Tracks of Africa

Tracks of Africa

With breathtaking natural wonders, beautiful coastal towns and cities, and abundant wildlife, Southern Africa tours have plenty to offer. On this 17-day adventure, we’ll explore South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, photographing spectacular scenery along the Garden Route, taking high tea in Cape Town (with Table Mountain as a backdrop), and travelling in sumptuous style on board a restored vintage train, taking in views of winelands, mountains and plateaux along the way. Journeying north, we’ll spot hippos wallowing in the Chobe River and feel nature’s full force at Victoria Falls.

What's Included:

• 12 nights in hotels, 2 nights on board the Rovos Rail and 2 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar)
• International and regional flights as detailed.
• Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa (2 nights) from Cape Town to Pretoria
• 26 meals: 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners, 1 high tea
• Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service
• Local Titan tour manager and guide
• Travel in destination by coach
• Porterage

• 1.5 days free time

  Included Excursions:

• Visits to Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River; Cape Agulhas; Matjiesfontein; Kimberley (including Diamond Mining Museum and the ‘Big Hole’); Soweto; Victoria Falls National Park
• Visit to Featherbed Nature Reserve
• City tour of Cape Town including Table Mountain cable car (weather permitting)
• Game drive in Chobe National Park
• Sunset cruises along the Chobe River and the Zambezi River
• Talk on David Livingstone by local expert

Day 1: UK - In flight

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Johannesburg.

Day 2: Johannesburg - Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

We arrive into Johannesburg and connect with our onward flight to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Located next to the Nelson Mandela Bay beachfront, our hotel is the perfect place to relax before embarking on this incredible journey.

Day 3: Knysna

We head west to Tsitsikamma National Park, a protected area and coastal reserve known for its indigenous forests. We’ll take a lunch break at Storms River and we recommend taking a stroll to experience the drama of the rugged coastline.

Later, we continue to pretty Knysna, in the heart of the Garden Route and famous for its stunning blue lagoon.

Visit to Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River (morning)

Day 4: Knysna

Sail across the Knysna Lagoon and journey into the Featherbed Nature Reserve. We stop at magnificent viewpoints and our specialist guide highlights the area’s history, flora and fauna. There’ll be time for an optional guided walk through the coastal forest and fynbos.

We return to Knysna later, where the remainder of the day is free.

Day 5: Arniston

We drive west to Arniston, a pretty fishing and holiday village close to Cape Aghulas. This little pocket of tranquillity, characterised by its lime-washed, thatched houses, remains unspoilt. You can look forward to wonderful views of the Indian Ocean from our hotel.

Day 6: Cape Town

This morning, we continue to Cape Aghulas; the southernmost point of Africa and the official dividing point between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Be sure to stop and take a photo in front of the sign showing where the oceans meet.

We then move on to Hermanus, where we have free time. There’s plenty to see and do here; perhaps wander along the shore and you may be lucky enough to spot whales from July to November.

This afternoon, we drive along the dramatically rugged coastal road to Cape Town.

Visit to Cape Agulhas (morning)

Day 7: Cape Town

Today we set out for a tour of this exceptionally picturesque city, with its backdrop of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and Devil’s Peak.

We take an exhilarating trip by cable car to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), followed by a wonderful high tea at the prestigious Mount Nelson hotel - an oasis of calm in the heart of Cape Town.

City tour of Cape Town, including Table Mountain cable car (morning)

Day 8: Cape Town

We have the whole day free to enjoy Cape Town and the surrounding area. You could take an optional excursion to view dramatic Cape Point; a nature reserve within Table Mountain National Park.

Or, take a relaxing stroll around the famous botanical gardens of Kirstenbosch nestled at the foot of Table Mountain. Enjoy a refreshing drink here, on the lush green lawn and discover some of its 7,000 species of plants from southern Africa.

Day 9: Rovos Rail (Matjiesfontein)

After free time today, we’ll head to the station and board Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa. Rediscover the golden age of travel as we begin our spectacular three-night journey north. Delicious food and wine is a key part of South African holidays and you'll enjoy fine cuisine with wine pairings in the elegant dining car.

Day 10-11: Rovos Rail (Kimberley)

We spend the next two days making our way to Pretoria, travelling through scenic winelands, rugged mountain ranges and the grasslands of the gold-rich Highveld plateau. On day 9, we'll stop at the well-preserved Victorian village of Matjiesfontein, founded as a refreshment stop in 1890. You can stroll through the village, around the museum and peek at the collection of historic cars and railway carriages. On day 10, we continue through stunning scenery to Kimberley for a tour of this famous diamond mining city, visiting the museum and the extraordinary Big Hole - a 214m-deep, man-made crater.

Day 12: Kookrus - Pretoria - Soweto

Our journey on Rovos Rail concludes at Kookrus Station, where we'll board a coach and head to our hotel in Irene, Pretoria. Later, we’ll head out on a tour of South Africa’s most famous township, Soweto. We’ll explore with a guide who was born and raised in the township, with insight into its modern culture and history, including the former homes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Irene Country Lodge, Pretoria (4-star) Today includes… Excursions & visits: Guided tour of Soweto (afternoon)

Day 13: Johannesburg - Victoria Falles - Chobe National Park

We transfer to Johannesburg Airport for our flight to Victoria Falls, then make our way across the border to Botswana and Chobe National Park. Chobe Bush Lodge (4-star)

Day 14: Chobe National Park

Our morning starts with a game drive in open-sided 4WD vehicles. Late afternoon we embark on a sunset cruise along the Chobe River to spot all the wonderful wildlife that comes to the river at sundown. You may see rare and endemic birds, migratory species and water birds, including the majestic fish eagle. Chobe Bush Lodge (4-star) Today includes… Excursions & visits: Game drive in Chobe National Park (morning) Sunset cruise along the Chobe River (afternoon)

Day 15: Victoria Falls

We transfer by road to Zimbabwe and the town of Victoria Falls. This afternoon we enjoy a cruise on the mighty Zambezi River - sit back and enjoy a refreshing drink in the warm African sun observing the wildlife of the Zambezi. Magical! Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (5-star) Today includes… Excursions & visits: Sunset cruise along the Zambezi River (afternoon)

Day 16: Victoria Falls

Following an introductory talk on David Livingstone, today we visit the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, a wonderful finale to the tour. Nothing can prepare you for the excitement of seeing the beautiful sight that so entranced Livingstone all those years ago. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (5-star) Today includes… Excursions & visits: Talk on David Livingstone by local expert (afternoon) Visit to Victoria Falls National Park (afternoon)

Day 17: Victoria Falls - In flight

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Day 18: UK

Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.