SOUTH AFRICA & NAMIBIA BY PRIVATE TRAIN

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1 SOUTH AFRICA & NAMIBIA BY PRIVATE TRAIN A journey from Pretoria to Swakopmund aboard the luxurious PRIDE OF AFRICA 3 rd to 15 th April 2018 & 2 nd to 14 th April 2019

2 This magical journey aboard the luxurious Pride of Africa will take you from the savannahs of the Highveld to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. 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. The majesty of the landscapes we travel through cast a lifelong spell on all who visit. We depart from Pretoria bound for Kimberley, the location of one of the world s most famous diamond rushes and where we will visit the Big Hole. The railway line then traverses the stark vistas of the arid Northern Cape into Namibia which boasts seascapes, rugged mountains, lonely deserts, stunning and diverse wildlife and colonial cities. One of the numerous highlights will be a visit to the Fish River Canyon, second in size to the Grand Canyon and a truly spectacular sight. However the ultimate highlight for many will be the sand dunes at Sossusvlei for which Namibia is so renowned. Skelet on N A M I B Coast ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK D E S E RT NAMIB-NAUKLUFT Swakopmund NATIONAL PARK Windhoek Walvis Bay Sossusvlei NA M I B D E S E R T SOUTH A TLANTIC OCEAN Otjiwarongo NAMIBIA THE DAMARALAND KALAHARI DESERT Holoog Keetmanshoop Fish River Canyon Upington SOUTH AFRICA B O T S W A N A Kimberley Pretoria Franschhoek Cape Soussusvlei lies in the heart of the Namib Desert and is home Town Simonstown Stellenbosch to the world s tallest sand dunes, some of which tower over 300 metres high. Watching the changing mood and colours at sunrise and sunset is truly a once in a lifetime experience. After a night s stay with desert drives and a bush dinner, we rejoin the train in Windhoek and continue overnight to Otjiwarongo. A night is spent at the Mokuti Game Lodge on the eastern edge of the game-rich Etosha National Park where we enjoy some game drives. Our journey continues on to Swakopmund, a perfectly preserved 19th century German Hansa town set between the dunes of the Namib Desert and the roaring Atlantic Ocean; an unforgettable end to a remarkable journey. Our View If you enjoy travelling by train and have a hankering to explore South Africa and Namibia then this is the perfect opportunity. From its home at Capital Park, Pretoria, the Pride of Africa will take you on a journey of discovery through some of the most historic and scenic areas of Southern Africa. The train will carry you in world-class style and comfort from the savannahs of the Highveld to the Atlantic Ocean, reuniting by rail the republics of South Africa and Namibia. Journey s end is at Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia. At this perfectly preserved 19th century German Hansa the Namib desert dunes meet the ocean. This is a remarkable sight and a fitting end for this fascinating journey. There s no finer way to explore this desert land than by luxury train.

3 Fish River Canyon Lion, Etosha National Park Quiver Tree Forest Elephants at a waterhole, Etosha National Park The Itinerary Day 1 London Heathrow to Johannesburg, South Africa. Fly by scheduled flight. Day 2 Pretoria. Arrive this morning and transfer to the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel for an overnight stay. Located opposite the Union Buildings, this five star hotel is elegantly designed and the facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and a health club. The 175 lavish guestrooms all feature cable TV, a seating area and marble bathrooms with luxury amenities. This afternoon we take a tour to explore Pretoria, the administrative and diplomatic capital of South Africa and its several impressive buildings such as the Palace of Justice and the old Raadsaal (parliament) of the South African Republic. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Day 3 Embark Pride of Africa. Transfer to Rovos Rail s private station in Capital Park for an early afternoon departure. This gracious colonial style railway station was once the bustling hub of steam locomotion in the old Transvaal. Spend some time familiarising yourself with your suite and the train before joining fellow travellers in the midway lounge car or observation carriage and enjoying dinner on board tonight. Day 4 Kimberley. After breakfast on board and shortly before we arrive in Kimberley there is a shallow lake on the right hand side where, on most occasions, there are spectacular flocks of flamingos. In Kimberley, the Pride of Africa enters one of the finest Victorian railway stations in Africa. Kimberley is one of South Africa s best-kept secrets. Somewhat off the beaten track, it does not receive the high volume of tourist traffic, which its history and commercial importance would presume. The story of Kimberley is the story of diamonds. The romantic associations of diamonds, De Beers, Cecil John Rhodes and the Cape-to-Cairo railway are all centred on Kimberley. On arrival, join the tour of the city, the Big Hole and the Mine Museum. Lunch and dinner are served on board today. Day 5 Upington. We arrive into Upington this morning where we take a walking tour. Sir Thomas Upington, attorney general of the Cape, was the man principally responsible for liquidating the business activities of the Orange River pirates and capturing their leader, Klaas Lucas. When the desperadoes were finally chased away in 1884, the town was founded on the banks of the Orange River and named Upington in honour of Sir Thomas. The railway reaches the town by means of a bridge 1067 metres long, the second longest bridge in South Africa. The town is the centre for considerable industry in the production of lucerne, sultanas, raisins, dried fruits, cotton, peas, karakul sheep, goats and cattle as well as a thriving wine industry. Day 6 Fish River Canyon, Namibia. The Fish River Canyon is second only to the Grand Canyon in Arizona in geological importance. Eroded over many millennia, the canyon is the second largest natural gorge in Africa, 161 kilometres long, 549 metres deep and in some places 27 kilometres wide. Baboon, rock dassie, ground squirrel and klipspringer are often seen in the canyon, while the presence of leopard and mountain zebra is indicated by tracks left at waterholes. After returning to the train for lunch we depart Holoog for Keetmanshoop. From here we take an excursion to the Quiver Tree Forest. The quiver tree is not really a tree, rather a plant of the genus aloe, as evident from its scientific name, and one of the few species of aloe that reaches tree proportions, it can grow seven to nine metres high. It has a stout stem that may grow to one metre in diameter and is covered with beautiful golden brown scales with sharp edges. The crown consists of numerous forked branches, which gives the species its name dichotoma, which means forked. Day 7 Windhoek & Sossusvlei. The train arrives in Windhoek this morning for a visit to the train museum followed by a city tour after which we depart in a light aircraft for a one hour flight to Sossusvlei in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Sossusvlei boasts vivid pink-orange sand dunes, amongst the highest in the world with many above 200 metres, a truly spectacular sight. The highest dune is nicknamed Big Daddy at 380 metres high. Enjoy lunch, a desert drive and a bush dinner before transferring to the Sossusvlei Lodge for an overnight stay. Towering over the sand dunes of the Namib Desert, this lodge offers an outdoor pool and a dining terrace overlooking a floodlit waterhole. The 45 luxurious accommodation units are uniquely designed to blend in with the natural surrounding environment. Day 8 Sossusvlei to Windhoek. Enjoy a desert excursion with breakfast in the vlei before our return flight to Windhoek where we re-embark the Pride of Africa for lunch. Afternoon at leisure on board. Day 9 Otjiwarongo & Etosha National Park. This morning we arrive in Otjiwarongo which translates as the beautiful place of the fat cow and is the centre of Namibia s cattle farming. Originally established as a mission station in the hope of converting the indigenous people s traditional beliefs into Christianity, it is today a place of great diversity, culture and scenic beauty. We will transfer to the Mokuti Lodge for an overnight stay. Mokuti Etosha Lodge is situated just five minutes drive from the entrance of the Etosha National Park. The 106 spacious accommodations are decorated with Namibian crafts and rich fabrics. The Tambuti Dining Room and Marula Bar serve a variety of dishes and the open-air Boma Restaurant serves African grill specialities in a magical setting with its thatched roof and chandeliers. Enjoy lunch at the lodge before an afternoon game drive. Day 10 Etosha National Park. Morning game drive into Etosha Pan. The Etosha National Park, consisting of 22,270 square kilometres of saline desert, savannah and woodlands, is one of the largest parks in Africa. Its definitive feature is the Etosha Pan, a vast, shallow depression of approximately 5,000 square kilometres. For the greater part of the year the pan is a place of mirages. Its dry, flat, salt encrusted surface shimmers in the heat with a strange effect of the wild animals seemingly floating in dream like pools. Seeing vast herds of game against this eerie backdrop makes the Etosha game viewing experience unique. Depart by coach from Mokuti Lodge and rejoin the Pride of Africa in Otjiwarongo for lunch and an afternoon relaxing on board.

4 POST-TOUR CAPE TOWN EXTENSION 14 th to 18 th April 2018 & 13th to 17th April 2019 For those who would like to spend some time in Cape Town, we are offering a three night extension at the luxurious Table Bay Hotel. The spectacular Big Daddy dune at Sossusvlei The Big Hole, Kimberley Day 11 Walvis Bay to Swakopmund. Disembark this morning in Walvis Bay and transfer to the Strand Hotel Swakopmund for an overnight stay. The hotel is located directly on the mole (promenade) in Swakopmund, surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean, with direct access to the main beach in town. On the fourth side, it backs on to the town s beautiful central park, through which it is a short five minute walk to the historic centre of Swakopmund. Enjoy a day at leisure to explore this charming Victorianera colonial seaside town with its European cafes, German bakeries and architecture, restaurants and shops. Day 12 Walvis Bay to London. Transfer to Walvis Bay Airport for your return indirect scheduled flight to London Heathrow. Day 13 London Heathrow. Arrive this morning. Please note that hotels used may vary to those stated but will be of the same standard. PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy Pullman Suite Deluxe Suite Royal Suite Pullman Suite for sole use Deluxe Suite for sole use Royal Suite for sole use Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight hotel accommodation in Pretoria at the Sheraton Pretoria (or similar) on bed and breakfast basis, six nights aboard the Pride of Africa on full board basis, overnight accommodation in Sossusvlei Lodge and Mokuti Lodge on full board basis, all drinks on board the train (excluding certain premium label spirits, wines and champagnes), onboard Tour Director, overnight accommodation at the Strand Hotel (or similar) on bed and breakfast basis, excursions, local guides, transfers, airport taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, visas, gratuities. Day 1 Walvis Bay to Cape Town, South Africa. Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive in the afternoon and transfer to the Table Bay Hotel located on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront for a three night stay. Day 2 Full Day Winelands Tour. A superb day dedicated to celebrating the glorious grape, the exceptional winelands region and the heavenly scenery. Our first visit is to the Backsberg Estate, a family working farm in the heart of the winelands where we will enjoy a wine and cheese tasting. We then continue to Franschhoek which, known as the the food and wine capital, is a town with old vineyards and a strong French influence. Here we find many farms which were named after different areas in France from which the Huguenot refugee settlers originated and the Huguenot Monument at the end of the town honours the area s French settlers. For our next wine tasting and lunch we will visit Mont Rochelle, a hotel and 37 hectares of lush vineyard which is now owned by Sir Richard Branson. Afterwards we take a walking tour of Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa and we will see some of the town s architectural history. Stellenbosch is home to some of the finest wines and has a history of producing wine dating back to the 17th century. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Day 3 Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour. Our journey to Cape Vineyard, Stellenbosch Point takes us along the scenic Atlantic seaboard coastal road. We pass the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, with their soft white sand and azure blue water before arriving at the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay with its imposing Sentinel. Our tour continues over Chapman s Peak, which is one of the most spectacular marine drives and to Cape Point at the tip of the Cape Peninsula which is a nature reserve within Table Mountain National Park and a Natural World Heritage Site. Here there is a variety of flora and fauna, baboons, antelope, Cape mountain zebra and amazing birdlife. We continue on to Simons Town, a maritime naval base which is located on the shores of False Bay and we stop for lunch here before continuing to Boulders Beach, a sheltered beach with huge granite boulders and famous for the local residents, the African Penguin colony. We head back through Fish Hoek, a coastal town on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula this seaside village is surrounded by rugged mountains and is home to an early Stone Age historic site. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Day 4 Cape Town to London. Morning at leisure. In the afternoon we transfer to Cape Town airport for your return flight to London Heathrow. Day 5 London Heathrow. Arrive this morning. Table Bay Hotel Situated in Cape Town s picturesque working harbour and with direct access to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, with its many shops and restaurants, the Table Bay Hotel is an extremely convenient base for your stay in Cape Town. The views of the Atlantic Ocean are spectacular and you can watch ships come and go in the harbour with Table Mountain Table Bay Hotel towering in the background. The hotel was opened in May 1997 by former South African president, Nelson Mandela and has won numerous accolades and is a Member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The Table Bay is a classic five-star hotel with a nautical feel and all of the elegant 329 rooms feature thoughtful touches such as separate bathtubs and showers, bathrobes and slippers, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar, 24-hour room service, complimentary The Lounge Wi-Fi and LCD TVs with satellite channels. Other facilities available to guests include the Camelot Spa, a gym, an outdoor pool, The Lounge and Union Bar. Dining options include the Camissa Brasserie, serving gourmet dishes that reflect South Africa s diverse cultural heritage, the Atlantic Grill, with its incredible buffet breakfast and, for the ultimate in refinement, there is High Tea served in The Lounge. Prices per person based on double occupancy Twin: 795 Single: 1295 Price Includes: Three nights accommodation at the Table Bay Hotel on bed and breakfast basis, two full day excursions including lunch, entrance fees, local guides, transfers. Not Included: Travel insurance, gratuities. +44 (0)

5 THE PRIDE OF AFRICA We are delighted to be working with Rovos Rail and their luxury train the Pride of Africa. 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 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. Your Suite The train carries a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. The sleeper coaches are some of the most spacious in the world, offering every modern convenience and comfort. The epitome of luxury, with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the airconditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. All are equipped with a writing surface and, for valuables, a personal safe. 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 original fittings are combined with the modern technology of hot showers, hairdryers and shaver sockets. The Royal Suites, each of which takes up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant, measuring 16 square metres in size. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. The Deluxe Suites measure ten square metres and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower and the Pullman Suites which measure seven square metres are equipped with a comfortable sofa-seat during the day and converted to double or twin beds for the evening. Pullman Suite, Daytime Deluxe Suite Royal Suite Pullman Suite showing daytime configuration. Deluxe Suite showing twin beds (configuration either L-shaped twin or double twin). Please note there are a limited amount of L-shaped cabins. Royal Suite showing double bed.

6 The Elegant Dining Car Your Space On board there is a non-smoking Observation Car at the rear of the train, while the coach next to it contains a small smoking lounge. A unique feature of the Observation Car is the enlarged windows and open-air balcony. At the centre of the train there is a non-smoking Lounge Car, which also houses the Gift Shop. Deep sofas and wingback chairs make for an extremely comfortable car. In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. As with all the service cars the lounges are air-conditioned, yet the windows can be opened allowing in the sights, sounds and scents of Africa. Your Dining The Pride of Africa has two 42-seater Dining Cars to accommodate the maximum complement of 72 passengers in total comfort at one sitting. An enthusiastic team of chefs are responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests every need is catered for. There is an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes such as game are a specialty. Every morning there is a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order and a buffet selection of fresh fruits and yoghurts. Lunch and dinner are set menus and both are complemented by a selection of excellent South African wines. Dietary requests will be catered for and guests can discuss the menus with the chef prior to the meals for alternative options. Life On Board In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. The use of mobile phones, laptops and essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your suites only. For days on the train dress is smart casual. Evening attire is more formal for the gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for ladies cocktail/evening dresses or suits. Observation Car Balcony Friendly Service Light Salad Lunch The Observation Car 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0) info@noble-caledonia.co.uk noble-caledonia.co.uk All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Plains Zebra drinking in Etosha National Park, Namibia NC_020817_T