Routebeschrijving Johannesburg - Victoria Falls

THE SOUTHERN CROSS ADVENTURE
NORTHBOUND
15 NIGHTS / 16 DAYS

This 16-day journey enables participants to visit six countries. The route is carefully crafted to deliver
stunning experiences every day. The train travels leisurely between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls,
allowing numerous calls at destinations in South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and
Botswana. As the tracks unfurl you will gain rare insight into the cultural and geographical cocktail that
makes Southern Africa so vibrant and exciting.

PLUS PACKAGE : Free choice of available Land Excursions

LIGHT PACKAGE : Choice of 5 Land Excursions Always Optional

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.
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. Sandton City
This is truly South Africa’s premier shopping mall, the best of Africa south of the pyramids...
A pre-night on board will include dinner, bed and breakfast.
The train remains stationary in Johannesburg for the night.

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 in the evening from Johannesburg to Nelspruit, off loads passengers and then moves onto
Kaapmuiden where it stands overnight.

DAY 02 - SWAZILAND
The tiny Kingdom of Swaziland covers only 17 000 square kilometres, making it the second smallest country
in Africa.
LAND EXCURSION
Tour through Swaziland
PLEASE NOTE THAT GUESTS WILL NEED THEIR PASSPORT FOR THIS EXCURSION.
Guests will enter Swaziland by road from South Africa. This day in Swaziland will introduce you to everyday
life in Africa’s smallest kingdom. 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. The drive to
Mpaka will afford majestic views of the Ezulwini Valley.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 180 km)
Guests rejoin the train at Kaapmuiden Station from where it departs to Maputo in Mozambique over night.

DAY 03 - MAPUTO (MOZAMBIQUE)
Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, offers an exciting mix of culture and buildings reminiscent of trends set
by African, Portuguese and early Colonial traditions. The city swings along to a beat that is like no other in
Africa. It enables you to experience true African hospitality. Old Catholic churches rest side-by-side with
Mosques and Fortresses, Victorian Mansions and other buildings from a bygone era. It’s a city of contrasts
and excitement that provides an ideal meeting point for social and business ventures.
LAND EXCURSION
At the Beach
Guests are transferred to the ferry port for a ferry ride to a beach resort. On the beach, one can relax in the
sun or go for a swim. Lunch (guests’ own account) can be taken at a restaurant specialising in Indian Ocean
cuisine with an emphasis on the freshest seafood dishes prepared in traditional African-Portuguese ways.
Should you take a late afternoon stroll along the beach, you would be able to watch local fishermen net their
catches.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 160 km)
Evening Activity
Dinner will be enjoyed at a local seafood restaurant.
The train remains stationary at Maputo Station over night.

DAY 04 - MAPUTO (MOZAMBIQUE)
LAND EXCURSION
Tour of Maputo
Guests will get a good impression of the character of the city. A visit to the municipal market is followed by a
stop at the old Fortaleza, which dates back to 1769. Other interesting city sites include the Catholic
Cathedral, the Civic Centre, Louis Trichardt Trek Memorial, Samora Machel Statue, the Jardim Tunduru
(Botanical Gardens) and the Iron House (Casa do Ferro). The Polana Hotel, built in the 1920s, with its
striking white exterior and stunning décor, is the best-known landmark in the city. From the garden one can
see Xefina Island. Next we visit an art gallery where furniture and sculptures are made out of old AK47
weapons. The last stop is at the largest market in the Southern Hemisphere, which is also on the way to
Costa do Sol. At Costa do Sol there is an opportunity to relax while having a cold drink. Lunch (guests’ own
account) to be enjoyed at either the Polana Hotel or at a restaurant in town.
(Half day; distance travelled: ± 60 km)
The train departs from Maputo at around 15:00 and travels towards the South African border.

DAY 05 - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
LAND EXCURSION
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. 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.
2. 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)
3. Private Game Reserve
You will join the rest of the group for a morning game drive (in our air-conditioned vehicle) through the south
of the Kruger National Park. 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.
(Bookings subject to availability)
4. Local Pub in Town
Guests rejoin the train in Kaapmuiden where it will remain over night.

DAY 06 - MPUMALANGA
Mpumalanga means “Land of the Rising Sun”. It is a province of extraordinary natural beauty.
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. Nelspruit
Nelspruit is considered the gateway to the Mpumalanga Province. With its sub-tropical climate and abundant
sunshine the town forms an ideal base from where to explore. It is also the trading centre for the surrounding
fruit growing area. The fertile soil and subtropical climate provide perfect conditions for the production of
citrus and tropical fruits (mainly mango, banana, avocado, macadamia and pecan nuts). The Lowveld
Botanical Gardens just outside the town have a rare collection of plant species and the first man-made rain
forest. The nearby Sudwala Caves, Dinosaur Park and cultural centre will expose your senses to primitive
Africa.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 130 km)
Guests rejoin the train in Kaapmuiden. The train will move to Nelspruit to stable for the night.

DAY 07 - PANORAMA ROUTE
LAND EXCURSION
Guests depart the train this morning from Nelspruit.
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)
SPECIALISED ACTIVITY
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)
The train departs this evening for the Zimbabwe Border.

DAY 08 – DAY ON THE RAILS TO ZIMBABWE
On the rails
Guests spend the day relaxing on the train through the countryside of the different provinces - Mpumalanga,
Gauteng and Northern Province. Crossing the border into Zimbabwe at Beit Bridge and on to Rutenga
Station where guests spend the night and depart for Great Zimbabwe the next morning.
Brunch, high tea and dinner will be served on the train this day.
There will be informative talks held by the guides on the train.

DAY 09 - GREAT ZIMBABWE
LAND EXCURSION
Largest Monument in Africa South of the Pyramids
The train travels from Rutenga through attractive granite hill country to Great Zimbabwe. Situated on the
south-eastern edge of the central plateau Great Zimbabwe is an impressive monument. It is the largest precolonial
monument south of the Egyptian pyramids - a most celebrated achievement of the African people
indeed. One can stroll amongst the ruins of an ancient city built by the Rozwi people and discover how they
lived and how they mined gold and silver, which were ultimately taken out of Africa by Arabic and
Portuguese traders. Magical fables such as the story of King Solomon’s Mines find their origins here. This
tour is followed by lunch at the Great Zimbabwe Hotel (guests’ own account), before rejoining the train.
(Morning and early afternoon; distance travelled: ± 300 km)
Guests rejoin the train at Bannockburn and travel to Bulawayo over night.

DAY 10 – ANTELOPE PARK, GWERU
LAND EXCURSION
Antelope Park and Walking with lions
There are two highlights in today’s activities: a Walk with Lions in Antelope Park and a visit to the war
museum in Gweru. (Please note that the group will be split into two. The first group will walk with Lions, then
relax in the park followed by a visit to the museum, before heading back to the train. The second group will
do the museum first followed by some relaxing time in the park, before the walk with Lions.)
Walk with Lions in the Wild: This activity takes approximately one and a half hours and offers an amazing
photo opportunity. The long-term project here aims to reintroduce the offspring of captive bred lions into the
wild. The lions accompanying you on walks average between 3 and 15 months of age. No leashes, no
collars - the lions roam free with you through the African bush. You may even be fortunate enough to
experience a lion stalking some of the wildlife species which abound in Antelope Park.
(Full day; ± 200 km)
SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES
1. Canoeing
2. Game Drives
3. Horseback Game Viewing
4. Elephant Riding
Guests rejoin the train at Somabhula and depart early evening for Bulawayo.

DAY 11 - BULAWAYO AND MATOBO NATIONAL PARK
LAND EXCURSIONS
1. Matobo Hills and an Art Gallery
Matobo means “bald headed ones” and aptly describes the dramatic hills and granite rocks of this area.
Highlights include a visit to the burial place of Cecil John Rhodes, who gave his name to Rhodesia, as
Zimbabwe was previously known, and an inspection of a Bushman cave. There will be time for lunch (guests’
own account) before joining a tour of the Natural History Museum, which is one of the best of its kind in the
Southern Hemisphere. Lastly, we take a drive through the city and visit an Art Gallery.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 150 km)
2. Matobo Hills and the Railway Museum
Matobo means “bald headed ones” and aptly describes the dramatic hills and granite rocks of this area.
Highlights include a visit to the burial place of Cecil John Rhodes, who gave his name to Rhodesia, as
Zimbabwe was previously known, and an inspection of a Bushman cave. There will be time for lunch (guests’
own account) before joining a tour of the Natural History Museum, which is one of the best of its kind in the
Southern Hemisphere. Lastly, we take a drive through the city and visit the Railway Museum.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 150 km)
SPECIALISED ACTIVITY
Chipangali
A visit to this famous wildlife orphanage gives insight into the plight of some of the wild animals.
The train travels to Dete Station over night.

DAY 12 - HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
LAND EXCURSION
Hwange National Park
Zimbabwe’s premier National Park is known for its Lion population. Situated in the north-west corner of
Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is the nation’s largest wildlife area and contains a variety of animals and
bird species. Covering 1 462 000 hectares, Hwange is roughly the same size as Belgium. An early morning
game drive in the park is followed by breakfast at the Sikumi Tree Lodge. After a morning of game viewing,
lunch (guests’ own account) will be at the Hwange Safari Lodge. There will be an opportunity to relax at the
pool for a while before we resume our game viewing later in the afternoon.
(Full day; departure time depends on the gate opening times; distance travelled: ± 120 km)
The train departs for Victoria Falls in the evening.

DAY 13 - LIVINGSTONE (ZAMBIA)
LAND EXCURSION
Across the Falls and into Livingstone
Guests will cross the Zambezi River over the famous Railroad Bridge. Our first stop is on the Zambian side
of Victoria Falls before continuing to the town of Livingstone, named after David Livingstone, the Scottish
visionary, who had an insatiable appetite for exploration and a desire to open Africa to the world. The
existence of the Falls had of course been known to local tribespeople. Livingstone, upon hearing stories
about “Mosi oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders), arranged to be taken there by dugout canoe. On
November 16, 1855 he came to the northern end of what is now Livingstone Island and from there crawled to
the edge of the precipice and beheld the spectacle of the waterfall for the first time. We visit the Livingstone
Museum, before taking a walk through the Maramba market.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 70 km)
SPECIALISED ACTIVITY
Lunchtime Boat Cruise
This spectacular lunchtime cruise on the Zambezi includes a buffet lunch and drinks.
Evening Activity
An off-rail dinner is planned for this evening.
The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night.

DAY 14 - CHOBE NATIONAL PARK (BOTSWANA)
LAND EXCURSION
Chobe National Park
A 70-kilometre ride brings us to the Botswana border, where we cross into the famous Chobe Park. There is
a great array of wildlife and the Chobe Elephants are well respected, as are the Hippos in the river.
Highlights include a game drive in 4x4 vehicles and a river cruise. Lunch (guests’ own account) will be taken
at a waterfront lodge with a swimming pool.
(Full day; distance travelled: ± 200 km)
The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night.

DAY 15 - VICTORIA FALLS
LAND EXCURSION
The Victoria Falls
The Falls form the largest single “curtain” of falling water on earth measuring 1708 m wide. On average the
curtain is 0.92 m deep. The spray plume can rise to 500 m and can be seen from as far as 70 km away. In
full flood, over 550 million litres of water per minute cascade over the brink. Because the Falls are so wide,
there are numerous safe vantage points provided, from where you will be able to get various views of the
Falls and the roiling water as it crashes into the gorge and the constant plume of spray that maintains the
Rain Forest. The forest is an attraction on its own and many of the trees are marked to help identification.
They include Fig, Mahogany, Date Palm, Milkwood and Ebony. The bird life is also prolific and species that
may be seen include the colourful Sunbird and large Trumpeter Hornbill. The sound of the water can be
heard from kilometres away and up close this muted ‘thunder’ becomes a roar. Craft and curio shops abound
with enough variety for everyone to find something to take home as a souvenir.
(Morning; distance travelled: ± 15 km)
The afternoon is spent at leisure.
SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES
1. Flight of Angels
A highlight of any visit to Victoria Falls is a trip in a light aircraft or helicopter over the Falls. Enjoy a bird’s eye
view of one of the seven natural wonders of the world in all its magical splendour.
2. White Water River Rafting
Batoka Gorge provides one of the most intense sensory thrills imaginable. Its twenty-three white water rapids
and striking scenery deep within the sheer black cliffs, afford the adrenaline junkie a wild roller coaster ride.
The rapids are run in large rubber rafts, launched from just below the Falls.
3. Elephant Riding
Seated comfortably on the back of nature’s true “King of the Beasts”, guests can experience an age-old
African tradition. Be witness to this mutually enriching and rewarding relationship between man and Elephant
in a modern-day Africa.
4. Bungee Jumping from Livingstone Bridge
The bridge spans the gorge between Zambia and Zimbabwe and offers one of the world’s highest bungee
jumps (111 m). Challenge the limits of the mind and test the edge of fear by leaping off the impressive
bridge, with the Falls behind and the mighty Zambezi below.
The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night.

DAY 16 - TRANSFER DAY
If guests are transferring to a hotel, this will be arranged for them in the morning. If guests are flying out of
Victoria Falls, their flight may only be in the afternoon. In this case optional tours may be undertaken.
SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES
1. Flight of Angels
See Day 15
2. White Water River Rafting
See Day 15
3. Elephant Riding
See Day 15
4. Bungee Jumping from Livingstone Bridge
See Day 15
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