Day 7 Makalali Game Reserve
In the morning you leave your train for a game drive in the Makalali game reserve. The area hosts many animal species in its diverse habitat including Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Black and White Rhino, Spotted and Brown Hyena, Cheetah and Wild Dogs.
Overnight on board. Meals included: (BLD)
Day 8 Panorama Route through the Drakensberg Mountains
By bus you enjoy the Panorama Route through the rugged Drakensberg mountain range. This legendary route winds along the steeply sloping Drakensberg escarpment, offering spectacular views across the plains of the Lowveld over three thousand feet below. The Bylde River Canyon, a gorge carved into the rock by the Blyde River over millions of years, is also quite simply breathtaking! Afterwards you will cross Kruger National Park before reaching your lodge. After leaving the park in the afternoon, the buses transfer you to your overnight accommodation at the safari lodge. During your stay at the lodge, your main luggage remains securely aboard your private train. Relax with a cool drink on the lodge terrace – and with some luck, watch the fascinating sight of elephants, hippos and crocodiles on the banks of Crocodile River. As night falls, the wildlife action continues with an exciting night safari in open Jeeps, offering a very different experience of this majestic natural park. Whatever that famous song says, lions do not usually sleep at night. Instead, they mostly hunt in the darkness – just like hyenas – so there is a good chance of seeing them in action! A truly memorable day ends with a bush dinner under the African night skies.
Overnight: Pestana Kruger Lodge. Meals included: (BD)
Day 9 On Safari in the Kruger National Park
Armed only with camera and binoculars, step aboard your open vehicle to enjoy the thrills of this extensive safari! With an area close to 20,000 km2, this national park is home to a stunning variety of wildlife, including the big five game animals. In the afternoon you get back to your train and continue in the direction of Maputo.
Overnight on board. Meals included: (BLD)
Day 10 Arrival in Maputo on the Indian Ocean
In the morning, your private train is already in Maputo. The station building, which dates back to 1910, is ranked as the most attractive in all of Africa. According to legend, the station is supposedly the work of none other than Gustav Eiffel. The sights on your bus tour of Mozambique’s capital include the Catholic Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens, the statue of Samora Machel, the country’s first and still much venerated president, and the oddly shaped Case Do Ferro, the Iron House. Naturally, a stop at one of Maputo’s bustling markets is also a must! Set directly on the Maputo Bay (formerly Delagoa Bay), the city has a vibrant yet relaxed, almost Caribbean atmosphere. In Maputo, from the colonial Portuguese buildings to the socialist apartment blocks, the traces of the past are still very much in evidence. As the sun climbs into the heavens, your bus drives on to the palm-lined beach – not only offering a contrast to urban life, but also perfect for a delicious lunch time platter of freshly caught fish and shellfish while enjoying the view over the bay. Back on board in the late afternoon, your private train continues its journey, heading for the South African border to the north.
Overnight on board. Meals included: (BLD)
Day 11 The Kingdom of Swaziland
The day’s programme begins with your air-conditioned buses leaving Mpaka for a visit to the Kingdom of Swaziland. This sovereign state ruled by King Mswati III is the second smallest country in Africa, and only half the size of Switzerland. You pass the Ezulwini valley, the capital Mbabane and Piggs Peak. The lively markets with their wealth of handcarved wooden artefacts and fine raffia craft products are ideal to find souvenirs for your loved ones at home! In the evening, your private train is waiting for you at Kaapmuiden station. While you enjoy your dinner on board, the train continues on towards Pretoria.
Overnight on board. Meals included: (BD)
Day 12 Pretoria
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to your rolling hotel. The programme starts with a city tour of Pretoria, South Africa’s capital. The hilltop site of the imposing Union Buildings, the official seat of the South African government, offers a magnificent view out across the city. In 1994, this was where Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president, was sworn in. Recently a larger-than-life statue of Nelson Mandela has been set up here, showing him with arms outstretched in welcome.
On arrival at your lodge for your night’s accommodation, you can relax and refuel in your chalet. The lodge’s spreading, luxuriously green garden offers a first taste of Africa’s highly diverse vegetation. In the evening, join the farewell dinner.
Overnight: Misty Hills Lodge (BLD)
Day 13 Au revoir Africa!
Enjoy a day at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your return flight or for onward journey. (B)
(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
