African Expedition by Private TrainItinerary

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.

Day 1: En Route from U.S.
Saturday, August 9, 2025

Day 2: Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa
Sunday, August 10, 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.
Overnight: DaVinci Hotel and Suites

Day 3: Pretoria
Monday, August 11, 2025
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. Lunch is on your own before boarding the African Explorer in late afternoon.

As embarkation begins 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 culinary specialities 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.
Overnight: African Explorer (B,D)

Day 4: Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland)
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
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.
Overnight: African Explorer (B,D)

Day 5: Maputo, Mozambique
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
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.
Overnight: African Explorer (B,L,D)

Day 6: Kruger National Park
Thursday, August 14, 2025
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, 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.
Overnight: Kruger Gate Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 7: Drakensberg Mountains
Friday, August 15, 2025
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.
Overnight: African Explorer (B,D)

Day 8: Makalali Game Reserve
Saturday, August 16, 2025
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 the train.
Overnight: African Explorer (B,L,D)

Day 9: Full Day Aboard Train
Sunday, August 17, 2025
En route through the Limpopo Province, African Explorer 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.
Overnight: African Explorer (B,L,D)

Day 10: Great Zimbabwe
Monday, August 18, 2025
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.
Overnight: African Explorer (B,D)

Day 11: Bulawayo | Matobo National Park
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
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.
Overnight: African Explorer (B,D)

Day 12: Hwange National Park | Victoria Falls
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Experience the wonders of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest and most important game reserve, during morning and afternoon game drives. 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.
Overnight: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (B,L)

Day 13: Victoria Falls
Thursday, August 21, 2025
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.
Overnight: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (B,D)

Day 14: Victoria Falls | Depart for U.S.
Friday, August 22, 2025
After breakfast guests departing during the suggested times take a complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)

Day 15: Arrive in U.S.
Saturday, August 23, 2025

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

This safari program requires that guests can board and disembark a train easily, walk safely and comfortably without assistance including over uneven or slippery ground, get in and out of a 4x4 vehicle, and comfortably tolerate vehicle motion including over bumpy roads.