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Cape Town, The Blue Train and Kruger National Park

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13 days From £5,395 £5,095 per person
4.6 stars(25 reviews)
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A legendary South African rail experience on the renowned Blue Train, combining beautiful Cape Town, the Cape winelands and game viewing in the fabulous Kruger Park

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Save up to £500pp on Worldwide 2025 holidays when you book by 31st October 2024.

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Mobility Rating 2

2025 Tour code: BKJ25

About the tour

Discover the highlights of South Africa as we journey aboard the luxurious Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria. Ride to the top of Table Mountain, meet the friendly African penguins of Boulders Bay, and sample wines amid the stunningly scenic Stellenbosch Valley winelands.

This spectacular holiday also includes a visit to Kimberley, South Africa's city of diamonds, a stay in the historic city Pretoria, and fantastic game drives during a three night stay in a luxury lodge at Africa's largest reserve, the world-acclaimed Kruger National Park.

Unforgettable experiences

Journeying on the legendary Blue Train
Journeying on the legendary Blue Train
Take a magnificent journey aboard the prestigious Blue Train, from Cape Town to Pretoria – a truly luxurious rail experience, with panoramic views from the observation car as we travel through South Africa’s spectacular, vast and diverse landscapes.
Discovering the highlights of beautiful Cape Town
Discovering the highlights of beautiful Cape Town
Explore the scenic locations, history and culture of Cape Town on a guided tour, taking a cable car to the top of iconic Table Mountain and visiting Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years.
Sampling wines in the glorious Stellenbosch Valley
Sampling wines in the glorious Stellenbosch Valley
Visit Stellenbosch, one of South Africa's oldest and most revered wine regions, sample wines at a traditional Cape Dutch wine estate, set amid beautiful mountains, and enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue) lunch.
Experiencing game drives in the Kruger National Park
Experiencing game drives in the Kruger National Park
Head into the fabulous Kruger Park on two jeep safaris, travelling with expert guides, looking out for the legendary 'Big Five’ – the lion, African elephant, rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, and leopard.
Exploring the gems of Kimberley, the City of Diamonds
Exploring the gems of Kimberley, the City of Diamonds
Discover Kimberley, a Northern Cape city founded on diamonds, and visit the 'Big Hole' mining museum. Once a thriving mining town, the ‘Big Hole’ is the source of some of the world’s largest diamonds.
Meeting the penguins of Boulders Bay, Cape Town
Meeting the penguins of Boulders Bay, Cape Town
Visit the soft sandy beach of Cape Town’s Boulders Bay, walk along the boardwalks into the dunes, and meet a friendly colony of African penguins, the only species of penguin found in the continent of Africa.
Descending the spectacular Graskop Gorge
Descending the spectacular Graskop Gorge
Uncover an otherworldly landscape of rich forests and plunging waterfalls during an incredible, scenic elevator journey down the cliffs of Graskop Gorge as you descend more than 150 for majestic views.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Our journey starts, with an overnight flight to Cape Town

Our holiday begins at London Heathrow, where we meet our Tour Manager and fellow travellers before boarding a flight to Cape Town, South Africa's oldest city and legislative capital.

This cosmopolitan city is a cultural melting pot with a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years to the Khoi-San people, the first inhabitants of the Cape. In 1488, the Portuguese explorer, Bartholomeu Dias was the first known European to sail around the Cape, and in 1652 the Dutch navigator Jan van Riebeeck established a settlement here. Dutch settlers were later joined by Asians from present day Indonesia, followed by French Huguenots, then the British. After decades of apartheid, South Africa held its first democratic elections in 1994 when Nelson Mandela was voted leader of the 'Rainbow Nation'.

Day 2 - Arrival into Cape Town, the ‘Mother City’ of South Africa

We touch down in Cape Town after our overnight flight. Here we are met and transferred to our hotel in the heart of the city. Enroute, some of Cape Town's main sights are pointed out to us on an orientation tour.

After settling into our hotel, close to the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and overlooked by the magnificent Table Mountain, this evening is free to begin exploring and to dine independently. You may like to wander down to the Waterfront, which has a variety of eateries offering fresh seafood, traditional South African dishes and North Indian cuisine. At night, the wharf is illuminated and atmospheric with several restaurants overlooking the water.

Please note - For departures 15/02/25 and 08/11/25 you wil stay at The Commodore Hotel.

Day 3 - The Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Bay

We enjoy a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula today, beginning after breakfast with a drive to the magnificent Cape of Good Hope, heading to Cape Point, at the most southwestern tip of the continent. Here, we take the Flying Dutchman funicular railway, to just below the lighthouse at the top, where we can look out across the Atlantic Ocean, the waters of False Bay, and the stunning Cape Peninsula coastline.

We then travel along False Bay, to Simon's Town where we have lunch at a local restaurant, followed by free time to look around. We continue to Boulders Bay, a pristine beach which is home to a colony of African penguins. The penguins nest in the dunes and waddle down to swim in the sea, often gathering in family groups to sun on the rocks. Wander along the boardwalk between the dunes to see these lovely creatures in their natural habitat.

This evening you may like to take a taxi to Bree Street, a popular dining destination in Cape Town, where you could enjoy fusion food, Cape Malay dishes, Mediterranean cuisine or Asian flavours.

Day 4 - A trip up Table Mountain, lunch in the Cape winelands

After breakfast, weather permitting, we visit one of South Africa's most familiar landmarks - Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain. We take a cable car to the top of this remarkably flat-topped mountain, enjoying panoramic city views on the way up. From the top you can follow trails among beautiful Cape 'fynbos', which includes varieties of coral-hued proteas, and spot animals such as the rock rabbit ('dassie' in Afrikaans) or the Table Mountain ghost frog. There is a café and coffee shop at the top of the mountain and there's free time to soak up this unique environment.

After descending the mountain we continue by coach out of the city and into the stunning mountain landscapes of the Cape winelands, to one of the country's most famous wine-producing areas, the beautiful Stellenbosch Valley. At a traditional Cape Dutch farmhouse and wine estate we enjoy a typical South African 'braai' (barbecue) of boerewors (spicy sausages) and other roasted meats, fish and vegetables.

Day 5 - A free day in beautiful Cape Town

Today you're free to explore Cape Town further. You may like to visit the brightly-painted Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, the historic Cape Malay quarter. Or take the ferry to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site which, along with Alcatraz, is possibly one of best-known prison islands in the world - where President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned during the last three decades of the apartheid regime. The island now houses a museum detailing the struggle for democracy in South Africa.

Nature lovers can enjoy the wonderful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, one of the seven most magnificent botanic gardens of the world. Extending across the south east slopes of Table Mountain, this spectacular nature reserve has several trails and a fabulous Tree Canopy Walk.

At the nearby V&A Waterfront, there are many shops, an arts and craft market and the National Maritime Museum. It is also possible to take a short cruise around the harbour from here, to see the city sights or sail further out into Table Bay towards Cape Town's Green Point. As for dining out, in Cape Town you really are spoilt for choice.

Day 6 - Aboard the luxurious Blue Train

After a leisurely breakfast in Cape Town, we transfer to the station for our iconic journey to Pretoria on The Blue Train. As we board the train, a butler escorts you to your opulent cabin and provides an orientation tour as we begin our two day journey. Once you have settled in to your five-star accommodation - which has a private ensuite bathroom, plush furnishings and a picture window - you may like to relax in one of the luxurious lounges before we take our seats for lunch at 1pm.

The service and standard of fine dining on The Blue Train is impeccable, all our meals and drinks are included on board - afternoon tea, aperitifs and, after a lavish formal dinner of local cuisine accompanied by a wide selection of wines from the Cape Winelands, a selection of post-dinner drinks.

High tea is served in the Lounge Car at 4pm and The Blue Train offers two dining sittings each evening, at 6.30 and 8pm.

Day 7 - The Blue Train arrives in Kimberley, city of diamonds

Breakfast is served between 6 and 9 am this morning, and there are two sittings for lunch. Soon after lunch, The Blue Train arrives in Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape - a town with a prosperous past, due to the discovery of diamonds in the area. The renowned diamond merchants, DeBeers, made their fame and fortune here. After disembarking, we take a short coach ride to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum. The hill where diamonds were first found quickly disappeared under the pressure of over-mining and the resulting space became known as the 'Big Hole'. This open basin is now so large that it can be seen from space and is 215 meters, or 705 feet, deep - there is an enclosed ramp which allows us to view the Big Hole.

Although the mine is no longer in use, there is a fascinating museum detailing the history of the site, which includes preserved and restored period buildings from the early years of the diamond rush. We re-board the train before the second superb dinner of our trip, then we continue our journey through South Africa's vast and open landscapes.

Day 8 - An overnight stay in Gauteng’s capital, Pretoria

After enjoying a delicious breakfast and a final lunch on board the Blue Train, our train pulls in to the administrative capital of South Africa - Pretoria, a handsome city where South Africa's government and presidential offices are based, in the historic Union Buildings.

We are transferred by coach to our hotel, the Southern Sun Pretoria, where we are welcomed with a refreshing drink before sitting down to dinner this evening.

Day 9 - To the world-acclaimed Kruger National Park

This morning, we have an early transfer by coach to our luxury lodge-style hotel on the banks of the Sabie River, at the entrance to the Kruger National Park. Enroute, we stop at the Graskop Gorge to marvel at spellbinding views of the lush forest more than 150 feet below us. An elevator drops us gently down the cliff face as we admire the plummeting waterfall and indigenous vegetation.

Today's ultimate destination, Kruger National Park, is the largest park in South Africa and one of the world's most famous, all the 'Big Five' game animals can be found here: the lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.

The rest of the day is free for you to settle in among the attractive surroundings, maybe making the most of the swimming pool and wonderful viewing deck where you might like to relax when we are greeted with a welcome drink before dinner.

Day 10 - Game viewing in the Kruger National Park

Today we enjoy a full-day of game viewing, heading out after an early breakfast by Jeep, accompanied by a local, skilled ranger. Our guide's expertise allows us to visit the best locations to see different animals, and helps us to identify those whose camouflage makes them difficult to spot. We start by tracking the big cats, still out from their night spent hunting, while keeping an eye out for other species, including the 'Big Five'. We break our safari with a picnic lunch then continue driving into this wild, open bushland, where each day brings unpredictable but wondrous sights and surprises.

Returning to our hotel mid-afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the outdoor spaces and facilities, before dinner at our lodge this evening.

Day 11 - A second safari day in the Kruger Park

Today we enjoy a second full day on safari, discovering the incredible wildlife of Kruger on a game drive and hoping to see more of the marvellous 'Big Five'. There are many other species to be seen in the Kruger Park, large and small, as well as fascinating plants and colourful birds. We enjoy a picnic lunch again today, before continuing our Jeep journey through this wonderful game reserve.

We return to our hotel this afternoon when you could relax at the spa or by the swimming pool. Or, you might like to take advantage of the nature reserve beside the hotel and enjoy some extra game viewing. There is a fascinating variety of bird life here, and bush walks with a knowledgeable guide can be organised by the hotel (payable locally).

We enjoy the final dinner of our memorable holiday this evening, at our Kruger Park lodge.

Day 12 - From Kruger to Johannesburg for our flight to London

We have time to relax this morning in the Kruger Park before we set off back to Johannesburg, so you could take the opportunity to enjoy the excellent facilities at our lodge. In the late morning, we are transferred by coach to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo airport for our flight home. While waiting for our flight, you'll find a good choice of restaurants and cafés for a light meal before our overnight journey. The airport also has a great range of shops, selling curios and South African goods which you may like to take home with you as a memento of this special holiday.

Day 13 - Homeward bound

After landing in London Heathrow early this morning, we say goodbye to our Tour Manager, travelling companions and new friends, and make our way home. While our holiday may be over, we are sure to treasure many memories of our South African adventure - from the beautiful mountains, winelands and beaches of the Cape and the stunning scenery we see from the splendid Blue Train, to our wonderful safari experiences in the amazing Kruger National Park.

Additional information

Please note

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Southern Sun The Cullinan, Cape Town

Southern Sun The Cullinan, Cape Town

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The Commodore Hotel, Cape Town

The Commodore Hotel, Cape Town

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Kruger Gate Hotel, Kruger

Kruger Gate Hotel, Kruger

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Train

The Blue Train

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Upgrade your cabin on the Blue Train
Flight upgrades
London Hotels
UK rail connections

Extend your holiday

The Garden Route
The Wonder of Victoria Falls

Reviews

4.6 stars4.6 / 5 · 25 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (19)
  2. 4 stars
    (3)
  3. 3 stars
    (1)
  4. 2 stars
    (2)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

David Dodds

5 stars

Submitted 4/Apr

Three great holidays in on trip! First of all the trip would not have been as good without our tour manager Angie and the excellent guides and drivers. Angie had all the info needed and kept us up to date with everything. Hotels were excellent. Staff friendly, rooms very well appointed, food very good and varied. Cape Town - from Cape Point to Table Mountain to Boulders Bay Penguin colony; much to see and enjoy. Hout Bay and Seal Island for seals and dolphins. Cape Town Waterfront area is lively with a great selection of places to eat and shop with very friendly staff. Added to this the visits to a winery in Stellenbosch (and "Uncle Samie's Store"in the town), lunch at another estate and the obligatory visit to Robben Island there was so much to see and the time was filled without any boredom. The group gelled brilliantly with members passing on info about their own travels and recommending further travels. The Blue Train - this is NOT your ordinary train journey. From embarkation to disembarkation we were looked after by a staff whose total commitment was to those on board and their enjoyment of the journeys experience. Excellent food, selection of wines and an ambience that ensured all passed the time in comfort and enjoyment. The journey was not fast as the train is subject to the requirements of the railway but that gave enough time to view the passing country and the ever changing scenery. The stop at Kimberley, the visit to "the Big Hole" diamond mine museum was worth it. A big hole and a long way down from the viewing platform! The old town is set out with all the shops, store and facilities right down to the shale covered streets. Last but not least, Kruger National Park. Two game drives with an early start of 4.30am. We were able to see the "big five" and a number of other species. Knowledgeable guides and drivers, adequate stops for comfort and food and great company. There is nothing to beat seeing the animals in the wild and realising that they are but metres away! Great photographs! But all too soon it has to end, the journey back to Johannesburg and the airport and home. An excellent holiday and great memories!

Collected by Trustpilot

R Drury

4 stars

Submitted 3/Apr

Great ride!

Collected by Trustpilot

V Aked

5 stars

Submitted 2/Apr

Fantastic holiday and very well organised. All the hotels were lovely and our tour manager, tour guides and drivers were all great and very knowledgeable. My only improvement would be an extra day at your own leisure at the Kruger Gate hotel to enjoy the facility before the long journey home.

Collected by Trustpilot

H Robinson

5 stars

Submitted 30/Mar

Hotels, food and tour guides excellent throughout trip. Blue train and safari amazing.

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Tony Bell

5 stars

Submitted 28/Mar

A fantastic full on holiday so much of interest every day.

from Great Rail Journeys
Dear Tony, Thank you for your review and for those fantastic photos! That is brilliant to hear! Kind regards, Sophie.
Dear Sophie Thanks for your reply it was a fantastic holiday thanks to an unbelievably good tour manager. Here’s to the next time. ??
2 comments

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Sue Fox

5 stars

Submitted 28/Mar

Our trip was very well organised by our tour guide Angie, we had to change the time we went to Table mountain because the clouds were on the top so we wouldn’t of seen anything. So she & Shevick turned the time table round & it worked perfectly.

from Great Rail Journeys
Dear Sue, Thank you for your review and sharing your photos. That is brilliant to hear! Kind regards, Sophie.
1 comment

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