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7 AUG 06: AUSTRALIA – JOHANNESBURG
On arrival into Johannesburg you will be met and transferred to your home away from home for the next 17 days, the Shongololo Express. Having a “pre-day” means that you are able to acclimatize and unpack prior to the first day of the tour. Additional excursions are available to be taken today (should vehicles be available to take you) if so desired. The train remains stationary at Nasrec Station where you stay overnight.
8 AUG 2006: TSHWANE (PRETORIA) / JOHANNEBSURG / SOWETO
Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of the Southern African region and home to some of Africa’s greatest cities.
Today’s Off Rail activities include: a full day tour of Tshwane (Pretoria) and Soweto or a full day tour of Johannesburg & Soweto. The train departs in the evening from Johannesburg to Impala Station.
9 AUG 2006: PANORAMA ROUTE
Mpumalanga means “Land of the Rising Sun”. It is a province of extraordinary natural beauty.
The two Off-Rail activities today include: a full day tour of the Panorama Route or a full day tour of Kruger National Park.
You may also choose from 4 specialised activities today which are: Open Vehicle Safari, Local Pub in Town, Bush Lodge, and overnight at a Private Game Reserve.
The train remains stationary in Hazyview for the night.
10 AUG 2006: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Today’s Off-Rail Activity is: a full day tour of Kruger National Park which offers a wildlife experience that equals the best anywhere in the world.
Choose from two Specialised activities today which are: an Open Vehicle Safari for a Game Drive, or a Sunrise Balloon Experience lasting about an hour.
Guests rejoin the train in Komatipoort, from where it departs for Mpaka Station in Swaziland.
11 AUG 2006: SWAZILAND
The tiny Kingdom of Swaziland covers only 17 000 square kilometres, making it the second smallest country in Africa.
Additionally today’s Off-Rail activity is: a full day tour through Swaziland.
The Specialised activity for today is: Horse Riding. The ride takes place at walking pace and is also suited for inexperienced riders. A guide accompanies guests.
The train departs for Golela border crossing in the evening.
12 AUG 2006: NORTHERN ZULULAND
Today’s Off-Rail Activities include: a full day tour to Pongola Game Reserve and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park. The oldest game reserve in Africa, enjoy a safari cruise on Lake Jozini, lunch and a visit to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Reserve in the afternoon.
Choose from two Specialised activities today which are: Open vehicle Safari in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park or stay overnight in Hluhluwe.
Guests rejoin the train at Empangeni, where it remains stationary for the night.
13 AUG 2006: SOUTHERN ZULULAND
Two of today’s Off-Rail activities include: a full day tour of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park and Shakaland, Africa’s oldest established wilderness area, or a full day tour of Shakaland and St Lucia, declared as a world heritage site.
Choose from two Specialised activities today which are: St Lucia Boat Based Whale Tours or an Open Vehicle Safari in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park.
The train departs for Durban over night.
14 AUG 2006: DURBAN
Choose from three of today’s Off-Rail activities including: Durban City Tour, a Durban Spiritual Tour or a Beach Day.
The train travels to Pietermaritzburg in the evening.
15 AUG 2006: PIETERMARITZBURG / MIDLANDS / SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG
In Pietermaritzburg we will be stationed at the railway station - where in 1893, Mahatma Gandhi was put off the train as a person of colour. The city has numerous parks and gardens and many historical buildings reflecting both British and Boer occupation.
There are four Off-Rail activities to choose from today, which are: a full day tour of the Battlefields, tracing the course of the Anglo Boer War; a full day tour of Midlands Meander in KwaZulu-Natal; a full day tour of Southern Drakensberg where a number of walking trails will be offered; or a full day tour of some Local communities (Ingwe Municipality / Creighton).
Additionally there is also a specialised activity offered today: a full day tour in a 4 x 4 Vehicle to Sani Pass / Lesotho. Drive up the magnificent Sani Pass following deep into the valley incised by the Mkhomazana River. NB: YOUR PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS ACTIVITY!!!
Guests rejoin the train in Pietermaritzburg and travel to Bloemfontein (overnight and morning journey).
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16 AUG 2006: BLOEMFONTEIN
Today’s Off-Rail activity is: an afternoon tour of Bloemfontein.
The train departs in the early evening from Bloemfontein to Port Elizabeth.
17 AUG 2006: PORT ELIZABETH
Today you can choose from three Off-Rail activities, which include: a morning tour of Addo Elephant Park & time at leisure; a morning tour of Port Elizabeth & time at leisure; or a full day tour of Addo Elephant Park & Port Elizabeth City.
There is also one Specialised activity offered today; a Township Tour, visiting the Nelson Mandela Metropole which has become the pulsating beat of an emerging united city.
The train travels over night to Oudtshoorn.
18 AUG 2006: KLEIN KAROO
Surrounded by natural beauty, Oudtshoorn is situated at the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountain range.
There are three Off-Rail Activities to choose from today including: a full day tour of the Cango Caves & Swartberg Pass; a full day tour of Oudtshoorn & Ostrich Farm, Mossel Bay; or a morning tour of an Ostrich Farm and train ride to Mossel Bay.
Choose from two Specialised Activities: Cango Crocodile and Cheetah Land or Seal Island Trips.
This evening’s activity is a South African “Fish Braai” (BBQ). All guests will be transferred to the Khoi Village for the braai at 7pm.
The train remains stationary in Mossel Bay for the night.
19 AUG 2006: GARDEN ROUTE
Mossel Bay lies in the heart of the famous Garden Route and is situated on a spectacular sun-washed peninsula.
There are four Off-Rail activities to choose from today including: a full day tour of the Old Passes Route and Knysna; a full day tour of Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe and Knysna (only every second day in winter months); a morning spent at Mossel Bay for leisure; or a full day tour of Robberg Nature Reserve.
There are also three Specialised activities to choose from today including: Shark Cage Diving (Mossel Bay); Seal Island Trips (including whale watching in season); and Monkeyland and Birds of Eden (Plettenberg Bay).
The train journeys to Paarl over night.
20 AUG 2006: WINELANDS (STELLENBOSCH, FRANSCHHOEK & PAARL)
The fertile green valleys of the Cape Winelands are surrounded by proud mountain ranges. A Mediterranean climate and winter rainfall creates some of the best wines in the world.
Four of today’s Off-Rail activities are: a full day tour of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek; a full day tour of Four Passes Route; a full day tour for the Wine Connoisseur; or a full day tour of Hermanus in Whale Season (July to November only).
Guests rejoin the train at Muizenberg Station, where it remains over night.
21 AUG 2006: CAPE TOWN
Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world with the paternal presence of Table Mountain overlooking all.
There are three choices for Today’s Off-Rail activities including: a full day tour of Cape Point; a full day tour of the city of Cape Town; or a full day tour of Hermanus in Whale Season (July to November).
Choose from three Specialised activities including: Two Oceans Aquarium; Robben Island Tour; or a Helicopter Flights.
The train remains stationary in Muizenberg for the night. An evening shuttle service will be available to go to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
22 AUG 2006: CAPE TOWN
As there is so much to do in Cape Town, choose from the previous days Off-Rail activities from Day 15.
The train remains stationary in Muizenberg for the night.
23 AUG 2006: TRANSFER DAY
Enjoy your final morning in Cape Town to take advantage of a stroll around the False Bay area, a leisurely walk along the beach walkway to St. James, where a variety of small restaurants are situated or a short walk to the beach for a refreshing swim. This afternoon you will be transferred to Cape Town Airport for your flight back to Australia via Johannesburg.
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