per person based on double occupancy
Explore the diverse sights of four African countries during this private train expedition—an exclusive journey guiding you through historically notable cities, inspiring scenery, and legendary national parks. Uncover a tapestry of cultural wonders, untamed dynamic landscapes, and thrilling wildlife encounters throughout this soul-stirring expedition.
– Journey through stunning landscapes aboard a private train—your haven on the rails featuring well-appointed sleeping compartments, fine dining and inviting social spaces.
– Visit notable landmarks including the Nelson Mandela Statue, Casa de Ferro, Cecil Rhodes' Grave and the ruins of Great Zimbabwe.
– Participate in riveting game drives through reserves and national parks alongside knowledgeable guides with opportunities to observe the Big Five (rhino, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo and lion).
– Experience the thundering beauty of Victoria Falls where a spectrum of dancing colors create mesmerizing photo opportunities.
– Explore the Zambezi River by boat—a unique chance to see elephants and hippos up close.
Day 1: En Route from U.S.
Day 2: Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa
Day 3: Pretoria
Day 4: Full Day Aboard Train
Day 5: Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland)
Day 6: Maputo, Mozambique
Day 7: Kruger National Park
Day 8: Drakensberg Mountains
Day 9: Makalali Game Reserve
Day 10: Full Day Aboard Train
Day 11: Great Zimbabwe
Day 12: Matobo National Park | Bulawayo
Day 13: Hwange National Park | Victoria Falls
Day 14: Victoria Falls
Day 15: Victoria Falls | Depart for U.S.
Day 16: Arrive in U.S.
Locations selected for this safari promise excellent viewing of wildlife, though spotting specific wildlife cannot be guaranteed. Activities may be dependent on weather and seasonal conditions.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1: En Route from U.S.
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Day 2: Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Upon arrival to O.R. Tambo International Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the hotel.
Take time to unwind and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 3: Pretoria
Thursday, August 7, 2025 (B,L,D)
After breakfast set out for a guided panoramic city tour to see Pretoria's iconic landmarks including the Union Building and the Nelson Mandela Statue.
As embarkation begins late afternoon, settle into your private sleeping car featuring large windows and en suite bathroom. Venture into the cozy lounge car to admire the passing scenery from its panoramic windows or observation porch.
On board, four-course dinners are a highlight. Talented chefs prepare African and European cuisine served in two comfortable restaurant cars.
As the sun sets let the rhythmic sound of the rails welcome you as you anticipate the thrilling journey ahead.
Day 4: Full Day Aboard Train
Friday, August 8, 2025 (B,L,D)
Spend today on the luxurious train. Enjoy informative lectures, marvel at the landscapes and socialize with fellow travelers.
Day 5: Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland)
Saturday, August 9, 2025 (B,D)
Arrive to the Kingdom of Eswatini—formerly known as Swaziland. Translated as "The Valley of Heaven," the Ezulwini Valley is Eswatini’s main tourist destination.
Visit Ngwenya Glass—a complex set amidst beautiful gardens that houses a glass-making factory and a variety of artisan booths. Witness the magical art of glassblowing followed by time to stroll the adjoining showroom.
Continue to the vibrant village of Mbabane to experience a traditional Swazi dance performance.
Before returning to the train explore enchanting Piggs Peak, a town originally founded for gold mining potential. Embrace the area's rolling hills while browsing the local crafts market for souvenirs.
Day 6: Maputo, Mozambique
Sunday, August 10, 2025 (B,L,D)
After breakfast disembark the train for a panoramic city tour of Maputo, the lush capital of Mozambique. A melting pot of African and Latin flavors, Maputo is a unique and historical city developed around a Portuguese fortress completed in 1787. With Mediterranean-style architecture and wide avenues lined with jacaranda and flame trees, it's one of East Africa's most picturesque capitals.
Stroll by notable sights including the Square of Independence, the Cathedral of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the botanical gardens. Also see a statue of the country's first president, and the Casa de Ferro (or "Iron House"), which was originally designed as the residence of the General Governor of Mozambique.
Savor a delicious seafood lunch along the waterfront before boarding the train.
Day 7: Kruger National Park
Monday, August 11, 2025 (B,L,D)
Prepare for an exhilarating day in Kruger National Park, a nearly five-million-acre reserve with some of the best wildlife sighting in Africa. During a full-day game drive, watch for the Big Five (rhino, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo, and lion) as well as Nile crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, zebras, hyenas and numerous birds. Break for a picnic-style lunch within the park before an afternoon of further exploration.
Overnight tonight at Kruger Gate Hotel situated along the banks of the iconic Sabie River. This four-star lodge-style property is known for its soaring wooden walkways and treetop ambiance. Take time to refresh before rejoining the group for a traditional African boma dinner under the starry sky. Gather for a fireside feast and experience the true warmth of South African hospitality.
Day 8: Drakensberg Mountains
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 (B,D)
After breakfast take a final safari through Kruger National Park before traveling by bus along the panoramic route through the rugged Drakensberg mountain range. Granted UNESCO World Heritage status, these mountains rise to more than 11,400 feet and provide breathtaking views over lush Blyde River Canyon.
Back on board relax in the observation car before another delicious dinner.
Day 9: Makalali Game Reserve
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 (B,L,D)
Today immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the Makalali Game Reserve, a diverse landscape of open savannahs, riverine forests and bushveld providing a rich tapestry of habitats for a plethora of wildlife. Spot for the Big Five and an abundance of other species during a game drive, and gain insight into the area's history. The reserve actively participates in anti-poaching initiatives and conservation programs to protect endangered species and preserve the delicate ecosystem.
The afternoon and evening are at leisure on board.
Day 10: Full Day Aboard Train
Thursday, August 14, 2025 (B,L,D)
En route through the Limpopo Province, the train passes the Soutpansberg mountain range and the lands of South Africa’s Rain Queen.
During today's journey enjoy a biltong (traditional spiced jerky) tasting. This beloved South African snack is often cured with coriander seeds, brown sugar, salt, black pepper and vinegar.
Embrace time for introspection, listen to a presentation by the tour guide, or partake in stimulating conversation with fellow travelers.
Day 11: Great Zimbabwe
Friday, August 15, 2025 (B,D)
Following breakfast embark on a bus journey to the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and unravel the mysteries of this ancient civilization. The legacy of Great Zimbabwe lives on as one of the largest and most culturally important archaeological sites of its kind in Africa.
Great Zimbabwe was part of a large and wealthy global trading network. The archaeological site consists of several sections: the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure, and the Valley Ruins. Archaeologists have found pottery from China and Persia, as well as Arab coins in the ruins.
Day 12: Bulawayo | Matobo National Park
Saturday, August 16, 2025 (B,D)
This morning admire the charming colonial architecture of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second city during a panoramic city tour. Visit either the Natural History Museum or the Railway Museum for fascinating insights into the history and resources of the nation.
After lunch visit Matobo National Park—another UNESCO World Heritage Site—to see some of the most majestic granite scenery in the world. This otherworldly landscape of balancing rocks known as kopjes is considered the spiritual home of Zimbabwe. Matobo National Park is home to the largest population of black eagles to be found anywhere in the world. Watch for fish eagle, martial eagle, francolin, secretary bird, weavers, pied crow and Egyptian geese.
While at the Grave of Cecil Rhodes—a British imperialist and politician who founded the territory of Rhodesia in today’s Zimbabwe—gain an introduction into the fascinating study of southern African rock art ascribed to hunter-gatherer painters and engravers.
This evening admire the beauty of sunset over the park during a pleasant refreshment break.
Day 13: Hwange National Park | Victoria Falls
Sunday, August 17, 2025 (B,L)
Experience the wonders of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest and most important game reserve, during a morning game drive. Among miles of desert sand, sparse woodlands and grasslands, renowned herds of elephants and Cape buffalo, giraffes, kudu, zebras, baboons, lions, leopards, and wildebeests roam and graze. Bird lovers have an opportunity to spot Kalahari birds including red-billed spurfowl, southern pied babbler, and crimson-breasted shrike.
Return to the train to continue the journey to Victoria Falls where you'll stay for the next two evenings.
Day 14: Victoria Falls
Monday, August 18, 2025 (B,D)
Today the roar of Victoria Falls beckons offering a spectacle that transcends imagination. More than 300 feet high, the falls are one of the world's seven natural wonders and were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989.
Later take a boat safari down the Zambezi River watching for elephants, hippos and crocodiles among the lush vegetation.
Tonight as this unforgettable odyssey nears its close, gather with fellow travel companions for a traditional South African barbecue, or braai, to celebrate your adventures in Africa.
Day 15: Victoria Falls | Depart for U.S.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 (B)
After breakfast guests departing during the suggested times take a complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home.
Day 16: Arrive in U.S.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
(Itinerary subject to change.)
| Category | Rate* |
|---|---|
| Double Occupancy Giraffe: | $11,995 |
| Double Occupancy Lion: | $13,995 |
| Single Occupancy Giraffe: | $18,995 |
| Single Occupancy Lion: | $21,495 |
Giraffe: approx. 75 sq. ft. accommodating guests in either one double bed or two single beds
Lion: approx. 107 sq. ft. accommodating guests in either one double bed or two single beds
*Special group rate; limited offer. Rates are per person based on double occupancy in U.S. dollars. Single travelers can select from any category. Airfare not included.
At the southernmost tip of Africa, separated from the rest of the continent by a ring of mountains, Cape Town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and outdoor experiences. Explore this vibrant region's iconic landmarks, sample its exquisite flavors and admire the peninsula's captivating landscape.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day +1: En Route from U.S.
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Day +2: Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Upon arrival to Cape Town International Airport transfer to the hotel to enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day +3: Cape Town
Monday, August 4, 2025 (B,L)
After breakfast meet your knowledgeable guide in the lobby and embark (via air-conditioned vehicle) for a full-day tour of Cape Town.
Today's first highlight is a cable car ride ascending Table Mountain (weather permitting). The cable car's rotating floor ensures unobstructed views during the journey—from the vast South Atlantic Ocean to the sprawling city below. At the summit take a leisurely walk to the various lookout points, each a postcard perfect spot for unbeatable photography opportunities.
Continue with a panoramic tour of the city passing by some of Cape Town's most iconic landmarks while the guide offers fascinating insights into the area's history and culture. Notable points of interest include the Houses of Parliament, City Hall, the Cape Castle, the Slave Lodge and St. George's Cathedral. Known as the “People’s Cathedral” for its role in the resistance against apartheid, St. George’s Cathedral is the oldest in South Africa and the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Cape Town.
Next visit Company's Garden and Greenmarket Square with time to browse local crafts and souvenirs. Originally set up in the late 1600s to sell fresh produce from the Company's Garden, this bustling market features vendors selling a variety of goods like wall hangings, wooden kitchenware, necklaces, toys, beaded animal figurines and more.
Afterwards enter the eye-catching Bo-Kaap neighborhood, also known as the Malay Quarter. Located between the Cape Town city center and the foothills of Signal Hill, Bo-Kaap is named for the Afrikaans phrase meaning “above the Cape.” One of the oldest and most historic residential areas in Cape Town, it's synonymous with Islamic Cape Malay culture. Delve into South Africa's rich and complex food heritage during a cuisine tasting featuring a delicious blend of flavors and techniques—including Cape Dutch, French, Indian and Japanese. Options may include a hearty gatsby sandwich, South African braai (barbecue), the fragrant, sweet-and-sour bobotie, an Indian inspired meal known as bunny chow (which aside from the unusual name, has nothing to do with rabbits), and sushi.
Enjoy an evening at leisure at the hotel.
Day +4: Cape Town | Cape Peninsula
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 (B,L)
This morning enjoy breakfast with a special guest—Nelson Mandela's friend and former jailer, Christo Brand. Hear about the struggles and triumphs of the anti-apartheid movement and gain insight into Mandela's character, resilience and unwavering commitment to justice and reconciliation.
Afterward set off on a scenic drive south along the Atlantic Seaboard between rugged cliffs and the pristine blue ocean towards Cape of Good Hope. En route take advantage of brief photography stops at Hout Bay and Chapman's Peak Drive—both providing unparalleled views of the dramatic landscape.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Hout Bay Market, a bustling hub of local artisans, craftsmen and food vendors. Discover unique treasures to take home as mementos of your journey.
Venture into the heart of the winelands where rolling vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, arriving to Cape Point Vineyards. Indulge in an exclusive food and wine pairing experience—each sip and bite is meticulously crafted to complement and enhance the flavors of the region.
Continue to the southwesternmost tip of Cape Peninsula reaching the iconic Cape of Good Hope, a legendary promontory where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge. Ascend to the summit aboard the historic Flying Dutchman Funicular, named after a mythical ghost ship, and marvel at the untamed beauty of the Cape Peninsula.
Before returning to the hotel visit Boulders Beach to observe a charming colony of African Penguins in their natural habitat, waddling along the sandy shores and frolicking in the crystal-clear waters.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure at the property to relax by the pool or enjoy the spa facilities (additional fees apply).
Day +5: Cape Town | Flight to Johannesburg | Main Program Begins
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 (B,D)
After breakfast transfer to the airport for the group flight to Johannesburg to join the main program.
Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.
This pre-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide.
(Itinerary subject to change.)
| Category | Rate** |
|---|---|
| Double: | $2,995 |
| Single: | $3,995 |
Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare between Cape Town to Johannesburg for the main program included. Airfare otherwise not included.
We recommend you look into travel insurance immediately after making your deposit. It's important to note that some coverage can be linked to timing of your initial payment.
Orbridge's travel insurance partner, Redpoint, has a specific policy option to meet your needs. Visit redpointtravelprotection.com/partner/orbridgeripcord for a quote and more information. To speak with a Redpoint agent directly, call (415) 481-0610 and their team will be glad to assist.
Our air partners can make flight arrangements for guests. In the event of flight delays and/or schedule changes, they will provide guests with personalized assistance. To book flight reservations with our air partners, contact (206) 319-5011 and select the option for your destination to discuss flight details with our air colleagues. Upon ticketing, a fee will be charged.
Our premier team of Orbridge Travel Directors will accompany you throughout this journey. Each director is highly trained and offers a wealth of knowledge and experience as a guide.
Enriched by their insight and enthusiasm, enjoy the cultures and locations you explore with added confidence, understanding and appreciation.
Orbridge looks forward to welcoming you on tour. Find frequently asked questions below to help you prepare for your travels.
NOTE: For guests confirmed on this tour, important Program Documents will be sent to the email address provided during the reservation process approximately four to five months prior to your departure date. Final Documents will be emailed and shipped via FedEx approximately two weeks prior to your departure date.
If you have questions about those documents or have questions not addressed below, contact Orbridge Guest Services at (206) 855-6929 or via email at guestservices@orbridge.com.
For the main program as well as the optional pre-tour, guests should be sure-footed and able to walk safely over uneven and slippery ground without assistance, transport luggage a short distance, get on and off safari vehicles without aid, and physically tolerate vehicle motion on sometimes bumpy roads. Guests should also be comfortable boarding and disembarking trains without assistance, walking and moving between cars while the train is in motion, and navigating narrow areas. Guests should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles at a time and prepared for long days.
Arrival and departure information is provided in the Air & Transfer section of the Confirmation Documents emailed to reserved guests approximately five to seven days after booking a tour. Guests who arrive and depart during the suggested times are eligible to receive complimentary airport transfers. If you need an additional copy of your Confirmation Documents or have questions, email guestservices@orbridge.com for assistance.
All U.S. citizens require a passport with at least 8 blank visa pages and visas for Mozambique and Zimbabwe that will be obtained while on board the train. Your passport, declaration forms, and cash for visa payments will be collected by the Admin Deputy Manager onboard the train during Day 4 of your program. The Admin Deputy Manager will hold on to the collected items for safekeeping until the train has crossed over into Zimbabwe. Border formalities are done by the Admin Deputy Manager on your behalf.
Costs may vary, but you can expect to pay approximately $10 USD for Mozambique and $30 USD for Zimbabwe. During your first full day aboard the train, your guides will provide you with all of the customs forms for each border and will walk you through the process of filling them out.
A visa is not required to enter South Africa or Eswatini.
Consider obtaining between $50 and $100 USD (950–1900 South African rand) while visiting South Africa and Eswatini. Other countries on this program accept USD. We recommend carrying USD in smaller denominations: $1, $5, $10, and $20. All major currencies are accepted onboard the train.
An ATM or exchange service will be available at airports and each of your hotels on tour. We recommend that you only travel with USD notes printed in the last five years, as some places in Africa will not accept older notes due to high levels of counterfeiting. Torn bills are not exchangable. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in the countries you are traveling to.
Average temperatures can range drastically from lows in the upper 40°s to highs around 90°. You can expect cooler temperatures in South Africa and Eswatini, averaging between 48° and 70° with highs increasing along your journey.
Check the predicted forecast for your travel dates on weather.com to help you prepare.
Plug types C, D, M, and N are the most commonly used in southern Africa. Each train compartment has a 220 V alternating current (AC) socket for charging electrical devices and is also supplied with an adapter for the 3-pronged sockets commonly used in southern Africa (type D).
Use a high quality electric current converter to avoid risk of burning out your device. We recommend purchasing an international adapter/converter set so that your two-or three-prong plug can connect to the electrical outlets and convert the voltage, if necessary.
There is no Wi-Fi on the train, and cell signal will be very limited or nonexistent depending on your carrier. You may wish to consider obtaining local SIM cards prior to your travels if you need to be in contact with others not on tour.
Your U.S.-based cell phone may or may not work depending on your phone plan. Prior to travel, check with your cell phone provider about international phone plans, international fees, and service availability.
Listen carefully to your guides throughout this tour. They are the ultimate judges of the distance that needs to be maintained from wildlife and historical sites. Never attempt to feed or approach wildlife.
Train cabins are compact spaces, and storage for luggage is very limited. Packing light is recommended; try limiting yourself to one medium-sized case and a carry-on. We recommend soft-shell luggage. Each cabin has a closet and 12.5 inches of clearance space under the bed(s) for luggage storage. Bring an overnight bag or use your carry-on bag for the overnight stay at the hotel in Kruger National Park. Your luggage and other belongings will be stored safely onboard the train overnight.
We recommend packing so you can layer for varying temperatures.
The recommended attire on tour is functional, casual and comfortable. Earth tones such as khaki, brown, and beige are recommended as they reflect heat. It is recommended to avoid wearing black, navy blue, and other dark hues. Dark colors trap heat and attract insects such as tsete flies and mosquitoes. These insects are also attracted to bright colors and metallic fabrics. During the day, most travelers wear light pants or light jeans with T-shirts or long-sleeved shirts and comfortable, closed-toe footwear. You can expect cooler temperatures in the mornings, so a warm jacket is recommended.
At dinner, whether dining aboard the train or at a hotel, we recommend dressing "smart casual." This can include skirts, cotton or linen pants or slacks, dressy blouses, polo shirts, button-down and collared long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes or flats instead of tennis shoes. A jacket is not required for gentlemen.
CPAP machines are not recommended for this tour but can be accommodated if needed. If you are not planning to use a battery-powered CPAP machine, it is strongly encouraged that you bring with you an extension cord that you can connect between your machine and your power converter/adapter. The power outlet placement in each cabin may vary and is not guaranteed to be bedside. Distilled water must be requested in advance, and the quantity needed should be advised to guest services.
Click here to view comprehensive wellness protocols for this tour.
The online Guest Information (GIF) does not allow you return and make updates once originally submitted. To update existing information, email the details to guestservices@orbridge.com, and your account will be updated accordingly.
To complete the GIF for the first time, access the secure online form here. It should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The system will not save partially completed forms, so it's important to complete and submit the form in one sitting.
Access the secure passport form here to input information and upload an electronic copy.
Some domestic tours require us to collect a copy of the photo ID you plan to use while traveling in order to confirm on-tour arrangements. If you have been requested to provide a copy, upload a copy of your ID here.
To pay by check, make the check payable to Orbridge LLC and mail it to:
Orbridge
P.O. Box 1376
Poulsbo, WA 98370
To pay by credit card, click here to access our secure online credit card portal. Be sure to click “submit information” at the bottom of page one in order to be directed to the payment screen.
To pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT), click here to access our secure payment portal where you will be able to conveniently and securely provide your account and routing number.
Payments made by check or EFT may be eligible for a discount. Reference your final payment reminder or email guestservices@orbridge.com to learn more.
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