Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Luxury Train Journey across South Africa

Example holiday

Luxury Train Journey across South Africa

We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.

The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.

Important travel information for visitors to South Africa is included at the back of this document.

All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.

All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.

Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Travel Butlers Team

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Luxury Train Journey across South Africa

Example Itinerary

TB-1826-1 / 14738

Example Cost

Holiday Title: Luxury Train Journey across South Africa

Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa for 10 nights

Passengers: 2 Adults

Example Cost for 2 Adults: * per person sharing.

*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.

ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in Section 6 of our booking conditions.

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Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Summary Of The Itinerary

Printable Version

Holiday Title: Luxury Train Journey across South Africa

Passengers: 2 Adults

Day 1

Arrive into Cape Town Airport. Once you have collected your luggage, make your way into the Arrivals Hall where your driver will meet you. You will then be transferred to Cape Town's Camps Bay - home to palm trees, beach cafes and perfect sunsets.

With the majestic Twelve Apostle mountain range as a back drop and the Atlantic Ocean less than a minutes walk away, The Bay Hotel boasts an unrivalled location in the heart of glitzy Camps Bay. After a busy day seeing Cape Town's world-class sights, exhale and relax with a sunset cocktail, a treatment in the on-site spa or some time lounging around one of the 4 sea-facing pools.


Day 4

You will need to check out of your room this morning but you can store your luggage at the hotel until you are collected for your afternoon transfer to Cape Town Railway Station, where you will check in for your Rovos Rail train journey. Alternatively, the hotel may be able to arrange a late check out for you (additional cost and payable directly to the hotel) subject to the availability of the room.

Depart from Cape Town Railway Station at 16:00 for your 3 night journey. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train for afternoon tea at 16:30 as the train trundles through the Winelands of the Western Cape towards Worcester. Dinner is served in the dining cars from 19:30 as the train climbs approximately 750m up the face of the escarpment. Around midnight, the train arrives at the first of 4 tunnels on the pass. The last tunnel is 135.km long.


Day 5

Breakfast is served between 07:00 and 10:00. During breakfast at 08:00, guests can disembark at Matjiesfontein for an opportunity to stroll through the historic village. Of special interest is the museum on the platform and a collection of historic cars and railway carriages to the right of the Lord Milner Hotel. Return to the train for a 10:00 departure. The train travels through the Karoo - a vast semi-desert region that was once an enormous inland sea. Over millions of years, volcanic matter was ground down and deposited as silt on the seabed to form what geologists now call the Karoo System. Lunch is served at 13:00 and afternoon tea from 16:30. Dinner is then served from 19:00 in the dining cars.


Day 6

Breakfast is served from 06:00 until 08:30 in the dining cars. The train arrives at 08:30 into Kimberley, and guests can disembark for a tour of the city, the Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole. Return to the train where lunch is served from midday as the train travel onto Klerksdorp and the broad grassland plains of the Highveld. Afternoon tea is then served at 16:30 in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train and dinner is served in the dining cars at 19:30.


Day 7

Breakfast is served in the dining cars from 07:00 until 09:30 and at 10:00 the train arrives into the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria.

You will be met and transferred to Marataba Safari Lodge.

continues on next page...
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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...continued from previous page.

Marataba Safari Lodge is set in a malaria-free 23,000 hectare private concession within the Marakele National Park. Just 4 hours from Johannesburg, this is a sanctuary where busy people can find themselves again by connecting with nature. In the company of your Field Guide, you will learn more about the Big Five and the many unique animal species found on the Marakele National Park. Two safaris a day (one early morning, and one late afternoon, into the evening) are each approximately 3-4 hours long, and include a scenic coffee and sundowner break to purely appreciate just being in the moment.

Marakele National Park

4 nights at Marataba Safari Lodge


Day 11

After you return from your morning game drive, you will have time to enjoy breakfast at the lodge before you are collected and transferred to Johannesburg Airport, arriving in time to check in for your flight home.

 
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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The Bay Hotel

Cape Town: 3 Nights

Situated between the majestic backdrop of the craggy Twelve Apostles and the palm-fringed white sandy beach of Camps Bay, The Bay Hotel was the first beachfront hotel in Cape Town, and has proven over the years that 5* elegance and sophistication can be achieved in an informal atmosphere.

The upmarket suburb of Camps Bay has a typical village atmosphere and is home to some of the trendiest restaurants and bars and one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town. Local life is casual and in the evening residents and holidaymakers can be found enjoying sundowners at the many sidewalk bistros and restaurants on the strip.

The Bay is the perfect base from which to explore the wonders of the Cape and is within easy reach of its most celebrated scenic attractions including the V&A Waterfront, the Table Mountain Cableway, and the Cape Peninsula.  The V&A Waterfront boasts many shops, bars and restaurants, and there is also an aquarium, and one of the largest craft markets in Southern Africa. Boats offer tours of the harbour from the quayside of the V&A, and the whole place is always buzzing with life and activity.  The Table Mountain Cableway is a short drive away, and the coastal road from Camps Bay down to the Cape Peninsula is one of the most spectacular in the whole of South Africa.

The Bay Hotel offers guests a variety of culinary experiences to indulge in with the hotel’s 4 different restaurants. Each restaurant has a unique style, complimenting the venue’s surroundings, and whether guests are on the lookout for a fresh, bountiful breakfast overlooking Camps Bay’s beachfront, a long leisurely lunch poolside, or simply to unwind whilst sipping on a glass of fine wine, everyone is spoilt for choice here.

Every one of the bedrooms and suites have views of Camps Bay, and many of the rooms have spacious balconies from which to enjoy the views from.

Guests can relax around the sparkling pool, or simply cross the road to the golden sands and lie on the beach. There is also a spa plus a small but well-equipped gymnasium.

Example Details For The Bay Hotel

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Sea and Pool Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

The Bay Hotel Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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The Bay Hotel

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Rovos Rail - Cape Town to Pretoria

Rovos Rail: 3 Nights

For many visitors to South Africa, there's no finer way to see the country than on a wonderful rail journey, where you can recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. This 1,600 kilometre meander from Cape Town to Pretoria on the Rovos Rail 'Pride of Africa' is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country.

Step aboard the classic wood-panelled coaches - remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in 5* luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. All meals are served in one sitting in the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests' every need is catered for.

With period Edwardian features as well as every modern convenience and comfort, the suites offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy, comfort and luxury.

For days on the train dress is smart casual. Evening attire is more formal - for the gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for the ladies, cocktail/evening dresses are the norm.

Departing in the morning on selected dates from Cape Town, you start your 3 night journey by travelling inland through the Hex River Valley.

You will visit the historical village of Matjiesfontein, which boasts an impressive museum on the platform, as well as a stop at Kimberley where you can visit the renowned Diamond Mine Museum and the extraordinary Big Hole. 

Your journey ends at the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria at 10:00.

Example Details For Rovos Rail - Cape Town to Pretoria

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 0 x Pullman Suite
Includes: Three meals daily; all alcoholic and other beverages; sightseeing excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide; entrance fees to places of interest; and 24 hour full room service/bar facilities are included. Please note that any off-train excursions cannot be guaranteed and will be undertaken only if time permits. PLEASE NOTE: The rate excludes any off-train beverages.

Location

Rovos Rail - Cape Town to Pretoria Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Rovos Rail - Cape Town to Pretoria

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Marataba Safari Lodge

Marakele National Park: 4 Nights

Marataba Safari Lodge is situated in a Big 5 malaria-free 23,000 hectare private concession at the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains which forms part of the Marakele National Park, just 3.5 hours drive from Johannesburg. The Marakele National Park is a haven for an impressive variety of wildlife, and contrasting majestic mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep valleys characterise this spectacular area.

All the large game species from elephant and rhino to the big cats, as well as an amazing variety of birds including the largest colony of endangered Cape vultures in the world (more than 800 breeding pairs) have settled here and may be seen on your daily morning and afternoon game drives. The Marataba rangers have an intricate knowledge of the bush and its wildlife, and each open game viewing vehicle carries just 6 guests.

Bush walks after breakfast engage all your senses as your guide introduces you to the smaller creatures and tells you about the various plants and trees, many with fascinating medicinal properties and traditional uses. You can also enjoy a morning or sunset boat cruise on the Miss Mara along the Matlabas River, providing plenty of game-viewing opportunities as the animals come to the water to drink and forage.

The 15 canvas-and-stone tented suites are exquisitely furnished and decorated with a contemporary twist. Each suite has its own private deck overlooking the sweeping plains and meandering river below. A free-standing stone bath is the main feature of the bathroom, while indoor and outdoor showers take full advantage of the dramatic scenery of the Waterberg Mountains. Families with children under 12 years of age can choose a Family Suite, which includes a separate bedroom and bathroom.

There is also the Thabametsi Treehouse (additional surcharge and weather dependent) which offers complete privacy. You’ll arrive just before sunset and the coolness of the approaching evening brings animals into the open. A gourmet picnic can be enjoyed at your table on the deck, from where you have front row seats to the wildest theatre. Then curl up in the four-poster bed under a blanket of stars and a warm cosy duvet, and go to sleep with the sounds of the African bush surrounding you.

Example Details For Marataba Safari Lodge

Nights: 4 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Tented Suite
Includes: All meals; tea/coffee; all beverages (including soft drinks, beers, spirits and wines); 2 daily game drives with FGASA qualified ranger; game drive refreshments and snacks; the Marakele NP entrance/gate fee; the Marakele Guest Conservation Contribution; and transfers between Marataba Safari Lodge and Marataba Mountain Lodge are included.

Children under 16 years are not permitted on bush walks or the Miss Mara water safaris. Guests over 60 years wanting to do a bush walk must present a medical certificate of good health.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

Location

Marataba Safari Lodge Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Marataba Safari Lodge

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Important Travel Information For South Africa

Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements

Latest Travel Updates

For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:

UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa

 

Normally, holders of the following passports do not require a visa to enter South Africa when travelling as a tourist for stays up to 90 days: United Kingdom; United States of America; Canada; Australia; Ireland; Belgium; Netherlands; Italy; France; Germany; Spain, Switzerland.

If you are a passport holder from another country, please contact your local South Africa High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements, as citizens of certain countries (including New Zealand) are required to obtain visas before travelling. Please note that if you are applying to the Embassy for your visa, some visas can take a long time to be processed so please do take this into consideration, as it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa in place before you travel.

Children under 18 years of age who require a visa to enter South Africa may be required to provide additional information when applying for the visa including an unabridged birth certificate and affidavit if travelling with only one parent.  There are also additional rules for unaccompanied minors and/or South African children - details available on request or via the SA Department of Home Affairs at http://www.dha.gov.za.

Please note that anyone travelling to South Africa should have a valid return ticket and a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa. However, some immigration officials still request that a passport should have at least 6 months validity from the date of entry to South Africa so to avoid problems on arrival, we advise that your passport meets this requirement instead. The passport must also have sufficient pages for entry/exit stamps - AT LEAST 2 BLANK PAGES.

South Africa has implemented biometric capturing at all ports of entry. This may result in some delays at land borders so you should allow additional time for border crossings.

PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.

Medical

You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to South Africa.

To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.

Tap water is purified and safe to drink in major cities and towns, however, we do advise that you do not drink the water in more remote places such as the camps in the National Parks - the water may be safe to drink, but it simply is not worth the risk, as bottled water is widely available.

Whatever you do, do not drink water from any river lake without firstly purifying the water. Always take water with you when you go on a hike, and have a bottle in the car on a long journey to avoid dehydration.

There is a risk of malaria in and around the Kruger National Park/Mpumalanga Province, the Limpopo (Northern) Province, and the north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.

There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is South Africa. However, in accordance with International Health Reguations, South Africa requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 10177 and ask for an ambulance.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Important Travel Information For South Africa

Continued

Languages And Culture

The 11 official languages are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda and Ndebele. Whilst many visitors will hear at least a couple of the tribal languages during the course of their stay, it is possible to travel extensively and comfortably with just English as a language.

The South African society is quite liberal, as gay marriage was legalised in 2006 nationwide and everyone’s rights are protected under the constitution. In some more rural areas, however, the local people may not be quite as liberal thinking, so whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship if travelling to a rural/remote area.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Book With Confidence

Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world.  In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.

Flexibility and peace of mind before you travel

Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:

The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:

We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.

If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.

You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19  to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.

Support whilst you are away

We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.

If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need.  You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.  Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.

Financial protection for your Travel Butlers holiday

All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.

Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Finding suitable travel insurance that covers Covid-19

You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:

Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance. 

You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.