This extraordinary adventure features the heritage of South Africa, a rail journey aboard the legendary Rovos Rail, safaris in three important wildlife parks, and a stay at dramatic Victoria Falls.

Starting at: $10,690 * Price includes special offer Make a Reservation Ask Us A Question or Call 855-330-1542
 Rovos Rail amid the African savanna
Rovos Rail amid the African savanna
 The thrill of being on safari
The thrill of being on safari
 Male lion on watch
Male lion on watch
 Elephant with calf on the savanna
Elephant with calf on the savanna
 Giraffes on the savanna
Giraffes on the savanna
 Giraffes on the savanna
Giraffes on the savanna
 Zebras at a watering hole
Zebras at a watering hole
 A panorama of Cape Town
A panorama of Cape Town
 African penguins at Boulders Beach, Cape Town
African penguins at Boulders Beach, Cape Town
 Cape Town's Table Mountain with Robben Island in foreground
Cape Town's Table Mountain with Robben Island in foreground
 Cape of Good Hope
Cape of Good Hope
 Panorama of Cape Town
Panorama of Cape Town
 The powerful and dramatic Victoria Falls
The powerful and dramatic Victoria Falls
 Observing wildlife from the rear of Rovos Rail
Observing wildlife from the rear of Rovos Rail
 Spending time in the observation car
Spending time in the observation car
 The observation car of Rovos Rail
The observation car of Rovos Rail
 Dining car, Rovos Rail
Dining car, Rovos Rail
 Elephants along the Chobe River
Elephants along the Chobe River
 Hippos along the Chobe River
Hippos along the Chobe River
 Cape buffalo
Cape buffalo

Treasures of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana

Featuring Rovos Rail

16-17 days from $10,690

This extraordinary adventure features the heritage of South Africa, a rail journey aboard the legendary Rovos Rail, safaris in three important wildlife parks, and a stay at dramatic Victoria Falls.

or Call 855-330-1542

Tour Details

TOUR BROCHURE

brochure

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

I would highly recommend Smithsonian. They are a high quality tour organization. They organize the tour in a highly efficient manner. I would travel again with them.

- Victoria B.

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

See All Journeys Dispatches ››

Accommodations

* Click on hotel name to visit hotel web-site.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Cape Town, South Africa

Nestled at the foot of majestic Table Mountain, this deluxe and historic hotel has been the destination for celebrities visiting Cape Town since 1899. It was listed by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the "World's Best Hotels" in 2012. Located at the historic center of town, it's easy to explore the real Cape Town, its surroundings, and some of the best beaches. The hotel boasts 85 suites and 124 beautifully decorated rooms. The Oasis restaurant offers lunch in a relaxed poolside garden setting. Morning and afternoon tea are served in the Lounge, and the Planet Bar and Restaurant offer a contemporary dining experience. There are two heated swimming pools, two floodlit tennis courts, the Librisa Spa and a fully equipped gym. The hotel is situated in nine acres of landscaped gardens. 

Kapama River Lodge

Kapama, South Africa

The charm and hospitality of Kapama River Lodge, inside Kapama Private Game Reserve, makes it a warm and inviting place for travelers looking for the best safari lodge in the Kruger National Park area. It’s relaxed atmosphere is a priority and the memories made will be with you forever. Travelers explore, with their naturalist guides, and track the Big Five game that inhabit this spectacular reserve. After game viewing, relax with a cocktail in the bar or at poolside. Meals are served in the restaurant or al fresco and feature continental as well as local specialties. Re-energize in the Spa or with a swim in the outdoor pool. Rooms are welcoming and appointed with modern facilities, colorful native art, fabrics and furnishings. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge.

Hotel 54 on Bath

Johannesburg, South Africa

The contemporary Hotel 54 on Bath is conveniently situated in the heart of Johannesburg's trendy Rosebank suburb, within walking distance of boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. The 75-room hotel features a restaurant, bar, and lounge; outdoor pool; spa treatments; and laundry and dry cleaning services. All air-conditioned guest rooms have a private bath with hair dryer, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, TV, and phone.

Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls, Zambia

The Victoria Falls Hotel is a grand Edwardian-era hotel that was built in the early 1900’s during the time when Cecil Rhodes famously attempted to link Cape Town to Cairo by rail. A ten-minute stroll, via a private footpath, leads to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World; the Victoria Falls. The hotel is surrounded by carefully tended tropical gardens, lily ponds, and centuries-old shade trees. Many of the guestrooms have views of the Zambezi River gorges and spray from the falls and are decorated in traditional style. The panoramas also figure prominently during afternoon tea, which is served on the Stanley Terrace, overlooking the Victoria Falls Bridge that links Zimbabwe to Zambia. 

Tour Extension

Cape Town Pre-Program Option — 3 Days, 2 Nights

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel The iconic pink lady has been captivating visitors to Cape Town since 1899. Nestled between the slopes of Table Mountain and the vibrant city, take time for tea on the terrace or go on a stroll through the hotel’s storied gardens. There are 198 guest rooms, dining at Oasis Bistro and a sumptuous lounge for refreshments. There is a pool, tennis court and spa on site. Guests rooms are spacious and well-appointed with nightly turn-down service, flat screen televisions and marble baths.

Pre Tour Program Dates:

March 3-7, 2024*: Prior to our March 5-20, 2024 main program

August 11-15, 2024*: Prior to our August 13-28, 2024 main program.

September 15-19, 2024*: Prior to our September 17-October 2, 2024 main program

-------------------------------------------------------

March 23-27, 2025*: Prior to our March 25-April 8, 2025 main program .

July 12-16, 2025*: Prior to our July 14-30, 2025 main program.

September 28-October 2, 2025*: Prior to our September 15-October 30, 2025 main program.

*Includes 2 nights of flying from the U.S. to reach program start, plus two nights in Cape Town, South Africa.

Day 1 — Cape Town

Arrive at the Cape Town International Airport. After clearing brief Immigration and Customs formalities, you’ll be met by your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director and assisted with transfer to the elegant and historic Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Day 2 — Cape Town

The Cape Province has become synonymous with the art of wine making. Experience wine, dramatic scenery, charming Cape Dutch architecture and more on this full day excursion to the Cape Winelands, South Africa’s famous wine region. Visit wineries near the town of Paarl and sample the excellent wines produced there. Travel to Franschhoek, in the French Corner of the province. Visit one of the area’s premier wine estates and enjoy a wine sampling followed by a delicious lunch. Afterward, stroll through historic Stellenbosch one of South Africa’s most attractive and best-preserved towns. (B,L)

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Day 3 — Cape Town

The day is at leisure in Cape Town to follow your own path. The Treasures of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana: Featuring Rovos Rail  main program begins with the arrival of Smithsonian main group travelers. You’ll join them and continue to travel on the program itinerary as outlined. (B)

Activity Level

Expectations: Two-week program in southern Africa featuring a faster pace with longer days. There will be multiple nights on the luxurious Rovos Rail train, in a top-rated safari lodge, and up-scale hotels in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Victoria Falls. Safaris feature some very early mornings as well as late afternoon drives. Some drives will depart very early to offer the best opportunity for viewing wildlife. Drives will take place in comfortable safari-style vehicles with open sides where you will be somewhat exposed to the elements. Safaris will happen rain or shine and drives can be over rough terrain and mostly on unpaved roads. The Rovos Rail train will operate over a long distance, guests should be comfortable with walking through corridors (with handrails) and within the public areas of a moving train. Guests should be able to board and disembark the train without difficulty or assistance. Cultural and natural history visits in Cape Town and Johannesburg entail walking tours and outdoor visits. There will be two internal economy class flights on scheduled  airlines, the overnight train, drives in safari vehicles, and motorcoach travel. 

Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, lead active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities, and expect some physical exertion. 

Special Air Rates/Services

FlexAir is designed to provide you with the flexibility and choice you need to personalize your air travel experience. Explore a wide range of flight options in consultation with our experienced travel professionals to select the flights, routing, class of service, and dates of travel that most fit your needs. Our partner tour operator has negotiated contracts with a wide variety of carriers that allow them to hold flight reservations and then issue your ticket close to departure without additional fees. This protects you from the need to purchase published-fare tickets, which must be ticketed within 24 hours of purchase. FlexAir reservations provide the flexibility to adjust reservations without penalty and to accommodate extensions and upgrades right up until ticketing time, usually around 60 days before departure. We look forward to providing you with more choice and the best possible itinerary for your air travel plans.

Program Includes:

  • Guaranteed transfers between the airport and your overseas accommodations upon arrival and departure (in most cases). We will provide you with all of the details you need to guarantee your transfer.
  • Air schedule change and delay assistance. Book FlexAir to ensure assistance should schedule changes or delays impact your air travel plans.
  • Flight insurance worth up to $250,000, subject to policy terms, is automatically included.
  • Confirmed airline seat assignments at the time of booking (in most cases).
Train

Rovos Rail

Experience the glamour and romance of the Golden Age of travel aboard Rovos Rail’s luxury train. Vintage carriages have been immaculately restored to mint condition and are beautifully appointed. All passenger compartments are decorated in late Victorian and Edwardian style. You’ll fine expertly prepared cuisine that showcases local ingredients and regional specialties accompanied by renowned South African wines. Each air-conditioned compartment features a minibar and private bathroom with shower.

 Dining car, Rovos Rail
 The observation car of Rovos Rail
 Spending time in the observation car
 Rovos Rail amid the African savanna

Rovos Rail

Experience the glamour and romance of the Golden Age of travel aboard Rovos Rail’s luxury train. Vintage carriages have been immaculately restored to mint condition and are beautifully appointed. All passenger compartments are decorated in late Victorian and Edwardian style. You’ll fine expertly prepared cuisine that showcases local ingredients and regional specialties accompanied by renowned South African wines. Each air-conditioned compartment features a minibar and private bathroom with shower.

 Dining car, Rovos Rail
 The observation car of Rovos Rail
 Spending time in the observation car
 Rovos Rail amid the African savanna
Testimonials

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

I would highly recommend Smithsonian. They are a high quality tour organization. They organize the tour in a highly efficient manner. I would travel again with them.

- Victoria B.
Reading List

Highly Recommended

Beyond the Miracle: Inside the New South Africa
By: Allister Sparks
In Beyond the Miracle, a distinguished South African journalist provides a wide-ranging and unflinching account of the first nine years of democratic government in South Africa. Covering both the new regime's proud achievements and its disappointing failures, Allister Sparks looks to South Africa's future, asking whether it can overcome its history and current global trends to create a truly nonracial, multicultural, and multiparty democracy.Sparks sees South Africa as facing many of the same challenges as the rest of the world, especially a widening gap between rich and poor, exacerbated by the forces of globalization. While the transition government has done much to establish democracy and racial equality in a short time, as well as bring basic services such as clean water to millions who did not have them before, many blacks feel it has not done enough to redress the continuing imbalance of wealth in the country. Many whites, meanwhile, feel disempowered and confused about what role they have to play as a racial minority in a country they used to rule and regard as theirs by divine right. Sparks also covers other burning issues, such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic, high crime rates, the diamond wars, the Congo conflict, and the Zimbabwean land crisis.Writing vividly and often quite movingly, Sparks draws on his decades of journalistic experience and his recent insider access to key figures in the liberation government to take stock of where South Africa has been, where it's going, and why the rest of the world should not turn away from this country where the First and Third Worlds meet. As Sparks persuasively argues, the success of Mandela's vision of a peaceful "rainbow nation" is crucial not just for the salvation of Africa, but also for the world. “Sparks, a grandfather of South African journalism, has fired one of the first volleys in the 10-year assessment. . . . It is an even-handed work, almost encyclopedic in its breadth. Sparks traverses all the important political terrain.”—Mail & Guardian “It is as good a guide to the new South Africa as any.”—Economist
No Future Without Forgiveness
By: Desmond Tutu
The establishment of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a pioneering international event. Never had any country sought to move forward from despotism to democracy both by exposing the atrocities committed in the past and achieving reconciliation with its former oppressors. At the center of this unprecedented attempt at healing a nation has been Archbishop Desmond Tutu, whom President Nelson Mandela named as Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. With the final report of the Commission just published, Archbishop Tutu offers his reflections on the profound wisdom he has gained by helping usher South Africa through this painful experience.In No Future Without Forgiveness, Tutu argues that true reconciliation cannot be achieved by denying the past.  But nor is it easy to reconcile when a nation "looks the beast in the eye." Rather than repeat platitudes about forgiveness, he presents a bold spirituality that recognizes the horrors people can inflict upon one another, and yet retains a sense of idealism about reconciliation. With a clarity of pitch born out of decades of experience, Tutu shows readers how to move forward with honesty and compassion to build a newer and more humane world.
Wildlife of Southern Africa (Princeton Pocket Guides) by Martin B. Withers (2011-08-28)
By: Martin B. Withers;David Hosking
The Fortunes of Africa: A 5000-Year History of Wealth, Greed, and Endeavor
By: Martin Meredith
Africa has been coveted for its riches ever since the era of the Pharaohs. In past centuries, it was the lure of gold, ivory, and slaves that drew fortune-seekers, merchant-adventurers, and conquerors from afar. In modern times, the focus of attention is on oil, diamonds, and other valuable minerals.Land was another prize. The Romans relied on their colonies in northern Africa for vital grain shipments to feed the population of Rome. Arab invaders followed in their wake, eventually colonizing the entire region. More recently, foreign corporations have acquired huge tracts of land to secure food supplies needed abroad, just as the Romans did.In this vast and vivid panorama of history, Martin Meredith follows the fortunes of Africa over a period of 5,000 years. With compelling narrative, he traces the rise and fall of ancient kingdoms and empires; the spread of Christianity and Islam; the enduring quest for gold and other riches; the exploits of explorers and missionaries; and the impact of European colonization. He examines, too, the fate of modern African states and concludes with a glimpse of their future.His cast of characters includes religious leaders, mining magnates, warlords, dictators, and many other legendary figures—among them Mansa Musa, ruler of the medieval Mali empire, said to be the richest man the world has ever known. “I speak of Africa,” Shakespeare wrote, “and of golden joys.” This is history on an epic scale.

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Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.

In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.

To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.

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