Shongololo Express Good Hope Johannesburg naar Kaapstad schema 2011 treinreis

Onderstaand het programma "Good Hope Zuidelijke richting" van de Shongololo Express. De tour bestaat uit 16 dagen, 15 overnachtingen, plus een Pre-dag/nacht op de trein. De tour kan in zowel Noordelijke als Zuidelijke richting worden afgelegd.

Meer treinreizen vindt u op onze homepage onder "mijn vakantie".

Tarieven en vluchtroutes zijn seizoens afhandelijk, wij sturen u graag een volledige en passende offerte toe!

Schema 2011:

GHS11-03 Johannesburg Cape Town 23-Mar-11 07-Apr-11
GHN11-04 Cape Town Johannesburg 12-Apr-11 27-Apr-11
GHS11-07 Johannesburg Cape Town 06-Jul-11 21-Jul-11
GHN11-07 Cape Town Johannesburg 26-Jul-11 10-Aug-11
GHS11-10 Johannesburg Cape Town 19-Oct-11 03-Nov-11
GHN11-11 Cape Town Johannesburg 08-Nov-11 23-Nov-11

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 as a ‘must see’ sights/opportunities. As the train travels the length and breadth of the country, guests can enjoy the great variety of landscapes, shorelines, cultures, lifestyles and cuisine that the “Rainbow Nation” has to offer.

DEPARTURES

24 Feb 10  – 11 Mar 10
03 Aug 10  – 18 Aug 10
26 Oct 10  – 10 Nov 10

PRE-DAY - JOHANNESBURG
You will be met upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport and transferred to the train.
Having a pre-day means that one is able to acclimatise and unpack prior to the first day of touring.

Specialised activities that could be undertaken, are depended on your arrival time at the train & if vehicles are available to take you on an excursion.

SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES

 1. The Cradle of Humankind: Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves
NB: This Tour departs the train at 09:30 (MIN 4 PAX).
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-years 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 on 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
NB: This Tour departs the train at 09:30 (MIN 4 PAX).
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, Zulu, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele. Lunch will be included.

 3. Gold Reef City, Apartheid museum & The World of Beer
NB: This Tour departs the train at 11:00 (MIN 4 PAX).
Situated on the previous Crown mine which closed in the 1970’s, Gold Reef City is an entertainment centre showing Johannesburg as it was at the time of the “Gold Rush” days in the mid 1800’s. Of the different activities, guests will have the options of going down a gold mine (at guests’ own account) visiting an Apartheid Museum exhibiting a variety of photos, videos and other media dating back to the political regime in South Africa until 1994. The World of Beer situated in the heart of central Johannesburg & makes a great lunch stop with a guided tour & beer tasting. The tour offers you a walk through time & how important Beer as a staple diet is to the African continent. Lunch is for guests’ own account.
The option includes the transfer, the entrance fee to Gold Reef City, Apartheid Museum & the World of Beer with a tasting.

 4. East Rand Mall or Emperors Palace
NB: This shuttle departs the train on every hour on the hour & returns on every half hour, departing from the train at 12:00 & the last bus departs the centre at 15:30 back to the train.
A modern shopping centre where you will be able to do your FOREX exchange at one of the many banks & draw cash from an ATM. Last minute buying of supplies at a supermarket, pharmacy, stationery store, etc….. The centre has a good selection of restaurants for your lunch opportunity.
Emperors Palace is a mini Las Vegas experience here in Africa, also with a lot of restaurant opportunities.

A pre-night on board will include dinner, bed & breakfast.

The train travels overnight to Nelspruit.

DAY 01 - 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 prospectors. 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 ACTIVITIES

 1. Protea Kruger Gate Lodge
You will be taken to the lodge situated on the boundary of the Kruger National Park and on the banks of the Sabie River by your Shongololo Guide. Check in & relax. Your Safaris Direct guide will meet you and take you on an open vehicle game drive, return at sunset, just before the gates close. This package includes an afternoon game drive, return to your lodge for dinner & overnight. An early morning game drive followed by breakfast.There after check out & continue on your game drive through the Kruger National Park till rejoining the train in Komatipoort at approximately 16h30.
(Bookings subject to availability)

 2. Private Game Reserve
During the morning you will be transferred to the Kruger National Park & at 12:00 you will be met by your private safari guide to be transferred to the 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 sun downer 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 National Park. Game viewing 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 (04:00) 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. After the flight, you will meet the rest of the group at Sabie, along the Panorama Route.
(This activity is weather dependent)

Guests return to the train in Nelspruit & in the evening the train moves to Kaapmuiden to overnight.

DAY 02 - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

LAND EXCURSIONS

 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 Including the big 5. 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 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. Lunch (guests’ own account) will be at one of the rest camps in the park. Game viewing continues for the remainder of the afternoon.

Guests rejoin the train in Kaapmuiden. The train stays stabled in Kaapmuiden.

DAY 03 – SWAZILAND or KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

LAND EXCURSIONS

 1.Tour through Swaziland
YOU WILL NEED YOUR PASSPORT FOR THIS DAY.
The drive from Kaapmuiden will afford majestic views of the lower lying Drakensberg mountain range & 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:  350 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, including the Big 5. Game drives will be conducted in our air-conditioned Shongololo vehicles.
(Full day; departure time depends on the season, as gates open and close with sunrise and sunset; distance travelled: 220 km)

Rejoin the train in Kaapmuiden. The train travels overnight to Boksburg East - Johannesburg.

DAY 04 - PRETORIA / JOHANNESBURG / SOWETO

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. Pretoria and Soweto
We will spend the morning in 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 in Braamfontein in the centre of Johannesburg. This is 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. We then head onto the Newtown precinct to visit Museum Africa previously known as the market of Johannesburg. This is all part of the history of the “City of Gold”. 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 travels overnight to Durban.

DAY 05 – 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 “inlanders” retreat to Durban in winter. An orientation tour of the city will allow you to see a very good mix of old and new, East and West with a touch of Africa. 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 the city 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 well worth a visit. A visit to the Natal Sharks-board is also possible if space at the facility is available. 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)

The train stays overnight in Durban for the next 3 nights. 

DAY 06 - NORTHERN ZULULAND

LAND EXCURSION

  1. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve & Shakaland
Depart from Durban to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve.
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 vehicles.
After the park, guests will travel to Shakaland nestled amongst the aloes and mimosa trees of the Mlatuze River Valley. The Shakaland Cultural Village boasts exceptional views over shimmering. Guests will check in and overnight at Shakaland. Don’t forget your overnight bag.
(Full day; distance travelled:  350 km)

Guests will overnight at Shakaland. 

DAY 07 - SOUTHERN ZULULAND

LAND EXCURSION

  1. Zulu Cultural Experience and iSimangaliso Wetland Park - St Lucia
In the morning guests will undergo a guided tour of Shakaland. After the tour, guests will check out and depart to visit the St Lucia Wetlands, declared a world heritage site, where we will take a cruise on the St Lucia Estuary in the afternoon, looking for Hippos, Crocodiles, and a large variety of water birds.
(Full day; distance travelled:  350 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). (Afternoon activity from St Lucia)

Guests return to Durban to overnight.

DAY 08 - MIDLANDS / SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG

Guests now head towards 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:  200 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 (Pickled Pig, Pie Eyed Possum, Whistling Weasel) at the Nottingham Road Brewing Company a micro brewery.
(Full day; distance travelled:  250 km)

 3. Southern Drakensberg Birding Trail
We travel through the midland’s of KZN and into the foothills of the Drakensberg to Bulwer in the Southern Drakensberg region. We will then do a guided walk in Pursers Bush an indigenous forest dominated by Yellowwood trees. It is the habitat of the rare Cape Parrot (350 of the 800 left in the world live here). Many different bird species, such as the Sakabula, Bald Ibis and Grey Crown Crane could be spotted here. Lunch will be served along the board walk (for guests’ own account) in the company of the unofficial mayor and long time resident of Bulwer.
 (Full day; distance travelled:  350 km)

 4. Giants Cup Hiking Trail
You will meet you mountain guide in Underberg, where after the Shongololo vehicle will transport you to the beginning of the Giants Cup Hiking Trail. Hike along this spectacular 14 km trail in the foothills of the Drakensberg. The maximum elevation difference is only 300 meters, however this will be undertaken a few times in the duration of the hike, from time to time you will be able to see the escarpment, encounter Baboons, Eland and keep a keen watch for the Bearded Vulture. A packed lunch will be provided for your own account. Once you reach Pholea Hut, you board the Shongololo vehicle to return you to the train.
(Full day; distance travelled:  350 km)

SPECIALISED ACTIVITY

 Sani Pass / Lesotho

NB: YOUR PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS ACTIVITY!
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 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, travel a little way into Lesotho to the village of Skierring, visit one of the family dwellings and sample the traditional bread and beer of these hardy mountain people. After a packed lunch we will turn around for the spectacular descent and return to Underberg.
(Full day; distance travelled:  400 km)

Guests rejoin the train in Ladysmith and the train travels overnight to Bloemfontein.

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.

LAND EXCURSION

 Bloemfontein
We will spend the morning visiting the Women’s Memorial at the Anglo-Boer War Museum. This monument is a reminder of life in the concentration camps and commemorates the 27 000 women and children who died in these camps. The Museum shows graphically the hardship endured by all. An orientation drive follows of Bloemfontein known as the Rose City, and the capital of the Free State province. Our lunch stop is at the Loch Logan Waterfront, next to the cities newly renovated stadium for the 2010 World cup. Lunch (guests’ own account). In the afternoon follows a drive up onto Naval Hill which presents several beautiful panoramic views of the city & ending the day at the former State Presidents residents “Olivenhuis” which now houses an extensive collection of South African arts. The gardens offer a relaxing atmosphere to end the day before returning to the train. 
(Full day; distance travelled:  30 km)

The train travels overnight to Port Elizabeth.

DAY 10 - PORT ELIZABETH

LAND EXCURSIONS

 1. Full Day - Addo Elephant National Park
A short drive brings us to the Addo Elephant National Park. Game drives will be conducted in our vehicles. The original Elephant reserve was proclaimed in 1931 when only eleven animals remained in the area. Today it is a sanctuary to over 350 of these unique elephants. Guests could 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. Morning - Addo Elephant Park & Afternoon - Port Elizabeth City Tour
A short drive brings us to the Addo Elephant National Park. Game drives will be conducted in our 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 Option 2 above; distance travelled:  80 km)

The train travels overnight to Oudtshoorn.

DAY 11 - KLEIN KAROO
Surrounded by natural beauty of this semi desert region, 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 mountain 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 part of Africa. A great natural wonder awaits us, the Cango Caves - a series of great colourful underground chambers with breathtaking limestone formations. Lunch at guests’ own account. 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 Shongololo Express we take in the scenic beauty of the spectacular Montagu 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 our Shongololo 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.

 3. Private Game Reserve
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve lies in the foothills of the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains. The 3000 ha game reserve includes over 26 species of animals, which include; the African Lion, Elephant, White Rhino, Cape Buffalo & the very rare Black Impala. Also a keen birder will find this natural wilderness with its wide variety of birds a paradise, not to be missed. The Lodges facilities are well out luxuries and the privately situated Luxury Tented Suites.
(Bookings subject to availability; in the morning you will visit the Ostrich Farm and be transferred to the lodge at 11:00. The next day you will be picked up from the Lodge at 12:00 & transferred to Mossel Bay & you will visit the town.

The train travels during the day to Mossel Bay where we will overnight.

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.
GOOD WALKING SHOES HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
(Full day; distance travelled:  280 km)

SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES

 1. Shark Cage Diving
Participants will be dropped off at the launch site in the harbour, 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.
(Half day, which can be combined with Option 2 above; however, large parts of that option will not be possible then; weather dependent)

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 close 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

 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 Option 2 above and is weather dependent)

In the morning the train travels from Worcester to Cape Town station where the guests join the train. Guests will spend the night on the train at Cape Town station.

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 at Cape Town station 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. A shuttle service will be organize to the Waterfront.

Included in the 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

NOT included in our package prices:
• Airfares (national / international)
• Lunches
• Beverages
• Laundry
• Gratuities
• Purchases of a personal nature
• Specialised Activities
• Pre-night accommodation
• Visas where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Transfers between the train and hotels

PLEASE NOTE:

AS SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS USES THE NATIONAL RAILWAY FACILITIES OF ZIMBABWE, SOUTH AFRICA, MOZAMBIQUE, NAMIBIA, TANZANIA, ZAMBIA AND SWAZILAND, THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS THAT TRAINS COULD BE DELAYED, STOPPED OR REROUTED AT ANY TIME -DAILY ACTIVITIES COULD THEREFORE BE SHORTENED, ALTERED, OR CANCELLED.

SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS DOES NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY CHANGES TO THE DAILY PROGRAMME. HOWEVER THE COMPANY WILL ALWAYS ENDEAVOUR TO COMPLETE THE DAILY PROGRAMMES TO THE BEST OF ITS ABILITY.