This is a 10 day luxury tour which starts in the Northern Province and Mpumalanga and ends in Cape Town. Highlights of this trip are two days at a Private Game Reserve on the border of the Kruger National Park, game viewing from a hot air balloon, two nights aboard Rovos Rail one of the most luxurious trains in the world, two nights at the 5 Star La Grand Roche in Paarl outside Cape Town, plus a helicopter ride over Cape Town.
South Africa Luxury Tour
Ref W127
Ref W127
DAY 1
Arrive in Johannesburg and catch a commercial flight to Hoedspruit. From here it is a short drive to Tshukudu Lodge your home for the next few days. Check into the Lodge which is situated on the periphery of the famous Kruger National Park and enjoy a late lunch followed by an afternoon game drive where it is possible to see a large number of wild animals which may include the Big Five.
Arrive in Johannesburg and catch a commercial flight to Hoedspruit. From here it is a short drive to Tshukudu Lodge your home for the next few days. Check into the Lodge which is situated on the periphery of the famous Kruger National Park and enjoy a late lunch followed by an afternoon game drive where it is possible to see a large number of wild animals which may include the Big Five.
DAY 2
Full day safari to view animals either in a safari vehicle or on foot accompanied by a professional guide.
Full day safari to view animals either in a safari vehicle or on foot accompanied by a professional guide.
DAY 3
Half day safari followed by a drive to Hazeyview where you will overnight.
DAY 4
Balloon flights in South Africa usually take place at sunrise before thermal activity starts. Before dawn, drive a short distance to Otters Den where you will experience the magic of lighter-than-air flight in a hot air balloon over the Lowveld Big Game areas adjoining the Kruger National Park. This safe, enjoyable and informative adventure will be one of the highlights of your visit to Big Game Country. A gentle descent takes you above treetop level and with a light breeze you fly away over the African bush. All maneuvers are smooth and silent with the exception of short bursts of the burner. Enjoy the wonderful feeling of freedom floating through the sky as slow as a cloud and as free as a bird. As the balloon is completely dependent on the wind and its direction you never know where you will go. Game spotting cannot be guaranteed but on most flights you will see giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, nyala, impala, bushbuck, waterbuck, duiker and warthog. Rhino, buffalo, elephant and lion are more difficult to spot, but there is always a good chance. The retrieve vehicle will follow on the ground and after approximately an hour's flight, they will meet you at the landing zone. Passengers don't have to be physically fit, but must be prepared to stand in the basket for at least an hour. Balloon flying is dependent on the weather and we cannot guarantee a safe flight in strong wind, hot weather or rainy conditions.
Half day safari followed by a drive to Hazeyview where you will overnight.
DAY 4
Balloon flights in South Africa usually take place at sunrise before thermal activity starts. Before dawn, drive a short distance to Otters Den where you will experience the magic of lighter-than-air flight in a hot air balloon over the Lowveld Big Game areas adjoining the Kruger National Park. This safe, enjoyable and informative adventure will be one of the highlights of your visit to Big Game Country. A gentle descent takes you above treetop level and with a light breeze you fly away over the African bush. All maneuvers are smooth and silent with the exception of short bursts of the burner. Enjoy the wonderful feeling of freedom floating through the sky as slow as a cloud and as free as a bird. As the balloon is completely dependent on the wind and its direction you never know where you will go. Game spotting cannot be guaranteed but on most flights you will see giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, nyala, impala, bushbuck, waterbuck, duiker and warthog. Rhino, buffalo, elephant and lion are more difficult to spot, but there is always a good chance. The retrieve vehicle will follow on the ground and after approximately an hour's flight, they will meet you at the landing zone. Passengers don't have to be physically fit, but must be prepared to stand in the basket for at least an hour. Balloon flying is dependent on the weather and we cannot guarantee a safe flight in strong wind, hot weather or rainy conditions.
As ballooning is an outdoor activity you should wear practical clothes, preferably cotton; a sweater will help shield the early morning chill and stout shoes are necessary. If you are tall and sensitive to the heat of the burner please bring your sunglasses and a hat. Remember to bring your camera, but please note that there is no insurance for camera equipment. Sparkling wine and fruit juice will be served after the flight and passengers are then invited to enjoy a breakfast at Otters Den.
After breakfast you will take the Panarama Tour which can include a stop at Gods Window, not far from Graskop for a scenic view over the Lowveld, Bourke’s Luck Potholes - the cylinder shaped holes made in the granite rock by the Blyde River, the Blydepoort Canyon where you can look down on the rock formations called the Three Rondawels because they resemble African huts and Pilgrim’s Rest, a charming 1871 mining town that has been lovingly restored and is fully operational.
Return to Hazeyview for the night.
After breakfast you will take the Panarama Tour which can include a stop at Gods Window, not far from Graskop for a scenic view over the Lowveld, Bourke’s Luck Potholes - the cylinder shaped holes made in the granite rock by the Blyde River, the Blydepoort Canyon where you can look down on the rock formations called the Three Rondawels because they resemble African huts and Pilgrim’s Rest, a charming 1871 mining town that has been lovingly restored and is fully operational.
Return to Hazeyview for the night.
DAY 5
After a leisurely breakfast leave for the transfer to Nelspruit for the flight back to Johannesburg. On arrival in Johannesburg you will drive to Capital Park in Pretoria - the home of Rovos Rail, the most luxurious train in the world for your onward trip to Cape Town. There is no finer way to see the country than on this 48 hour journey. The rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world and offer every modern convenience and comfort. The epitome of luxury, with handsome wood paneling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. The fittings and facilities are of the highest standard and each suite is equipped with a writing desk and a personal safe for valuables. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of the passengers’ choice and room service is available 24 hours a day. In the en suite bathrooms the original fittings combine with modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.
After a leisurely breakfast leave for the transfer to Nelspruit for the flight back to Johannesburg. On arrival in Johannesburg you will drive to Capital Park in Pretoria - the home of Rovos Rail, the most luxurious train in the world for your onward trip to Cape Town. There is no finer way to see the country than on this 48 hour journey. The rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world and offer every modern convenience and comfort. The epitome of luxury, with handsome wood paneling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. The fittings and facilities are of the highest standard and each suite is equipped with a writing desk and a personal safe for valuables. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of the passengers’ choice and room service is available 24 hours a day. In the en suite bathrooms the original fittings combine with modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.
DAY 6
10am arrival in Kimberley, the diamond boom town that is home to the Big Hole, the world’s largest man-made excavation. You will visit the Big Hole, the Diamond Museum and take a tram ride.
10am arrival in Kimberley, the diamond boom town that is home to the Big Hole, the world’s largest man-made excavation. You will visit the Big Hole, the Diamond Museum and take a tram ride.
DAY 7
Visit the historic village of Matjiesfontein before proceeding via Touws River, De Doorns and Worchester to Cape Town. On arrival in Cape Town at 6 pm you will drive a short distance to Paarl and the Five Star Grande Roche Hotel, your home or the next three nights whilst you explore Cape Town and the surrounding areas. The Grande Roche of Paarl has become a legend on the local hospitality scene for a formidable array of awards and culinary accolades since it’s opening in January 1992. It is a member of the Relais & Châteaux, one of the 459 members in 51 countries throughout the world. Grande Roche has won the Hotel of the Year award for its incredible attention to detail, impeccable grounds, excellent food, and superb levels of luxury. The character of Grande Roche Hotel comes from its exquisite setting in a gracious Cape Dutch homestead, on a working farm in the heart of the Cape Wine lands, with the backdrop of Paarl Mountain and its distinctive granite rock which gives the hotel its name.
Visit the historic village of Matjiesfontein before proceeding via Touws River, De Doorns and Worchester to Cape Town. On arrival in Cape Town at 6 pm you will drive a short distance to Paarl and the Five Star Grande Roche Hotel, your home or the next three nights whilst you explore Cape Town and the surrounding areas. The Grande Roche of Paarl has become a legend on the local hospitality scene for a formidable array of awards and culinary accolades since it’s opening in January 1992. It is a member of the Relais & Châteaux, one of the 459 members in 51 countries throughout the world. Grande Roche has won the Hotel of the Year award for its incredible attention to detail, impeccable grounds, excellent food, and superb levels of luxury. The character of Grande Roche Hotel comes from its exquisite setting in a gracious Cape Dutch homestead, on a working farm in the heart of the Cape Wine lands, with the backdrop of Paarl Mountain and its distinctive granite rock which gives the hotel its name.
DAY 8
After a leisurely breakfast your guide will take you on a tour of the Atlantic Seaboard. Travel to Maidon`s Cove to view Twelve Apostles before continuing on to Hout Bay via Chapman`s Peak Drive which is one of the most spectacular drives in South Africa. Drive through the Cape of Good Hope National Park to see the most South Western point on the African continent. Then on to Simonstown to visit the breeding place of the African Penguins. After lunch take beautiful Boyes Drive through Bishopscourt, and Newlands, past the University of Cape Town. Weather permitting, ride the Cable Car to the top of Table Mountain - a most wonderful experience. Return to the wine farm.
After a leisurely breakfast your guide will take you on a tour of the Atlantic Seaboard. Travel to Maidon`s Cove to view Twelve Apostles before continuing on to Hout Bay via Chapman`s Peak Drive which is one of the most spectacular drives in South Africa. Drive through the Cape of Good Hope National Park to see the most South Western point on the African continent. Then on to Simonstown to visit the breeding place of the African Penguins. After lunch take beautiful Boyes Drive through Bishopscourt, and Newlands, past the University of Cape Town. Weather permitting, ride the Cable Car to the top of Table Mountain - a most wonderful experience. Return to the wine farm.
DAY 9
South Africa produces some of the best wines in the world and today will be spent visiting some of the most famous wine estates in the Paarl and Stelenbosch areas.
South Africa produces some of the best wines in the world and today will be spent visiting some of the most famous wine estates in the Paarl and Stelenbosch areas.
DAY 10
Leave Paarl after breakfast and drive to Cape Town for a City Tour to include Green Market Square and the Company Gardens. This will be followed by a visit to the V & A Waterfront, famous for its array of shops, markets and restaurants. Early afternoon take a helicopter flight over Cape Town to view the City and its surrounds from the air.
Leave Paarl after breakfast and drive to Cape Town for a City Tour to include Green Market Square and the Company Gardens. This will be followed by a visit to the V & A Waterfront, famous for its array of shops, markets and restaurants. Early afternoon take a helicopter flight over Cape Town to view the City and its surrounds from the air.
Early evening flight back to Europe.