This 10-day luxury safari exposes you to some of South Africa’s most beautiful and fascinating locations. Explore the culturally vibrant city of Cape Town, with its coastal villages and magnificent wild peninsula. You then journey inland aboard the luxurious Rovos Rail, towards the idyllic Lowveld region of the country. Here in the region known as the Greater Kruger Park, amid a blend of grassy plains, savanna bushveld, and African-chic accommodation, we add to the memorable experience of your luxury safari across South Africa.
The Itinerary at a Glance
3 Nights Cape Grace Hotel- Cape Town
Cape Town is the mother city of South Africa, rich in culture, history and natural beauty
3 Nights Rovos Rail- Cape Town to Pretoria
Rovos Rail is a premier Luxury Train, allowing guests a true experience of luxury vintage travel
1 Night Castello Di Monte - Pretoria
Illyria House is the perfect extension of the Rovos Rail. It is located in the administrative capital of South Africa
3 Nights Saseka Tented Camp- Thornybush Game Reserve
Don’t be fooled by the phrase ‘Tented Camp’, the Saseka Safari experience is truly in its own class
Day 01 - Cape Grace, Cape Town
On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, South Africa, you will collect your luggage and meet our friendly driver-guide who will transport you through the city, to the spectacular Cape Grace Hotel. Settled on a secluded quay between the idyllic international yacht marina and the lively shopping district of the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Grace epitomizes class and sophistication in the Mother City.
With its service-orientated atmosphere and stunning views of Table Mountain, there is no better place to spend the first three (3) nights of your safari, than at this luxury 5-star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 02 - Cape Grace, Cape Town
This morning after breakfast, you get to embark on an exciting adventure around the southwesternmost point of the African continent- the Cape Peninsula. Known for its rocky outcrops rich in biodiversity, the Cape Peninsula is a scenic route of the Cape’s beaten path, dotted with charming towns and stunning beaches.
Stop off for a chat with the local fishing folk in the coastal gem of Kalk Bay, or enjoy a special visit to Boulder’s Beach in Simons Town. This is the only place in the world where you can interact with a colony of African Penguins whilst roaming around the beach’s shore or snorkeling, kayaking, and SUPing in the shallow waters that surround it.
For lunch, head off on a secluded gourmet picnic along this wild peninsula, taking in the panoramic views and natural beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 03 - Cape Grace, Cape Town
After a delicious breakfast, it is time to wander 140km towards the beautiful seaside town of Hermanus, in the Overberg area. Nestled amongst the coastal nature reserve of Walker Bay and the Kleinrivier Mountain Range, Hermanus is one of the world’s top whale-watching destinations. The picturesque bay acts as a breeding ground for the majestic Southern Right Whales who can often be seen frolicking off the shoreline with their calves from May to November.
Your morning in Hermanus is spent from the decks of a whale-watching cruise, trailing the Marine Big 5 (Southern Right Whale, Shark, Dolphin, Seal and Penguin). Once back on land, you get to explore the unspoiled hiking trails of the vast Stanford Mountains followed by an elegant, fine-dining lunch experience at The Tasting Room in the Stanford Hills Estate.
Day 04 - Rovos Rail Journey to Pretoria
After your final breakfast at the Cape Grace, you are transferred to the Cape Town Station to set off on a three (3) night, all-inclusive trip to Pretoria on the luxurious Rovos Rail. Celebrated for its world-class service and authentic Edwardian-style design, the Rovos Rail prides itself on transporting guests back to the bygone era whilst allowing them to admire the beautiful passing scenery in style.
You will depart from Cape Town at 11h00 and head for the quirky railroad town of Matjiesfontein, situated on the edge of the Great Karoo. With its historical ambiance, well-preserved Victorian buildings, and gracious charm, Matjiesfontein has been proclaimed a National Heritage Site. You will arrive in this captivating town at 18h00 and enjoy an hour of sightseeing before continuing your voyage towards Pretoria. Read the detailed Rovos Rail Itinerary here.
Day 05 & 06 - On Board Rovos Rail
Today, your exclusive train journey on the Rovos Rail continues as you meander your way towards the historically rich city of Kimberly. Located in the North West Province, Kimberly is well known for birthing the international diamond trade in 1866.
You will arrive here at 14h30, leaving you plenty of time to stroll around the prominent battle sites of the Anglo-Boer war, visit the Big Hole, and explore the Kimberly Mine Museum. Your journey towards Pretoria will continue again at 16h00.
Day 07 - Castello Di Monte, Pretoria
Your train is scheduled to arrive at the Pretoria Station at 12h00, from where you will be greeted and transferred to the enchanting Castello Di Monte located in the ‘Jacaranda City’. Also known as ‘Tshwane’, Pretoria is a vibrant cosmopolitan city that is home to several official buildings, historical monuments, and the annual blooming of radiant purple blossoms that embellish the Jacaranda trees on Pretoria’s avenues.
Day 07 - Pretoria to Saseka Tented Camp, Thornybush Private Game Reserve
After an early breakfast, you are driven to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. Here, you step on board your flight to Eastgate Airport situated near the tiny town of Hoedspruit, Limpopo- a gateway into the famous Kruger National Park and the scenic Kruger-to-Canyon Biosphere.
On arrival in Hoedspruit, you are met and transferred to the sophisticated Saseka Tented Camp in the Thornybush Game Reserve. Saseka is the Tsonga word for ‘beautiful’ and with its elegant positioning on the banks of the Monwana dry-riverbed and classy, modern design this camp does live up to its name. You get to relish in the luxury of Saseka for three (3) nights on a fully inclusive basis.
Day 08 & 09 - On Safari at Saseka Tented Camp, Thornybush Game Reserve
During your time at Saseka, you get to go on safaris in the magnificent Thornybush Game Reserve. Bordering the Kruger Park, the Thornybush Reserve boats over 12,000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness and open land that creates an alluring environment for nature enthusiasts from around the world.
Journey through the reserve with a professional guide, making sure you have your camera and checklist nearby as your chances of spotting the Big 5 and other interesting animal species are high. In between game drives, you can enjoy the surrounds of your spacious safari tent and private plunge pool for an ultimate relaxing experience.
Day 10 -Saseka Tented Camp to Johannesburg
After an early morning safari (if time allows) and breakfast, it is unfortunately time to say goodbye to the Lowveld region of South Africa, as your 10-day Luxury Safari comes to an end. You will be transferred to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport to fly back to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. From here, you will connect with your late afternoon/evening outbound flight back home (at your own arrangement) with a happy heart and memories that will last a lifetime.
Cost of Safari
R162,145 per person sharing (Jan - Dec 2023)
R183,691 per person sharing (Jan - Dec 2024)
Cost Includes
01 Night’s accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis
03 Night’s accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, including the following complimentary added value services:
- Use of the Hot Spa area and its facilities
- 24-hour use of the in-house Fitness Studio situated at the Spa on the 4th floor
- Unlimited wireless internet access
- Undercover and surface parking; 24-hour security
- 24-hour computer hubs with internet
- Morning tea and coffee with wake-up calls
- Morning local newspaper on request
- Use of our in-room iPod docking stations
- Use of our Playstations and collection of DVDs (available on request)
- Complimentary shower rooms, with standard guest amenities, available for early arrivals and late departures *
- Over-night shoe shine service
- Luxury chauffeur transfers for a maximum of 3 guests, within the City Bowl (10km radius) from 07h00 to 23h00
- Cape Wine Experience: Introduction to Wines of the Cape
- Port and Sherry in the Library between 18h00 and 22h00
03 Nights’ accommodation on a fully inclusive basis: Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria: All meals, bar accounts (excluding premium imports), 24-hour full room services and bar facilities, limited laundry, guided excursions where applicable, entrance fees, and great staff. (*** Please note SET Departure Dates under T’s & C’s!)
03 Night’s accommodation on a fully inclusive basis: Saseka Tented Camp, Thornybush: All meals, teas/coffees, mini bar in room and selected snacks, bar accounts (excluding premium imports), twice daily game viewing activities and bushveld walks, Wi-Fi, Conservation fee and the services of professional ranger and camp staff.
All road transfers on a private basis as per itinerary
A great Cape Peninsula Tour including entry fees and a wild picnic
An awesome Whale Boat Trip and tour of Hermanus with a fine dining lunch
A Half-Day Pretoria City Tour as per itinerary
Flights: Johannesburg - Hoedspruit - Johannesburg return way excl. taxes
Cost Excludes
Visas if required
Meals not specified
Bar accounts / beverages not specified and premium imports
Laundry not specified
Flights not specified
Airport taxes (still to be included and subject to change)
Additional activities/sightseeing/entry fees/park fees not specified
Travel Insurance
Table Mountain Tickets (weather dependent)
Personal items & gratuities
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