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South Africa by Rail & Safari - Private Tour

  • Duration
    12 days
  • Tour Type
    Private Tour
  • Tour Style
    Private
  • Price From
    Please Call for Prices
Discover South Africa’s diverse highlights on this 12-day private tour, combining vibrant Cape Town, scenic vineyards, luxurious rail travel and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Ascend iconic Table Mountain, meet the charming penguins of Boulders Beach and sample fine wines in the picturesque Cape Winelands. Then, step aboard the elegant Rovos Rail for a journey through spectacular landscapes before heading to Kruger National Park, where thrilling safari drives offer the chance to spot Africa’s legendary Big Five.

  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 9 , Lunches: 6 , Dinners: 8
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    10 nights in 3+/4/4+ star accommodation
  • Physical Rating 1Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required. Expect to be on your feet for most of the day walking around sights, often including steps and getting on and off coaches, trains, or boats. Occasional longer walks may be included. Physical requirements vary by tour. Please read the Detailed Tour Itinerary on the tour page to ensure it's the right fit for you. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and time on your feet

Tour Experiences

Cape Winelands

Enjoy a sensory journey through scenic vineyards, with diverse wine varieties, knowledgeable guides, and tasteful food pairings. Visiting the tasting rooms and cellars offers a chance to appreciate the region's rich winemaking heritage.

Rovos Rail

Affectionately known as the ‘Pride of Africa’, Rovos Rail combines Edwardian elegance with the romance of a bygone era. Step aboard its vintage wood-panelled coaches and enjoy a luxurious journey through South Africa’s ever-changing landscapes.

Kruger National Park

Explore the vast wilderness of Kruger National Park on thrilling game drives in search of the Big Five, giraffe, zebra, hippos and abundant birdlife. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the African bush in one of the continent’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.

Tour Itinerary

This private tour can be tailored to suit your own requirements. Change the route, the duration spent in each place, the hotels, the sightseeing, and the type of immersive experiences included.

  • Days 1-2
    Fly to Cape Town
    Days 1-2: Fly to Cape Town

    Fly overnight to Cape Town, South Africa’s spectacularly set ‘Mother City’. Meet your driver, who will transfer you to your waterfront hotel where the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin your explorations

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Robben Island & Table Mountain
    Day 3: Robben Island & Table Mountain

    Spend today delving into Cape Town’s rich history, culture and natural beauty. Board a ferry to cross Table Bay to Robben Island, home of the infamous prison that once held Nelson Mandela; you may even be guided through its history, and the story of South Africa’s struggle for freedom, by a former political prisoner. Back in the city, ascend the iconic Table Mountain by cable car (weather permitting) for spectacular 360° views. Then, tour the city, visiting the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, Company’s Garden, Signal Hill and more. You’ll also wander past the brightly painted houses of Bo-Kaap and browse the wares of Greenmarket Square.

    • Breakfast
  • Day 4
    Peninsular & Winelands
    Day 4: Peninsular & Winelands

    Your morning begins with a spectacular coastal drive to reach Hout Bay, where you can take a short boat trip to see the Cape fur seals if you wish. Continue along the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive and make a stop at Boulders Beach to observe the colony of charming African penguins. This afternoon, head inland to the vinefilled valleys of the Cape Winelands. Stop at hand-picked estates to sample award-winning wines, which you can sip while admiring the dramatic scenery, and learn a little about the region’s fascinating history.

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Cape Town at Leisure
    Day 5: Cape Town at Leisure

    Today is yours to spend as you wish, exploring at your own pace. You could keep things leisurely, strolling the lively V&A Waterfront or a wander through Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, or something more active, such as a local township tour, a Bo-Kaap cooking experience, or a whale-watching cruise (June to November). This evening, you’ll be welcomed into a private home for dinner; savour the flavours of Cape Malay cooking while sharing stories, conversation and laughter with your wonderful hosts.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    All Aboard Rovos Rail
    Day 6: All Aboard Rovos Rail

    Transfer to Cape Town station and board the renowned Rovos Rail, settling into your elegant cabin as the train pulls out of the station for the journey towards Worcester. Pass out of the city and into the winelands as lunch is served, later climbing a 750-metre escarpment as you admire the surrounding landscapes from one of the observation cars. Dinner this evening is a formal and legendary multi-course affair, served in the opulent and timeless surroundings of the dining cars.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Across the Karoo
    Day 7: Across the Karoo

    Enjoy breakfast in the dining cars ready for a stop at Matjiesfontein for a stroll through this historic village. Back on the train you will traverse the Karoo, a vast semi-desert with striking flat-topped hills, open plains and unique plant life. The spectacular views continue through lunch in the dining cars and tea in the lounge or observation cars. This evening, another formal dinner awaits.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Explore Kimberley
    Day 8: Explore Kimberley

    Disembark the train early this morning to tour Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole, a huge, hand-dug pit where diamonds were once mined. As tea is served in the lounge this afternoon, the train will traverse the broad grassland plains of the Highveld. Sit down to your final formal meal in the dining cars this evening.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Arrive in Pretoria
    Day 9: Arrive in Pretoria

    Traverse the goldfields of Witwatersrand as breakfast is served. Disembark at Meyerton Station to transfer to Pretoria, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, an opportunity to rest and reflect on your time spent aboard the unforgettable Rovos Rail.

    • Breakfast
  • Day 10
    Arrive in Kruger
    Day 10: Arrive in Kruger

    Transfer to the airport and fly Nelspruit Airport, gateway to Kruger National Park. On arrival, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your luxurious lodge. Enjoy lunch at your lodge and take some time to relax before embarking on your first safari drive with an expert ranger. Traverse bushveld tracks in search of the Big Five and the plentiful other species that call this diverse wilderness home. Tonight, if the weather is right, a traditional boma dinner under the stars offers a magical end to the day.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Kruger Safaris
    Day 11: Kruger Safaris

    Rise before dawn, sip a steaming cup of tea or coffee. As the sun rises, set out across golden savanna, wide-open plains and into riverine forest in search of stirring wildlife. You may see lions basking in the morning light, herds of elephants en route to the water hole, or a leopard lazing on a tree branch. Your guides will share stories of sightings, insight into animal behaviour and the vital conservation work carried out by the park as you explore. Return to the lodge for breakfast and spend time at leisure before heading out again in the afternoon when, as the air cools, the bush grows active again. Refresh with a sundowner back at the lodge before dinner.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Fly From Johannesburg to UK
    Day 12: Fly From Johannesburg to UK

    Take one last early morning safari, soaking up the serenity and beauty of the bush a final time. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge before transferring back to the airport to fly to Johannesburg. Then it’s time for your flight home to the UK, arriving the following day.

    • Breakfast
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South Africa by Rail & Safari - Private Tour map

Tour Dates & Prices

If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book. Read our Price Match Promise

Prices are from per person, based on low season. International flights are included.

Category Twin Share
Superior £10,290

Depart UK
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Booking Options

Dedicated Solo departures are available on selected dates for this tour.
These solos-only departures feature smaller group sizes of up to 18, along with free airport lounge access.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

The same great Wendy Wu tour - just with an extra level of comfort. Enjoy relaxed 5-star city hotels, unique properties, and overnight cruises, each selected to deliver an elevated experience. See Upgraded Tour Hotels above for more details.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
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