on the shores of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Here you will have the opportunity to snorkel with the wildlife of the ocean. In season you can watch the sea turtles come up the beach at night to lay their eggs. From July to December the last “Big” makes its entry: the whales arrive and make number Six on your list. It’s also a great place to just relax on the beach, enjoy exceptional cuisine and have an opportunity to interact with the locals.

Map of the tour

Bespoke private experiences

This is experiential travel at its best. Nothing is set in stone, all can be combined, adjusted, changed to make your own bespoke holiday! Here are some more ideas to inspire you.

Want to know more? Read how it works. On everything we do for you, our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Statement are fully applicable.

BOOK WITH US

The post Ecotour National Parks of South Africa appeared first on Tales from Africa Travel.

City of Gold & Safari in the Bush

Henko Wentholt — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 14:39:28 +0000

City of Gold and Safari in the Bush

6-nights City Break in South Africa

Where in the world can you combine a city-break with a real safari? In South Africa’s City of Gold and Safari in the Bush tour! Johannesburg has a vibe of its own and is the place where it all happens. Fashion, music, fine dining, unique experiences – this is the beating heart of South Africa. Discover its rich history, all the way from the first humans through the City of Gold, Ghandi and Apartheid eras.

Then you leave the bustling city life behind you: it’s time to go for a Safari in the Bush in a Big Five game reserve. Madikwe Game Reserve is South Africa’s hidden gem when it comes to a unique safari experience. This is an exclusive wildlife experience that you will never forget!

“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy” – Ernest Hemingway

Highlights of the City of Gold and Safari in the Bush tour

3 nights in Johannesburg
Stay in Ghandi’s house
Go back to the dawn of mankind in the Cradle of Humankind
Visit the Apartheid museum
Cycle through Soweto and meet the friendly Sowetans
Enjoy some of Africa’s finest dining in downtown Johannesburg
Discover the hipster culture in the many bars
3 nights in Madikwe Game Reserve
Rest in style in an exclusive five star lodge
Go on exclusive game drives or venture into the bush on a game walk
Relax in the lodge’s bush spa

City of Gold and Safari in the Bush in detail

The vibrant City of Gold

Johannesburg has a vibe of its own and is the place where it all happens. Fashion, music, fine dining, unique experiences – this is the beating heart of South Africa. and the place where the latest in fashion and art is exhibited in its many shops, ateliers and street art. Nicknamed the ‘City of Gold’ during the gold rush, it later became the epicenter of the struggle against apartheid.

Learn about this history, not just by visiting the Apartheid Museum, but through the eyes of the people of ‘Jozi’ when cycling through Soweto Township and talking with locals in vibrant Vilakazi Street, the only road in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize winners lived – Mandela and Bishop Tutu.

Discover downtown Johannesburg during a street art tour and meet the hipsters of today in its many bars and restaurants. And why not stay in Gandhi’s old house, now a luxurious guesthouse that incorporates a museum about the great man’s time in South Africa.

The Cradle of Humankind

Go back in time to the earliest humans when you visit the fascinating Cradle of Humankind and the caves where some of the oldest human forefathers were discovered, dating over 2.5 million years old. And still are! These are the longest continuously running fossil excavations in the world – in 2015, the Cradle and National Geographic announced the discovery of Homo Naledi, a new forefather of us.

Exclusive and unique Safari in the Bush

Exchange the bustling city for the wild African bush. Madikwe Game Reserve is South Africa’s hidden gem when it comes to a safari experience. Here you will experience the true call of the wild. Wildlife is abundant, including the Big Five, but access is restricted so you’ll be almost alone with all the animals. An exclusive wildlife experience indeed! Between game drives, how about a relaxing and rejuvenating treatment in the lodges’ bush spa?

This 6-day city-break has it all. Come and enjoy the City of Gold & Safari in the Bush – a week never to forget!

Map of the tour

Bespoke private experiences

This is experiential travel at its best. Nothing is set in stone, all can be combined, adjusted, changed to make your own bespoke holiday! Here are some more ideas to inspire you.

Want to know more? Read how it works. On everything we do for you, our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Statement are fully applicable.

BOOK WITH US

The post City of Gold & Safari in the Bush appeared first on Tales from Africa Travel.

Johannesburg Pretoria Soweto Archives - Tales from Africa Travel

Pretoria to Victoria Falls Rovos Rail Tour

Pretoria to Victoria Falls Rovos Rail Tour

3 or 4 day City and Bush Break

The adventure begins

Choose your favourite option

The advantage of booking Rovos Rail with us

Highlights of the Pretoria to Victoria Falls Rovos Rail Tour

Details of the Pretoria to Victoria Falls Rovos Rail Tour

Map of the tour

Rovos Rail or Shongololo Express?

Bespoke private experiences

Romance of Rail

Southern Cross Shongololo Express Rail tour

Southern Cross Shongololo Express

12 day The Romance of Rail Tour

The advantage of booking Shongololo Express with us

Highlights of the Southern Cross Shongololo Express

Details of the Southern Cross Shongololo Express rail tour

Map of the tour

Rovos Rail or Shongololo Express?

Bespoke private experiences

Romance of Rail

Rovos Namibia Safari Rail Tour

Rovos Namibia Safari Rail Tour

12 day The romance of rail tour

The advantage of booking Rovos Rail with us

Highlights of the Rovos Namibia Safari Rail Tour

Details of the Rovos Namibia Safari Rail Tour

Map of the tour

Bespoke private experiences

Romance of Rail

Cape to Dar Rovos Rail Tour

Cape to Dar es Salaam Rovos Rail Tour

15 day The Romance of Rail Tours

The advantage of booking Rovos Rail with us

Highlights of the Cape to Dar es Salaam Rovos Rail Tour

Details of the Cape to Dar es Salaam Rovos Rail Tour

Bespoke Zanzibar extension

Map of the tour

Rovos Rail or Shongololo Express?

Bespoke private experiences

Romance of Rail

African Collage Rovos Rail Tour

African Collage Rovos Rail Tour

10/11 day Romance of Rail Tour

The advantage of booking Rovos Rail with us

Highlights of the African Collage Rovos Rail

Details of the African Collage Rovos Rail

Map of the tour

Rovos Rail or Shongololo Express?

Bespoke private experiences

Romance of Rail Tours

Ecotour National Parks of South Africa

Ecotour National Parks of South Africa

22-day round trip, South Africa

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

Highlights of the Ecotour National Parks of South Africa

Ecotour National Parks of South Africa in detail

Conservation Safari

Land of the Baobab and ancient ruins

Walking safari in the Kruger NP

Go on a horseback safari

Bush to beach: the Big Six

Map of the tour

Bespoke private experiences

You want to Travel Consciously

City of Gold & Safari in the Bush

City of Gold and Safari in the Bush

6-nights City Break in South Africa

“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy” – Ernest Hemingway

Highlights of the City of Gold and Safari in the Bush tour

City of Gold and Safari in the Bush in detail

The vibrant City of Gold

The Cradle of Humankind

Exclusive and unique Safari in the Bush

Map of the tour

Bespoke private experiences

Our City and Bush Breaks