Unforgettable Landscapes
Suggested Holiday Itinerary
Summary Of The Route and Costs
If you are short on time but not willing to compromise on luxury, this 8 night itinerary includes a short safari in the Kruger National Park, a 2 night rail journey on the Blue Train, and ends in the relaxing Constantia wine region of Cape Town. With 5* accommodation all the way, the scenery through the trip will delight and enthrall you.
You begin with a 2 night safari at Jock Main Lodge. Steeped in history, Jock Safari Lodge was the first private concession granted within the Kruger National Park and is named after local legend, Jock of the Bushveld, the canine hero of Sir Percy FitzPatrick’s famous story of courage and loyalty that is set during South Africa’s first gold rush era. Guests can look forward to exploring the beautiful surroundings with professional rangers on game drives in search of not just the Big 5 but a myriad of other animals as well including antelope, giraffe, hippo and zebra.
A flight back to Johannesburg then a road transfer takes you to Pretoria for one night. llyria House is a magnificent hotel and spa with views that extend over historical Jacaranda City, Pretoria. You will enter through wrought iron gates and be transported for one night to a different world where gracious and romantic living unfolds.
The following day, you are transferred to the Pretoria railway station, where you will board the iconic Blue Train - a South African icon and synonymous with luxury. Kings, presidents, romance seekers and adventurers have all been seduced by its fine cuisine and the 24 hour butler service on this 2 night journey down to Cape Town. The Blue Train’s slogan is 'A window to the soul of Africa' and as guests are transported in this steel beauty, the landscape of Africa never fails to inspire and amaze.
Finally, your trip comes to an end with 3 nights in Cape Town's suburb of Constantia. The wine growing area of Constantia is not only the oldest in South Africa, it is also possibly one of the prettiest. The Constantia Valley has been producing wine for over 300 years, from the very first vines planted in the Cape. Only a 20 minute drive from the centre of Cape Town, this is a lovely place to stay to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Summary Of The Itinerary
Holiday Title: Unforgettable Landscapes
Countries Visited: South Africa
Arrive into Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. Collect your luggage and make your way into the Arrivals Hall where your driver will meet you. You will then be transferred to the Kruger National Park and onto Jock Main Lodge.
Jock Main Lodge is situated in the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park. The lodge offers 6,000 hectares of exclusive private traversing rights in an area of the Park which is celebrated for the Big Five game viewing. Morning and evening game drives in a covered 4x4 Land Rover with a highly experienced ranger traverse both Jock's private concession and the main road network in the legendary Kruger National Park.
Kruger National Park
After you return from your morning game drive, you will have time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you are collected and transferred back to the airport, where you will check in for your afternoon flight back to Johannesburg.
Airlink 4Z822 (Economy Class): Fly from Nelspruit Kruger Mpumalanga (MQP) departing at 15:45 to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (JNB), arriving at 16:40
Collect your luggage, then make your way into the Arrivals Hall. Your driver will meet you here and then you will be transferred to Pretoria.
Illyria House is a magnificent hotel and spa with views that extend over historical Jacaranda City - otherwise known as Pretoria. Enter through wrought iron gates and be transported to a different world where gracious and romantic living unfolds.
Pretoria
You will need to check out of your room this morning but you can remain at the guest house and relax around the main guest areas until you are collected for your transfer to Pretoria's railway station.
Check in at 14:00 at the Blue Train Station Lounge at Pretoria Railway Station, and enjoy pre-departure snacks and drinks, before boarding commences at 15:15. The train will depart at 16:00.
The Blue Train
High Tea is served at 16:30 in the Lounge Car. You will then have time to relax before dinner. There are 2 sittings - the first is between 18:30 and 20:00; and the second is from 20:15 until 22:00. Dinner is an elegant affair - gentlemen are requested to at least wear a jacket/waistcoat. After dinner, you can enjoy post-dinner drinks in the Club Car before retiring to bed.
Breakfast is served between 06:00 and 09:00. At 09:30, the train arrives into Kimberley Station, and guests can disembark here and taken by bus to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum for a tour of the mine (famous for being where the first ever diamonds in the country were discovered) and to the edge of the Big Hole - considered to be one of the deepest cavities excavated by man with a depth of 200 m2. One of the most interesting facts about the Big Hole in Kimberley is that after the mining operations were finally over, the Big Hole become the most visited tourist attraction in Kimberley. Guests are then taken back to the train, which departs Kimberley Station at 13:00. Lunch is then served in 2 sittings - the first between 13:00 and 14:15; the second between 14:30 and 16:00. For those still hungry, High Tea is served at 16:30 in the Lounge Car, and dinner is then served in 2 sittings again from 18:30.
Breakfast is served between 06:00 and 09:00. The train pulls into Cape Town's Rail Station at 10:30.
You will be met and transferred to Constantia.
The Last Word Constantia is the epitome of luxury. It is set in the Cape's oldest and most distinguished wine valley, in the heart of 7 esteemed wine estates and many notable restaurants. This is a 5* guesthouse where the emphasis is placed on peace and serenity. Take a dip in the sunken swimming pool or stretch out on the tanning deck with exquisite mountain views. A lounge, a dining room and a sun patio all lead into the manicured gardens, creating a sense of spacious leisure. The Last Word Constantia is an enchanting oasis that will revive your mind and body in remarkable surroundings.
Cape Town
You will be collected and transferred to the airport, arriving in time to check in for your flight home. If you have an evening flight, you will need to check out of your room this morning but you can store your luggage at the hotel until your transfer arrives. Alternatively, the hotel may be able to arrange a late check out for you (additional cost and payable directly to the hotel) subject to the availability of the room.
Example Cost
Holiday Title: Unforgettable Landscapes
Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa for 8 nights
Passengers: 2 Adults
Example Cost for 2 Adults: * per person sharing.
*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.
All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.
When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.