| TRAINS & TRAVEL P.O. BOX 10625 RENO, NEVADA 89510-0625 Chris@traintrips.biz Jane@traintrips.biz Deborah@traintrips.biz | 1-800 359-4870 USA 1-800 752-1836 CANADA 1-800 266-8751 FAX (775) 453-1004 | |
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South Africa is a beautiful country filled with amazing sights, dramatic history and - of course -
interesting railways. We have put together a tour that transports you from dramatic game reserves
and mile high cities to lush coastal magnificence as we explore some of the best that the sub
continent has to offer.
We will visit Cape Town and Johannesburg, travel to the southern tip of Africa, spend a day trying some good wine, sleep in a preserved gold mining town and, of course, visit a game reserve. We like to add in a few train rides; we think that this makes a good tour much better. South Africa is a great country in which to do this. There are a fascinating collection of rail experiences to be enjoyed , from a quaint narrow gauge steam train to a stately overnight sleeper train that will transport you from Johannesburg to the coastal city of Cape Town and then on to Port Elizabeth. An interest in trains is not needed. However, if you do, your guides will be there to share their considerable knowledge of South Africa's railways with you. Sit back, relax, enjoy the journey!
Day 1 Sunday August 29: (B-D) The tour will start this morning with a road transfer from Johannesburg to the Kruger
National Park. The five hour journey will leave the City Lodge Airport Hotel at 10:30AM, calling at Johannesburg Airport en
route. On arrival, check into the Nkambeni Tented Lodge. Below are recent photos of the Nkambeni Tented Lodge which is
in Kruger National Park. As you can see, this is total luxury in the wild bush of South Africa.
NKAMBENI TENTED LODGE-TOTAL LUXURY IN T HE WILD BUSH OF SOUTH AFRICA Day 2 Monday August 30: (B-L-D) Early to rise, we enjoy a full day Safari in open vehicles in the Kruger National Park. The world-renowned Kruger Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 this national park of nearly 2 million hectares is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Our included lunch will at a railway themed restaurant on the now disused Selati Railway Station in the heart of the game reserve. Return to the lodge this afternoon to freshen up for dinner.
Day 3 Tuesday August 31: (B-D) Enjoy a second day in the Kruger National Park. Our morning game drive will finish earlier than yesterday, offering free time before we gather for a sunset drive that will include sundowners overlooking the park and a searchlight drive back to the camp looking for elusive nocturnal animals. This will be followed by dinner at the Nkambeni Tented Lodge. Day 4 Wednesday September 1: (B-D) We leave Kruger Park this morning and spend the day exploring the scenic Panorama Routes. Visit the Blyde River Canyon, Gods Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes, the three Rondavels and at least one scenic waterfall. There will be a lunch stop en-route (for own account). Continue this evening to Pilgrim's Rest which is a restored gold mining town with great character and charm. The entire town has been declared a national monument and our hotel has served the residents for well over a century. The bar was originally the church, and the rooms are a delightful mix of South African Victoriana. We will stay at the Royal Hotel Pilgrim's Rest.
Day 5 Thursday September 2: (B) This morning there will be time to explore Pilgrim's Rest before we enjoy a scenic coach drive to Gold Reef City on the edge of Johannesburg. Gold Reef City used to be a working gold mine, nowadays it is a heritage center and theme park. Our hotel is located in the historic buildings of the heritage park, surrounded by restored buildings representative of Johannesburg at the end of the 19th Century. There are a number of railway artifacts to be seen, including steam locomotives and a coach used to carry gold bullion. Adjacent to Gold Reef City is the Apartheid Museum (admission extra) and a large entertainment center with a casino. Relax at the hotel or enjoy an evening of entertainment at the Casino or one of the two theatres located in the complex. We will stay 3 nights at the Gold City Reef Hotel.  Day 6 Friday September 3: (B-D) After breakfast we will drive to Soweto to see the Hector Pieterson Memorial , the site of where the student uprisings of 1976 began. Visit the fascinating museum, which is a state of the art multi media center depicting scenes leading up to the student uprising and the eventual transition to democracy. The huge taxi ranks and markets will give you a real feeling for urban Africa. Continue to Pretoria, South Africa's "Jacaranda City", where history becomes more formal. We will visit the Voortrekker Monument and Paul Kruger's house. After a stop for lunch we will drive to the Lesedi Cultural Village with a theme dinner . Experience the origins of today's colorful South African nation with a guided tour of the Zulu, Basotho, Xhosa and Pedi homesteads. The traditional singing and dancing session, held in the boma at the end of the tour, sets the atmosphere for our meal in the Nyama Choma restaurant, a Pan African Buffet in true African style.  Day 7 Saturday September 4: (B-L) We will start earlier than usual this morning, transferring to the Germiston Locomotive Depot in time to board the Reefsteamers train for Magaliesburg. A magnificent steam locomotive will take charge of up to 17 coaches as we steam out of the city into the hills surrounding Magaliesburg. Coffee and a bacon roll will be served and refreshments will be available on board. After the buffet lunch at the Magaliesburg Hotel, the train will return to Germiston where the Reefsteamers crew will welcome us with a traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue). There will be an opportunity to tour the depot and see the locomotive being 'put to bed'. Following dinner in South Africa's largest steam depot, return to our hotel.
Day 8 Sunday September 5: (B-D) This morning you will be free to explore Gold Reef City, the Apartheid Museum and the Entertainment Complex. After breakfast we will host a short walk around Gold Reef city, ending at the Gold Mine in time for a trip down the original mine shaft (extra cost and subject to conditions). After an early lunch , transfer to Johannesburg's Park Station to join the Premier Classe Train bound for Cape Town. The various sleeping coaches are well appointed with quality bedding, gowns and toiletries and service is friendly and appropriate for this mainline adventure. The train will leave Johannesburg and roll past the savannah and gold mines of the highveld as you relax and enjoy the sunset. Dinner tonight will be in one of the two dining cars on the train, followed by drinks and entertainment in the lounge.
  Day 9 Monday September 6: (B-L-D) Awake this morning in the dry Karoo. Enjoy breakfast in the dining car and relax as the train makes its way down the African escarpment to the Cape Flats. The scenery here is dramatically different, vineyards surrounded by high mountains. After lunch, Table Mountain will come into view and we will arrive at Cape Town Station mid afternoon. A motor coach will be waiting to transfer us the short distance to our hotel, conveniently located at the V&A Waterfront . The waterfront is part working harbor, part shopping and recreational area. There are numerous restaurants and a wealth of other attractions to see in the safe tourist area. Tonight's dinner will be at a restaurant in the Waterfront. We will stay for 4 nights at the Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel.
Day 10 Tuesday September 7: (B) This morning we will take a 2 hour tour of the city of Cape Town on an open top bus. You will be have several options for the remainder of the day, when you will be able to use your full day bus ticket to return to any of the attractions in-route. These include the Castle, the Company Gardens, Parliament and Cape Town Cathedral and the lower cable car from where (weather permitting) you can take the cable-car to the top of Table Mountain (own account). Gather this afternoon for an included charter trip on a genuine steam powered launch around Cape Town harbor.
Day 11 Wednesday September 8: (B-L) We will tour the Cape Peninsular today. Drive to Hout Bay, an attractive working fishing harbor where we will join a boat trip to a small island inhabited by seals (weather dependent). Continue to the Cape Point Nature Reserve to visit both the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Included is a journey on the Funicular Railway at Cape Point. Lunch will be at Bertha's Restaurant overlooking the historic naval base at Simon's Town, once home to Nelson's fleet and now at main base of the South African Navy. After lunch, ride a commuter train on the Simon's Town to Cape Town railway. This electric railway travels dramatically along the False Bay beach under commanding naval defences before it passes between the waters of False Bay and quaint seaside towns before turning inland at Muizenburg to head across the Cape Flats to Cape Town. We will leave the train at Lakeside to join our coach for the drive to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, located at the base of Table Mountain. After a walk through the gardens we will return to our hotel.
Day 12 Thursday September 9: (B-L) South Africa is well known for its wines that are produced around Cape Town. We will visit one of the wine producing regions. Our coach will take us to Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, where there will be time to explore the attractive town. The tour will include a cellar tour and wine tasting at the KWV Cellars in Paarl before driving to Franschhoek for a short visit and the Boschendal Estate for wine tasting with an included light cheese lunch. Continue to Stellenbosch for a short visit before our third tasting at the Uitkyk Historic Manor House.
 Day 13 Friday September 10: (B-D) Enjoy a morning at leisure in Cape Town before transferring to the station for our second Premier Classe train journey, this time to the Indian Ocean coastal city of Port Elizabeth. Prepare for a lazy, scenic journey that meanders through the small villages, farms and craggy mountains of the Little Karoo before rolling down to the spectacular bays of the Garden Route. Dinner will once more be in the dining car.  Day 14 Saturday September 11: (B-L-D) Our Premier Classe journey will end at Port Elizabeth this afternoon. Transfer to our hotel close to Humewood Beach and the Indian Ocean. 
 Day 15 Sunday September 12: (B-L-D) After breakfast we will drive to the Humewood Road Narrow Gauge railway station to join the famous Apple Express steam train. This morning the train will take us as far as Lourie Station in the Langkloof. Our lunch will be at Lourie before we make our leisurely way back to Humewood Road. Dinner will once more be at the Kelway Hotel.
Day 16 Monday September 13: (B-D) Your tour ends after breakfast today. Airport transfers are not included, but can be arranged. Alternatively, spend an extra day at Port Elizabeth to relax at the end of our tour. The city offers excellent beaches and shopping. A tour to the nearby Addo Elephant Reserve is also an interesting option. Extra lodging at the Kelway Hotel upon request. |
PRICES ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON DOUBLE ROOM OCCUPANCY................................$3898 SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT...............................$ 598 DEPOSIT DUE ONCE THIS TOUR IS CALLED A SURE-GO.......$1000 FINAL PAYMENT DUE JUNE 29, 2010 TOUR INCLUDES *34 MEALS *FULL ESCORTED *ENTRY FEES PER THE ITINERARY *KRUGER NATIONAL PARK GAME RESERVE *ALL TRAIN TICKETS PER THE ITINERARY *15 NIGHTS LODGING IN 3 STAR OR BETTER *TRANSFERS AND BUSES PER THE ITINERARY *LUGGAGE HANDLING BETWEEN TRAIN, BUS AND HOTELS |
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Immigration rules:
All participants need a passport which is l valid at least 6 months after the travel date and needs to have at least 3 free pages, preferably facing each other. Please check the immigration rules for your nationality to avoid surprises. Climate and Clothes: It is Spring in the southern hemisphere: at night it can be cool, during the day temperatures rise to around 20 degrees. It may rain, but you should enjoy a blue sky with scattered clouds. A warm pullover, long trousers and long sleeve shirt will protect you against cool nights and insects. A hat and sun-block will protect you against the African sun. There may be a small risk of Malaria in Mpumalanga and Kruger, precautions are advised. |
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TOUR PRICE: All tour prices are subject to change without notice at any time.
CHANGE OF ITINERARY: We reserve the right to substitute, change train routing, alter or modify the tour if any unexpected and unforeseen conditions beyond our control occur. As almost everyone knows, in the railroad industry last minute changes do occur.
RESERVATION CHANGES: A $50 per person charge will apply for any changes made to a reservation. This will also apply for any changes in credit cards usded.
DEPOSITS AND FINAL PAYMENTS: The required deposit is due in our office within 14 days of making a booking. For most tours the final payment is due in our office 90 days before the start of the tour. Due dates are posted for each tour and will also be on your invoice and in some cases we will vary the due Date depending upon the tour in question.
MILEAGE COLLECTORS: Mileage collectors please take note before you book! Trains and Travel does not cater just to mileage collectors. We cater to all people that enjoy the railroad hobby. We give strong warning that itinerary and route changes do happen and this is totally beyond our control when it does. If the only reason that you would want to book a tour with us is to collect the rare mileage, may we suggest that you be prepared for possible route changes.
RESPONSIBILITY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: We assume no responsibility for injury, sickness, damage, loss, additional expenses, accidental delay or irregularities which may be caused through willful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of the companies providing or engaging in transportation, accommodations or services related to the accomplishment of the tour including Trains and Travel. We have no control on the timings of our charter trains and indeed passenger trains and charters can and do run late most of the time. Nor do we assume responsibility for natural disaster, social or political upheaval, acts of terrorism or acts of nature. The right is reserved to substitute hotels, tour leaders, equipment, motive power, trains, routes and to alter the itinerary when deemed necessary without notice. We are not responsible for expenses incurred by tour members in preparing for the tour.
CANCELLATIONS: Trains and Travel does not accept cancellations on the phone. Cancellations must be received by postal mail, e mail or fax before any refunds will be processed. Be sure and allow enough time if sending your written notice by the very slow US mail postal system. When a written cancellation is received in the Trains and Travel office this will be the effective date of the cancellation. Please take note that it can take up to 60 days to process some refunds in but most cases refunds will be issued in half that time. Cancellation refund rules: 100 days prior to the start of any tour you will receive a full refund less a $200 per person administration fee. 99 to 75 days before the departure of any tour there will be a 80% cancellation penalty based on the full cost of the tour. Any cancellations received 74 or less days before the start of any tour will not receive any refund. These cancellations rules apply to everyone and will be enforced.
RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE: Trains and Travel reserves the right to refuse service to anyone we deem necessary, to insure that all of our clients will have the best possible tour.
PRE-DEPARTURE TOUR BULLETINS: Tour bulletins will be sent to clients that have booked on our tours. Bulletins include weather, packing tips, food, health, updates and much more. Tickets and a detailed itinerary booklet will be sent out about three weeks before the tour begins.
PAYMENTS: Payments can be made with personal check drawn on a U.S. Dollar account, money order for U.S. Dollars, bank wire transfer, or credit card. We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover or American Express. Final payment for all tours is due 90 days prior to departure. If final payment has not been received 7 days after the due date, a late fee of $50 may apply.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: All prices are based on double room occupancy. We will try and match you with a roommate. if one is available. If not, you may be charged the single room supplement listed for the tour you are booked on. Single rooms may not be available in some remote locations and on some trains.
TOUR REFUNDS: If for any reason tour members amend or delete any arrangements during travel, and leave the tour on their own, we cannot give any refunds on unused portions of the tour. If buses and trains are cancelled by the carrier or there is a labor strike or they go out of business, we cannot be held responsible and we cannot give refunds. Travel insurance will protect you for any of these reasons. If TU needs to cancel any tour everyone will receive a full refund. Please take note that refunds can take up to 60 days to process.
PARTIAL TOURS: We will allow passengers to join or leave a tour at certain points. It will all depend on the tour and the conditions. Give us a call and we will try and work up a custom option for you.
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