10 Days of South Africa’s Finest: A Deluxe Train Journey

Overview
Embark on an elegant, luxury train journey across a diverse tapestry of South African landscapes and renowned golf courses on this 10-day tour. Traveling from Pretoria to Cape Town, you’ll be treated to some of the country’s most stunning vistas. From the expansive grasslands of Malelane to the captivating Zululand region, and on to the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal, this Rovos Rail adventure offers exceptional game-viewing opportunities, including thrilling game drives in the iconic Kruger and Addo Elephant National Parks.

In addition to playing rounds at some of South Africa’s finest golf courses — including Leopard Creek, Durban Country Club, and the Humewood Links — the itinerary is filled with exciting activities and excursions for those not on the greens. Non-golfers can enjoy unforgettable game drives, city tours, and a variety of engaging excursions.

Highlights & Activities
What can you expect during this extraordinary journey?

• Travel aboard the world’s most luxurious train
• Enjoy the scenic beauty as the ever-changing landscape unfolds before you
• Play on Southern Africa’s premier golf courses
• Take a city tour of Durban
• Experience wildlife in Hluhluwe, Addo Elephant, and Kruger National Parks
• Visit an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn

Summary

• Tour Duration: 10 Days
• Start: Pretoria, South Africa
• End: Cape Town, South Africa

Day 1: Begin Your Rovos Rail Journey

Your Rovos Rail adventure begins as you depart from Pretoria’s Capital Park Station, with the luxury train heading towards the picturesque Drakensberg Mountains on its way to the Kruger National Park. Settle into your spacious, modern suite and take in the breathtaking views from the bar and open-air observation car. Throughout your journey, indulge in exquisite cuisine served in the elegant dining car for both lunch and dinner.

Day 2: A Kruger Park Game Drive

The day begins early for non-golfers, who embark on a thrilling Big 5 game drive in Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier wildlife reserve and one of the most renowned in the world. After the game drive, enjoy a delicious lunch amidst the park’s stunning surroundings.

Golfers will have the opportunity to play a round at the exceptional Leopard Creek, a spectacular course where no expense has been spared. This expansive parklands course, set along the Crocodile River, offers breathtaking views, especially from the signature 13th hole, which overlooks both the river and the Kruger Park.

Afterward, all passengers will be driven to Malelane to rejoin the train, where you can relax and savor a delectable dinner as you continue your journey towards Swaziland.

Day 3: See Game in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi

Today begins with an early morning game drive in the stunning Mkhaya Reserve, where all passengers can enjoy the thrill of wildlife viewing in this pristine environment. After the exciting drive, the train will continue its journey towards Durban, passing the breathtaking St Lucia wetlands along the way. Relax and take in the scenery as you head towards your next destination.

Day 4: Explore Durban

Durban, a cosmopolitan semi-tropical city nestled on the golden shores of the warm Indian Ocean, welcomes you today. Golfers will enjoy the refreshing sea breeze as they tee off at the renowned Durban Country Club, established in 1922. This prestigious course offers a thrilling challenge, with the signature third hole requiring a tee shot into a valley exposed to ocean gusts, all while avoiding trees and a large fairway bunker. Alternatively, golfers may choose to play at the stunning Zimbali course.

For non-golfers, the day offers a fascinating tour of Durban, a city rich in a blend of Hindu, Zulu, and British colonial influences. Afterward, all passengers will experience the scenic beauty of the Valley of a Thousand Hills as the train continues its journey to Ladysmith.

Day 5: Be Moved by the Battlefields

Ladysmith is steeped in 19th-century history, and today, non-golfers will delve into this heritage with a visit to the Siege Museum and the historic Anglo-Boer War Battlefields. The day also includes a lunch and thrilling game drive at Spionkop Lodge, offering a chance to experience both history and wildlife in this remarkable setting.

Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the Champagne Sports Resort, which boasts a beautiful course set against the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains.

In the evening, all guests will rejoin the train for a scenic journey to Kroonstad, crossing the majestic Drakensberg Mountains.

Day 6: Day of Leisure

Today, as the locomotive gently chugs you towards the coast, take the opportunity to unwind. Whether you choose to read, nap, chat with fellow travelers, play board games, or simply relax and enjoy the views from the observation car, it’s a day to recharge and savor the leisurely pace of your journey.

Day 7: Arrive in Port Elizabeth

Today, Port Elizabeth offers something for both golfers and non-golfers alike. Non-golfers will embark on an exciting game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, renowned for its elephant population and set amid the classic Eastern Cape thicket vegetation. Keep an eye out for these magnificent creatures as you explore this diverse park.

For golfers, Humewood presents a true challenge. This links course on Algoa Bay features unforgiving rough, strong winds, and a layout that tests even the most skilled players. The reward for conquering the course is the breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean from the 17th hole, after navigating shifting winds and four surrounding bunkers.

In the evening, the train continues its journey to Oudtshoorn, once known as the ostrich-feather capital of the world.

Day 8: Meet an Ostrich

This morning, golfers will head to the Montagu course at Fancourt Country Club in George, where they’ll enjoy expansive, rolling fairways adorned with mature trees, water hazards, vibrant flowerbeds, and indigenous shrubs—creating a challenging yet picturesque backdrop.

For non-golfers, the day offers an intriguing visit to an ostrich farm, where you’ll learn about the world’s largest bird and the fascinating dynamics behind its farming. Afterward, all passengers will reconvene for a delightful dinner at Fancourt, where golfers and non-golfers alike can share stories of their day.

Day 9: Take a Tour Through Knysna

This morning, non-golfers will enjoy a scenic tour of Knysna, a charming town famous for its oysters, followed by a ferry ride to Featherbed Nature Reserve, where they can take in the stunning natural beauty of the area.

Golfers will head to Oubaai Golf Club for a round on this exceptional course, designed by world champion Ernie Els with support from Jack Nicklaus’s design team. The course is expertly integrated into the landscape, requiring thoughtful strategy and precision with every shot to navigate its challenges.

By afternoon, all passengers will reboard the train for a scenic journey along the Garden Route, traveling from George to Riversdale.

Day 10: Arrive in Cape Town

On your final day aboard Rovos Rail, the stunning Cape Fold Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop as you journey towards your destination. As the train glides into Platform 23 at Cape Town Station, you’ll reflect on the incredible experiences and landscapes that have made this journey truly unforgettable.