This 2 weeks journey is a perfect way to appreciate what South Africa has to offer. Starting with a trip on the Blue Train, we have included a stay in Cape Town and then a self-drive through the Winelands, Oudtshoorn and St Francis Bay, ending in Shamwari Game Reserve for a chance to see the Big Five. This trip works for adventure-seeking couples, as well as for families with children of 10 years+.
Self-drive and Train Journey in South Africa Video
Arrive at Johannesburg OR Tambo where you are met by our driver and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, we can add a guided tour of the city and museum, depending on your preferences. Time at leisure at the hotel, your meals are for your own account on this day. Overnight at the Fairlawns, including breakfast.
Includes & Excludes
Meals: Breakfast included
Transport: Included
Day 2
The Blue Train
Breakfast and check out. You will be transferred at the Pretoria Train Station on time for the departure of the...
Breakfast and check out. You will be transferred at the Pretoria Train Station on time for the departure of the BLUE TRAIN for Cape Town. Your meals are included on board of the train, as well as selected beverages. The two night journey of 1600 kilometres (994 miles), through a diverse and spectacular scenery and will include an off-train excursion in Kimberley for a visit to the Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum.
Includes & Excludes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Drinks: Local brands included
Activities: Included
Transport: Included
Day 3
The Blue Train
Breakfast on board before the arrival in Kimberley. You will disembark and a short bus ride will take you to...
Breakfast on board before the arrival in Kimberley. You will disembark and a short bus ride will take you to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum where you will enjoy a guided tour of the mine and other interesting historical sites. An enclosed ramp will give you a spectacular view of the Big Hole. Back on the train where lunch is served and we continue the journey to Cape Town with dinner and night on board.
Includes & Excludes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Drinks: Local brands included
Activities: Included
Transport: Included
Day 4-6
Cape Town
The day is spent in the train including lunch and you arrive at Cape Town station around 18h00. You are...
The day is spent in the train including lunch and you arrive at Cape Town station around 18h00. You are met and transferred to the hotel located on the Atlantic Seaboard, not far from the hustle of the city center, the V&A waterfront and the beaches. Your 3 nights stay at the Winchester include your breakfast. We have also included a full day private guided tour along the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point for the next day. On the next morning, you are transferred to the car rental agency, via a private guided orientation tour of the city. Collect your vehicle and balance of the stay at leisure.
Includes & Excludes
Meals: Breakfast included
Transport: Included
Day 7
Franschhoek
Today you drive through to the Winelands area for a night at La Cle, a lovely property located within Franschhoek....
Today you drive through to the Winelands area for a night at La Cle, a lovely property located within Franschhoek. You can choose to take the tram and visit a dedicated wine route, or simply relax at the estate. There is a lovely village with some shopping options, or visit the local museum. Meals are for your own account.
Includes & Excludes
Meals: Breakfast included
Transport: Included
Day 8-9
Oudtshoorn
Continue your journey via the scenic R62 route to reach Oudtshoorn and Buffelsdrift Lodge. Your 2 nights stay includes: an...
Continue your journey via the scenic R62 route to reach Oudtshoorn and Buffelsdrift Lodge. Your 2 nights stay includes: an afternoon Bush safari (2hr), dinner, your 2 nights accommodation, breakfasts and a choice of 2 Activities (either Cango Caves, Cango Ostrich Farm, Cango Wildlife Ranch or Wine Tasting), lunch on day 2, an elephant experience, and dinner.
Includes & Excludes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Drinks: Local brands included
Activities: Included
Transport: Included
Day 10-11
St Francis Bay
Last breakfast and safari outing before you continue your journey for a stop to the beach. Drive back to the...
Last breakfast and safari outing before you continue your journey for a stop to the beach. Drive back to the coast, pass Plettenberg bay and enjoy 2 nights at The Sands in ST Francis. The property is a skip and a hop from the beach, where you can appreciate the warm water of the Indian Ocean. Walk on the beach, watch the surfers or visit the surrounding area, your time is at leisure to do as you please. Meals are for your own account.
Includes & Excludes
Meals: Breakfast included
Transport: Included
Day 12-13
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Breakfast and depart early to reach Shamwari game Lodge. Ideally, arrive at the lodge for a late lunch and relax...
Breakfast and depart early to reach Shamwari game Lodge. Ideally, arrive at the lodge for a late lunch and relax before the afternoon game drive. A stay at Shamwari Private Game Reserve is one that will remain with you forever. Due to its location in the heart of the Eastern Cape, the reserve offers abundant wildlife, fauna and flora exclusive to the area and unforgettable encounters with nature, in a malaria free environment. Your stay includes your meals, two shared game drives per day, selected beverages, and guided walks. Game drives take place in the tranquil moods of sunrise and sunset. Survey the areas, witness the birds of prey or spot one of the Big 5 from the comfort and safety of your open game viewing vehicle with professional safari guide.
Includes & Excludes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Drinks: Local brands included
Activities: Included
Transport: Included
Day 14
End Of Itinerary
Last morning on safari, enjoy breakfast and transfer back at the gate to collect your vehicle. Drive to Port Elizabeth...
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Day 14
End Of Itinerary
Last morning on safari, enjoy breakfast and transfer back at the gate to collect your vehicle. Drive to Port Elizabeth airport, where you return the vehicle.
Depending on your onward journey, we can book a flight for you, either to return to Cape Town, fly to Joahnnesburg, or to extend your trip.
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With over 20 years of experience, our team will help you choose the perfect African safari for your adventure.
FAQs about Self-drive and Train Journey in South Africa
South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are among the countries that offer rail safaris.
There are different rails and journeys and the wildlife can vary depending on which railway you choose to travel.
The length of a rail safari will depend on which rail you choose to travel. On average, rail safaris are usually around 10 days.
Light, neutral-colored clothes are recommended
Bring layers and pack smartly
A rain jacket that is both light and waterproof
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lip balm are all good options for UV protection
Walking shoes that are both comfortable and stylish
Binoculars, camera, lenses, extra batteries, and memory card
A medical kit for personal use
If you are planning on visiting South Africa, you may hear that South Africa is a beautiful country and that it is the most developed country in Africa. South Africa is big and if you stick to the main cities of South Africa it is safe to travel.
Safari lodges have guest rooms similar to a hotel with en-suite bathrooms. They are comfortably furnished with facilities normally associated with a hotel rooms, except your rooms are normally set in beautiful wilderness settings, with nature and wildlife around.
Tented lodges have rooms which are tents on a platform and with a roof and also have en-suite facilities with showers, flush toilets and hot water. Basically all the amenities of a hotel room, except canvas walls and roof.
The boutique lodges and camps can be very stylish and smart in terms of design and decor, often with very spacious rooms and even going so far in some cases as having plunge pools for each room.
Eco-camps and smaller tented camps have insect-proof tents with en-suite facilities including a safari shower and flush toilet. They give a more authentic safari experience but the tents are comfortably furnished with proper beds and you don’t need to bring your own sleeping bag! The emphasis is usually on having excellent guides and great wildlife viewing away from the crowds. Guests often eat together and people travelling alone usually say that they found the atmosphere friendly and enjoyed meeting other like-minded travellers around the campfire in the evening or at dinner.
The Adventure Camps are a budget option with guests bringing their own sleeping bags and towels. Accommodation is in small dome tented with a mattress on the floor. Each tent has its own nearby cubicle with a flush toilet, safari shower, and wash basin. The Adventure Camps are suitable only for those who don’t mind “real camping” and can put with some degree of “roughing it”. Apart from the accommodation in simple dome tents, the meals and the guiding are the same standards as the higher quality camps and game drives are in 4x4 safari vehicles. For those on a limited budget, the Adventure Camps are a good alternative to the big tourist lodges and minibus tours for those for whom the safari experience is more important than hotel accommodation.
Most lodges and hotels will have safes for your valuables either in your room or at the reception.
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). There are numerous currency exchange outlets and the main credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Diners) are normally accepted everywhere.
Most petrol stations and toll roads take credit cards, but always have a small amount of cash on you for tips etc. Numerous ATMs can be found in all the big towns.
GMT +2
No vaccination is mandatory for entering South Africa except for yellow fever for passengers arriving from areas affected by the disease.
Although wildlife viewing is good throughout the year, the dry winter months of May to September are the best. During this season - animals gather at the waterholes and rivers, making them easier to spot. However, the daytime temperature is comfortable.
There may not be many predator mammals, but the park seems to attract more than its fair share of raptors. Look out for martial eagles, and a range of vultures - including lappet-faced, white-backed and cape vultures.
Augrabies Falls National Park is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between April and September. When the popular three-day Klipspringer Trail is open.
However, the waterfall is particularly impressive when in flood - usually in February to April.
You will be able to do self-guided game drives or guided night drives with park officials, as well as expect to sight springbok, gemsbok, kudu, African wild cat, spotted genet, giraffe, leopards and birds such as Black eagles.
Africa has a long history of exploration and keeping to the bare basics when it comes to making sure that this serene beauty remains in tact. Many companies have capitalized on this by providing luxury tented mobile camps in the heart of the African bush, there are also options for permanent camps and lodges which all come with hot showers, game drives and three meals a day.