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GOOD HOPE - Northbound
Sample Itinerary shown below.
Please call for current itinerary

Day 1:
Cape Town
Days 1 and 2 are spent with the same Guide, touring the Cape Peninsula and the City.

Highlights visited are Table Mountain (trip on the cable car is for the guest's own account, as the possibility to travel up the mountain is subject to weather conditions), The Castle, SA Museum, Company Gardens, Bo Kaap and its Museum, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, District 6 and its Museum.
Distance travelled (Excursion): 120km

Day 2:
Visit Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Point, Boulders Penguin Colony, Chapman's Peak Drive (regularly closed during bad weather, which could cause rock falls and damaged road surface), Hout Bay, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Kalk Bay Fishing Harbour.

The Train remains in Muizenberg for the first two nights. On Day 3 the Train moves to Paarl, where guests will meet up with it at around 17h30.
Distance travelled (Excursion): 150km

Day 3:
Stellenbosch / Hermanus:
Visit the 'Boland' towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl.

Please choose ONE excursion from the following inclusive options available on this day:

Historical Village Walk: Travel along Baden Powell Drive to the University town of Stellenbosch. Visit the Village Museum, walk up Dorp Street with its historical houses and over 'Die Braak' with a stop at 'Oom Samie se Winkel'. Continue to Franschhoek for a visit to the Huguenot Museum and Memorial. The tour ends in Paarl with the Afrikaans Taal Monument. One wine tasting is included.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 150km

OR

4 Passes Route: Travel along Baden Powell Drive over the Sir Lowry's Pass (430m) and over the Hottentots Holland mountains into the apple region of the Cape. Continue to the Viljoen's Pass (524m) and valley, from where the Teewaterskloof irrigation dam can be viewed. The third pass is the Franschhoek Pass (733m). It leads into the valley of the French Huguenots, with a short stop at the Huguenot Memorial. We also visit the Boschendal Manor House Museum. Helshoogte Pass (378m) takes guests into Stellenbosch. The tour ends in Paarl with the Afrikaans Taal Monument. One wine tasting is included.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 250km

OR

Wine Tasting: Guests visit the 3 main wine regions of the Cape: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. The first stop is in Stellenbosch, a University town which boasts fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture. Visit 'Oom Samie se Winkel' before proceeding to the Boschendal Manor House - a perfect example of Cape Dutch architecture. Continue to Franschoek and its rich history of the French Huguenots. The tour ends with the Afrikaans Taal Monument in Paarl. Three wine tastings and one cellar tour are included.
Distance Travelled (Excurion): 250km

OR

Whale Watching (Seasonal - July to November): Join us in spotting mother nature's most amazing creatures. Regarded as one of South Africa's Big 6, these majestic mammals migrate to the Cape coast during mating season. Drive along Baden Powell towards Gordon's Bay and follow the coastline all the way to Hermanus - the capital of whale spotting in South Africa. One wine tasting is included.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 285km

Guests meet the Train in Paarl. The Train departs around 19h00 and travels overnight to Hartenbos. On arrival the next morning, guests disembark for their daily excursions. The Train continues empty to Mossel Bay.

Day 4:
Outeniqua Choo-Choo and Knysna:
Today guests visit Knysna and its picturesque lagoon and forest. Knysna is often referred to as the 'Gem of the Garden Route'.

Please choose ONE excursion from the following inclusive options available on this day:

Old Passes Route and Knysna: Drive along the coast from Hartenbos to George. Visit the town of Knysna with its many craft shops and handcrafted furniture stores. A visit to the 'Garden of Eden' allows guests to walk amongst Yellowwood-, Stinkwood-, Assagay- and Ironwood Trees. Enjoy the spectacular view from the Knysna Heads over the ocean and lagoon. Oyster tasting and a visit to a microbrewery is possible (guest's own account).
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 280km

OR

Outeniqua Choo-Choo and Knysna: There is an addtional charge for this steam train journey. The additional amount of ZAR 85 is subject to change without prior notice. Guests board the Choo-Choo in George. This steam train is operated by the Transnet Heritage Foundation. The train follows coastal forests and travels over the Kaaimans River Bridge to Wilderness. Onwards through the Lake District to Sedgefield, where the trip comes to an end after a one and a half hour ride. Continue to the town of Knysna with its craft shops and handcrafted furniture stores. A visit to the 'Garden of Eden' allows guests to walk amongst Yellowwood-, Stinkwood-, Assagay-, and Ironwood Trees. Enjoy a spectacular view from the Knysna Heads over the ocean and lagoon. Oyster tasting and a visit to a microbrewery is possible (guest's own account).
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 240km

OR

Robberg Hike and Knysna: A one and a half hour drive from Hartenbos brings guests to Plettenberg Bay and the Robberg Nature Reserve. This 'hike' is really a nature walk and is done at a comfortable pace over cliffs, rocky slopes, over sand dunes and on the beach. Regretfully no swimming is allowed, due to the dangerous currents. The duration of the hike is around 3 hours (10h30-13h30). Lunch (guest's own account) can be enjoyed once back in Knysna. The afternoon is spent at leisure.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 320km

OR

Mossel Bay at Leisure: Spend the day at leisure in Mossel Bay. Explore the splendid coastline, walk through the town, do some shopping, enjoy a drink in a local pub or relax on the beach.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): N/A

This evening, all guests will be transferred to a South African 'Fish Braai' (BBQ), during which the 'Shongololo Choir' will make their appearance. Please remember to take something warm along, as the evenings can get chilly. After dinner, guests will be transferred back to the Train. The Train remains in Mossel Bay overnight.

Day 5:
Oudtshoorn / Karoo:
Oudtshoorn, Ostrich capital of the world, lies in the heart of the Klein Karoo.

Please choose ONE excursion from the following inclusive options available on this day:

Mountain Passes and Oudtshoorn: Leaving the coast behind, guests travel through the Robinson Pass (860m) into the Klein Karoo for a visit to Oudtshoorn. After lunch (guest's own account) the spectacular 'Swartberg Pass' (1585m) awaits. This pass takes guests into the Groot Karoo and on to Prince Albert. In the late afternoon, the tour continues via the magnificent Meirings Poort (gorge) back into the Klein Karoo, where guests will rejoin the train in Oudtshoorn.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 350km

OR

Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn (including the Cango Caves): The visit to Mossel Bay includes the Dias Museum and the Strandlopers Cave. At around midday, the tour goes via the Robinson Pass (860m) into the Klein Karoo. Oudtshoorn is the capital of the Klein Karoo and included in this excursion is a visit to the world renowned Cango Caves and an Ostrich farm. This option can be combined with the following optional tours:
'Cango Crocodile and Cheetah Land'
'Seal Island Cruise'
PLEASE SEE THE ADDON MENU FOR MORE DETAILS.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 200km

OR

Relax on board and Oudtshoorn: This option affords guests the opportunity to have breakfast until 09h00, while enjoying the scenic splendour of the Montague Pass and the Outeniqua Mountains. The Good Hope will arrive at the station in Oudtshoorn at around midday. Once the vehicles have been offloaded, guests will head towards town for an afternoon visit to an Ostrich farm. This option can be combined with the following optional tours:
'Cango Crocodile and Cheetah Land'
PLEASE SEE THE ADDON MENU FOR MORE DETAILS.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 20km

The Train will depart from Oudtshoorn at around 22h00 and will travel to Port Elizabeth overnight (445km).

Day 6:
Port Elizabeth:
Nestled in Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth is rich in historical treasures, dating back to the days of the 1820 British Settlers.

Please choose ONE excursion from the following inclusive options available on this day:

Addo Elephant National Park and at Leisure: After a 45 minute drive through Eastern Cape countryside, we reach Addo

Elephant National Park. The Park is teeming with Africa's largest land mammals and other African wildlife.
Return to Port Elizabeth in time for lunch (guest's own account) and spend the afternoon at leisure - swimming, shopping, relaxing on the beach, etc.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 150km

OR

Port Elizabeth City Tour and at Leisure: Experience a charm reminiscent of the days of the British Settlers. Stately buildings are guarded by Queen Victoria's statue and the Donkin Memorial. Other sites include the old Feather Market and the Edward Hotel, boasting South Africa's oldest operating elevator. A visit to Fort Frederick, overlooking South Africa's fifth largest harbour, will end this city tour around noon. The rest of the afternoon is spent at leisure - swimming, shopping, relaxing on the beach, etc.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 50km

OR

Addo Elephant National Park and short Port Elizabeth City Tour: This tour offers a combination of options 1 and 2, with an extended lunch break (guest's own account) at the beachfront.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 170km

The Train departs in the early evening for an overnight journey to Bloemfontein (700 km).

Day 7:
Bloemfontein / Kimberley:
Today guests have the opportunity to visit Bloemfontein (capital of the Free State) or Kimberley (diamond capital of the world).

Please choose ONE excursion from the following inclusive options available on this day:

Bloemfontein: Bloemfontein originated at a spring which at various times was a source of water for Bushmen hunters, Sotho farmers, Voortrekkers and enormous herds of game. In recent years Bloemfontein has developed into a prosperous

commercial and industrial city. Monuments and museums testify to a pioneering past, and the opposing armies and innocent victims of the Anglo-Boer War. Included in this option is a visit to the National Museum of the Boer Republics and The Women's Memorial. A drive through the city reveals unusual sandstone architecture, a view over the city from Naval Hill and the ex Governor General's residence. This residence, Oliewenhuis, is currently an art museum housing great South African masterpieces. Lunch to be taken in the city (guest's own account) and is followed by an afternoon drive (20 minutes) to the Soetdoring Nature Reserve. Of special interest is the lion and wild dog breeding camps.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 90km

OR

Kimberley: During the world's greatest diamond rush, hordes of prospectors converged on the region, scouring the river banks and sifting soil in a frenetic quest for wealth. Although the name 'Kimberley' evokes images of glamour and romance, the diamond heyday was an era of blood, sweat and tears, high stakes and ruthlesspower struggles. One of the highlights visited is the Big Hole, where diamonds were discovered early in 1871. A refurbished vintage tram dating from the early 1900s transports passengers from the City Hall to the Mine Museum (guest's own account). The McGregor Museum and the William Humphreys Art Gallery are also well worth a visit. Guests return to the Train in the afternoon.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 380km

The Train departs at around 19h30 on it's overnight journey to Ladysmith.

Day 8:
Ladysmith and the Drakensberg:
The Drakensberg, soaring above KwaZulu Natal and defining the eastern border of Lesotho, is one of Southern Africa's most awe inspiring sites.

Please choose ONE excursion from the following inclusive options available on this day:

Battlefields: The Midlands were the site of some of South Africa's most significant battles, extending over more than 200 turbulent years. Included in the battlefields tour is a visit to the Siege Museum and to Spioenkop, a famous battle site. Water, sunscreen, a hat and comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended for this excursion.

Distance Travelled (Excursion): 180km

OR

The Drakensberg: The drive to the Drakansberg includes a visit to the northern Berg with its Sentinel guarding the Amphitheater and the Royal Natal National Park. Short walks are offered to the Bushman paintings and the Cascades (visited by King George and Queen Elizabeth in 1947). This option can be combined with a 'Horse Riding' excursion. PLEASE SEE THE ADDON MENU FOR MORE DETAILS.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 220km

The Train departs at around 01h00 from Ladysmith to Durban (324km).

Day 9:
Durban:
Durban offers a subtropical carnival atmosphere and summer sunshine all year round.

Please choose ONE excursion from the following inclusive options available on this day:

East meets West City Tour and Botanical Gardens: Experience the contrast of eastern and western influences on the city. A visit to the Indian Market with its range of eastern spices and a short walk past the Nyanga muti sellers provide insight into the colorful diversity of Durban. Other highlights include a drive to the Harbour entrance, a drive along the

Golden Mile as well as a walk through the square named in honour of the leader of the first European Settlers in 1824 (Captain Francis Farewell). Spend time at the Botanical Gardens before lunch (guest's own account) at the beach. This option can be combined with a Township Tour. PLEASE SEE THE ADDON MENU FOR MORE DETAILS.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 40km

OR

Botanical Gardens and Natal Sharks Board: This option is a must for all lovers of nature. Visit the Botanical Gardens with its Orchid House and garden for the blind. A short walk in the Umhlanga Nature Reserve is followed by a visit to the Natal Sharks Board. The tour will finish at the beachfront at around lunchtime (guest's own account). This option can be combined with a Township Tour. PLEASE SEE THE ADDON MENU FOR MORE DETAILS.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 70km

OR

Durban Historical Tour: This full day tour takes guests back in time. Highlights are: a walk along the square named after the leader of the first European Settlers (Captain Francis Farewell), a visit the Natural History Museum, a walk along the Golden Mile, a drive to the Harbour entrance, a drive down the famous Victoria Embankment and a visit to the old Fort, saved from near disaster by Dick King. See the historical homes on the Berea and the presidential residence - King House. Continue to the University of Natal for a stunning view of the Harbour and city, which also concludes the tour.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 70km

The Train departs from Durban at around 01h00 for Mtunzini (150 km)

Day 10:
Zululand:
Pristine nature, wildlife and the ancestral hunting grounds of Zulu royals await.

Please choose ONE excursion from the following inclusive options available on this day:

Zulu Culture and Shakaland: Leaving the coast, guests head into the hills of Eshowe, where the British forces once felt the might of the Zulu 'Impis'. The tour continues past various battlefields for a visit to Fort Nongqayi, the Zululand

Historical Museum. We stop at the Vukani Museum and Shop (where Zulu craft masterpieces are displayed) before travelling to Shakaland. Lunch is available to Shongololo guests at a special rate of ZAR 45.00 per person. Guests are kindly requested to pre-book the lunch with the Train Manager in order to qualify for this price. (ZAR 45 per person is subject to increase without prior notice). A show by Zulu warriors and maidens portray the rich culture and tradition of the Zulu Nation. Return to the Train and Mtunzini in the late afternoon.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 150km

OR

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park: After a 2 hour drive, we reach the northern Zululand Game Reserves of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi (the old hunting grounds of the Zulu Kings). The two combined Reserves are renowned for their variety of birds, white and black rhino as well as the rest of the Big 5. The Park is Africa's oldest, having been proclaimed in 1895. This option is repeated on Day 11.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 360km

OR

Walking Trails at Leisure: These can be done from the train to a nearby Nature Reserve and the beach. Maps can be provided.

A South African 'Meat Braai' (BBQ) is offered at around 19h00. Guides will transfer guests to the braai venue. Please take warm clothing along, as the evenings can be chilly. Guests will be transferred back to the Train after dinner.

At around 04h00 tomorrow morning, the Train travels 80km up the coast to Mtubatuba. At Mtubatuba we offload the vehicles. The Train continues emty to the border of Swaziland (Golela).

Day 11:
Northern Zululand

Please choose ONE excursion from the following inclusive options available on this day:

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park: After a 1 hour drive, we reach the northern Zululand Game Reserves of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi (the

old hunting grounds of the Zulu Kings). The two combined Reserves are renowned for their variety of birds, white and black rhino as well as the rest of the Big 5. The Park is Africa's oldest, having been proclaimed in 1895.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 220km

OR

St. Lucia Park and at Leisure: St. Lucia is a small fishing resort. The day can be spent on the beach or doing shopping. A visit to the Crocodile Farm (guest's own account) comes highly recommended. This option can be combined with a Boat Cruise. PLEASE SEE THE ADDON MENU FOR MORE DETAILS. Join the train at Mtubatuba at 13h00 for a scenic train ride to Golela.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 200km

OR

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park and St. Lucia Park: This is a combination of option 1 and option 2. This option can be combined with a Boat Cruise. PLEASE SEE THE ADDON MENU FOR MORE DETAILS.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 260km

Board the Train at the Swaziland border post, Golela. At around 22h00 the Train crosses into Swaziland and continues to Mpaka station.

Day 12:
Swaziland
The train arrives at Mpaka station in the morning. Arrival forms will be available from GUEST SERVICES.

The following inclusive option is available on this day:

Tour of Swaziland: Travel through the northern part of the Kingdom of Swaziland - land of rolling hills. Visit Mbabane, the Kingdom's administrative capital. We stop at craft markets en route, as well as at a glass recycling workshop and a decorative candle making factory. A visit to the National Museum, a perfect display of the Swazi culture, concludes the tour.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 180km

Guests board the train at Mpaka station, from where the Train departs at around 20h00. We arrive at Komatipoort (South Africa) where the vehicles are offloaded ahead of a full day's touring in the Kruger National Park. The Train travels empty to Hazyview station.

Day 14:
The Panorama Route
Please choose ONE excursion from the following inclusive options available on this day:

Panorama Route: Highlights visited are Sabie (a quaint little town in the heart of the forest region of South Africa), the Lone Creek Falls, Mac Mac Falls, Pilgrim's Rest (a replica of the early gold mining town), Graskop, God's Window and the Blyde River Canyon.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 280km

OR

Kruger National Park: This option is a repeat of the previous day.
Distance Travelled (Excursion): 220km

The Train departs at 19h00 from Hazyview for Johannesburg.

Day 15:
Johannesburg and Soweto:
We depart from the Train and travel to Sandton, the business centre of the greater Johannesburg. The tour takes us past the new Stock Exchange, before we continue to Houghton and past the home of Nelson Mandela. This drive is followed by

a visit to Museum Africa in the heart of the Johannesburg CBD. Onward to the Apartheid Museum, where the rise and fall of Apartheid can be viewed. We then proceed to Soweto, with a stop at Somojo (a community project). Lunch (guest's own account) to be enjoyed before visiting the various sites.

The Hector Peterson Memorial of the 1976 riots is well worth a visit, before we drive through the street that once housed two nobel Laureates (Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the first home of Nelson Mandela).

Distance Travelled (Excursion): 150km

The Train remains in Nasrec Station overnight.

Day 16:
Johannesburg / Transfer Day
If guests are transferring to a hotel, this can be arranged for them between 09h00 and 11h00. If guests are flying from Johannesburg International Airport, a transfer will be arranged accordingly. In the event that a flight leaves in the late afternoon or evening, optional tours within the Johannesburg area can be discussed with the Train Manager. PLEASE SEE THE ADDON MENU FOR MORE DETAILS.

GOOD HOPE (Accommodation)
The capacity on the Train is 106 guests. There are 9 sleeper carriages. Each carriage has five double and two single compartments (all carpeted). There is a fan, heater, plug point and safe in each compartment. The windows open.

Good Hope Layout