Treasures of South Africa
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Overview
Highlights
- The wonders of Southern Africa exceed the imagination.
- Poised between soaring mountains and expansive views of the sea.
- Travel through the breathtaking South African countryside aboard the Rovos Rail, one of the world’s most luxurious trains.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- Expertise of a Smithsonian Journeys Expert, Tour Manager, and local guides throughout the tour.
- All accommodations (based on double occupancy).
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary, including special welcome and farewell dinners .
- All sightseeing and visits as noted in the itinerary.
- Pre-tour information, including a reading list.
- All on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted.
- Baggage handling for one bag plus one carry-on bag per person.
Itinerary
Travelers depart the U.S. for Frankfurt, Germany via overnight air service. After a morning arrival at the Frankfurt Rhein-Main International Airport, check in at the Frankfurt Sheraton Hotel and Towers*, where dayrooms have been reserved for your comfort and daytime ...
Arrive at the Cape Town airport, and transfer to the exquisite Mount Nelson Hotel, a historic city landmark. The balance of the day will be at leisure to relax and explore the hotel facilities.
Meals: Breakfast
Begin the exploration of Cape Town with a tour of the city’s highlights and an ascent of Table Mountain (weather permitting) for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, Table Bay and the Cape of Good Hope. Continue on to Robben Island. For ne...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Motor this morning to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Journey along the magnificent Marine Drive, beyond Lion’s Head Mountain and past the Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks that rise from the sea. Continue to picturesque Hout Bay, a coast...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The 900-mile rail adventure aboard Rovos Rail begins this morning with transfer to the train station where you board a luxury train born in a bygone era. Experience the elegance and excitement of traveling by rail, while marve...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Breakfast is served on the train. Gather with fellow travelers in the observation lounge and revel in the breathtaking landscape of South Africa. Enjoy the distinctive character and charm of Rovos Rail’s classic, refurbished w...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Enjoy breakfast aboard, and then relax with leisure time before arriving in Pretoria. Disembark the train and motor to the area of Kruger National Park and the deluxe Thornybush Game Reserve.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Get an early start this morning with a game drive to find and track South African big game. After this exciting outing, luncheon will be served at the lodge. In late afternoon, another game drive is planned. As the sun sets, join fellow travelers for “Sundowners”. Dinner this evening is a “Boma” traditional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Start the day just after sunrise, for another chance today to track the Big Five African wildlife with a morning game drive. After a hearty lunch, there is time to relax.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive from Thornybush Game Reserve to Hoedspruit for the flight to Johannesburg. After a late morning arrival in Johannesburg, enjoy lunch followed by an afternoon tour of Soweto Township. The tour will drive past the homes of Nelson Man...
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the Johannesburg International Airport for the flight to Victoria Falls. Motor to the Victoria Falls Hotel. Victoria Falls is located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe where the Zambezi River plunges over 300 feet into the basalt gorges and mist below. An afternoon excursion visits the falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
The day is free of planned activities, however there is time to explore independently or take an optional excursion to Chobe National Park. The excursion sets off on an unforgettable safari through Chobe National Park, the second-lar...
Meals: Breakfast
An early breakfast is served at the hotel. Later, transfer by motor coach to the Victoria Falls Airport. There, board your flight to Johannesburg and connect to the flight to Frankfurt.
Arrive Frankfurt, and connect to trans-Atlantic flights to the U.S.
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Smithsonian Journeys.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Tour Operator
Smithsonian Journeys marks its 45th anniversary in 2015! We, along with our travelers, continue to be inspired by the Smithsonian’s mission of “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” This dedication to lifelong learning and passion for exploring the world drives us to develop authentic and exceptional cultural experiences.
Since 1970, our collection of diverse tours and cruises has grown to more than 150 destinations on all seven continents. From a stop at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama during a small-ship cruise to touring the sublime collections of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence when the museum is closed to the public from witnessing an infinite array of celestial phenomena during a hands-on telescope viewing at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Arizona to exclusive meetings with top mystery writers in England. Smithsonian Journeys is the enduring leader in cultural and enrichment travel.
It is through our knowledgeable and charismatic Smithsonian Journeys Experts, our dedicated tour staff, and carefully selected travel partners, who combine their expertise, unflagging care, and detailed planning skills, that we are able to create such exceptional travel experiences, and memories to last a lifetime. We look forward to the years ahead and thank you for being part of our journey!
The Smithsonian Journeys Difference
Inspiring generations through learning and discovery, the Smithsonian museums have exhilarated visitors with unique and authentic experiences for more than 160 years. This same sense of awe and wonder can be yours, anywhere you travel in the world with Smithsonian Journeys. So let Smithsonian be your compass and help get you started on your exploration.
Preserving our National Treasures: Like the Institution, our tours enrich our guests’ lives and satisfy their curiosity about the world around them. Your participation benefits the work of the Smithsonian’s nineteen museums, national zoo, and nine research centers, helping to preserve national treasures and shape the future through science, research, and exhibitions.
Bringing Your Destination to Life: When you travel with Smithsonian, you will explore the world with experts who are masters at bringing your destination to life. These inspiring scholars are compelling storytellers and charming travel companions, who will enrich your travel experience in a unique and personal way.
Behind-the-Scenes Access: From people to places, our Smithsonian connections provide you with behind-the-scenes access to iconic sites, knowledgeable guides, local experts, and exclusive events all over the world, adding even more meaning and authenticity to your travel experience.
Travel with New Friends: On any given trip, you will be sure to forge lasting friendships with like-minded travelers who share your passion for exploration. Our small groups deliver an intimate journey and you’ll never feel herded or rushed.
We Know Where to Take You: From unique lodgings in far-flung regions and charming hotels in well-traveled places to the ideal cruise ship or train experience, you’ll always travel in comfort and style, and enjoy authentic cuisine that reflects the local culture.
We've Got Everything Covered: When you travel with Smithsonian, there is no need for exhaustive planning or worrying about travel logistics. Our first-rate staff meticulously manages every aspect of each trip to ensure the highest quality and provide you with comfortable, stress-free travel.
Discover Real Value: Once you add up the extras we include as a matter of course—experts, meals, transfers, excursions, little luxuries, and even airfare inclusive pricing on many tours—you’ll know you’re getting more than you pay for. That’s what we call real value!
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Round-trip international airfare and air and departure taxes.
- Passport fees, visas, and visa photos as required.
- Personal items such as wines, liquors, a-la-carte orders, meals other than specified.
- Room service and valet/laundry service.
- Expenses incurred by our tour operator in making individual travel arrangements in conjunction with the tour.
- Other items not specifically mentioned as included.
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