18-Day Adventure Across Southern Africa

We arrive into Johannesburg and connect with our onward flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Located next to the Nelson Mandela Bay beachfront, our hotel is the perfect place to relax before embarking on this incredible journey.

Boardwalk Hotel, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) (5-star)

We head west to Tsitsikamma National Park, a protected area and coastal reserve known for its indigenous forests. We’ll take a lunch break at Storms River and we recommend taking a stroll to experience the drama of the rugged coastline. Later, we continue to pretty Knysna, in the heart of the Garden Route and famous for its stunning blue lagoon.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays (4-star)

Sail across the Knysna Lagoon and journey into the Featherbed Nature Reserve. We stop at magnificent viewpoints and our specialist guide highlights the area’s history, flora and fauna. There’ll be time for an optional guided walk through the coastal forest and fynbos. We return to Knysna later, where the remainder of the day is free.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays (4-star)

We drive west to Arniston, a pretty fishing and holiday village close to Cape Aghulas. This little pocket of tranquillity, characterised by its lime-washed, thatched houses, remains unspoilt. You can look forward to wonderful views of the Indian Ocean from our hotel.

The Arniston Hotel (4-star)

This morning, we continue to Cape Aghulas; the southernmost point of Africa and the official dividing point between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Be sure to stop and take a photo in front of the sign showing where the oceans meet. We then move on to Hermanus, where we have free time. There’s plenty to see and do here; perhaps wander along the shore and you may be lucky enough to spot whales from July to November. This afternoon, we drive along the dramatically rugged coastal road to Cape Town.

Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town (5-star)

Today we set out for a tour of this exceptionally picturesque city, with its backdrop of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and Devil’s Peak. We take an exhilarating trip by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting). We'll enjoy a wonderful high tea later.

Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town (5-star)

We have the whole day free to enjoy Cape Town and the surrounding area. You could take an optional excursion to view dramatic Cape Point. Or, take a relaxing stroll around the famous botanical gardens of Kirstenbosch nestled at the foot of Table Mountain. Enjoy a refreshing drink here, on the lush green lawn and discover some of its 7,000 species of plants.

Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town (5-star)

After free time today, we’ll head to the station and board Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa. Rediscover the golden age of travel as we begin our spectacular three-night journey north. Delicious food and wine is a key part of South African holidays and you'll enjoy fine cuisine with wine pairings in the elegant dining car.

Rovos Rail (4-star)

We spend the next two days making our way to Pretoria, travelling through scenic winelands, rugged mountain ranges and the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld plateau. On day 9, we'll stop at the well-preserved Victorian village of Matjiesfontein, founded as a refreshment stop in 1890. You can stroll through the village, around the museum and peek at the collection of historic cars and railway carriages. On day 10, we continue through stunning scenery to Kimberley for a tour of this famous diamond mining city, visiting the museum and the extraordinary Big Hole - a 214m-deep, man-made crater.

Rovos Rail (4-star)

Our journey on Rovos Rail concludes at Kookrus Station, where we'll board a coach and head to our hotel in Irene, Pretoria. Later, we’ll head out on a tour of South Africa’s most famous township, Soweto. We’ll explore with a guide who was born and raised in the township, with insight into its modern culture and history, including the former homes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

Irene Country Lodge, Pretoria (4-star)

We transfer to Johannesburg Airport for our flight to Victoria Falls, then make our way across the border to Botswana and Chobe National Park.

Chobe Bush Lodge (4-star)

Our morning starts with a game drive in open-sided 4WD vehicles. Late afternoon we embark on a sunset cruise along the Chobe River to spot all the wonderful wildlife that comes to the river at sundown. You may see rare and endemic birds, migratory species and water birds, including the majestic fish eagle.

Chobe Bush Lodge (4-star)

We transfer by road to Zimbabwe and the town of Victoria Falls. This afternoon we enjoy a cruise on the mighty Zambezi River - sit back and enjoy a refreshing drink in the warm African sun observing the wildlife of the Zambezi. Magical!

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (5-star)

Following an introductory talk on David Livingstone, today we visit the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, a wonderful finale to the tour. Nothing can prepare you for the excitement of seeing the beautiful sight that so entranced Livingstone all those years ago.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (5-star)

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Victoria Falls - In flight

Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

UK