Routebeschrijving Johannesburg - Kaapstad

THE GOOD HOPE ADVENTURE
SOUTHBOUND
15 NIGHTS / 16 DAYS

A 16-day journey offering an amazingly comprehensive view of South Africa, incorporating virtually every
internationally regarded ‘must see’ sight. As the train travels the length and breadth of the country, guests can
enjoy the great variety of landscapes, shorelines, cultures and lifestyles that the “Rainbow Nation” has to offer.
2008

PRE-DAY - JOHANNESBURG
You will be met upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport and transferred to the train. Having a preday
means that one is able to acclimatise and unpack prior to the first day of touring. Specialised activities that
could be undertaken, should vehicles be available to take you, are:
SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES
1. The Cradle of Humankind: Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves
The Cradle of Humankind developments (the Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves) are a Blue IQ
initiative. Our visit will start at Maropeng (Setswana for “returning to the place of origin”), the visitor centre at
the Cradle of Humankind. An exciting 4-billion-year journey through the elemental forces - water and ice, air,
fire and earth - is simulated on an underground lake. One emerges at the beginning of the world after dipping
through waterfalls and icebergs, into the eye of a storm, past erupting volcanoes and through the depths of
the earth. The journey continues through an experience that highlights the history of our world and humankind
as a species. Real fossils are also on display. We continue for a visit to the Sterkfontein Caves, 10 km away,
most famous for the two world-renowned hominid finds, namely Mrs Ples in 1947 and Little Foot in 1997.
Since excavations at the site first began, hundreds of hominid fossils as well as stone tools have been found
here. The excavation of Little Foot and other fossils is an ongoing process at this still active fossil dig. The
scientific exhibition here includes lifelike models of hominids as well as specific finds such as Mrs Ples, the
Taung Child and Little Foot.
Nature & Wildlife Highlights & Leisure Culture & People Specialised Activities
2. Lesedi Cultural Village
We visit this multi-cultural African Village set among pristine Bushveld and rocky hills. Experience the culture
of five of South Africa’s major indigenous tribes: the Xhosa, the Zulu, the Pedi, the Basotho and the Ndebele.
Lunch will be included.
3. Clearwater Mall
This is one of South Africa’s premier shopping malls, where you can enjoy lunch (guests own account).
A pre-night on board will include dinner, bed and breakfast.
The train remains stationary in Johannesburg for the night.

PLUS PACKAGE : Free choice of available Land Excursions

LIGHT PACKAGE : Choice of 5 Land Excursions Always Optional

DAY 01 - TSHWANE (PRETORIA) / JOHANNESBURG / SOWETO
Should you only arrive at Johannesburg International Airport today, you will be met upon arrival and
transferred to the train. Please note that you should arrive no later than 08:00 at the airport in order to
participate in the day’s excursions.
Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of the Southern African region and home to some of Africa’s greatest
cities. The name of the province derives from the Sotho word meaning “Place of Gold”, which is very suitable
since much of the wealth of Gauteng has come from this precious metal.
LAND EXCURSIONS
1. Tshwane (Pretoria) and Soweto
We will spend the morning in Tshwane, previously known as Pretoria, the administrative capital of South
Africa. We visit the Union Buildings, housing the offices of the President and Ministers, designed by the
famous colonial English architect, Sir Herbert Baker, and completed in 1913. The buildings overlook the city
towards the once fortified hills to the south. A grand bronze statue of “Oom Paul (Kruger)”, the patriarch
president of the ZAR or old Transvaal Republic, surrounded by his Boer fighters, dominates Church Square,
central point of the city. Before leaving the capital behind, we visit the Voortrekker Monument that
commemorates the “Great Trek” of the 1830s. In the afternoon we travel to Soweto to visit the Hector
Petersen Memorial, named after one of the first students to be killed in the 1976 uprising against the Apartheid
government.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 200 km)
2. Johannesburg and Soweto
Our day starts at Constitution Hill, the new home of the Constitutional Court and the site of Johannesburg’s
notorious Old Fort Prison Complex, where many of South Africa’s leading political activists were detained.
This is followed by a lunch break (guests’ own account) in the suburb of Rosebank, where you can experience
the multi-cultural “Rainbow Nation” in a modern, yet ethnocentric setting. Rosebank shows you the mix of first
and third world cultures and showcases arts and crafts from all over the African continent. In the afternoon, we
travel to Soweto to experience the heartbeat of this township, comprising one million people and made
famous by the Apartheid laws. We pass the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (the largest hospital in the
Southern Hemisphere) and also drive past the only street in Africa that once housed two Nobel Peace
Laureates, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. We visit the Hector Petersen Memorial, named
after one of the first students to be killed in the 1976 uprising against the Apartheid government.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 150 km)
The train departs for Nelspruit over night.

DAY 02 - PANORAMA ROUTE
The world-renowned Panorama Route is situated in the province of Mpumalanga, which means “Land of the
Rising Sun”. It is a province of extraordinary natural beauty.
LAND EXCURSIONS
1. Panorama Route
We visit the village of Pilgrim’s Rest, a living museum and declared National Monument. Gold was discovered
in this area in 1873, attracting 1500 diggers. Today, many of the restored miner’s houses serve as shops.
Further along the escarpment we find the great Blyde River Canyon, a gorge of 26 km long and 800 m deep,
carved from the face of the escarpment. The Three Rondavels present an unforgettable view of three huge
rock spirals rising out of the far wall of the canyon, looking like African huts. Bourke’s Luck Potholes are
strange deep cylindrical cavities formed by river erosion and floodwater. From the vantage point of God’s
Window we gaze across sweeps of the Lowveld, where subtle fragrances of the lower region rise to merge
with the crisp winds of the Highveld.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 280 km)
2. Kruger National Park
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that equals the best anywhere. Its 2
million hectares are unrivalled in diversity of life forms and the park is a world leader in advanced
environmental management techniques. The park is home to an impressive number of species, e.g. 336
species of trees, 49 species of fish, 34 species of amphibians, 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds
and 147 species of mammals. Game drives will be conducted in our air-conditioned vehicles.
(Full day; departure time depends on the season, as gates open and close with sunrise and sunset; distance
travelled: ± 220 km)
SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES
1. Mountain Lodge
You will be taken to the mountain lodge in the late morning. Rhino, Elephant, Leopard and Buffalo populate
the area. Two open vehicle game drives as well as lunch, dinner and breakfast are included. The next
morning, after departure from the lodge, you will be able to explore the Kruger National Park (in our airconditioned vehicle) before rejoining the train.
(Bookings subject to availability; due to the 24-hour cycle of this option, which starts before lunchtime, the
Panorama Route experience will not be possible)
2. Private Game Reserve
Late morning (at around 11:00) you will be transferred to the luxury lodge, situated in a private game reserve
on the banks of the Sabi River, where a lunch will await you. After a siesta, followed by coffee and cake, you
will depart on a sunset safari, in search of the Big Five. Encounters with all spheres of the eco-system, from
the smallest insect to the mighty African Elephant, are possible. After a sundowner drink in the bush you will
return to the lodge, where a delightful dinner will await you. Early the next morning (just before sunrise) you
will be woken to depart on an open vehicle game drive to experience the African fauna at its most active. A
mouth-watering breakfast will round off your experience, before you will be taken to join the rest of the group
in the Kruger Park. Game viewing (in our air-conditioned vehicle) will be done en-route before rejoining the
train.
(Bookings subject to availability; due to the 24-hour cycle of the private reserve, which starts before lunchtime,the Panorama Route experience will not be possible)
3. Sunrise Balloon Experience
Early morning pick-up and transfer to the balloon launch site. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served on arrival,
followed by a scenic balloon flight lasting about an hour. Cape sparkling wine will be served upon landing
followed by a breakfast at a country lodge and a transfer back to meet the rest of the group.
(This activity is weather dependent)
Guests leave the train in Nelspruit and the train moves to Kaapmuiden where it remains stationary for the
night.

DAY 03 - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
LAND EXCURSIONS
1. Kruger National Park
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that equals the best anywhere. Its 2
million hectares are unrivalled in diversity of life forms and the park is a world leader in advanced
environmental management techniques. The park is home to an impressive number of species, e.g. 336
species of trees, 49 species of fish, 34 species of amphibians, 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds
and 147 species of mammals. Game drives will be conducted in our air-conditioned vehicles.
(Full day; departure time depends on the season, as gates open and close with sunrise and sunset; distance
travelled: ± 220 km)
2. Tour through Swaziland
YOU WILL NEED YOUR PASSPORT FOR THIS DAY.
The drive from Kaapmuiden will afford majestic views of the Piggs Peak. The Swazi Market is a hive of activity
and displays a wide variety of skilfully crafted woodcarvings, colourful textiles and superb basketwork for
which Swazis are renowned. This day in Swaziland will introduce you to everyday life in Africa’s smallest
kingdom.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 250 km)
SPECIALISED ACTIVITY
Open Vehicle Safari
Game drives are conducted in open safari vehicles, specifically designed to ensure safety as well as optimum
game viewing. Guides have intimate knowledge of the fauna and flora. Breakfast will be enjoyed at one of the
many picnic spots and lunch (guests’ own account) at one of the rest camps in the park. Game viewing
continues for the remainder of the afternoon.
Guests rejoin the train in Kaapmuiden, from where it departs for Durban Station in KwaZulu–Natal.

DAY 04 – DAY ON THE TRAIN TO KWAZULU–NATAL
Day on the train
Guests spend the day relaxing on the train going through the countryside of Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Free
State and KwaZulu–Natal. Brunch, high tea and dinner will be served on the train this day.
The train arrives in Durban that evening and stables for the night. Guests leave the next morning for
Hluhluwe.

DAY 05 - NORTHERN ZULULAND
LAND EXCURSION
1. Shakaland and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park
Guests leave the train early morning and drive (in our air-conditioned vehicles) to Shakaland, nestled amongst
the aloes and mimosa trees of the Mlatuze River Valley. The Shakaland Cultural Village boasts exceptional
views over shimmering Guests stop at Shakaland for a Cultural experience and then on to Zulu Nyala
Heritage Safari Lodge were you will check in and have lunch (guests’ own account) will be followed by a visit
to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Reserve in the afternoon. The park lies in the heart of Zululand where ancient trails
lead through the thorn veld and along the mighty rivers of Africa’s oldest established wilderness area. Once
the exclusive royal hunting ground of King Shaka, it is a tapestry of natural and cultural history. The park is a
treasure store of species including Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Wildebeest, Zebra, Giraffe, Kudu,
Bushbuck, Cheetah, Hyena and many others. Over 300 bird species have been recorded. Game drives will be
conducted in our air-conditioned vehicles.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 200 km)
Guests stay at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge for the night.

DAY 06 - SOUTHERN ZULULAND
LAND EXCURSION
1. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park and St Lucia
Early Morning game drive from the lodge in the lodge’s 4X4 game drive vehicles. After breakfast guests check
out and depart with the Shongololo Vehicles and visit the St Lucia Wetlands, declared a world heritage site,
where we will take a cruise on the St Lucia Estuary in the morning, looking for Hippos, Crocodiles, and a large
variety of water birds.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 250 km)
SPECIALISED ACTIVITY
1. St Lucia Boat Based Whale Tours
Every year from about June to December these large mammals visit our coastal waters. This is a great
opportunity not to be missed. From just 50 metres from the boat you can feel the wind rushing out of the huge
lungs of Southern Right and Humpback Whales as they spray a fine vapour of salt water into the air.
(Please note that the ski boat is launched from the beach so this activity is not recommended for the
elderly guests). (Morning activity from St Lucia)
Guests return to Durban and over night on the train.

DAY 07 - MIDLANDS / SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG
Guests now head to the eastern jagged peaks called the Drakensberg, follow the waterways as they drop and
cascade down mountain clefts, and through hidden valleys and the tumbling luscious hills that extend through
the Midlands.
LAND EXCURSIONS
1. Battlefields
One is able to trace the course of the Anglo Boer War by visiting the Siege Museum as well as sites of famous
battles such as Spioenkop. Other highlights include Wagon Hill, where British and Boers suffered heavy
losses. The site of the battle was proclaimed a National Monument in 1938. Visitors also gain insight into the
early lives of Winston Churchill and Ghandi.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 350 km)
2. Midlands Meander
The famous Midlands Meander in KwaZulu-Natal is a unique mix of more than 160 places to eat, drink, sleep,
shop, play and generally have fun. Started many years ago as a voluntary collection of crafters, who
wondered if they could attract visitors to leave the beaten track and explore their studios and galleries, the
Midlands Meander has grown into an eclectic and fascinating mix of arts and crafts, world-class restaurants
and homely comforts. It offers a wide range of sporting, environmental and historical pursuits. Physical,
culinary or cerebral, there is no limit to the experiences you will find here. Among your stops will be a visit to
the Howick Falls as well as beer tasting in Nottingham Road.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 200 km)
3. Southern Drakensberg Walking Trails
We will drive towards Underberg in the southern Drakensberg region, from where a number of walking trails
will be offered for the morning. In the afternoon we will return to Pietermaritzburg via Creighton, the habitat of
the rare Cape Parrot (350 of the 800 left in the world live here). Here we will do a guided walk in the Xumeni
Forest, dominated by Yellowwood trees. This forest offers beautiful picnic spots. Many different bird species,
such as the Sakabula, the Denhams Bustard and the Long-tailed Widow could be spotted here.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 250 km)
SPECIALISED ACTIVITY
Sani Pass / Lesotho
Our vehicles will take you to the town of Underberg from where you will board other vehicles that will take you
up the magnificent Sani Pass. Starting at 1540 metres above sea level you will follow the deep valley incised
by the Mkhomazana
River to breast the summit at 2873 m - with almost 1000 m climbed in the last 8 km of your trip. This is the
only road link between KwaZulu-Natal and the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. After reaching the summit, we
will turn around for the spectacular descent.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 300 km)
NB: YOUR PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS ACTIVITY!
The train stays in Durban.

DAY 08 - DURBAN
LAND EXCURSIONS
1. Durban City Tour
Durban is the third largest city of South Africa and enjoys great importance due to its industry and its very
large port. Thanks to the subtropical climate and the long stretches of beautiful beaches large numbers of
“uplanders” retreat to Durban in winter. An orientation tour of the city will allow you to see a very good mix of
old and new, African, Orient and the West. We will drive along the “Golden Mile” promenade where numerous
hotels and restaurants are situated. A visit to the Victoria Market will also be included. At the end of the
morning we will drop you at either the botanical gardens or at uShaka Marine World, Africa’s largest marine
theme park, where you can have lunch and spend your afternoon (all entrances and lunch for your own
account). You will be picked up again at an arranged time later in the afternoon.
(Morning; distance travelled: ± 50 km)
2. Durban Spiritual Tour
Guests depart for Mariannhill to visit the monastery for a guided tour and to spend time in this beautiful,
tranquil setting. This is followed by a short visit to the Hari Krishna “Temple of Understanding”, before
returning to Durban for lunch (guests’ own account). We visit Phoenix, the spiritual settlement created by
Mahatma Gandhi, before returning to Durban, the centre of Indian culture in South Africa, with its vast array of
Hindu, Sufi and Muslim temples. You will see the Juma Musjid, the largest mosque in South Africa, whose
twin minarets are a striking city feature, as well as the most opulent Hindu structure in the Southern
Hemisphere - the Kendra Hindu Temple and Community Centre.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 150 km)
3. Umgeni River Bird Park & Beach Day
On our way to the beaches north of Durban, we will stop at the Umgeni River Bird Park, which is worth a visit.
The rest of the day can be spent on the beach, or if you choose, we could take you shopping in the late
afternoon at the nearby Gateway Shopping Centre, before returning to pick up the beach-goers and return to
the train after a laid-back day in the sun.
(Full day of relaxation; distance travelled: ± 60 km)
Guests rejoin the train in Durban and travel to Bloemfontein (overnight and morning journey).

DAY 09 - BLOEMFONTEIN
Bloemfontein is the seat of the South African judicial system. At the end of the 19th century it was also the
capital of one of the old Boer republics, namely the Orange Free State. The Women’s Memorial at the Anglo-
Boer War Museum is a reminder of life in the concentration camps and commemorates the 27 000 women
and children who died in these camps. Naval Hill presents several beautiful panoramic views of the city.
LAND EXCURSION
Bloemfontein
We will spend the morning on board and arrive in Bloemfontein at around lunchtime. After lunch (guests’ own
account) at the Waterfront a short orientation tour of Bloemfontein will follow.
(Afternoon; distance travelled: ± 30 km)
The train departs in the early evening from Bloemfontein to Port Elizabeth.

DAY 10 - PORT ELIZABETH
We recommend that you opt for an excursion today, as the train will go into the yard.
LAND EXCURSIONS
1. Addo Elephant National Park
A short drive brings us to the Addo Elephant National Park. Game drives will be conducted in our airconditioned
vehicles. The original Elephant reserve was proclaimed in 1931 when only eleven animals
remained in the area. Today it is sanctuary to over 350 and guests may also see Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino
and a variety of antelope species. After lunch (guests’ own account) game drives will continue into the
afternoon.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 160 km)
2. Addo Elephant Park and Port Elizabeth City Tour
A short drive brings us to the Addo Elephant National Park. Game drives will be conducted in our airconditioned
vehicles. The original Elephant reserve was proclaimed in 1931 when only eleven animals
remained in the area. Today it is sanctuary to over 350 and guests may also see Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino
and a variety of antelope species. An extended lunch in Port Elizabeth (guests’ own account) will be followed
by a tour of the “Friendly city”, which forms part of the Nelson Mandela Metropole and which is a major
seaport with diverse eco and adventure attractions. Off its coast the first Coelacanth in modern times was
caught in 1938. We will stop at several historical buildings in the city centre.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 170 km)
SPECIALISED ACTIVITY
Township Tour
Our visit includes townships within the Nelson Mandela Metropole, which have become the pulsating beat of
an emerging united city. This half day tour will lead you to a better understanding of the “New South Africa”.
(Afternoon activity combinable with # 2 above; distance travelled: ± 80 km)
The train travels over night to Oudtshoorn.

DAY 11 - KLEIN KAROO
Surrounded by natural beauty, Oudtshoorn is situated at the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountain range.
Numerous rivers, streams and falls have their origins in the Swartberg, Outeniqua and Kammanassie ranges
around the town. Oudtshoorn is regarded as the centre of the Klein Karoo and is world-renowned for the
Cango Caves and the breeding of Ostriches.
LAND EXCURSIONS
1. Cango Caves and Swartberg Pass
Oudtshoorn is famous for its ostrich boom in the early 20th century - it feathered the world in the time of the
boa and the grand hats, making many millionaires who, in turn, created elaborate lifestyles in this remote
place in Africa. A great natural wonder awaits us, the Cango Caves - a series of great colourful underground
chambers with breathtaking limestone formations. We continue via the Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert and
return to Oudtshoorn via the spectacular Meiringspoort drive, before descending the Robinson Pass towards
Mossel Bay.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 280 km)
2. Ostrich Farm and Mossel Bay
Oudtshoorn is famous for its ostrich boom in the early 20th century - it feathered the world in the time of the
boa and the grand hats, making many millionaires who, in turn, created elaborate lifestyles in this remote
African village. Guests are taken on an unforgettable tour at an Ostrich Show Farm. Travelling via the
Robinson Pass we continue to Mossel Bay. The first meeting between Europeans and Africans on Southern
African soil occurred at Mossel Bay in 1488 when Bartolomeu Dias set foot ashore and encountered the
ancient Khoi-San people.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 200 km)
3. Ostrich Farm Visit and Train Ride to Mossel Bay
Guests are taken for a morning visit to an Ostrich Show Farm, where the well-informed guides will conduct an
unforgettable tour. Back on board the scenic beauty of the spectacular Outeniqua Pass and the Outeniqua
Mountain range can be enjoyed as we journey towards Mossel Bay.
(Morning excursion before departure for Mossel Bay; distance travelled: ± 20 km)
SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES
1. Cango Crocodile and Cheetahland
In the company of guides visit this reptile farm accommodating over 300 Nile Crocodiles ranging in size from
hatchlings of 50 cm to fully-grown 4m specimens. We proceed to Cheetahland to see a collection of these
magnificent predators on view in large natural enclosures.
2. Seal Island Trip
Enjoy a late afternoon Boat Cruise to Seal Island to view the Seal colony basking in the sun or playing in the
sea. Sit back and relax with a sunset drink. Dolphins have been spotted on this boat ride as well as the
occasional Whale.
The train remains stationary in Mossel Bay for the night.

DAY 12 - GARDEN ROUTE
Mossel Bay lies in the heart of the famous Garden Route and is situated on a spectacular sun-washed
peninsula.
LAND EXCURSIONS
1. Old Passes Route and Knysna
Drive along the coast from Mossel Bay to George, situated on a 10-kilometre plateau between majestic
mountains to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. Then we head via the Old Passes Route, which
winds through the primeval forest of the Homtini to Knysna, lying between lush forests and a peaceful lagoon.
The Heads - two sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon connecting the estuary with the sea - is a
dramatic viewpoint. In the “Garden of Eden” we take a walk among the 4m tree ferns and 600-year old trees.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 250 km)
2. Mossel Bay (Museum) and day at leisure
The first meeting between Europeans and Africans on Southern African soil occurred at Mossel Bay in 1488
when Bartholomeu Dias set foot ashore and encountered the ancient Khoi-San people. We visit the Dias
useum with its replica of the caravel in which Dias sailed from Portugal to South Africa more than 500 years
ago. We also see the famous “Old Post Office Tree” where later explorers left post for passing ships. Mossel
Bay features in the Guinness Book of Records as having the second mildest all-year climate in the world
(second only to Hawaii).
(Morning)
3. Robberg Nature Reserve
Robberg means “mountain of seals” and the reserve is a scenic 4km promontory of red sandstone that probes
finger-like into the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. A number of walks are offered, ranging from reasonably
difficult to gentle strolls. Along the way there are caves that were once inhabited by an ancient people called
“strandlopers” (beach walkers). The northern flank of Robberg is rocky and wild, but the south is the complete
opposite with white beaches. On our way back to Mossel Bay, we might stop at the Knysna Quays, depending
on the time.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 280 km)
The train journeys overnight to Worcester.

DAY 13 - WINELANDS / OVERBERG REGION
The fertile green valleys of the Cape Winelands are surrounded by proud mountain ranges. A Mediterranean
climate and winter rainfall create some of the best wines in the world. The rich, fertile soils along the Breede
River and the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl areas have become justly famous for their Whites, Reds,
Sherries, Ports and Brandies. The Overberg region to the southeast embraces mountains, valleys and coastal
areas and annually welcomes the Southern Right Whale to its waters.
LAND EXCURSIONS
1. Historic Heart of the Winelands
Our day starts with a drive to Franschhoek via Villiersdorp and the Franschhoek Pass, which offers splendid
views over vineyards, plantations and rugged peaks. In Franschhoek (literally meaning “French Corner”) we
visit the Huguenot Memorial, commemorating the 1688 settlement of the French Huguenots here after fleeing
religious persecution in France. We continue our journey over the Hellshoogte Pass through a landscape of
fruit farms, Cape Dutch houses and vineyards. In Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in the country,
situated in the heart of the Winelands, we enjoy our lunch break (guests’ own account). In the afternoon we
drive to Paarl, named after the huge granite dome of rock overlooking the town. One wine tasting is included
in this excursion.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 275 km)
2. Scenic Mountain Passes and Hermanus
We travel over scenic mountain passes such as the Rooihoogte and Floorshoogte Passes and via the
Overberg towns of Villiersdorp and Botrivier to Hermanus, once a renowned fish market and whaling station.
The whale hunts were stopped by international treaty in 1935. During the Whale season (roughly from July to
November each year) the natural cliffs allow for Whales to be seen from as little as 5 metres away. The WWF
includes Hermanus in its list of 12 best whale-viewing sites in the world, but it tops the list when it comes to
land based whale watching. In the afternoon we travel on the coastal road past Betty’s Bay and onto Clarence
Drive towards the Mother City to meet the train. One wine tasting is included in this excursion.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 350 km)
SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES
1. Shark Cage Diving (Gansbaai)
Participants will be picked up in Hermanus and taken to Gansbaai, where their encounter with the “Great
White” awaits them. Divers will be briefed about caging procedures before the cage is put down into the water.
Once the first shark is spotted, the bait lines are drawn in and everybody has the opportunity to view and
admire this magnificent predator of the sea.
(Full day, which can be combined with # 2 above; however, large parts of that option will not be possible then;
weather dependent)
2. Whale Watching Boat Cruise (Hermanus)
Every year from about May to December watch the magnificent Southern Right Whales within 50 metres from
the boat.
(Can be combined with # 2 above and is weather dependent)
In the morning the train travels from Worcester to Cape Town station where the guests join the train and travel
to Muizenberg. Guests will spend the night on the train in Muizenberg.

DAY 14 and 15 - CAPE TOWN
(Please Note: The activities below are executed depending on the weather, but will be covered in Day 14 and
15).
Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world with Table Mountain dominating its
skyline.
LAND EXCURSIONS
Cape Point
We will visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which are world-renowned for the beauty and diversity of the
Cape flora and for the magnificent setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The estate of 528
hectares supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. This is followed by a visit to Hout Bay, where a
large fleet of colourful fishing vessels enhance the bustling ambience of this attractive resort. Fresh seafood is
a speciality at Mariner’s Wharf. Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular sea cliff routes in the
world. It was built between 1915 and 1922 and recently upgraded. We follow this drive to Simon’s Town. In
years gone by, sailing fleets from Europe soon discovered that Table Bay was extremely dangerous during
the winter months. While exploring, Governor Simon van der Stel discovered the bay, which could give safe
anchor to the visiting sailing ships during winter. Simon’s Town is a charming little coastal town. It became a
naval base in 1814 and is home to the SA Navy today. A visit to the Boulder’s Penguin Colony will form part of
this option as well. In 1983 a pair of African Penguins was spotted on Foxy Beach at Boulders and in 1985
they began to lay eggs. Since then the colony has grown rapidly, increasing initially at about 60% a year. By
1997 there were 2 350 adult birds. They are remarkably untroubled by people and Boulders is the only place
in the world where one can actually swim amongst the penguins. This day will not be complete without a visit
to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Sir Francis Drake called it “the fairest cape in the whole
circumference of the earth”. Yet many vessels, wrecked by the turbulent seas, have found their resting-place
along this rocky coastline. The Nature Reserve is situated at the southern tip of the peninsula. The 7 675
hectare reserve is filled with priceless indigenous flora and fauna, some 2 700 species of indigenous plants
and over 250 species of birds as well as troops of baboons and many species of antelope.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 150 km)
Cape Town City Tour
Our city tour will commence with an exhilarating cable car ascent of Table Mountain (weather permitting and
at your own cost). It provides breathtaking views over the city and its beaches. The panorama stretches from
Table Bay to False Bay and around the mountain to the Hottentots Holland Mountains. The mountain is home
to over 1 500 species of plants, many of these are found nowhere else on earth. Our city tour continues with a
walk through the Company Gardens, followed by a visit to the Bo-Kaap Museum. The first Malays arrived in
the Cape as political refugees and slaves during the 17th century. Nearly two centuries later after
emancipation, these Islamic people moved into the area known today as the Bo-Kaap, building mosques with
picturesque minarets and their own style Georgian houses with Dutch influence. One of the oldest Cape Town
buildings houses the museum. It is furnished as a Muslim house of the 19th century and documents the history
of the Cape Malays. On our way to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, we will stop at Diamond Works, where
you will follow a tour of the diamond cutting studio, a jewellery manufacturing workshop, a jewellery design
studio as well as a gemmological laboratory. Our lunch stop (guests’ own account) will be at the Victoria &
Alfred Waterfront, a development that has brought new life to the old harbour of the Dutch East India
Company in Table Bay. The complex offers shops, craft markets, restaurants, taverns, cinemas, theatres as
well as delightful views over the harbour. In the afternoon we will drive through District 6. By 1900 the largest
group of people then referred to as “Malay”, “Mixed and other” or “Coloured” lived in poor conditions here. Yet
the area was vibrant and full of colour with busy streets and vivacious lifestyles. Various religions and cultural
heritages flourished and mingled. In the 40s the Apartheid government removed the residents and most of the
buildings. Today the city still grapples with the problem of what to do with this valuable real estate, but also
with how to deal with the strong emotions that still charge the issue. We end our city tour with a visit to the
Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving building in South Africa. This pentagonal fortification replaced a
small clay and timber fort built by Commander Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 as a maritime replenishment station
for the ships of the Dutch East India Company. The stone walls between the bastions are 150 m long and 12
m high.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 100 km)
SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES
(The below Specialised Activities can only be done on the day of the Cape Town City Tour excursion)
1. Two Oceans Aquarium
The Aquarium is located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and offers an exciting insight into the indigenous
fresh and seawater creatures of South Africa.
2. Robben Island Tour
For nearly 400 years Robben Island was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. During the
Apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known as the place where Nelson Mandela and the
other heroes of the struggle were imprisoned.
3. Helicopter Flight
Various helicopter flight options from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and back, starting from only 15 minutes
long (including only the city bowl) to half an hour or longer (also including the Cape Peninsula) are offered.
4. Table Mountain
Experience an awesome ride up Table Mountain in a cable car. The view from the top of Table Mountain is
spectacular. This activity is weather dependent.
The train remains stationary in Muizenberg for two nights. On Day 14 an evening shuttle service will be
available to go to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

DAY 16 - TRANSFER DAY
If guests are transferring to a hotel, this will be arranged for them in the morning. If guests are flying from
Cape Town International Airport, their flight may only be in the afternoon. In this case the activities that could
be undertaken in the morning include the following: a stroll around the False Bay area; leisurely walk along the
beach walkway to St James (where a variety of small restaurants are situated); or a short walk to the beach
for a refreshing swim.
Included in the PLUS package price:
• Arrival transfer: airport - train
• Departure transfer: train - airport
• Accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis (as per itinerary)
• A free choice of available Land Excursions
Included in the LIGHT package price:
• Arrival transfer: airport - train
• Departure transfer: train - airport
• Accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis (as per itinerary)
• A choice of FIVE Land Excursions (additional Land Excursions can be bought on board the train)
NOT included in our package prices:
• Airfares (national / international)
• Lunches
• Beverages
• Laundry
• Gratuities
• Purchases of a personal nature
• Light passengers: additional Land Excursions
• Specialised Activities
• Pre-night accommodation
• Visas where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Transfers between the train and hotels
Please note that this itinerary is also available in the opposite direction.