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Main Program: August 09, 2025 – August 22, 2025
Pre-Tour: August 06, 2025 – August 09, 2025

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 5/13/2024.

Program Highlights

What's Included

Itinerary

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Accommodations

DaVinci Hotel and Suites

August 10

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

August 11 - August 13, August 15 - August 19

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

August 14

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

August 20 - August 21

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 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.

Itinerary

Day +1: En Route from U.S.
Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Day +2: Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa
Thursday, August 7, 2025
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
Friday, August 8, 2025
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.
Overnight: Mount Nelson Hotel by Belmond (B,L)

Day +4: Cape Town | Cape Peninsula
Saturday, August 9, 2025
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).
Overnight: Mount Nelson Hotel by Belmond (B,L)

Day +5: Cape Town | Flight to Johannesburg | Main Program Begins
Sunday, August 10, 2025
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

August 7 - August 9

Long regarded as one of the city’s top five-star hotels, this property 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 at five-star Mount Nelson Hotel by Belmond (or similar)
  • 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches
  • Guided Cape Town city tour and food tasting experience
  • Guided Cape Peninsula excursion including a market visit, vineyard food and wine pairing experience, and Cape of Good Hope visit
  • Admission and fees for included activities
  • 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