Blue
Train & Bush Honeymoon
- Detailed Description & Images
Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve Bush/Game
Lodge – 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 Skukuza,
Hoedspruit and Nelspruit Airports.
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 individaul bucket seats with fold-down
arm rests, ensuring your optimum safety and comfort.
FacilitiesEight luxurious
glass-fronted airconditioned suites, each complete with its own
sundeck and private rock plung 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 yoursafari.
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 over 12 welcome
Tanda Tula
Bush/Game Lodge – 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. 8 luxury tented suite,
40 mins drive from Hoedspruit airport.
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. 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.
Facilities The accommodation
at Tanda Tula comes in the form of 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, rangere and game-viewing vehicle.
The luxury tents offer hot and cold water and are equipped with
fans, hairdyers and mosquito netting.
Additional
Information Group itineraries,
special interest itineraries, bush walks and game drives with
professional rangers. Green Hunting.
Child
Policy
Children 8+ welcome
Illyria House
Guest House – 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,
Horse Trails, Shopping, Cuisine, Health/Spa, Golf, Sport Facility,
Day Excursions, Guest House/ Bed & Breakfast
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 themepark.
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 horseriding 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 horseriding and golf to tennis and hiking trails
by arrangement. Personelised tours to the Botanical Gardens and
the State Theatre can also be arranged.
Child
Policy
No children welcome
Blue Train - Southbound
Johannesburg - Cape Town City
A 1 night/2
day 5 STAR luxury train journey from Pretoria to Cape Town. Please
note that this package has, for the sake of convenience to the
system, been worked out and priced from Johannesburg International
Airport to Cape Town International Airport. However, these transfers
will be flexible to your needs as to your starting or end destinations
within the area. (There is also the option of travelling in a
luxury suite at an additional surcharge).
Day
1 Pretoria. You
will be met and transferred from Johannesburg Airport or your
hotel in the area to Pretoria Station an hour before the scheduled
08h50 departure. Depart Pretoria Station at 08h50. and you are
on our way. The journey to the heart of South Africa's finest
winelands and one of the fairest cities on earth: Cape Town, covers
1 600 kilometres (994 miles). The Blue Train passes the gold fields
of the Witwatersrand, the grain, fruit and sunflower farms of
the northern Cape, on to Kimberley, seat of South Africa's original
diamond rush. Kimberley is the town where Cecil John Rhodes established
De Beers, today the biggest diamond mining concern in the world.
From there you see the desolately beautiful Karoo thirst lands
where ancient fossils attest to its history as a primeval swamp,
where ostriches run wild, where the skies erupt into dramatic
sunsets and from which Olive Schreiner, author of the classic
South African novel, Story of an African Farm, drew much of her
inspiration.
Day
2 Arrive at Cape
Town station at 12h00. This morning you will see the sun rise
over the Hex River Mountains. Imbibe the emerald green Eden of
the Hex River Valley, where most of South Africa's export grapes
are grown. Late autumn produces one of the world's most extravagant
natural sights when the barlinka vines transform into blazing
crimson. The Hex River is also famous for one of South Africa's
most romantic and ghostly legends about a beautiful young girl,
Eliza Meiring who, in 1768, went mad after her beloved fell to
his death in the forbidding Matroosberg mountains. Crossing the
Hex River mountain range was a daunting task for surveyors in
1876 who had to plot the course the tracks should follow. The
16,3-kilometer (10.13-mile) Hex River Tunnel system, the fourth
longest in the world, is a monument to advanced engineering skills.
Nearing the end of our journey,, we head to the town of Paarl,
set in a wide, fertile valley surrounded by purple-hued mountains.
The town, which was established in 1720 by French Huguenot settlers,
is further distinguished by the oak-lined streets and beautiful
old Cape Dutch buildings. Finally, the distinctive shape of Table
Mountain appears in the distance as The Blue Train approaches
Cape Town. We will arrive at Cape Town station at 12h00. At the
station, you will be met once again and transferred to your hotel
or guest house nearby or, to Cape Town International Airport for
your onward journey.
Grande Roche
Estate Hotel – Cape Winelands
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.
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 Self Drive,
Walking /Hiking, Honeymoon, Country Lodge, Shopping, Photography,
Birding, Cuisine, Golf, Day Excursions, Wine Tasting
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 winelist 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 All suites are
equipped with airconditioning, heating facilities, mini bar, radio
and TV in the lounge as well as in the bedroom, direct dial telephone,
fax facility optional. All bathrooms are fitted with heated towel
rails, gowns, radio and telephone, separate bath and shower facilities
and 2 wash basins. 1 Honeymoon Suite/Presidential Suite historical
building; lounge, bedroom (king size bed), bathroom (double shower,
jacuzzi, bidet), private roof sun terrace. 18 Terrace Suites lounge,
bedroom, bathroom (separate shower and bath, double basins), front
terrace with garden furniture overlooking vineyards. All on one
level. 5 Duplex Suites and 5 junior Rooms historical buildings
Ground level: lounge, guest toilet First floor: bedroom, bathroom
(separate shower and bath facilities, 2 wash basins) 5 Executive
Rooms historical buildings Integrated lounge/bedroom, bathroom
(4 separate shower and bath, 1 with bath/shower combination).
1 Junior Suite historical building Lounge, bedroom (queen size
bed), bathroom (bath and shower combination). Bosman's Gourmet
restaurant open air dining with spectacular views Tarantella Bar
Barbecue area Kraal pool, gym and massage room own masseur sauna
and steambath fitness room pool with quiet suntan area shower
facilities 24 hour room service Historic chapel for intimate weddings
or meditation Ample parking VIP VW Caravelle bus Helipad Antiques/African
art gift shop Hair salon and shopping 1 suite for disabled
Paarl Golf Club nearby with complimentary transport Golf handcarts
2 floodlit tennis courts 2 swimming pools Bicycles/Tandem
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 magnificient
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.
Child
Policy
Children 7+ welcome
Full Day
Winelands Tour
Full Day Excursion
Private
guided Full Day Tour including Wine tasting and lunch on
one of the estates, Cape architecture and picturesque landscape.
Your
private driver/guide will collect you from your hotel at
09h30. Stellenbosch and Paarl are of the finest wine regions
to be found nearby Cape Town. These areas with their rugged
grey-blue mountain backdrop occupy a matrix of fertile valleys.
Our exploration of the Cape wine culture ranges from the
early pioneer period, some 330 years ago, to the present
industry with its international recognition. The excursion
into the Cape Winelands includes an insight into the rich
heritage that surrounds the romantic estates. The characteristic
Cape Dutch Architecture stands as a symbol of the early
heritage and that of true winemaking pioneers whose perseverance
earned their product a world wide reputation. The tour ends
around 17h30.
Duration:8 hours
Cape Grace
City/Modern Hotel – Cape Town City
Sited at
the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. 'The
grace of the old world, the beauty of the Cape and the joy of
good living'.
Location Sited at the
famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. 'The grace
of the old world, the beauty of the Cape and the joy of good living'.
Situated on the West Quay of Cape Towns Waterfront the elegant
Cape Grace Hotel occupies the prime scenic position overlooking
the new international yacht basin with views of the majestic Table
Mountain. Owned and managed by the Brand family, the hotel continues
their tradition of providing unobtrusive and efficient service
from staff who genuinely delight in making guests feel at home.
Attractions The architecture
reflects the strong French historical influence of the Cape.
Facilities Each luxuriously
appointed room has its own lounge, walk-in dressing room with
separate showers and double vanities catering for the individuality
and privacy of the guests. A tribute to style and elegance, inspired
by the fairest Cape of all. Cuisine is contemporary and relaxed.
The restaurant and the cocktail bar both have view terraces overlooking
the new Bascule Bridge which functions as gateway for the passing
yachts.
Additional
Information As the Cape
Grace is situated in the heart of the Waterfront only a three
minute drive from the city centre, leisure and sight seeing opportunities
abound. In walking distance is the Victoria Wharf, now world famous
for its ocean views, shops, restaurants, cinemas and theatre.
With the incomparable splendour of Table Mountain as a backdrop
the Waterfront experience is a memorable blend of culture, service
and nautical charm.
Child
Policy
Toddlers (0 - 3 years) welcome
Children (4 - 12 years) welcome
Children over 12 welcome
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/Shopping Tour
Half Day Excursion - Mornings Only
Private guided
Half Day Tour includes a drive up Signal Hill and other places
of interest in the Mother City – the historic Company Gardens,
South African Museum, Palimentary BUildings, St Georges Mall,
Green Market Square and the Pan African Market.
Your
private driver/guide will collect you from your hotel at 08h00.
The day starts with a drive up Signal Hill with a few over the
"Mother City". The "Mother City" of South
Africa was founded when the first Dutch settlers arrived here
in 1652, and is today South Africa's premier tourist destination
and is rated one of the finest cities in the world to visit. Enjoy
a walk through the historic Company Gardens and a visit to the
Ethinology section of the South African Museum. A walk past the
Palaminentary Buildings and St Georges Cathedral. Enjoy a drive
by the Castle and the Parade and then onto St Georges Mall, visit
Green Market Square and the Pan African Market. The tour ends
around 12h00.