Shongololo Express – Southern Cross Tour

Itinerary

Day 1 – Pretoria & Soweto

Your journey begins in Soweto, home to 1 million people and made famous by the Apartheid laws. Visit the Hector Petersen Memorial, named after one of the first students to be killed in the 1976 uprising against the Apartheid government. Spend the afternoon in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa before boarding the train and enjoying dinner.

Days 2 & 3 – Panorama Route & Kruger National Park

Visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes, which are strange deep cylindrical cavities formed by river erosion and floodwater. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve has the most spectacular viewpoints with astonishing views over South Africa’s Lowveld (so-named because it is much lower than the high escarpment along which the Panorama Route runs). The world-renowned Kruger National Park boasts 2-million hectares and is home to an unrivalled diversity of life forms including 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds and 147 species of mammals including the Big Five. Breakfast and dinner included on both days.

Day 4 – Maputo, Mozambique

Today you arrive in the capital of Mozambique, Maputo, a city of contrasts offering an exciting mix of cultures. Its architecture is a blend of African, Portuguese and early Colonial traditions with old Catholic churches sitting side-by-side with mosques, fortresses, Victorian mansions and other buildings from a bygone era. Breakfast and dinner included today.

Day 5 – Swaziland Tour

Visit the the tiny kingdom of Swaziland, the second smallest country in Africa. Experience Swazi Candles: a hive of activity displaying decorative candles, skilfully crafted woodcarvings, colourful textiles and superb basketwork for which Swazis are renowned. Continue through the Ezulwini Valley passing the Ludzidzini Royal residence en route to Mantenga Cultural Village, a living museum of old traditions representing a classical Swazi lifestyle during the 1850s. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 6 – Kapama Reserve

Today you can enjoy an unforgettable game drive in the Kapama Game Reserve followed by a visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. Kapama Private Game Reserve is home to over 40 different mammal species including the Big Five, approximately 350 bird species and a myriad of smaller species. The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre is a unique African wildlife facility focusing on conservation and the sustainability of rare, vulnerable and threatened species. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included today.

Day 7 – Limpopo Province

Time to relax as you spend a day on board the train travelling to Oreti in Zimbabwe. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included today.

Day 8 – Great Zimbabwe Monument

Journey through attractive granite hill country to the Great Zimbabwe Monument, a hugely impressive monument situated on the south-eastern edge of the central plateau and the largest pre-colonial monument south of the Egyptian pyramids. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included today.

Day 9 – Antelope Park

Spend a full day at Antelope Park. Optional extras include canoeing, game drives, horseback game viewing, elephant interaction, bird-watching cruises, etc. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 10 – Matopos National Park

Full-day tour of Matopos National Park where you can visit the grave of Cecil John Rhodes and bushmen caves. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11 – Hwange National Park

Another chance to spend a full-day on safari, game viewing in Hwange National Park. Situated in the northwest corner of Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is the nation’s largest wildlife area and contains a variety of animals and bird species, but is well-known for its prolific lion population. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included today.

Day 12 – Victoria Falls

Walking tour of the village and famous Victoria Falls. The little station of Victoria Falls was first reached by railway in June 1904. Old colonial buildings, bougainvillea and palm trees against the backdrop of the Victoria Falls Hotel form a charming oasis of soft sweetness after the rugged dryness of the landscape. The tour ends at the Victoria Falls Hotel (accommodation here is not included).