South African Luxury: City, Rail, & Safari
Check off some bucket list items on a fabulous journey to South Africa with Poe Travel and our friends on-the-ground at See You in Africa. This sample itinerary will set you daydreaming...
Photo courtesy of RedCharlie on Unsplash
South Africa holds a wonderful and intriguing mix of regions to explore: cities, wine regions, and safari spots. With this diverse range of destinations to explore in mind, we put together a fabulous itinerary with our friends at See You in Africa that we want to share with you as you start planning for your next trip to South Africa.
Remember, the best time of year to visit South Africa is between May and October, when temperatures are cooler, so it’s time to get planning for your 2022 trip of a lifetime.
As is the case with all of our itineraries, our trips to South Africa are totally customized and bespoke, but we hope this dreamy sample itinerary will get you thinking about what you might want to include in your own journey.
Day 1
Arrival in Cape Town
After your long flight across the Atlantic to Cape Town, you’ll want some time to settle in and relax today. A private driver will transfer you to your accommodations. If you’d like something in a central location in Cape Town, we recommend Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, which is located right in the city’s beating heart. If you prefer a more secluded, residential feel, head slightly outside of the city to Ellerman House, perched in the prestigious Bantry Bay residential area of Cape Town.
Day 2
Day at Leisure
Photo courtesy of Tobias Reich on Unsplash
We recommend taking today at leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel. If you feel up to it, venture out to explore Cape Town on your own. If you would prefer that we arrange touring activities today, we can, including a fabulous shopping tour to see Tanzanite diamonds or visits to art galleries. However, we find that a day to acclimate can be just what the doctor ordered!
Day 3
Wine Region
Your private driver and guide will take you to the famed wine growing region of Franschhoek today, where you will indulge in a tour of the wine lands and a gourmet lunch. Taste internationally acclaimed wines produced by one of South Africa’s most well-regarded families as you enjoy dramatic views of towering mountains that cascade onto the vineyard-laden valley floor. Browse through an impressive art collection by South African masters as you sip biologically grown wines, have a glass of bubbly with delicious canapes, and then sit down for a sumptuous lunch.
Day 4
Embark on Rovos Rail
Photo courtesy of See You in Africa
Your private driver will transfer you to the Cape Town train station today as you prepare to embark on the train journey of a lifetime. You’ll board your Rovos Rail train for a 1,600-kilometer meander, the perfect illustration of South Africa as a world within one country. Travel the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld and the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo; marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Cape. From your departure point in Cape Town, enjoy the view of the city cradled by the bulk of Table Mountain.
You’ll have time to freshen up in your suite before you join your fellow travelers in the Lounge Car or Observation Car at the rear of the train. Afterwards, lunch will be served in the Dining Cars. This afternoon, the train will reach Worcester in the Hex River Valley before climbing up 750 meters to the face of the escarpment. This afternoon, tea will be served in the Lounge and Observation Cars.
In the evening, you’ll have the chance to disembark the train at Matjiesfontein for an opportunity to stroll through the historic village. Of special interest is the museum on the platform and a collection of historic cars and railway carriages to the right of the Lord Milner Hotel. Back on the train this evening, dinner will be served en-route to Kimberley.
Day 5
Rovos Rail Journey
You’ll enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard today before arriving in Kimberley in the early afternoon. Disembark the train for a tour of the city, Diamond Mine Museum, and the Big Hole, which is one of the biggest cavities excavated by man.
Later this afternoon, you’ll depart Kimberley on your train. Just as you’re leaving, you’ll be able to spot a large shallow lake on the left-hand side of the train where, on most occasions, there are spectacular flocks of Lesser Flamingos.
Tea will be served onboard this afternoon followed by dinner later this evening.
Day 6
Arrival in Johannesburg
Enjoy breakfast onboard this morning as you travel northeast through the goldfields of the Witwatersrand. Around noon, your train will arrive at the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, and you will be transferred to Johannesburg. There are a few options for accommodations in Johannesburg, but we recommend The Saxon Hotel, which is located in the heart of the City of Gold and, despite its central location, features ten acres of beautiful gardens, an impressive infinity pool, and a serene spa.
Later this afternoon, explore the city on a private art galleries tour of Johannesburg. The city offers an array of art galleries, some exhibiting the work of international artists while others focus on developing local South African talent. You and your guide will tailor your afternoon tour to your specific interests, choosing from the long list of galleries and showrooms to suit your particular favorites in the art world.
Day 7
Off on Safari
Today, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to the airport for a short flight to Hoedspruit to begin the safari portion of your adventure. On arrival, you’ll be met by Siviti representatives and transferred in the open game drive vehicle to the camp.
Siviti Safari Lodge, previously known as as Thornybush River Lodge, is an intimate luxury escape into one of the most sought-after places in Africa. Wrapped in luxury amidst the untamed African bush, you will experience unsurpassed game viewing opportunities in the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, open to the greater Kruger National Park. Big Five viewing experiences—including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—blend seamlessly with five-star service and amenities.
You’ll be staying in one of four Timbavati Suites, each of which is generously sized and radiates elegance and unrestrained luxury. Slide your floor-to-ceiling glass doors wide open to welcome to African bushveld in, offering you a magical wildlife experience from the comfort of an extra-length king-sized bed or your own indoor lounge.
With infinite views of the perennial Timbavati River, game viewing can also be enjoyed from your exclusive decked terrace, where you can take a dip in your private pool while sipping on a cocktail. The sliding doors encasing your Victorian bathtub can also be flung open, allowing your imagination to run wild, captivated as you’ll be by the glorious vista of an African starlit sky. Alternatively, make the most of your indoor or outdoor shower, blending in with the sights and sounds of untamed Africa.
Days 8 & 9
Safari at Siviti
Enjoy these days on the game reserve. Your expert guides will take you on game drives at the most opportune times for spotting the Big Five, and there will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy your luxe camp as well.
Day 10
Transfer to MalaMala
After this morning’s last game viewing activity and breakfast/brunch, you’ll be transferred to the airstrip in your open game drive vehicle for a quick inter-camp charter flight to MalaMala, where you will be welcomed by your ranger and transferred to the lodge.
MalaMala Camp is the oldest and most historical private game reserve in South Africa, and it was the first to make the transition from hunting to photographic safaris. In essence, it is the blueprint on which the South African safari industry was built. Every aspect of the camp was designed for you to appreciate and enjoy the view of the surrounding wilds. Pathways wind their way along the perimeter of the camp to reveal individual ochre-colored units tucked into the greenery flanking the Sand River. Massive trees and rolling lawns are filled with birdsong and the occasional antelope or elephant. The camp is unfenced and is a true oasis in the middle of the bushveld.
The thrill and exhilaration of encountering Big Five animals in an open Land Rover will fill your days at MalaMala. In existence since 1927, this massive thriving tract of land produces the most exciting wildlife experience this side of the equator. MalaMala Game Reserve is the largest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa. Comprised of 33,000 acres, MalaMala shares a 12-mile unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park and lies strategically sandwiched between the National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve.
Days 11 & 12
Safari at MalaMala
Photo courtesy of MalaMala Camp
Enjoy your days of spectacular game sightings with your expert guides as well as down time in your comfortable camp.
Day 13
Departure Day
After breakfast at camp this morning, you’ll be transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Johannesburg. From there, you’ll begin your onward journey home, with images of all you have experienced in South Africa staying with you forevermore.
If you would like to Go Away to South Africa (or anywhere else in the world), simply contact us. We will design a customized itinerary just for you to set you on your way, making sure you’re given the VIP treatment from start to finish.