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Main Program: September 11, 2024 – September 25, 2024
Pre-Tour: September 08, 2024 – September 12, 2024

African Expedition by Private Train

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.


NOTE: Tour information is current as of 5/10/2024.

Program Highlights

– Travel in style aboard the African Explorer as you follow a unique route through South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.

– Discover stunning wildlife while on an extensive safari through Kruger National Park.

– Enjoy the Panorama Route as you travel by bus through the rugged Drakensberg mountain range. This legendary route winds along the steeply sloping Drakensberg escarpment, offering spectacular views across the plains of the Lowveld, more than 3,000 feet below.

– Spot for members of "The Big Five" during a safari at the Makalali Game Reserve.

– At Zambezi National Park, explore the Zambezi River by boat with the chance of viewing elephants and hippos up close.

– Visit Matobo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to view the grave of Cecil Rhodes, who founded the colonial territory of Rhodesia, today’s Zimbabwe.

– Set out for a full day safari at Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and most important game reserve, renowned for its herds of elephants and Cape buffalo.

What's Included

  • 10 nights accommodations aboard the African Explorer train plus 3 nights deluxe hotel/lodge accommodations
  • 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 12 dinners—including a special farewell dinner
  • All excursions described in the itinerary, including admission and park fees
  • Expert naturalist guides throughout, including an Orbridge Expedition Leader. Access to onboard physician. 
  • Transfer and excursion transportation aboard air conditioned buses
  • Gratuities for Orbridge Expedition Leader, onboard guides, drivers, porters, attendants, and wait staff for included meals
  • Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times

Itinerary

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.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Day 2: Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa 
Thursday, September 12, 2024
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 
Friday, September 13, 2024
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.

Begin the private train expedition by embarking the African Explorer. Traveling by train provides a unique, convenient, comfortable, and ecological way to discover Africa at the intersection of Old World charm and modern technology and efficiency. Settle in to your compartment, unpack bags, watch the sunset paint the sky, and savor the first scrumptious meal onboard before drifting asleep to the sound of the wheels gliding across the country. With luxury train travel, the journey is just as thrilling as the destination.
Overnight: African Explorer (B,D)

Day 4: Full Day Aboard Train 
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Spend today on the luxurious train. Enjoy informative lectures, marvel at the landscapes, and socialize with fellow travelers.
Overnight: African Explorer (B,L,D)

Day 5: Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland)
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Today see the Kingdom of Eswatini—formerly known as the Kingdom Swaziland—which is a landlocked country slightly smaller than New Jersey. 

Loosely translated as "place of heaven," the Ezulwini Valley is Eswatini’s main tourist hotspot, offering a wealth of attractions. Nearby Mbabane (pronounced Um-ba-ba-neh) is Eswatini's capital city, ringed by the craggy backdrop of the Dlangeni Hills. While the town of Piggs Peak was founded for gold mining potential, today its main industry is forestry. Visitors are drawn by its beautiful scenery of rolling hills, sparkling steams, and enchanting waterfalls. 

Shoppers will delight browsing the handcarved wooden pieces and raffia products at lively local craft markets for souvenirs. 
Overnight: African Explorer (B,D)

Day 6: Maputo, Mozambique
Monday, September 16, 2024
A panoramic tour awaits today in Maputo, the lush capital of Mozambique sitting on the shore of the Indian Ocean. A melting pot of African and Latin flavors, it is a unique and historical city, one developed around a Portuguese fortress completed in 1787. With Mediterranean-style architecture and wide avenues lined with jacaranda and flame trees, Maputo is one of East Africa's most picturesque capitals. 

Maputo is also known for the simple, linear shapes and white color of the Cathedral of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Constructed in 1944 by Marcial Simões de Freitas e Costa, the church was built in the Art Deco style. Inside are paintings representing the Portuguese settlers, stained glass, and a detailed altar. 

Other sights along the tour include botanical gardens, a statue of the country's first president, and the Casa Do Ferro, or "Iron House." One of two edifices in Maputo designed by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower renown, the Casa de Ferro was originally designed as the residence of the General Governor of Mozambique. 

Savor a delicious seafood lunch before reboarding the train for the South African border to the north. 
Overnight: African Explorer (B,L,D)

Day 7: Kruger National Park
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Situated roughly 260 miles northeast of Johannesburg, the nearly five-million-acre Kruger National Park offers some of the best wildlife sighting in Africa. With an exhilirating full-day safari, watch for the "Big Five"— buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos—as well as Nile crocodiles, hippos, zebras, hyenas, and numerous birds. In addition to animals, this sanctuary showcases giant baobab, fever, and marula trees. 

Tonight, relax along the banks of the iconic Sabie River at the Kruger Gate Hotel. This lodge-style property, famed for its soaring wooden walkways and treetop ambiance, offers all the comforts of an elevated hotel experience. With refined Africa-inspired décor, all rooms have en suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.  Take pleasure in a cocktail or a glass of fine South African wine while lounging at the stunning infinity pool as various game, including vocal hippos, wander down to the river. 

Conclude this memorable day with an African bush dinner beneath starry skies. Assemble around the fire as delicious aromas and the sounds of camaraderie and the night fill the air. Listen to gauge whether resident hyenas, wildebeest, and lions create a symphony tonight. 
Overnight: Kruger Gate Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 8: Drakensberg Mountains
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Cross Kruger National Park for another exhilirating game drive before taking a a scenic sojourn through the rugged Drakensberg mountain range.

Granted UNESCO World Heritage status, the Drakensberg, (or "dragon"), mountains rise to more than 11,400 feet. Along the way, take in breathtaking views of the green and lush Blyde River Canyon, one of the biggest canyons on Earth carved over millions of years. 

Sweeping for 700 miles through two countries and five South African provinces, the Drakensberg Mountains are rightly one of Southern Africa’s most impressive geological features. 

Later, re-board the train and continue in the direction of Zimbabwe.
Overnight: African Explorer (B,D)

Day 9: Makalali Game Reserve
Thursday, September 19, 2024
This morning, delight in a safari at the Makalali Game Reserve. This diverse habitat hosts many species, including lion, elephant, leopard, black and white rhino, spotted and brown hyena, cheetah and wild dogs.

Enjoy lunch on board the train followed by an afternoon at leisure. 
Overnight: African Explorer (B,L,D)

Day 10: Full Day Aboard Train
Friday, September 20, 2024
On its way through the Limpopo Province, the African Explorer private train passes the Soutpansberg mountains and the lands of South Africa’s Rain Queen. 

During the ride, enjoy a biltong (traditional spiced jerky) tasting. This beloved snack in South Africa is often cured with coriander seeds, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and vinegar. 

In the bar car, relax if you choose with a cool Windhoek lager or one of South Africa’s famous wines. Also listen to presentations given by the tour guide, enjoy a good read, or have stimulating conversation with fellow travelers.
Overnight: African Explorer  (B,L,D)

Day 11: Great Zimbabwe
Saturday, September 21, 2024
The legacy of Great Zimbabwe lives on as one of the largest and most culturally important archaeological sites of its kind in Africa. Journey by bus to the stone ruins of an ancient city near modern day Masvingo. 

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. These remnants were designated a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1986.
Overnight: African Explorer (B,D)

Day 12: Matobo National Park | Bulawayo
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Admire the charming colonial architecture of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second city, with a city tour. Visit either the Natural History Museum or the Railway Museum for fascinating insights into the history and resources of the nation. 

At another UNESCO World Heritage Site—Matobo National Park—see some of the most majestic granite scenery in the world. This otherwordly landscape of balancing rocks known as kopjes is considered the spiritual home of Zimbabwe. 

This area also includes the Grave of Cecil Rhodes—a British imperialist and politician who founded the territory of Rhodesia in today’s Zimbabwe. See the statue and gain an introduction into the fascinating study of southern African rock art ascribed to hunter-gatherer painters and engravers. Rock art of this region is studied for richness in terms of subject matter, as well as in the context of the archaeological record. It has much to tell us about the lives of the people who produced it. Refreshments will be served as the sun sets on the horizon.

Matobo National Park habitats the highest population of black eagles to be found anywhere in the world. In fact. about 400 of the 674 Zimbabwean bird species, of which 35 species are protected, occur in the Matobo Hills. Common birds to watch for are fish eagle, martial eagle, francolin, secretary bird, weavers, pied crow, and Egyptian geese.
Overnight: African Explorer (B,D)

Day 13: Hwange National Park
Monday, September 23, 2024
Among miles of desert sand, sparse woodland, grasslands, and granite outcrops, take a full day to discover Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest and most important game reserve. Watch for wildlife from game drives and platforms overlooking the water holes. Resident creatures include its renowned herds of elephants and Cape buffalo, plus giraffes, kudu, zebras, baboons, lions, leopards, and wildebeests. Bird lovers have an opportunity to add to their lists Kalahari birds, including red-billed spurlfowl, southern pied babbler, and crimson-breasted shrike. 
Overnight: African Explorer (B,L,D)

Day 14: Victoria Falls, Zambia
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
On the last full day of this adventure, revel in time at leisure with Victoria Falls, known locally as “the Smoke that Thunders." The Falls, which are more than 300 feet high, are one of the world's seven natural wonders and were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. Upon seeing Victoria Falls for the first time Dr. David Livingstone proclaimed, "Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight."

After taking in the stunning views of the Zambezi River pouring into the canyon below, embark upon a scenic boat safari. Watch for wildlife such as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles set among the lush vegetation. 

Conclude with a traditional South African barbeque, or braai, around the glow of a campfire. An essential part of South African culture, the word braai is thought to originate from the Dutch word "braden," which means "to roast." Celebrate your time in South Africa by feasting and reminiscing in the company of new friends. 
Overnight: Victoria Safari Lodge (B,D)

Day 15: Victoria Falls | Depart for U.S.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Depart Victoria Falls for flights home. (B)

Day 16: Arrive in U.S.
Thursday, September 26, 2024

 B = Breakfast, L =  Lunch, D = Dinner

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level

Moderate

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.

Accommodations

DaVinci Hotel and Suites

September 12

Ideally situated adjacent to Nelson Mandela Square, this property features a private art collection, elegant dining options, an outdoor infinity pool, and quick access to a luxury shopping center.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, writing desk and chair, flat-screen TV, complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, alarm clock, phone, coffee and tea maker, minibar, safe, iron and ironing board, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer. 

African Explorer Private Train

September 13 - September 16, September 18 - September 23

Experience the immense beauty of Southern Africa on an epic railroad journey aboard the African Explorer. Attend lectures, read and enjoy beverages in the bar car, savor four-course dinners of African and European cuisines in the two restaurant cars, and delight in uninterrupted views of wilderness from the observation platform. Cozy sleeping compartments provide elevated standards of safety, service and comfort.

Car Compartment Amenities: Individual climate control, windows (equipped with blinds and sunshades) that open, 220/230V electrical outlets, safe, closet, bedside cabinets, complimentary bottled water, and private en suite bathroom with shower, towels, sundries and hair dryer.

Kruger Gate Hotel

September 17

Enjoy elegant accommodations with uninterrupted views over the Sabie River into Kruger National Park. This lodge-style property is famed for its soaring wooden walkways and treetop ambiance.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, writing desk and chair, cable TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, coffee and tea maker, minibar, safe, and en suite bathroom with sundries. 

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

September 24

On a plateau overlooking the Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is renowned for its views of a wildlife-rich waterhole visited by herds of elephant, buffalo, and kudu. 

Built of thatch and timber, the lodge rises several levels, giving the impression of a vast open-plan tree house, with the central area featuring a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and fitness center.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, private balcony, writing desk and chair, complimentary Wi-Fi, alarm clock, phone, coffee and tea maker, minibar, safe, and en suite bathroom with sundries. 

(Accommodations subject to change.)

Optional Pre-Tour

Cape Town


At the southernmost tip of Africa, separated from the rest of the continent by a ring of mountains, Cape Town hosts a variety of cultures. Gain an appreciation for this vibrant city of today by peering into its tumultuous past. See iconic landmarks, tour the vibrant Bo-Kaap neighborhood, savor culinary delights, and explore Robben Island. 

Itinerary

Day +1: En Route from U.S.
Sunday, September 8, 2024

Day +2: Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa
Monday, September 9, 2024
Upon arrival to Cape Town International Airport, transfer to the hotel to enjoy an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Mount Nelson Hotel by Belmond

Day +3: Cape Town
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
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—from Cape Dutch to 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. 

After feasting, return to the hotel and unwind with an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Mount Nelson Hotel by Belmond (B,L)

Day +4: Cape Town
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Following breakfast, set off for Robben Island, one of the most significant and inspiring landmarks in South Africa. Arriving to the island by ferry, meet your special guide—Nelson Mandela's friend and former jailer, Christo Brand—for an exclusive tour. Hear about the struggles and triumphs of the anti-apartheid movement as you explore the prison cells, the quarry where prisoners labored, and other poignant sites on the island.

Lunch is at a nearby waterfront restaurant followed by an afternoon at the property. Perhaps indulge in a traditional afternoon tea, relax by the pool, or enjoy the spa facilities (additional fees apply).
Overnight: Mount Nelson Hotel by Belmond (B,L)

Day +5: Cape Town | Flight to Johannesburg | Main Program Begins
Thursday, September 12, 2024
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the group flight to Johannesburg to join the main program. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

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.)

Activity Level

Moderate

Activities are generally not very strenuous, however, we expect that guests can enjoy two hours or more of walking, are sure-footed on uneven surfaces, and can walk up and down hillsides and stairs without assistance. Due to the structure of some buildings, facilities for the disabled may be limited.

Max elevation at the top of Table Mountain: approximately 3,500 feet.

Accommodations

Mount Nelson Hotel by Belmond

September 9 - September 11

The Mount Nelson Hotel by Belmond provides timeless indulgence in the shade of Table Mountain. Long regarded as one of the city’s top five-star hotels, it blends a tranquil ambiance with welcoming hospitality and excellent service.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, writing desk and chair, flat-screen TV, phone, coffee and tea maker, minibar, safe, bathrobes, slippers, and en suite bathroom with premium sundries and hair dryer.

(Accommodations subject to change.)

What's Included

  • 3 nights accommodations at the five-star Mount Nelson Hotel by Belmond (or similar)
  • 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches
  • Guided tours of iconic landmarks, the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, and Robben Island
  • Wine tasting excursion
  • Culinary journey in Cape Town
  • Transportation for included activities
  • Luggage porterage
  • Gratuities to local guide, driver, porters, hotel staff, and wait staff for included meals
  • Airport transfers for guests arriving during the suggested times
  • Internal airfare from Cape Town to Johannesburg

Terms and Conditions