South Africa with Rovos Rail

After our morning arrival, we visit the Apartheid Museum, taking us on a fascinating, horrifying, humbling and ultimately inspiring journey from the dark days of ‘whites only’ privilege, through to Nelson Mandela’s historic release. It’s a truly fascinating exhibition charting the apartheid years and the struggle against it, culminating in the first democratic elections. It is a superbly presented walk through contemporary history using original material, riveting eyewitness accounts, photographs and film.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

After breakfast we depart for the open spaces and farmlands of the Highveld, following the Panorama Route to Kruger National Park, one of the most scenic drives in South Africa. We follow the spectacular rim of the Blyde River Canyon, an amazing 20-mile long and 2,300-foot-deep gorge cutting a vast swathe through the Great Escarpment separating the temperate grasslands of the highveld and the drier savannah beyond. Deep circular rock formations created by years of erosion and many excellent vantage points offer superb photo opportunities for some of the most breath-taking views in Africa.

Our hotel for the next three nights is beautifully located in the midst of lush forest on the banks of the Sabie River on the edge of the National Park. Dinner is included tonight.

Today we have a full day’s game drive in specially adapted 10 seat 4x4 vehicles. Experience areas of sweeping savannah, bisected by rivers full of hippos, muddy waterholes lined with animals quenching their thirst, and the bush itself, studded by biscuit-coloured termite mounds.

There is simply nothing to beat that rising feeling of anticipation and excitement as we enter the nearby park in the half-light of the spectacular African dawn, surrounded by the noise of a unique ‘dawn chorus’. Which animal shall we spot first? Perhaps an elephant, a family of warthogs or possibly even the elusive cheetah. The experienced game rangers know the best tracks and waterholes whilst their stories will amuse, inform and fascinate you. Most have lived here all their lives, accumulating a vast wealth of knowledge.

This is a day at leisure for anyone who just wants to take it easy by one of the pools at the hotel or do some hippo-spotting from the lovely lawn overlooking the river.

Alternatively, you could try river rafting (subject to weather conditions), as well as sunset safaris or night safaris where you can experience the unique thrill of an open 4x4 vehicle game drive by spotlight. Exclusively for Riviera Travel guests, there are also a limited number of places available to stay the night at a tented camp and go on a bushwalk.

Today we leave Kruger on our way to the battlefields of Zululand. After breakfast we’ll drive south, entering the small but scenically beautiful country of Eswatini. As the road climbs past the interestingly named Piggs Peak we descend through lush green fields and rolling hills interspersed with small farms and drive through the country’s small capital Mbabane, passing the parliament house and Royal Palace en route.

We cross back into South Africa in the afternoon and enter Kwazulu Natal province.

After breakfast we visit the battlefields of the Zulu Wars, Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift – one a crushing British defeat sending shock waves throughout the Empire, the other a valiant stand of just 140 against 4,000 Zulus. Brilliantly dramatised in the films Zulu Dawn and Zulu, these two battles, just a day apart, became a defining moment for the British Empire. In 1879 at Isandlwana, a depleted force of 1,300 were surprised and outmanoeuvred by a 20,000-strong Zulu army armed with cowhide shields and spears. Only a handful survived.

The next day just 9 miles away, about 140 British soldiers, some wounded, held off 4,000 Zulus for over ten hours at Rorke’s Drift, an action earning eleven Victoria Crosses, the largest number ever awarded in a single engagement. Isandlwana particularly, remains a haunting and lonely place, with mass graves marked by simple white stones. Our specialist Zulu guide will really make those desperate encounters come alive.

We return to our hotel in the afternoon. Lunch is included today.

After breakfast we return to Johannesburg airport, flying to George in the Western Cape and at the heart of the gorgeous Garden Route, before the short drive to the coastal town of Mossel Bay.

Dinner at a local restaurant is included tonight.

We will depart our hotel in the morning and drive to Knysna where we take a ferry across the lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve site which we explore by 4x4 vehicle. We stop at some magnificent viewpoints whilst our guide describes the area’s fauna, flora, history and shipwrecks, followed by an easy downhill guided walk and delicious buffet lunch under the canopy of the milkwood trees (note: due to weather conditions over the winter period, departures between May and Aug will have lunch at a restaurant in Knysna). After taking the ferry back to Knysna, you will have some free time to explore this small town, with its numerous art galleries, craft shops and the Knysna Quays marina shopping complex.

This morning, we take the long scenic drive to the Cape’s beautiful Winelands before continuing to Hermanus, a lovely town that’s also the world’s best spot for onshore whale watching, usually between July and November. These gentle giants move in seemingly permanent slow motion and are a truly amazing sight as they playfully cavort in the water.

Today we tour the awesomely beautiful Winelands. Set in a valley backed by majestic mountains, rows of manicured vines and orchards stretch into a distance studded by lime-washed, often thatched, 300-year-old wineries built in the unique Cape Dutch style, seemingly mirroring the undulations of the surrounding countryside.

Our first stop is elegant Stellenbosch, established 300 years ago and home of South Africa’s most prestigious university. Period buildings and historic streets reinforce the town’s dignified atmosphere. We have time to explore this delightful town before enjoying a fascinating cellar tour and tasting at the award-winning Neethlingshof Wine Estate.

After that, we visit the small town of Franschhoek, set at the head of a valley. Tonight, we’ll enjoy an included typical South African BBQ or Cape Malay buffet dinner at our hotel.

This morning we'll visit the amazing Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, located just outside Cape Town and set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. With more than 7,000 plant species, most of which are unique to this part of the world (keep an eye out for all kinds of proteas, birds of paradise, wild gardenia, and much more). There are also artworks and sculptures scattered throughout its 1,300 acres. These incredible gardens are some of the best in South Africa - a gardener's paradise! 

We'll carry on to Cape Town. Our hotel is located right in the centre of this bustling city, within walking distance of the V&A waterfront, so you'll be well-placed for an afternoon at leisure exploring the city.

This morning we'll drive out of the city past pristine beaches to the fishing harbour of Hout Bay, a former fishing village surrounded by mountains, ocean and quintessential South African wine farm. 

We'll continue on Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the most scenic drives in the world. From Hout Bay, it begins to climb and winds steeply up to Chapman's offering rugged coastal views out over the Atlantic and the sandy bays below before reaching lower levels again at Noordhoek. Then we’ll drive through Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site and protected Nature Reserve with rich biodiversity - be on the lookout for ostriches, baboons and several species of antelopes as well as 250 different bird species. 

Next, we'll see the rugged rocks and sheer cliffs of Cape Point itself, stopping to take in the views. We'll see the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean currents and the treacherous promontory of rocks and swells, the scourge of mariners for centuries. 

Finally, we'll visit Boulders Beach and its penguin colony. Here you can see a colony of African Penguins - formerly known as Jackass Penguins because of their distinctive braying - in their natural habitat from a series of wooden walkways. Watch as they dive in and out of the calm waters of this sheltered bay and waddle up the beach back to their sand-dune burrows. It's a fascinating experience that is cute enough to warm even the hardest heart - you won't be able to resist taking a picture!

We'll return to the city during the afternoon and spend the evening at leisure.

Cape Town, featuring British, Dutch and Cape Malay influences, is simply one of the world’s most naturally beautiful cities with so much to offer the visitor! You could do some bargain shopping at the Waterfront, followed by a sumptuous seafood lunch. Or maybe go peoplewatching at fashionable Camps Bay?

Obviously, no visit to Cape Town is complete without taking a revolving cable car ride to the top of iconic Table Mountain which has announced the city to generations of seafarers. The views are fabulous. You should also visit Robben Island (weather permitting and based on availability), where Nelson Mandela spent most of his 27- year incarceration, and whose visitors since its opening have included Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Gates and even Nelson Mandela himself.

Perhaps though, simply wander where your feet take you, or relax a little, taking afternoon tea in beautiful colonial splendour at the Mount Nelson hotel – the choice is yours.

Enjoy the morning at leisure in Cape Town before boarding the Rovos Rail this afternoon.  

 After boarding the vintage, wood-panelled carriage, it'll be time to settle into your luxurious cabins. To maintain the spirit of a bygone era, the train has no radio or television onboard, allowing you to switch off and completely relax. During our journey through the Winelands, we'll have the opportunity to enjoy a classic afternoon tea in the Lounge and Observation cars. While we dine, we'll experience the area's natural beauty through the large carriage windows or mingle with your fellow travellers. 

 Listen out for the gong that heralds tonight’s meal and make your way to one of the two dining cars for the most delicious dinner, featuring fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes.  

After breakfast, we disembark the train at Matjiesfontein for an opportunity to stroll through the historic village. This tiny village on the edge of the Great Karoo was founded by legendary Scottish railwayman James Douglas Logan in 1884, establishing itself as a fashionable Victorian health spa. Today the village is described as a living museum thanks to its historical architecture. Here you can enjoy a sense of peace that is rare in the modern world.  

 Of special interest is the museum on the platform of the railway station. See the station master's office, which dates back to the late 1800s and the original signal room. Classic car enthusiasts can find a remarkable collection of vintage cars from the 1930s-1960s, including two Royal Daimlers from King George VI's 1947 tour of South Africa.

We then continue through the Karoo, a vast semi-desert. This timeless landscape is South Africa's answer to the Australian Outback or America's Chihuahuan Desert. We'll glide through the extensive open plains that were once an enormous inland sea. The ever-changing scenery provides a visual feast, with hues of green, gold, and amber stretching as far as the eye can see. 

Wake up to the breathtaking African landscape, a vast captivating panorama that greets you as you rise. Indulge in a delicious breakfast, sipping coffee or tea while the gentle rhythm of the train sets the perfect backdrop for a tranquil morning. 

After breakfast, we'll embark on an insightful tour of Kimberley, a town steeped in diamond-producing history. The city holds a prominent place in South Africa's rich mining heritage, its most iconic landmark is the Kimberley Big Hole. This astonishing man-made hole descends over 700 feet into the earth. The colossal excavation is a testament to the determination and perseverance of the thousands of miners who toiled in pursuit of precious diamonds. 

We learn about Kimberley's diamond legacy with a visit to the nearby Diamond Museum. The museum showcases the history of the mine, which was discovered in South Africa in 1866 near Hopetown in the Northern Cape. Only three years later, the 83-carat Star of South Africa was found nearby, triggering a diamond rush. The exhibits offer a poignant look at the hardships and triumphs of those who dedicated their lives to diamond mining. 

We will have breakfast on board before disembarking for a sightseeing tour of Pretoria. The city is known for its lovely old buildings, important historical landmarks, affluent neighbourhoods with lots of greenery, and spacious roads lined with jacaranda trees.  

Later this afternoon, it's time to say goodbye and start your journey home.