Splendour of Africa Itinerary

Days 1 - 3 - Cape Town

Upon arrival at Cape Town airport you will be met by our representatives and transferred to your accommodation. You will spend three nights at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is Cape Town’s legendary luxury resort. The hotel of choice of cultured global travellers since 1899, a combination of a romantic heritage, warm professional service, timeless style and a magnificent setting, reinforces its reputation as one of the most iconic leisure hotels on the African continent. Conveniently located within the city’s cultural centre, the hotel is ideally situated for guests to explore the heart of the city, the V&A Waterfront (a ten minute drive from the hotel) and the best beaches.

Days 4 - 5 - Cape Town - Pretoria

You will be collected from the Mount Nelson Hotel and driven the short distance to the Rovos Rail Station for your train journey to Pretoria.

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches – classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition – and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.

In a series of train journeys lasting from 48 hours to a month, the Pride of Africa links some of Africa’s greatest destinations from Cape Town at the tip of Africa to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, from scenic splendours as diverse as the game reserves of Mpumalanga to the Victoria Falls, from the desert landscapes in Namibia and the stark beauty of the Karoo to the lush cane fields of KwaZulu-Natal and the magnificent Garden Route along the Cape south coast. The trains – which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey – carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. Pride of place in the Rovos stable goes to the historic and restored station and locomotive yard, which is the heart and headquarters of this private railway company.

Day 6 - Pretoria

Upon your arrival at Capital Park Station, you will be transferred to your accommodation at Illyria House, where you will spend one night.

Nominated as one of the most romantic destinations in South Africa, Illyria House is the ideal venue for an elegant wedding occasion. The Illyria House Estate comprises a magnificent colonial manor with only six suites, set in tranquil gardens with an exquisite heated pool, summer house and the delightfully different Oriental HideAway with six more rooms. It is a sanctuary of peace, where a sense of balance and tranquility pervades throughout Abundant with bird life, Illyria is often referred to as a “little paradise”.

Overlooking the Capital, Pretoria, also known as the Jacaranda City and a Garden City of the world, it is the ideal gateway to the African continent. Pretoria is a destination rich with the historic attractions illustrating the fascinating South African History and Illyria House is situated in close proximity to all the important sites.

Days 7 - 8 - Pretoria - Johannesburg - Maun - Moremi

You will be collected from your accommodation at transported to OR Tambo airport, where you will board you flight to Maun, Botswana. Upon arrival in Maun you will be met by our representatives and assisted with check-in to your light aircraft flight to the famous Moremi Game Reserve.

Nestled on the edge of a Leadwood and Figtree forest, overlooking the vast Khwai River floodplains and beyond into the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, lies Belmond Khwai River Lodge. You will spend two nights here, close to Africa's heartbeat, at the centre of a world that has not altered much since life began. You can sense the big game heritage from the moment you arrive.

Activities offered at the camp include morning and afternoon game drives in open Land cruisers, as well as after-dark spotlight game drives. A cultural visit to the local village can be arranged, as well as guided safari walks along the Khwai River.

Enjoy rare sighting of shy gentle animals that only come out at night – the aardvark (the mismatched mammal that appears to have the snout of a pig, the ears of a rabbit, the body of an ant eater, and the feet and tail of a kangaroo); the brush-tailed porcupine with its brush-like quills that make a peculiar noise when rattled; and the spring hare, all coming out of their hiding places to forage. They might also see the elusive small and large spotted genets on a nocturnal hunting spree.

For those wishing to enjoy further pampering, the lodge has a 'Naturally Wild' gym and spa facility. Guests are able to enjoy indulgent massages and body wraps in the spa or in the privacy of their own tent.

Days 9 - 10 - Moremi - Okavango

Just a short flight leaves Moremi behind and takes you to the heart of the Okavango Delta.

Belmond Eagle Island Lodge has reopened as the ultimate Okavango Delta water & experience focused safari lodge, unveiling a sleek new look after an almost total rebuild. You will spend two nights here.

The lodge is decorated to reflect an explorer’s base. Design highlights in the twelve spacious deluxe tented rooms include oversized beds with views of the delta, large outdoor decks with a vista, private plunge pools, indoor & outdoor showers, a reading nook and walk-in wardrobes.

Fully rebuilt public areas include a stylish dining area with a pizza oven, a lounge area with an artisan-style bar, a library, a campfire area and the Fish Eagle Bar which is located directly on the water. Local artisans and materials were used throughout the renovations.

The lodge offers a variety of water-focused safari activities including motorboat safaris, barge cruises, mokoro safaris (a local canoe), fishing, as well as walking safaris and the ultimate air safari experience by helicopter.

Day 11 - Okavango - Kasane - Zambezi National Park

Today you light aircraft flight takes you to Kasane from where you will be transferred to Victoria Falls River Lodge in Zimbabwe, where you will spend two nights.

Victoria Falls River Lodge is the first private game lodge to be built in the Zambezi National Park. This luxury tented lodge is situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River – so close to Victoria Falls one can see the spray in the distance!

The Victoria Falls River Lodge is built upon raised decks, and sheltered by an extensive thatched roof, the 13 luxurious ‘tents’ are tastefully decorated in earthy hues with liberal splashes of crisp white, soothing sage and duck egg blue. Each offers a larger than king size bed (twin bed configurations are also possible in all rooms), comfortable sitting area, indoor and outdoor showers and a private viewing deck with plunge pool whereupon guests are able to sit comfortably and watch the hippos wallowing.

Your stay will include transfers (shared) from/to the Victoria Falls Airport, all meals, local beverages, an optional daily transfer from camp (typically departing at 10h00 and returning at 15h00) to Victoria Falls town, a Tour of the Falls (part of daily transfer to town, the entry fee into the Rainforest is for guest’s own account), bird watching on Kandahar Island, two game activities – i.e. a choice of either a morning/afternoon game drive in the Zambezi National Park, and a sunrise/sunset river cruise – per person per day (subject to availability). Snacks & drinks are included on the game drives and/or the sunset river cruises.

Day 12 - Zambezi National Park

Today you enjoy a private tour of the famous Victoria Falls, including a specialist guide and the all important raincoats!

The Victoria Falls – Now In Its 150 Millionth Fantastic Year - Reaches Its Zenith in About May each year. It's a truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here indeed is Nature's Supreme Masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality…and nothing prepares you for your first sight.

This tour is conducted in the morning and afternoon. En route, clients may be taken past the 'Big Tree' where they may stop and take photos. Clients will be accompanied through the Rainforest by one of our qualified Guides who will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. Guides are also happy to assist clients with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed.

Day 13 - Zambezi National Park - Victoria Falls - Johannesburg

Today you will be taken to Victoria Falls airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival at OR Tambo, our representatives will meet you and assist you to your onwards flight.

CONTACT

Contact the Luxury Safari Club for more information or to book the Splendour of Africa Safari.