Rovos Golf Safari

From Pretoria to Pretoria

Tour Overview

Experience a 10 days safari through South Africa's northeastern region, combining the thrill of golf with a wealth of cultural and wildlife experiences.

Your journey begins in Pretoria, before heading to Sun City for exciting game viewing in the picturesque Pilanesberg. From there, cross the awe-inspiring Drakensberg Mountains to Spionkop, where you’ll explore the stunning landscapes, rich birdlife, and historic battlefields that tell the stories of South Africa's past.

Travel through the scenic Valley of a Thousand Hills to Durban, where you’ll enjoy a guided city tour, visit the breathtaking botanical gardens, and interact with local artisans creating intricate geometric candles, perfect souvenirs of the region's craftsmanship. Next, immerse yourself in the game-rich area of Hluhluwe in Zululand, one of South Africa's oldest and most renowned game reserves. Then, head to the world-famous Kruger National Park in Malelane, where the vast array of wildlife awaits for unforgettable game drives. A visit to the Kingdom of eSwatini will offer a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of this beautiful country.

Continue your journey to Dullstroom, a charming town famous for its arts, crafts, and fly-fishing opportunities. Enjoy a presentation on fly-fishing techniques and an introduction to South African whisky, adding a cultural layer to your adventure.

This unforgettable journey concludes with your return to Pretoria, leaving you with cherished memories of South Africa’s diverse landscapes, culture, and wildlife.

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Discover the blend of wildlife education and exciting travel, as this tour takes you through various safari styles, ensuring you leave with both knowledge and new connections.

Experience Africa’s wild heart as you witness its magnificent wildlife up close. From grazing antelope to other animals joining the train’s path, this journey promises memories you’ll treasure forever.

Join our expert nature guide for a once-in-a-lifetime botanical tour in Durban. Explore lush gardens and diverse plant species, while learning about the region's unique flora and their cultural significance.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Pretoria

Depart Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. Guests may freshen up in their suites before meeting fellow passengers in the lounge car and observation car.
Lunch is served in the dining cars en route to Rustenburg. Tea in the lounge and observation cars. Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal

The old town of Rustenburg grew as the church and administrative centre for a rich farming area. It is here, in the centre of a volcanic valley surrounded by the dun slopes of the Pilanesberg Mountains, a wilderness wonderland rises from the dust, the fantastical Sun City Resort. It was a vision realised through one man’s unshakable faith in the religion of tourism, the South African hotel prodigy Sol Kerzner. It was officially opened on 7 December 1979 in what was then Bophuthatswana, which had been declared as an independent state by the apartheid government. This meant it could provide entertainment such as gambling, which was banned in South Africa.

The UN had imposed a cultural boycott on South Africa in condemnation of apartheid. In the early 80s, several acts disregarded the boycott and performed (with substantial financial incentives from Kerzner) to desegregated crowds at the venue, such as the Beach Boys, Cher, Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, Status Quo, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Queen. Today the resort is one of the world’s largest entertainment centres, a luxury theme park for grown up kids. The two championship golf courses – one with crocodiles at the 13th hole – are bordered by the Pilanesberg National Park, which contains the Big Five and has a vigorous conservation programme.

Day 2
Pilanesberg | Gary Player/Lost City

Leisure Guests:
After Breakfast you’ll be transferred to Sun City for game drive activity in Pilanesberg Reserve. Then, you’ll spend your afternoon at leisure at Lost City’s Sun City.

Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal

Golfers:
After Breakfast you will be transferred to Sun City’s Gary Player/ Lost City Golf Course. Your afternoon will be enjoying Golf and leizure

Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Heidelberg. Dress: Formal

Day 3
At Leisure on Board

Day at leisure. All meals enjoyed on board en route to Ladysmith. Dress: “Africa” Theme or Smart Casual

The train climbs to Majuba Hill – site of the decisive battle that ended the First Anglo Boer War – then passes Newcastle, which has what is reputed to be the largest cella-dome Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere, and Glencoe, site of the first battle of the Anglo Boer War and now the centre of the province’s coalfields.

Day 4
Spionkop | Champagne Sports Resort

Leisure Guests: After breakfast you will be transferred to Spionkop Lodge to hear the
historic tale of the Battle of Spionkop with lunch. Your afternoon is set for a game drive in the 11 000-acre reserve OR relax at the lodge. Return to the train and grab a tea in the lounge and observation cars.

Dinner is served in the dining cars.

Golfers: Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure then you will be transferred to Champagne Sports Resort for tee off and lunch. Return to train.

Dinner is served. Shortly after Chieveley, on the right of the track, stands a memorial to Churchill who was captured here in 1899. Dress: Formal

Day 5
Durban | Durban, Edgecombe, Cotswold

Leisure Guests:
Enoy Durban City after breakfast visit to the botanical gardens and lunch at Umhlanga’s beachfront with an afternoon at leisure.

Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal

Golfers:
Continental breakfast is served until departure. And you will be transferred to Durban Country Club OR Mt Edgecombe OR Cotswold Downs for tee off and lunch

Dinner is served in the dining cars.

FOR ALL GUESTS: Please ensure that the Train Manager or Admin Deputy is in possession of your passport.

Day 6
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park

Continental breakfast is served until departure.You will be transferred to Hluhluwe for a game drive. As the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa, Hluhluwe consists of 960km² of hilly topography and is known for its rich wildlife and conservation efforts.

Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train travels towards eSwatini. Border formalities take place. Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mpaka. Dress: Formal

Day 7
Eswatini | Royal Swazi Sun

Leisure Guests:
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Mkhaya Reserve. Board game vehicles for a game drive activity and after,you'll be transferred to Swazi Candles for a visit
with lunch and an opportunity for curio shopping. Next, you will be transferred to Royal Swazi to join the golfers AND/OR return to the train.

Dinner is served in the dining cars.

Golfers:
After Breaksfast, you will be transferred to Royal Swazi Sun for tee off and lunch. Depart for Komatipoort, South Africa. Border formalities take place.

Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Malelane. Dress: Formal

Day 8
Kruger Park

Breakfast is served in the dining cars. If golfing at Leopard Creek, breakfast is served until departure. Game drive in the Kruger National Park with tea, lunch and an opportunity for curio shopping. The train travels west across the Drakensberg Mountains and climbs the spectacular escarpment.

Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal.

Day 9
Dullstroom | Highland Gate

Leisure Guests:
After breakfast you'll enjoy a presentation of flyfishing followed by lunh at Walkerson’s Hotel. Return to Dullstroom for an introduction to whisky distilling and a tour of the Arts & Crafts Centre.

Dinner is served. Dress: “1920s” Theme or Smart Casual

Golfers:
After Breakfast, you'll be transferred to to Highland Gate for tee off
and lunch.

Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: “1920s” Theme or Smart Casual

Day 10
Pretoria

Please ensure luggage is ready for collection 15 minutes before arrival and that you have your passport.

Breakfast is served in the dining cars. The train arrives at journey’s end at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria.

Please note: Dress accordingly for excursions/game drives. And Excursions may be changed according to schedule achieved.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 9 nights accommodation in your selected Suite
  • Included Copy 31 Upgrades available
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All Meals and Beverages on board
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Guided Excursions and entrance fees (where applicable)
  • Included Copy 20 Limited laundry service (10 items/day) on board
  • Included Copy 20 On board historian and doctor
  • Included Copy 20 Taxes
  • Included Copy 7 International sparkling wine, Gratuities, visas, insurance and anything not specified
Transportation

Rovos Rail

Activities

  • Included Take in the spectacular panoramic views of the diverse landscapes from the observation car
  • Included Visit historic sites, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders guided by knowledgeable experts
  • Included Dining onboard the beautifully restored dining cars is an unforgettable experience
  • Included Golf enthusiasts can enjoy visits to different sports resorts.
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

10 days

Price from

$5,504 USD

Per person, sharing

Based on a Pullman

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