Cape Town - Kimberley - Pretoria - Johannesburg

For many visitors, there's no finer way to see the country than on the popular weekly journeys between Cape Town and Pretoria. Your rail safari begins in Cape Town (reverse itinerary begins in Pretoria) and ends in Johannesburg. Journey through the scenic winelands and the Hex River Valley with its craggy mountains. The route includes a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, a 100-year-old refreshment stop in the arid Karoo. As your journey continues, relive the romance and adventure of the pioneers who settled this land two hundred years ago.

See a map of the route via Kimberley to Pretoria.

Upon arrival at Cape Town Airport, you will be transferred to the Cape Grace Hotel, with its exquisite views of Table Mountain. One of the world's top destinations, Cape Town offers a blend of cosmopolitan city life, mountain splendor and scenic winelands. Balance of the day can be spent relaxing, sightseeing, or shopping at the Waterfront.

After a delicious breakfast, depart on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula including a stop at the famous Cape of Good Hope and lunch. Overnight at the Cape Grace Hotel. 

Morning transfer to Cape Town Station to board the Rovos Rail. You are greeted with incredible scenery as the route follows an old pioneering trail carved out of the African bushveld, passing through the winelands and climbing up to the interior through the Hex River Valley. Enjoy lunch on board, and relax as we wind our way to the quaint Victorian village of Matjiesfontein, where we enjoy a fascinating tour. Overnight aboard Rovos Rail.

Arrive in the historical diamond rush city of Kimberley (city of De Beers), just in time for lunch at the historic Kimberley Club. Then it's off for a tour of the world's largest man-made excavation, the "Big Hole," and a stop at the Kimberley Mine Museum. The tram takes you past historical buildings and places of interest, and then it's back to the train for dinner and overnight.

After a brief stop in Johannesburg, we are off to Pretoria, where we will arrive at noon. Pretoria, the Jacaranda City, blooming in lilac profusion in spring, is the administrative capital of South Africa. It is a fascinating mix of old and new, stately old buildings and modern architecture.You will be transferred to your hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg's fashionable suburb. Relax this afternoon or go shopping in Sandton's Shopping Complex, renowned for being one of the most exclusive malls in Southern Africa. Overnight at the Hotel Michelangelo adjacent to the mall.

After breakfast, you will be treated to a half-day sightseeing tour of Johannesburg. Known as the Golden City, it is the largest city in the country and the center of mining, industry and business. The world-famous gold mines produce nearly 700 000 kilograms of gold annually. The city of Johannesburg was literally built on gold: itinerant workers George Harrison and George Walker stumbled on the Witwatersrand's lode in 1886, and within three years, the mining camp of Joburg had mushroomed into the country's largest town. Johannesburg has grown into the most modern and sophisticated metropolis in all of Africa, and offers many museums, monuments, ethnic art-and-craft centers, modern shopping malls and lively entertainment. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Michelangelo

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Johannesburg Airport for your onward travel, or continue on to your next module. The twin cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg in Gauteng form South Africa's economic heartland and the ideal departure point for the Lowveld's world-famous game reserves.

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