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SOUTHERN AFRICA
Featuring Rovos Rail
16 DAYS - 20 MARCH – 04 APRIL 2025 – WAITLIST ONLY!
16 days
|
20 Mar- 04 Apr 2025
|
Starting from $32,450
AFRICA
Southern Africa: a destination that captivates with unparalleled beauty, where the rhythm of wildlife echoes
across ancient landscapes, and a vibrant tapestry of cultures weaves together tales of resilience and unity in diversity.
Our adventure begins in one of the world’s most picturesque cities, Cape Town. A melting pot of cultures, cuisines and landscapes, there's nowhere quite like Cape Town, a singularly beautiful city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain. We’ll travel across South Africa aboard the legendary Rovos Rail, to the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg. The modern face of post-apartheid South Africa, Johannesburg bustles with life, from the rhythm of the urban nightlife to the call of the nearby wild.
Of course, no trip to Africa would be complete without thrilling wildlife encounters – think lions and elephants in
their natural habitat. And for the history and politics buffs, we’ll visit sites central to South Africa’s inspiring transition to true democracy and to the life of the rainbow nation’s father, Nelson Mandela.
As our adventure crescendos amidst the untamed beauty of Botswana’s Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, and the thundering spectacle of Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, you'll come to understand why Southern Africa leaves a lifelong mark on those lucky enough to visit.
HIGHLIGHTS
FINE HOTELS & LODGES
From five star luxury in iconic ‘world’s best’ hotels, to exceptional lodge experiences in remote locations, we’ve handpicked the very best accommodation for our guests.
ICONIC LANDMARKS
From picturesque Table Mountain in Cape Town to the beauty of the Okavango Delta. From thundering Victoria Falls to the vast open spaces of the Karoo. Southern Africa is breathtaking in so many ways.
THE BIG FIVE
Watch your own personal David Attenborough documentary unfold live before your eyes on safari through African savannas. This isn’t the zoo; this is real life, and there’s nothing like seeing some of Africa’s Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo – in all their magnificent beauty in their natural habitat.
ROVOS RAIL
Take it all in from the comfort of the Rovos Rail, stepping back to a time when travel was relaxed, luxurious and a little bit magical.
HANDCRAFTED SIGHTSEEING
Decades of experience and an intimate knowledge of the destination allows us to thoughtfully curate an itinerary that brings you the best of Southern Africa.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
You’ll be warmly welcomed by the Constellation Journeys team and like minded travellers. You’ll be invited to an exclusive solo travellers event at the start of our journey. Join us and see why so many solo travellers return to travel with us each year.
MAP
ITINERARY
THURSDAY 20 MARCH
Cape Town (South Africa)
The pulse of Africa beats to its own drum. If you’re ready to join the chorus, travel with Constellation Journeys and depart Australia today with Qantas (Air Inclusive Package). Fly directly to Johannesburg and take a connecting flight to Cape Town.
FRIDAY 21 MARCH
Coastal Vistas
If cities competed in beauty pageants, Cape Town would be a strong contender. From the cosmopolitan waterfront to stunning views from Table Mountain, right down to the rugged beauty of the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Town will keep your camera clicking.
Today we explore it all – ride the cable car up Table Mountain, take in the spectacular seascapes of Chapmans Peak Drive and discover the most south-western tip of Africa at the Cape of Good Hope, with its wild horizons and curious wildlife including monkeys and zebras.
Come together this evening for a very special welcome dinner
SATURDAY 22 MARCH
Cape Winelands
Today we drive through the picturesque countryside, pausing at delightful towns like Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek, while sampling wine varieties such as Syrah, Pinotage and Chenin Blanc.
Return to the welcoming embrace of the Cape Grace and choose from a selection of restaurants for dinner this evening.
SUNDAY 23 MARCH
Cape Town & Robben Island
Robben Island, within the sparkling sea of Cape Town’s harbour, recalls a darker side to the city’s past. From 1961 until 1991, Robben Island was a prison for political prisoners. A former political prisoner walks you through the prison, providing a unique lens on life on the island.
Enjoy spectacular views and fine cuisine at Baia on the V&A Waterfront tonight.
MONDAY 24 MARCH
Join Rovos Rail
Anticipation for the beginning of our Rovos Rail journey builds, but first, choose from two options this morning.
+ Join a local guide for a walking tour around Cape Town, taking in the colourful tapestry of culture and architecture
+ Visit the District Six Museum, a remembrance of the once lively multi racial area that existed prior to apartheid. Lunch is at
Bobo’s – one of the city’s most sought after restaurants.
This afternoon the world’s most luxurious train awaits your embarkation. Welcomed into a private waiting room, a glass of bubbles signifies the indulgence to come while your luggage is whisked to your compartment, complete with antique fittings and a private ensuite.
Dinner this evening introduces you to the fine dining delights – think fine china and crisp linen – aboard Rovos Rail. Your chef prepares a decadent meal, using fresh local produce as the train climbs up an escarpment. And of course, drinks aboard the train are included – both with meals and at other times.
TUESDAY 25 MARCH
Rovos Rail
We stop this morning in the historic village of Matjiesfontein before continuing through the Karoo, once an enormous inland sea, now a semi-desert.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch as the languid desert landscapes slip by your window.
A bell signifies the occasion for another fabulous dinner. After dinner you may wish to join your Constellation Journeys team in the bar for a nightcap and a laugh or two.
WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH
Rovos Rail
This morning we arrive at the Kimberley Mine – the largest and deepest hand excavated mine in the world. The ‘Big Hole’ is no longer actively mined, but the museum and Old Town bring the past vividly to life. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs of the glittery, shiny variety!
Back aboard the train for another decadent lunch we pass through the broad grassland plains of the Highveld.
Get to know each other better over dinner – and with drinks included, you never need worry about keeping track of whose round it is.
THURSDAY 27 MARCH
Soweto and Johannesburg
By the time we arrive in Pretoria this morning, you will have come to appreciate that the fastest way from A to B isn’t always the best. Africa is a land of mind-bending contrasts. This afternoon we visit Soweto, a township on the outskirts of Johannesburg.
Pay a visit to the former house of Nelson Mandela and the Apartheid Museum.
Later we check in to the Four Seasons hotel, The Westcliff. Terraced down a high cliff, you’ll feel like you’re in a chic hillside village rather than a hotel in the middle of a busy city.
FRIDAY 28 MARCH
Chobe National Park (Botswana)
We fly this morning from South Africa to Botswana, bound for Chobe Game Lodge. Located on the banks of the Chobe River, our lodge is the only permanent accommodation located within Chobe National Park.
Relax this afternoon around the pool or enjoy a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar (all drinks at the lodge are included). You may prefer to take a walk along the riverside boardwalk and watch the hippos wallow in the mud.
As the sun sets across the floodplains, throwing an orange glow across the sky, we come together for a dinner under the stars.
SATURDAY 29 MARCH
Chobe National Park
It’s safari time! The cool of the mornings and evenings are when the animals are most active, so it’s an early morning knock at the door followed by coffee and cookies, then you are out on your first game drive.
Chobe is renowned for the largest concentration of African elephants worldwide. It is also one of the best places to see the big cats – including lions and leopards – zebras, antelopes and copious species of birds.
Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and a relaxing day. As the day begins to cool, we head out again on safari – this time aboard a solar powered boat, silently cruising the Chobe River in search of creatures coming to the water to drink and bathe. There’s nothing like the still of Africa on the water at dusk.
SUNDAY 30 MARCH
Okavango Delta (Botswana)
On this morning’s game drive you might be lucky enough to see a predator stalk its prey or a baby elephant slide down the muddy embankment to drink.
Later we fly to the extraordinary Okavango Delta. To keep your experience as personalised as possible, you will be taken to one of three boutique game lodges. Nestled in a waterfront lodge, you enjoy the comfort and indulgence. Settle into your new home before an afternoon mokoro adventure. Relax as you are propelled through the maze of waterways aboard a mokoro (traditional canoe). With over 400 bird species and copious land and marine loving wildlife, it’s an afternoon you won’t forget.
MONDAY 31 MARCH
Okavango Delta
Dense forests line a maze of sparkling lagoons and extensive savannahs provide sanctuary for an abundance of animals. Whether you’re on a boat, a mokoro or aboard a 4WD, no two safaris are the same. You might watch a herd of elephants cross from one island to another, wild dogs feasting on prey, or you might be lucky enough to follow the flight of an African fish eagle as it dips into the water to retrieve a bream.
When not out on safari there’s plenty of time to enjoy the seclusion and serenity of your lodge – with all meals and drinks included of course. The golden hour descends with its changing hues. As if by magic, your guide produces the perfect accompaniment to the encroaching evening. It’s hard to beat a G&T, a beer or a chilled glass of wine while on safari.
TUESDAY 1 APRIL
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
There’s time for one more safari adventure this morning before flying to Victoria Falls.
What a conclusion to this epic journey, the thundering Victoria Falls – a stone’s throw from the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, where style, glamour and sophistication are paramount. Soak up the colonial grandeur with high tea on the Terrace and dinner at our spectacular hotel.
WEDNESDAY 2 APRIL
Victoria Falls
Get ready for an action-packed day, exploring Victoria Falls from every angle. In April the waterflow is at its peak and the Falls reveal their full glory. Prepare to get a little wet as the mist rolls off the Falls and watch the water crash and cascade down a series of ledges.
A casual lunch is served at a café overlooking the roaring Zambezi River.
Back at our hotel this afternoon there’s time to stroll the manicured grounds before a very special farewell dinner – a fitting finale to your African adventure.
A helicopter flight over the magnificent Victoria Falls is a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed. The sight of the thundering waterfall from the sky will leave you awestruck. Soar above the towering wall of mist created by the Victoria Falls, and be mesmerized as you witness the largest sheet of falling water in the World. (additional cost)
THURSDAY 3 APRIL
Victoria Falls
This morning we fly to Johannesburg and join a Qantas flight direct to Sydney.
FRIDAY 4 APRIL
Sydney (Australia)
Arrive in Sydney this afternoon. Connecting flights to other cities are available.
GALLERY
FARES
Prices are all inclusive, twin share per person in a Deluxe Suite on Rovos Rail commencing in Cape Town on 20 March and concluding at Johannesburg airport on 3 April.
TWIN SHARE
$32,450
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
$9,870
ROVOS RAIL ROYAL SUITE UPGRADE
TWIN SHARE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
$1,495
ENQUIRE
SOLO TRAVELLERS
We warmly welcome solo travellers to Constellation Journeys.
AIR INCLUSIVE PACKAGE
Fly return from Sydney with Qantas on our ‘Air Inclusive Package’.
Add the following to the fares shown above
FROM SYDNEY
ECONOMY CLASS
BUSINESS CLASS
$3,500
$9,350
Flights are subject to availability at the time of booking.
For fares from other cities please enquire
READY TO ENQUIRE?
With limited space available on this unique journey we encourage you to contact us now.