Blue Train and Bush Honeymoon

Safari Tour Itinerary

2009 Prices From ZAR 82 000 (approx US$ $8 500) per person.
Rates vary according to Season.

Day 1 Meet & Greet + Pack Our Representative
Scheduled Air Transfer: Johannesburg Airport to Tanda Tula
12:15 - 13:55
Federal Air
Depart: 12:15
Arrive: 13:55
Overnight: TANDA TULA Luxury Tents
Day 2 Overnight: TANDA TULA Luxury Tents
Day 3 Overnight: TANDA TULA Luxury Tents
Day 4 Air Charter: Tanda Tula to Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve
Federal Air
Overnight: LEOPARD HILLS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Luxury Suites
Day 5 Overnight: LEOPARD HILLS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Luxury Suites
Day 6 Overnight: LEOPARD HILLS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Luxury Suites
Day 7 Scheduled Air Transfer: Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve to Johannesburg Airport
14:15 - 15:20
Federal Air
Depart: 14:15
Arrive: 15:20
Road Transfer: Johannesburg Airport to Illyria House
Our Representative
Overnight: ILLYRIA HOUSE Luxury Double Rooms DBB
Day 8 Road Transfer: Illyria House to Pretoria Station
Our Representative
Depart: Johannesburg Airport at 07:50  
Overnight: BLUE TRAIN SOUTHBOUND Spoornet
Day 9 Arrive: Cape Town Airport at 12:30  
Road Transfer: Cape Town Station to Grande Roche Hotel
Our Representative
Overnight: GRANDE ROCHE HOTEL Honeymoon Suite
Day 10 Full Day Excursion Winelands Tour Our Representative
Overnight: GRANDE ROCHE HOTEL Honeymoon Suite
Day 11 Road Transfer: Grande Roche Hotel to The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Our Representative
Overnight: THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA Sea Facing Suite
Day 12 Full Day Excursion Full Day Cape Peninsula Our Representative
Overnight: THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA Sea Facing Suite
Day 13 Morning Excursion Half Day City+ Table Mountain Tour Our Representative
Overnight: THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA Sea Facing Suite
Day 14 Road Transfer: The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa to Cape Town Airport
Our Representative





Tanda Tula
Bush/Safari Lodges – Timbavati

One of the original game lodges of the Timbavati Nature Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. Rated as South Africa's most luxurious tented camp, Tanda Tula promises a true wilderness experience.

Location
Renowned as the most luxurious tented camp in South Africa, Tanda Tula is situated amidst 20 000 acres of bushveld, 40 mins drive from Hoedspruit airport.

Activities
Fly-In, Safari Lodge, Wildlife, Game Drives, Safari, Self Drive, Walking, Honeymoon, Photography, Birding, Luxury Tented Camp, Romantic Getaway, Price Range - Southern Africa: $400 - $600

Attractions
With a handful of visitors and a vehicle density of less than one per square mile, the words 'private, secluded and tranquil' best describe a stay here. Safaris are conducted either on foot or in open-sided game-viewing vehicles.

Facilities
The accommodation at Tanda Tula comes in the form of eight luxuriously appointed East African-style tented suites, all with en-suite bathrooms and private timber decks overlooking the riverbed. Those seeking exclusivity may be interested in the Tandala thatched suite with its own private pool, personal cook, ranger and game-viewing vehicle. The luxury tents offer hot and cold water and are equipped with fans, hairdryers and mosquito netting. The focal point of the camp is the bar/lounge overlooking the watering hole. Afternoons spent around the pool are popular whilst the highlight of each evening are the open-air dinners served around the log fires in the riverbed.

Additional Information
Group itineraries, special interest itineraries, bush walks and game drives with professional rangers. Green Hunting.

Child Policy
  • Children over 12 welcome



Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve
Bush/Safari Lodges – Sabi-Sands/Manyeleti

Leopard Hills is built on a hill overlooking a natural waterhole. With only eight beautifully appointed suites, Leopard Hills offers as much privacy as you could wish for.

Location
Leopard Hills is situated in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve bordering the world-famous Kruger National Park and is approximately 500km due east of Johannesburg. The lodge is easily accessible either by road, or by air, flying directly from Johannesburg International Airport to the lodge or on the commercial airlines to Kruger Mpumalanga International or Hoedspruit Airports.

Activities
Fly-In, Safari Lodge, Wildlife, Game Drives, Safari, Self Drive, Walking, Honeymoon, Photography, Birding, Cuisine, Spa, Swimming Pool, Price Range - Southern Africa: $800 plus

Attractions
Leopard Hills traverses over 10 000 hectares of the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which forms part of the greater Kruger National Park ecosystem. State-of-the-art landrovers, specifically designed for Leopard Hills, have individual bucket seats with fold-down arm rests, ensuring your optimum safety and comfort.

Facilities
Eight luxurious glass-fronted air conditioned suites, each complete with its own sundeck and private rock plunge pool, fully stocked mini bar, romantic bathroom with Victorian bath, double indoor and outdoor showers, offer superb views of the bushveld beyond. *Central swimming pool* open air verandah*lounge, bar & dinning*a library* well stocked curio shop and a fully stocked wine cellar. Our experienced staff have been hand selected for their knowledge, enthusiasm and total dedication to service excellence, thus ensuring complete enjoyment of your safari.

Additional Information
Early morning and late afternoon/evening game drives in search of Africa's big game, are conducted by your knowledgeable professional ranger. Optional walking safaris where you will discover a few of the endless number of fascinating small creatures of Africa. These are just of few of the amazing encounters awaiting you.

Child Policy
  • Children 10+ welcome.



Illyria House
Guest Houses – Johannesburg

Illyria House is an exclusive privately owned residence, set in delightful tranquil gardens, overlooking the historical Jacaranda City of Pretoria and the famous Union Buildings.

Location
Illyria House is an exclusive privately owned residence, set in delightful tranquil gardens, overlooking the historical Jacaranda City of Pretoria and the famous Union Buildings.

Activities
Self Drive, Walking, Honeymoon, Shopping, Cuisine, Spa, Sport Facility, Day Tour, Guest House, Swimming Pool, Romantic Getaway, Price Range - Southern Africa: $200 - $400

Attractions
Fine antiques and 17th century tapestries. The standard city tour of Pretoria includes visits to the Voortrekker Monument, Church Square, Kruger/Melrose House and the Union Buildings. In October, the Jacaranda trees bloom, turning the city into a lilac fairyland. For tourists based in Pretoria, there is a choice between the Rhino & Lion Park, and the Pilanesberg National Park, which is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant). Feeding time can be observed at the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Captive Breeding Centre where hyenas, vultures and cheetahs flourish in a natural, but controlled environment. Experience Lesedi, a multi-cultural African village home to four major African tribes. Visit homesteads and watch, or join, traditional dancing and singing. A tour to Soweto, including a traditional medicine shop, can be combined with a trip through Johannesburg and the Gold Reef City theme park. The world’s biggest diamond was discovered at the nearby Cullinan Mine. The surface tour includes the Diamond Room, where a selection of uncut diamonds and replicas of world famous diamonds are displayed. Another African experience not to be missed is a sunrise safari in a hot air balloon over the Hartbeespoort Dam and the Magaliesberg Mountains. South Africa’s Kingdom of Pleasure can be found at Sun City or Lost City. Facilities range from a casino to golf courses and a crocodile farm. Loopspruit Wine Estate is the only one of its kind north of the Vaal river. Enjoy a guided tour, wine tasting and a traditional Bushveld lunch. Sporting facilities ranging from horse riding and golf to tennis and hiking trails are available and trips to the Botanical Gardens and the State Theatre can also be arranged.

Facilities
Six en-suite double rooms. Exceptional hospitality and cuisine.

Additional Information
Hairdressing, manicures, facials and body massage by appointment. Our guests have free access to the prestigious Health and Racquet Club nearby. Manicures, pedicures, facials, massages and hairdressers can also be provided in the house. Please find attached a list of day tours that can be arranged for our guests upon arrival. Sporting facilities ranging from horse riding and golf to tennis and hiking trails by arrangement. Personalized tours to the Botanical Gardens and the State Theatre can also be arranged.

Child Policy
  • Children by special arrangement.


Blue Train Southbound
Johannesburg - Cape Town City

A 1 night/2 day 5 STAR luxury train journey from Pretoria to Cape Town. (There is also the option of traveling in a luxury suite at an additional surcharge).

Day 1
07h50 - 08h30: Register and check-in at The Blue Train Lounge, Pretoria Station. Enjoy pre-departure snacks and drinks.08h30: Boarding starts. Butlers usher guests to their suites. Suite orientation done by butlers.08h50: The Blue Train departs from Pretoria Station.11h00 - 12h15: First sitting for Brunch12h15 - 13h25: Second sitting for Brunch.15h30: High tea is served in the Lounge Car.17h10: The Blue Train arrives at Kimberley Station. Guests disembark and assemble at the railway museum, from where they will be ushered to a bus, which transfers them to the centre of Kimberley to join an old tram for a ride down to the mine.17h45: Guests arrive at the Open Mine Museum for a tour of the mine. Guests are first taken to the Diamond Die to try their luck to win a diamond, after which they will view, interesting and historical sites. Guests are also taken onto an enclosed ramp on the edge of the Kimberly hole.18h35: Guests depart from the Open Mine Museum for Kimberley Station. At Kimberley Station guests are greeted with a glass of sherry. The sherry glass engraved with The Blue Train logo is a memento for guests to keep.19h05: The Blue Train departs Kimberley Station for the journey Southbound to Cape Town.After the exciting tour, guests are free to refresh themselves and enjoy pre-dinner drinks served at any one of our lounges. Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie or dress in traditional attire and ladies in elegant evening or traditional wear.19h30: First sitting dinner.21h15: Second sitting dinner.

Day 2
07h00 - 10h00: Breakfast is served on a first come first serve basis. Breakfast can also be served in-suite at the guests' request.12h30: The Blue Train arrives at Cape Town Station. Butlers usher guests to The Blue Train Lounge.



Grande Roche Hotel
Country Hotels – Cape Winelands

The luxurious Grande Roche Hotel, Relais & Chateaux, is situated in the Paarl Winelands, set against the backdrop of a rugged mountain range and surrounded by ancient oaks and historic vineyards.

Location
The largest inland town in the Cape Province, Paarl, is about 60 km North-east of Cape Town, approximately 40 minutes by car. Renowned for its illustrious past and unrivalled scenic beauty, Paarl is dominated by 3 huge granite domes which is Paarl Mountain, and the Berg River which flows through the town. The history of Paarl dates back to 1657 when Abraham Gabbema visited the Berg River valley on one of his exploration trips inland from the Cape settlement. The legend goes that Gabbema stumbled into this beautiful valley after a rainstorm and seeing the glistening granite domes, promptly named it De Paarl (The Pearl), a name which stayed till today. Paarl is the heart of South Africa’s winelands and boasts the headquarters of KWV (Cooperative Wine Growers’ Association) and the start of the Paarl Wine Route. It is primarily an agricultural-based village with few industries. Annual events like the Nederburg Wine Auction, The Festival of the Vine, KWV Canoe Marathon and Paarl Golf Tournaments attract nation-wide interest.

Activities
Gym, Self Drive, Walking, Honeymoon, Country Lodge, Hotel, Shopping, Conference Facility, Photography, Birding, Cuisine, Spa, Mountain Biking, Sport Facility, Day Tour, Wine Tasting, Swimming Pool, Price Range - Southern Africa: $200 - $400

Attractions
As one of the country’s few five-star estate hotels in South Africa, the Grande Roche of Paarl has become a legend on the local hospitality scene for having won such a formidable array of awards and culinary accolades since its opening in January 1992. This gem of South Africa is set on a gentle slope overlooking vineyards and rugged mountains, the manor house and its sprawl of individually decorated suites are a gentle alternative to the hurly-burly of big city life. And it is the hotel’s subtle attention to detail that sets it apart form the rest. Grande Roche has received a remarkable collection of honours in its relatively brief history: The Diners Club award for the best wine list in South Africa. Bosman’s Restaurant was named as South Africa’s top de luxe restaurant by the American Express/Style magazine. Bosman’s was rated among the Top Ten Restaurants of South Africa in the 1996 Perrier Restaurant Guide and Flying Springbok. Bosman’s was awarded the official Chaine des Rotisseurs blazon. Bosman’s was voted South Africa’s best Chaine du Rotisseur Restaurant. In 1993 the Grande Roche with all it's buildings was declared a national monument. The Grande Roche was awarded the top SATOUR hospitality award, the Silver Classification. Grande Roche became a member of the Relais & Chateaux in November 1994. In 1995 Grande Roche was awarded the Relais Gourmand status by Relais Chateaux. The SATOUR Tourism Award for South Africa's Hotel of the Year 1995.

Facilities
The immaculately restored 18th century hotel offers 29 luxury suites and 5 executive rooms with features such as thatched roofs, bamboo and yellow wood ceilings. The slave quarters of the old farm have been converted into five luxury Duplex Suites. These are also family suites, as up to 2 extra beds may be made up in the lounge area for the kids. Eighteen suites are dotted around the estate. Trailing vines overhang private terraces that have spectacular views of the vineyards and valleys surrounding the hotel. The elegant Terrace Suites are designed with luxury and comfort in mind - the perfect "home" for a longer stay! Five standard rooms with individual features are situated in the charmingly restored coach house and stables of the estate. Each has a garden terrace with a magnificent view of the Drakenstein Mountains.

The magnificent manor house forms the heart of the hotel and houses Bosman’s Restaurant. Africa’s gracious, first and only Relais Gourmand is a world-class award-winning restaurant. Surrounded by an elegant ambience, you’ll find the mood gracious rather than intimidatingly formal. The food is consistently delicious, offering an honest, contemporary gourmet and vegetarian cuisine. A superb wine list to accompany every palate and expert sommelier’s advice is part of the highly professional service standard. The new BISTRO Allegro is the casual Restaurant for the more relaxed dining experiences.

Facilities include a conference centre, two floodlit tennis courts, two swimming pools, health centre, an intimate historical chapel and an E-Centre. The health centre with steam bath, sauna and the hotel’s own masseur offers total relaxation. With a golf course and some of the Cape’s top wine estates nearby, this hotel is the perfect base for exploring the entire Cape Town environs.


Additional Information
Suggested walking and driving tours from Grande Roche History on your doorstep  The Afrikaans Language Museum on the southern side of Paarl Mountain is a perfect site from which to look out across the Paarl Valley to the Drakenstein Mountains. Drive along the Jan Phillips Mountain Drive to the northern side of the mountain for a panoramic view of Paarl. Visit the Wildflower Garden or drive up to the magnificent rock formation after which Paarl was named. At Rhebokskloof, Landskroon and Zandwijk Estate you can sample fine wines. Visit Fairview Estate, famous for its wines as well as its local cheeses. A walking tour of Paarl Walking down Main Street, visit the Strooidak Church, the old Town Hall, the Oude Pastorie Museum, the Toringkerk (Tower Church) and the many beautifully preserved old buildings, many of which house antique shops, country stores and art galleries. Return to the Hotel by walking along the Berg River Boulevard. A World Famous Winery Possibly the most famous name in South African wines is Nederburg. After sampling superb Nederburg vintages and touring the magnificent cellar, visit the historic Dal Josaphat farmhouses. Then take a tour to Schoongezicht Estate and visit the nearby waterblommetjie farm. Finally, visit the beautifully restored Roggeland, now a guesthouse, and Non Pareille that houses a group of artists who may be exhibiting their work there. Before returning to Grand Roche, pay a visit to the Bhabhatane weavers of Vlakkeland. Beyond the Mountains Take the R45 to Wellington and turn off towards Bain’s Kloof to enjoy a drive along the breathtaking pass. Along the way, swim in the crystal clear mountain water at Tweede Tol. Beyond the Kloof, turn left on the R46 to Tulbagh, one of the most picturesque villages in the Cape. While there, pay a visit to the estate Paddegang and collect some of their excellent wines with their amusing " Frog Theme" labels. Then return to Paarl via the R46 through Nuwekloof, which was the old wagon trail around the mountains. Valleys of Beauty and Plenty Drive through the Huguenot to Worcester to visit Kleinplasie, South Africa’s famous Farm Museum where the visitor can experience life as it was lived since the earliest days of the first settlers. A visit to the Karoo Botanical Gardens is recommended. After sampling some of the locally produced Witblitz (firewater), continue along the N1 to De Doorns and pass by Matroosberg, the highest mountain in the Western Cape. Then head for Ceres, the heart of South Africa’s export fruit growing territory, and continue along the N1, but turn left along the Hex River Pass on the R46. After some 31km through an arid landscape, contrasting sharply with the lush green of the Boland, turn left again to Ceres descending via Theronsberg Pass with a spectacular view of the Valley and its fruit orchards. Finally, return to Paarl along the R43 through Mitchell’s Pass. The Breede River Valley Take the N1 to Worcester, following the signposts for Du Toitskloof Pass and the old road before the Tunnel was built. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Paarl from the summit of the Pass, then turn off in Worcester on the R60 towards Robertson and McGregor, one of the prettiest mid-nineteenth century villages in the Cape. Then continue towards Ashton and go through Cogman’s Kloof on the R62 to Montagu with its famous thermal springs. Into the Wilderness Drive to Wellington via the R45 and on to Gouda. Continue on the R46 then take the R303 and up to the top of Gydo Pass and stop for a magnificent view of the Ceres Valley and the Hex River Mountains. By the way of the Buffelsberg Pass and the Middelberg pass head to Citrusdal . The town is renowned for its orange groves and winery. Continue on the R303 for three kilometres along the Olifants River to turn right after some 13 kilometres to Algeria where you can have a refreshing swim in the clear mountain water of the Cederberg Range. Turn back towards Cape Town taking the N7 and into the R365 to the village of Porterville and see the historic Dutch East India Company cannon in front of the Police Station. Then take the R44 back to Wellington and on to Paarl. Adventure into the Interior Head for Clanwilliam, via the R44 and R356 and continue along the N7. Take the R364 through the Pakhuis Pass, turning off after approximately 37 kms to the village of Wuppertal, a picturesque and unspoiled village of white thatched cottages and a graceful gabled church, where the first Rhenish mission was established in 1830. On the way back to Paarl, stop in at one of the farm stalls along the road to taste the world famous Rooibos health tea. Continue along the N7 to Malmesbury and take the R45 to Paarl. A variation of this tour is a visit to the West Coast. Visit Lamberts Bay, enjoy an Al Fresco meal of fresh fish and crayfish with homemade bread at the Muisbosskerm and visit Bird Island, a paradise for bird lovers.

Friendliness, courtesy, respect, honesty and sincerity - the characteristics of this cosmopolitan team, guarantee true hospitality and a great guest experience.


Child Policy
  • Toddlers (0 - 3 years) welcome
  • Children (4 - 12 years) welcome
  • Children over 12 welcome


Winelands Tour
Full Day Excursion








The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Beach Lodges/Resorts – Cape Town City

At a place where the earth, sea and sky meet, life begins. Here lies the luxurious Twelve Apostles, poised on the Atlantic edge and flanked by the majestic Table Mountain and her Twelve Apostles.

Location
Barely ten minutes from the bustling heart of Cape Town and its historic tourist attractions, Table Mountain cableway, V&A Waterfront & The Castle. Nature's nearby attractions include prime diving spots, nature trails, seals, dolphins, whales and penguins.

Activities
Beach, Self Drive, Walking, Honeymoon, Hotel, Shopping, Conference Facility, Photography, Birding, Spa, Day Tour, Swimming Pool, Price Range - Southern Africa: $400 - $600, Child Friendly

Attractions
The beautiful Twelve Apostles Hotel is perfectly situated in a marine nature reserve on a narrow stretch of magnificent coast between the mountains and the sea, and only 17 minutes from the Waterfront, the most visited attraction in South Africa!

Facilities
Savour the play of light on both mountain and sea from the comfort and tranquility of any of the 70 rooms and suites. All are decorated with understated elegance, in four secluded and individual wings linked to the public areas via airy walkways, accentuating the sweeping views. If you are inclined to stay-in, our own network of mountain trails provide you with the perfect opportunity to enjoy a delicious picnic followed by utterly relaxing and rejuvenating treatments in our spa. Nature brings with it life and beauty and at The Sanctuary Spa we have embraced the healing energies of earth, air and water to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.

Additional Information
The Spa’s focal point is the indoor Hydro Pool flanked by a Brine Pool and a Cold Plunge Pool, this area offers the ideal spot from which to quiet the soul, contemplate life and revitalise lost passions. Elegantly flowing outwards from this area is the spa’s Health Bar and pool area. N.B. Honeymoon and Wedding Packages are available on request.

Child Policy
  • Toddlers (0 - 3 years) welcome
  • Children (4 - 12 years) welcome
  • Children over 12 welcome
  • Children under 12 years = Free of charge. Children 12-16 yrs = R300 (2008) and R400 (2009) per child per night B&B. (The above applies when sharing with 2 full paying adults).


Full Day Cape Peninsula
Full Day Excursion

Private guided Full Day Tour of the magnificent Cape Peninsula, Kirstenbosch and Cape Point Nature Reserve.

Your private driver/guide will collect you from your hotel at 09h30. The day starts at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which boasts the greatest collection of flora in Southern Africa - representing 12 000 species of plants from the Cape Floral Kingdom. We then drive over Ou Kaapse Weg mountain pass and along the scenic Atlantic seaboard, famous for its white beaches, surfing and glorious sunsets, until we enter the Cape Point Nature Reserve. This pristine national park lies at the south-western most tip of Africa, and is one of the most rugged and magnificent places on the continent, with secluded beaches and mountain fynbos, including many of the Cape's famous Protea flower species. This is the place where some people claim the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Although there is a marked differnce between the temperature of the ocean on either side of this narrow peninsula, it is more accurate that this is the meeting point of the warm Mozambique current and the cold Benguella current. You will then visit the African penguin colony at Boulders beach, Simonstown, followed by lunch at one of the fine restaurants overlooking the rocks and pounding surf of False Bay. A visit to the traditional fishing harbour of Kalk Bay is a colourful experience as fishermen land the daily catch. This is followed by a visit to some of the eclectic shops and trading stores lining the coast road, after which you make your way back to your hotel. The tour ends around 17h30.

Duration:   8 hours


Half Day City+ Table Mountain Tour
Morning Excursion








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