South Africa by Blue Train

Arrive in Cape Town and transfer to your hotel. Cape Town is a thing of full-on, in-your-face beauty. With the craggy shadow of Table Mountain looming to one side, and the bustling harbour and beach on the other, balance your days between lazing on the sands and seeking adventure. Perhaps take the cable car to the top of the mountain for the best views of the city or head out to Boulders Beach for a bit of relaxation time with 3,000+ African penguins. It’s the one time you won’t mind competing for space on the silica. Find the time to wander the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens too, and dine at the atmospheric V&A Waterfront.

It may not seem it, but beyond the whitewashed Cape Dutch homesteads of Franschhoek lies a treasure trove of fertile vineyards. Wine lovers will be right at home here, and you’ll have the chance to explore over 30 different estates and their varietals – from delicious Sauvignon Blancs to hearty reds, like Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Shopping is pretty good here too, especially if you want to take home some African art as a souvenir.

Traverse 994 miles of mountain, desert and grassland landscape between Pretoria and Cape Town when your stay onboard the luxurious Blue Train. And it’s not just the scenery that will wow you – you’ll sample delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch, high tea and dinner across the two-day trip. Your De Luxe cabin serves up pure elegance too, offering the perfect place to unwind in seclusion, while still soaking up the vistas through a huge in-suite window.

After disembarking the Blue Train, spend one night exploring Pretoria before your safari. Wander through the tranquil, jacaranda‑lined streets and explore the vast Freedom Park and its sweeping hilltop views. Discover local culture at the city’s museums and galleries, then unwind in the shady gardens of the Union Buildings. For nature lovers, nearby Groenkloof Nature Reserve offers easy wildlife‑spotting and peaceful walking trails—just minutes from the city centre.
Stay: 5-star Castello di Monte

Finish up your South African adventure at Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge in the heart of Kruger National Park, where traditional Tsonga architecture meets modern comfort. Spend your days on open‑vehicle game drives spotting the Big Five, and your evenings unwinding under endless African skies. With just a handful of thatched suites, handcrafted décor, and wildlife roaming right past your deck, Hoyo Hoyo offers an intimate, immersive safari experience deep in the bushveld. Stay: 5-star Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge