From the Indian Ocean to the Victoria Falls

Transcription

1 From the Indian Ocean to the Victoria Falls Four countries combined with an extraordinary train experience! Unique route on a comfortable private train through South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe Train journey through fascinating diverse landscapes: Highveld plateau and subtropical Lowveld, Drakensberg mountain range, Matabeleland savannah and the Hwange National Park Relaxed travelling in style without inland flights or needing to pack a suitcase every day More time for sightseeing your private train covers the longer stretches at night Fascinating wildlife safaris in the Kruger National Park and one night in a safari lodge In the Land of the Elephants: On safari in Hwange National Park The Victoria Falls: the Zambezi and the mist that thunders Maputo - Mozambique s capital city: A lively metropolis on the shores of the Indian Ocean South Africa s Panorama Route with the Blyde River Canyon and God s Window UNESCO World Heritage Site: Matobo National Park with Cecil Rhodes grave Discover South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe! A fabled ruined city: the Great Zimbabwe UNESCO World Heritage Site The small Kingdom of Swaziland Bulawayo Railway Museum not just for steam engine enthusiasts Pretoria, South Africa s capital city Overnight stay in a stylish safari lodge at the Zambezi National Park African experience: African speciality meal and dances in the Boma Restaurant

2 South Afica I Swaziland I Mozambique I Zimbabwe One train journey and four African countries! Discover the incomparable diversity of sights in South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Look forward to such highlights as the legendary Kruger National Park and the Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River as well as a host of sights off the standard tourist trail, including Maputo, the Matobo National Park and the Great Zimbabwe ruined city. This private train journey takes you through inspiring and constantly varied landscapes and all without the hassle of inland flights or having to re-pack suitcases every day. Enjoy exploring the fascination of these four countries as well as the extended wildlife safaris! Day 1 Pretoria Morning arrival at Johannesburg and transfer to the hotel. The day 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. Arrive at your lodge and check in. The lodge s spreading, luxuriously green garden offers a first taste of Africa s highly diverse vegetation. Join the welcome dinner tonight. (L D) Day 2 Welcome on board! In the late morning, it s All aboard! and your private train departs on its fascinating journey! An entertaining and informative on-board talk gives a fascinating insight into South African life and culture. Between Pretoria and the former Lourenco Marques-today s Maputo-the African Explorer follows the historical rail route. In the early evening, your train reaches Waterval Boven, passes tunnels and a waterfall, and finally arrives in the picturesque Elands river valley. (B L D) Day 3 The Kingdom of Swaziland The day s tour begins with your air-conditioned mini tour buses leaving Kaapmuiden for a visit to the Kingdom of Swaziland. From Piggs Peak, set among majestic hills, the journey continues on through Mbabane, Swaziland s capital, to the Ezulwini Valley. The lively markets with their wealth of hand-carved wooden artefacts and fine raffia craft products are ideal to find souvenirs for your loved ones at home! In the evening, your train is waiting for you at Mpaka station. Enjoy your dinner on board, the train continues on towards Maputo. (B D) Day 4 Arrival in Maputo on the Indian Ocean In the morning, your train arrives in Maputo. The station building, which dates back to 1910, is ranked as the most attractive in all of Africa. The sights on your coach 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. A stop at one of Maputo s bustling markets is also a must! (B L D) Day 5 On Safari in the Kruger National Park In the morning, your train arrives at the Kruger National Park, South Africa s legendary wildlife reserve. Armed only with camera and binoculars, step aboard your coach to enjoy the thrills of this extensive safari! After leaving the park at the Malelane Gate in the afternoon, you will be transferred by coach to your overnight accommodation at the Malelane safari lodge. Relax 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. A truly memorable day ends with a bush dinner under the African night skies. (B L D) Day 6 Panorama Route through the Drakensberg Mountains After exploring the south of the Kruger National Park by coach, it s time to leave the wealth of wildlife behind and take 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

3 carved into the rock by the Blyde River over millions of years, is simply breathtaking! In the late afternoon, your train is waiting to welcome you back on board. (B D) Day 7 By Train Across the Limpopo Your private train continues through the Soutpansberg Mountains and the land of the legendary Rain Queen Modjadji to the border town of Beitbridge. Here, your train crosses the Limpopo river and enters Zimbabwe. The day is dedicated to relaxation on your private train as it passes through the fascinatingly varied countryside on this stretch of your journey. (B L D) Day 8 Great Zimbabwe The highlight today is the excursion to the stunning ruined city of Great Zimbabwe. Over 1000 years old and once settlement housing up to people, Great Zimbabwe is Africa s largest pre-colonial monument south of the pyramids in Egypt. Even today, the massive mortarless walls of perfectly interlocking granite slabs still stand towering upwards into the sky. At the tiny Rutenga Station, your train awaits to take you on towards Matabeleland. (B D) Day 9 Cecil Rhodes Grave The day begins with a visit to the Matobo National Park, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is also a stopover to view some fine rock paintings by the San hunter-gatherers. The afternoon excursion continues with a short city tour of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe s second largest city and the heartlands of Matabeleland. Afterwards, there is a choice of either visiting the remarkable collections at the Natural History Museum or the Railway Museum. For train fans, the Railway Museum s display of old steam engines and Rhodes personal carriage is a must. Back on board for dinner, your private train journey continues on to the north. (B D) Day 10 In the Land of the Elephants-Hwange National Park At sunrise, you depart Dete station for a day out on an extensive safari through Hwange National Park. The Park renowned for its herds of elephants and Cape buffalo is Zimbabwe s largest and most important game reserve. With luck, that early start could yield sightings of elephants, giraffes and lions, as well as the rare wild dogs and sable antelopes. In the late afternoon, back on board as your train sets out for the last stop on its memorable journeythe Victoria Falls. (B L D) Day 11 The Victoria Falls The legendary Victoria Falls, just over one mile wide, is only a short walk from the station, and there is plenty of time to take in this spectacular sight. After enjoying the falls, join the transfer to your safari lodge. Enjoy the view from your private balcony of the lodge s on-site waterhole, which attracts many wild animals, and the magnificent panorama of the Zambezi National Park. In the afternoon, explore the Zambezi River by boat-with the chance of viewing elephants and hippos from close quarters. Enjoy a farewell dinner of a different kind-a braai barbecue of African specialities around a flickering camp fire. (B D) Day 12 Au revoir Africa! In the morning, transfer to Victoria Falls airport for your flight to Johannesburg. (B)

4 The Private Train Compartments on African Explorer Category Antelope The Antelope Category compartments (approx. 4m²) have two lower berths, a folding table concealing a washbasin, a fan, safe and a socket (220/230 V). An upper berth can be clapped down to provide additional storage space for luggage. Single compartments (approx. 2.5 m²) are equipped with a lower berth. The two Antelope Category cars each contain five double and two single sleeping compartments, a shower and two toilets. Experience has shown that there may be waiting times for the shower, which can also be used when your private train is not moving. Category Elephant In addition to the Antelope Category furnishings, the Elephant Category sleeping compartments offer a private shower and toilet, individually adjustable air-conditioning, and a small bedside cabinet. The compartments (approx. 7m²) are equipped with two berths in an L-shape (one lower and upper berth, partially overlapping), two individual berths next to each other, or a double berth. There are a total of six cars in the Elephant Category, each with five compartments. Category Leopard The Leopard Category sleeping compartments are approx. 10m² and equipped with two single berths or a double berth. Each compartment in this category also has a compact wardrobe and a small seating area. A hair-dryer and small toiletries are also provided. There are a total of two cars in the Leopard Category, each with three sleeper suites. Still water is provided daily in your compartment. You also enjoy especially attractive deluxe suites during your stay at the lodge at the Etosha National Park.

5 VICTORIA FALLS TO PRETORIA TOUR PRICES PER PERSON Start Date End Date Twin-Share Single Suppl. 15 Sep Sep 16 $8,495 $915 PRETORIA TO VICTORIA FALLS Start Date End Date Twin-Share Single Suppl. 4 Oct Oct 16 $8,495 $915 Above prices based on Category Antelope Twin-Share compartment To upgrade, add per person: Category Twin-Share Single Suppl. Category Elephant $2,190 $3,790 Category Leopard $4,015 On Request INCLUSIONS 8 nights on the African Explorer private train 1 night in a lodge with spreading garden near Johannesburg 1 night in a safari lodge at the entrance to the Kruger National Park 1 night in a stylish safari lodge near the Victoria Falls Excursions and transfers in air-conditioned buses Porter service from/to Johannesburg/Victoria Falls airports Fascinating series of on-board talks on sights, life and culture All meals as specified in the itinerary Specialty meals, local braai barbecue, and Biltong tasting session Multi-lingual Tour Director from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls throughout Doctor on board All excursions and sightseeing stops include admission fees NOT INCLUDED: International flights, travel insurance, gratuities, personal expenses, anything not mentioned above. GUIDEPOST TOURS Phone enquiries@guidepost-travel.com Lic 2TA5895 ATAS Accredited