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Shongololo – The Southern Cross

17 days, 16 nights

+- Overview

The Southern Cross Adventure takes you on an excursion-packed journey through Southern Africa: from South Africa through Swaziland, into Moçambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and finally Botswana.  Tour the present and the past from historic cities to ancient ruins.  Meet some of Africa’s tribal people and experience their many diverse cultures.  Bask on the beaches of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy many game viewing opportunities in some of Africa’s best national parks such as the world-famous Kruger National Park with its herds of zebra, wildebeest and impalas spread across the open grasslands where elephant, giraffe, lions, cheetah, hyena, crocodiles, hippos, and hundreds of species of birds, in Hwange Park, Zimbabwe’s biggest park with the most wildlife within its vary eco-systems, and Chobe Park in Botswana, famous for its huge herds of elephants.

The highlight of course is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls where you’ll have lots of time to explore it form many perspectives; by boat, from the air, or when walking through its rainforest.  On top of all the included daily activities, there are also many exceptional Optional Excursions (at additional) cost in nearly every place the train stops.  You can overnight at private game reserves, take special city tours and participate in activities from Bungi Jumping to Hot Air Balloon Rides. 

Finally there is the Shongololo train 3-star experience.  This unique train that pulls its own fleet of touring vehicles along with it, is your home for 16 nights.  Cozy, comfortable, friendly and unpretentious, it caters to the adventurer who loves train travel and wants a relaxed experience.  Tasty meals and wines are served on board (lunch is on ones own when off the train), and there’s no need to pack a jacket and tie, just lots of enthusiasm.

+- Daily Itinerary
+ - Day 1 Johannesburg
Arrival

On arrival we meet and transfer you to the Shongololo Train. Balance of day is free.
Optional Tours (if time permits):  Lesedi Cultural Village; The Cradle of Mankind; Gold Reef City, Apartheid Museum & World of Beer; East Rand Mall or Emperors Palace.

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Dinner

+ - Day 2 Johannesburg › Pretoria

After breakfast today, select from the included excursions:  Full day tour of Pretoria & Soweto; Afternoon tour of Johannesburg & Soweto. The train departs this evening, travelling east through the night.

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 3 Swaziland

Disembark this morning and travel by minivan into the Kingdom of Swaziland. Visit a colourful Swazi market full of baskets, textiles and woodcarvings.  Then continue on to Mpaka, in the beautiful mountainous part of the country, to re-board the train.

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 4 Maputo

Arrive in Maputo, capital of Moçambique. Today is devoted to relaxing and enjoying one of the city’s Indian Ocean beaches.  Tonight enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 5 Maputo

Tour this former Portuguese colony, rich in history, interesting architecture with a fascinating mix of cultures.  Stop on the beach before boarding the train for South Africa.

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 6 Kruger National Park

A full day game viewing in this exciting park.  Optional excursions include: All-day, open vehicle safari; Overnight & morning and evening game drives at either Protea Kruger Gate Lodge or at a private game reserve; Evening at a local pub to meet the locals.

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 7 Mpumalanga

Want to see more African animals, there’s another full day of game viewing.  Or visit Nelspruit, a centre for citrus & tropical fruits, followed by a botanical garden tour and then the Sudwala Caves & Dinosaur Park.  All guests now return to the train.

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 8 Panorama Route

Driving into the mountains, visit Pilgrim’s Rest, Blyde River Canyon, & the Three Rondavels.  Stop at Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window for panoramic views.
Optional Sunrise Balloon Ride – a 1 hour flight followed by a champagne breakfast.

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 9 Mpumalanga

Spend the day relaxing as the train travels through Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Northern Province. There will be informative talks held by the guides on the train.  .

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 10 Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Today visit one of Africa’s most historically intriguing sites, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the largest man-made monument south of the Egyptian Pyramids.

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 11 Antelope Park

This morning take A Walk with Lions in Antelope Park where lions between 3 & 5 months walk with you in the bush.  After lunch choose to visit the Gweru War Museum or
visit a local primary school where the children perform a show for you .  See the train’s purser for details of 7 Optional excursions while in this area.

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 12 Matobo National Park

Near Bulawayo, visit Matobo National Park, known for its leopard, raptors & massive round rocks - kopjes where Cecil Rhodes is buried.  Visit a Bushman cave and the Natural History Museum. Then see either an Art Gallery visit or a Railway Museum. 
Optional excursions: Chipangali, a wildlife orphanage, or go Rhino Tracking.

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 13 Hwange National Park

Take two game drives in Hwange, a game-filled Park including breakfast at Sable Valley Lodge & in the afternoon relax at Sikumi Tree Lodge.  Re-board train for Victoria Falls. Optional Overnight at Sikumi Tree Lodge & drive next day to Victoria Falls.

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 14 Livingstone

Walk across the Zambezi River on the famous Railroad Bridge.  Then tour Victoria Falls - the ‘Smoke That Thunders’.  In Livingstone, visit the Livingstone Museum & the Fifth Gorge.  Enjoy a special dinner at a venue in town.  Optional Lunchtime boat cruise.

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 15 Chobe National Park

Drive to nearby Botswana and enter Chobe National Park.  Take a game drive in 4x4 vehicles to see the Park’s many elephants and then cruise on the Chobe River watching for hippos and crocodiles and colourful birds. Return to Victoria Falls.

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 16 Victoria Falls

Spend the day exploring Victoria Falls on your own.  Optional activities include;
Flight of Angels - Fly by light aircraft or helicopter; White Water River Rafting in Batoka- Gorge; Elephant Riding; Bungee Jumping from Livingstone Bridge.

Overnight Accommodations

Ivory Cabin – Ivory Cabin
Gold Cabin – Gold Cabin
Commodore Cabin – Emerald Cabin
Emerald Cabin – Emerald Cabin

Included Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

+ - Day 17 Victoria Falls

Your Shongololo Rail adventure ends today.  Transfers to the airport are provided.

Departure

Included Meals

Breakfast

+- Accommodations

Overnight Accommodations

We offer several packages for this tour. The package price varies by your selected accommodations. The itinerary is the same for each package.

+-Ivory Cabin
+ - Ivory Cabin

The Ivory Cabin has twin or single beds with fan, safe, hand basin and running water – shared bathroom facilities.  There is one shower and two toilets per carriage.

Each train has its own bar, dining and accommodation carriages. As in any hotel, bedding and towels are provided and cabins are serviced daily. Cabins have ample storage space and closets are equipped with both hangers and shelving. Power is 220v AC and European plug adaptors are provided. In addition, there is an onboard laundry service.

+-Gold Cabin
+ - Gold Cabin

The Gold Cabin has twin beds with private bathroom, air-conditioning and safe.

Each train has its own bar, dining and accommodation carriages. As in any hotel, bedding and towels are provided and cabins are serviced daily. Cabins have ample storage space and closets are equipped with both hangers and shelving. Power is 220v AC and European plug adaptors are provided. In addition, there is an onboard laundry service.

+-Commodore Cabin
+ - Commodore Cabin

The Commodore Cabin has twin beds with private bathroom, air-conditioning and safe.

Each train has its own bar, dining and accommodation carriages. As in any hotel, bedding and towels are provided and cabins are serviced daily. Cabins have ample storage space and closets are equipped with both hangers and shelving. Power is 220v AC and European plug adaptors are provided. In addition, there is an onboard laundry service.

+-Emerald Cabin
+ - Emerald Cabin

The Emerald Cabin has twin or double beds with private bathroom, small lounge area, air conditioning, safe and hairdryer.

Each train has its own bar, dining and accommodation carriages. As in any hotel, bedding and towels are provided and cabins are serviced daily. Cabins have ample storage space and closets are equipped with both hangers and shelving. Power is 220v AC and European plug adaptors are provided. In addition, there is an onboard laundry service.

+- Inclusions

Features & Services

Included

  • Airport Meet & Greet

    We'll meet you at Johannesburg airport upon your arrival. Driver gratuity is awarded at your discretion.

  • Airport & Hotel Transfers

    We'll provide reliable transportation to and from the airport to your hotel in Johanesburg & Victoria Falls. We'll ensure you depart on time, and arrive safely and comfortably from one destination to the next.

  • 16 Nights Accommodations

    We provide you with overnight accommodations on board the train for 16 nights, as described in your selected itinerary.

  • Included Meals

    We provide you with the meals as described in the daily itinerary. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions in advance.

  • Daily Transfers

    We cover your transportation by air-conditioned vehicles each day during off-rail excursions.

  • Driver & Guides

    Our professional guides are at your service. We guarantee our guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help you. All our local guides and drivers speak English fluently.

  • Local Fees & Taxes

    We cover applicable entrance fees for sightseeing and excursions as described in the itinerary. We cover applicable local government taxes and service charges on accommodations and transportation.

Not Included

  • International Airfare, Airport Taxes & Fees

    Our price are inclusive of land arrangements only. See our Air & Land Inclusive collection for packages that include airfare. Airport taxes and security related fees are subject to change with or without notice.

  • Meals not described on the itinerary

    Food and beverages not described in the itinerary may be purchased as needed.

  • Tips & Gratuities

    Tips and gratuities to drivers, guides, hotel/camp and restaurant staff shall be awarded at your discretion.

  • Hotel & Room Services

    We provide overnight accommodations as described in the itinerary. Hotel or room services enjoyed during your stay that are not described in the itinerary are additional.

  • Personal Items & Services

    Items or services of a personal nature, such as telephone/Internet usage, laundry, gifts, or transportation not described in the itinerary are additional.

  • Optional tours or excursions

    Time permitting, any optional tours or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary may be enjoyed at your own expense.

+- Booking

Dates & Pricing

We offer several packages for this tour. The package price varies by selected accommodations. The itinerary is the same for each package.

Display prices in Hide this box

+-Ivory Cabin

For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.
+-Gold Cabin

For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.
+-Commodore Cabin

For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.
+-Emerald Cabin

For Travel Dates Between:

Price:

Single Room Supplement:

 
Per person, based on double twin room occupancy.
For single room occupancy when joining a minimum of 2 passengers.

Booking Details

Departures

Join in Johannesburg on set departure dates listed below. 
This journey is also available in the reverse direction from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg on April 1 & September 30, 2012

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