20 Day Splendours Of Africa & Luxury Rovos Rail Journey
This tour is categorised as 1 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Cosy, comfortable stays with simple amenties, offering local character and a unique experience.
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ All internal Africa airfares
✓ All airport transfers and station transfers
✓ 15 nights premium hotel and lodge accommodation
✓ 2 nights onboard ultra-luxury Rovos Rail
✓ Daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 7 dinners
✓ Stunning cruise on the Zambezi river with sundowners
✓ Multiple game drives while in Kruger National Park to witness the incredible wildlife
✓ Incredible sightseeing while on the Rovos Rail and throughout Cape Town
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Today begins the adventure of a lifetime as you depart Australia for your private Africa safari!
On arrival in Johannesburg, you will take your connecting flight to Nelspruit Airport, the gateway to the Kruger National Park. Upon arrival in Nelspruit, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from your lodge and transferred to your luxury accommodation.
After check-in, spend the rest of the day at your leisure, relaxing and mingling with your fellow travellers. Later this evening, we'll enjoy a delicious three-course dinner to round off the day before preparing for an early morning tomorrow.
Rise with the sun this morning as you begin an early morning game drive through Kruger National Park. Ensure you bring your camera along as you will be spotting the magnificent Big Five in their natural habitat. The Big Five represent the five largest game animals in Africa and include the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo. These incredible animals are on most safari bucket lists, but we'll be seeing so much more as we explore this sprawling game reserve, which is one of the largest of its kind on the continent. We'll get up close to all kinds of animals on this six- to eight-hour tour in our specialised safari vehicle, led by an expert guide.
Later this evening, enjoy a well-deserved three-course dinner while swapping stories of animal encounters with your fellow travellers.
Today is free day to spend as you wish. Following breakfast, you may simply relax and unwind or partake in an optional excursion to Swaziland.
Known for its wilderness reserves and colourful festivals, this landlocked monarchy is an incredible cultural experience and a must-see place on your South Africa tour. After an early breakfast, you will be visiting a Swazi Village to gain insight to the beautiful Swazi culture and traditions. The tour includes an authentic African lunch, dancing and an opportunity to interact with the local community.
Starts: approx: 7am (return between 3pm-5pm)
Duration: approx: 8-10 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
This tour offers a very different experience to your daytime safari. Kruger National Park is alive with a whole new range of nocturnal animals once the sun starts to set and your expert guide will help you spot them.
Starts: approx: 3pm
Duration: approx: 2-3 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
Rise early again today for another phenomenal game drive through Kruger National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for any animals you may have missed on the first game drive and savour the range of different landscapes you'll traverse. No two days within the park are the same!
Enjoy a free day today after breakfast. Relax at the lodge and reminisce about all the amazing animals you've seen so far, or partake in an optional tour.
Rise early for one of the most scenic tours in South Africa. You will explore the northeastern escarpment of the Drakensberg, a breathtaking natural structure enclosing the central Southern African plateau. Your tour includes a visit to the stunning Blyde River Canyon, the aptly named God’s Window and the spectacular geological phenomenon, the Bourkes Potholes.
Starts: approx: 7am (return between 3pm-5pm)
Duration: approx: 8-10 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
After breakfast, say farewell to the magnificent animals that call Kruger National Park home as you head to Nelspruit Airport for your onward flight to Livingstone. On arrival at Livingstone Airport, you will be welcomed by a local representative who will arrange your transfer to your hotel, the luxurious Royal Zambezi Lodge.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a sundowner Zambezi River cruise, a suburb way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the river. You will have the opportunity to see a variety of game, including elephants, hippo, crocodiles and different bird species. The rest of the evening is yours at leisure.
Today you’ll enjoy an in-depth tour of the spectacular Victoria Falls, the awe-inspiring natural wonder that sits on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Discover how the falls were formed and what local customs and traditions surround them. The tour is very informative and ends with a visit to the local art and crafts centre. Following this, the remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish.
At ground level you can feel the enormous power of the Victoria Falls as tremendous volumes of water pound into the chasm below. But it is only when you take to the air that you can take in the enormity of this mighty spectacle. (Clients can do after the Vic Falls tour and before travelling to Kasane)
Starts: approx: 1pm
Duration: approx: 13-15 minutes
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
Your safari adventure continues today as you are transferred to the Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa, on the banks of the Chobe River. This luxury accommodation lies within the incredible Chobe National Park. Settle in and relax, spending the rest of your day at your leisure.
Chobe National Park, in northern Botswana, has one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa. By size, it is the third largest park in the country, after the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Gemsbok National Park, and it is also the most biologically diverse.
Spend the morning at leisure exploring the stunning resort and preparing for your afternoon game drive. The bespoke, open-air safari vehicles help to ensure you have a fantastic game drive in this world-famous Chobe National Park, allowing for panoramic views of the rolling grasslands and savannahs, not to mention close-ups of the many big game animals. It's time to start checking off the Big Five!
Later, we'll return to the lodge. Enjoy your evening swapping stories with fellow travellers of your favourite sightings.
Rise early today for your morning game drive through Chobe National Park. The game drive will begin at sunrise to give you the opportunity to catch the animals when they are hungry and most active. Keep your eye out for some of the animals you might have missed yesterday!
Later this afternoon, you may choose to do an afternoon river cruise on the Chobe River to view the animals on the banks of the river. Otherwise simply relax and unwind while the sun goes down over beautiful Africa.
Starts: approx: 3pm
Duration: approx: 4 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kasane for your onward flight to Johannesburg. On arrival at Johannesburg Airport, you will be greeted by a tour representative for your transfer to your hotel in Pretoria for you overnight stay. After check in, relax and enjoy the day at your leisure.
Today your luxury tour onboard Rovos Rail begins. This five-star train harks back to a more glamorous, bygone era of travel – one that includes gleaming wood panelled interiors, rolltop baths and evening meals in sumptuously decorated dining carriages.
You’ll be transferred from your hotel to the Rovos Rail Station for departure, where you'll begin your journey travelling through the goldfields of the Witwatersrand. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train.
Dinner is served in the charming, Victorian-era dining cars and will be complimented by a selection of fine South African wines. Meals onboard will include fresh, local ingredients and traditional game dishes.
Enjoy a fabulous breakfast in the dining car as the train passes by a beautiful shallow lake. On the right-hand side of the train you can often spot flocks of fairy-floss-pink lesser flamingos, up to 23,000 strong.
Shortly after breakfast we'll arrive in Kimberley, the capital of South Africa’s Northern Cape Province. Disembark the train for a tour of the city and a visit to the Diamond Museum, where you’ll see sparkling jewellery displays as well as uncut stones. Next, visit the 19th-century diamond mine, known plainly as The Big Hole – this incredibly deep mine was dug by hand.
We'll depart Kimberly just in time to enjoy lunch in the dining cars. Savour the views as you travel through the huge semi-desert expanse of the Karoo. Spend the afternoon in the lounge car and observation car at the rear of the train where tea will be served until dinner time.
Enjoy breakfast this morning as the train continues on towards the village of Matjiesfontein. You'll have the opportunity to disembark the train at Whitehill Siding and enjoy a leisurely walk along the final five kilometres into town, should you choose. You’ll be accompanied by a member of staff, who will advise putting on a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Alternatively, you may wish to disembark the train at Matjiesfontein station. Here you'll stroll through the Victorian-era village before returning to the platform to visit the collection of historic cars and railway carriages to the right of the grand Lord Milner Hotel.
Shortly after departing Matjiesfontein the train will arrive at the first of four tunnels on the pass. The second tunnel is 13.5 kilometres long, and guests are advised to be careful during this thrilling experience as we are temporarily deprived of the natural light.
Lunch will be served in the dining cars as the train descends the 750 metres down the escarpment, through the Hex River Valley. Tea will be available in the lounge car and observation car at the rear of the train as you relax and enjoy the vista through the last leg of your train journey.
On arrival in Cape Town, you will be welcomed by a representative of Private Safaris who will assist you with the transfers to your hotel, Winchester Mansions. This iconic seafront hotel is situated between Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront. Check in and freshen up before spending the rest of your day at leisure.
Today is a free day to enjoy the spectacular city of Cape Town at your own pace.
the food and wine heartland of the country, where splendid wines are grown and top chefs create lasting memories. The tour includes a combination of a tram and tram bus that will transport you around a seven stop loop. You’ll be allowed to hop off at each stop and experience the activities on offer, may it be wine tasting on a cellar tour or a delicious lunch.
Starts: approx: 8am (return between 3pm-5pm)
Duration: approx: 7-9 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
Robben Island is famous, or rather infamous, as the holding place for the imprisoned Nelson Mandela. Mandela served 18 of his 27 years in prison incarcerated on the island’s prison, but Robben Island has also housed a hospital, mental institution, leper colony and military base during its rich history. Now, Robben Island is a World Heritage Site and museum to explore.
Starts: approx: Operates either morning or afternoon. To be confirmed on tour by your Tour Guide.
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
After breakfast, we'll take a brief tour of Afrogem, one of the country's leading jewellery manufacturers. Witness firsthand how smelted gold is transformed and watch the craftsman set gems and semi-precious stones into exquisite creations before your eyes.
Next, we'll enjoy a trip in the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for panoramic views over the so-called Mother City. When you're ready, make your own way back to your hotel where the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.
After an early breakfast we’ll set out to enjoy a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Don’t forget your camera! The tour begins with a scenic drive along the Atlantic seaboard, passing through the natural beauty of Camps Bay, and the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay.
The tour includes a trip to the gorgeous Cape Point, which lies at the south-western tip of the Cape Peninsula. Here you’ll witness dramatic scenery and the most spectacular views as you witness the union of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The rugged and mountainous Cape Point Nature Reserve comprises 17,300 acres of indigenous fauna and flora. Here you can see some incredible wildlife, including baboons, Cape Mountain Zebra and the elusive eland (the world's largest antelope).
En route back to your hotel you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Your day will finish off at the beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden for a short walking tour of the largely native flora.
After breakfast it’ll be time to check-out of your hotel and begin your farewells as your trip comes to a close. You will be transferred to Cape Town International Airport where you will board your onward flight to Australia. We hope you’ve had a fantastic adventure with plenty of stories, photos and memories to share with friends and family back home.
Arrive home today
Some dates operate in reverse. Please refer to the departure date list. Please click here for the reverse itinerary.
Deluxe Cabin upgrade: $999 per person, in addition to the package price. Please make your request 'deluxe cabin' in the 'special requests' field prior to making your purchase.
Deposit & Payment
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $1400 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. Please note internal airfares are also not included. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are selecting this option, airport transfers are still included, no internal flights are included.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
Namibia Extension
Namibia Extension - $3,499 per person, twin share.
Enjoy 6 days journeying to incredible Namibia and the iconic Etosha National Park and its desert landscape. One of the few countries where animals still roam freely mostly unrestricted by human influence, the country has a great mix of desert, semi- desert and savannahs.
Please click here to view the extended itinerary.
The $150pp extension supplement does not apply if selecting this option.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
To enhance your journey, we're offering guests a choice of the following optional tours:
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity.
These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers. As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “2”
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry and is a welcome way to show your appreciation. If you feel that your guide/s and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
The suggested tipping amounts for Africa is AUD$5-7 per person per day for the guide and AUD$10 per person person day for your driver, to be paid in either local currency or USD, so you will need to convert your currency depending on your preference. Please note that this information is to be used as a guideline only and is subject to change based on the recommendations that we receive from our ground operator. Tipping is not compulsory and should be done at your discretion.
Accommodation
The accommodation for this package is a range of boutique properties and depending on the style of accommodation, are more often than not locally rated. All accommodation used is thoroughly researched by our Product experts to ensure that it is of the appropriate standard. The accommodation used throughout will be a mix of lodges, camps and hotels ranging from 3-5 star and we encourage you to review each property online to ensure you have appropriate expectations prior to travel. The accommodation listed within the itinerary is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $3,499 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the customer’s responsibility to become familiar with the visa requirements for their intended destination and to ensure they have the appropriate visa documentation, whether obtained before departure or on arrival.
It is also the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from your intended date of return to Australia.
Inspiring Vacations is not responsible for delays or missed portions of the holiday package resulting from incorrect travel documents or visas, or for denial of entry for not having the appropriate visa or valid passport.
Please note that the information provided is subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
This is a non-group package. It will not be fully escorted, some components will be independent, and will have different guides throughout your tour.
Trip Style - Partially Escorted Tour
A section of this trip runs as a group tour, where you will be joined by up to 40 guests and escorted by an expert tour leader. Another section runs as a self-guided tour and you will travel between destinations on your own, with inclusions and free time to enjoy at your own pace. You’ll have access to a 24/7 local number to contact in case you need any assistance.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Rovos Rail
Dress Code:
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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