SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS. Smithsonian Journey’s “South Africa’s Great Rail Journey aboard Rovos Rail” is a grand train adventure that truly epitomizes the definition of “The Best in Educational Travel.” Start making your plans now to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime exotic, adventure vacation set for April 15-May 1, 2009. Highlighted with game drives in both Swaziland and Zululand, this 16-day epic journey features four nights aboard Rovos Rail. This is an exquisitely restored, luxurious train that “recaptures the golden age of rail travel” and features every superb amenity one would expect with deluxe rail travel (including elegant en suite baths with each accommodation, large windows in the observation area to ensure unobstructed views, fine cuisine, and exceptional service.)



“ South Africa’s Great Rail Journey Aboard Rovos Rail” begins in spectacular Cape Town where you will spend three nights at the world-class, world-renowned Mount Nelson Hotel. During your stay in Cape Town, you will ride the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, visit Parliament and the South African Museum (Company Gardens) and Kirstenbosch National Botanic Gardens. You will depart Cape Town and take a ferry to Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters were imprisoned) and then on to Stellenbosch – the center of the Cape’s vineyards and wine industry – that will include a delightful wine tasting, with overnight accommodations at the deluxe Lanzerac Manor.

You will then return to Cape Town to board the Rovos Rail and continue your travels highlighted with fascinating calls at Kimberley, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Soweto and Durban with the chance to explore one of the richest fossil sites in Africa – the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site. Next, you will have the enviable opportunity to see lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, black rhino, giraffe, zebra, and elephant as you experience game-viewing in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve (and an overnight stay at the deluxe Beverly Hills Hotel). The next day, fly on to Durban and the Ngala Private Game Reserve (Kruger National Park), and enjoy three incredible nights at the luxurious Ngala Lodge. Your journey will end with a flight from Durban to Johannesburg, where you will depart for the U.S. It is important to add that throughout your trip, you will be joined by eminent local scholars David Welsh and Mike Savage, who will provide insider’s perspectives on the recent history of South Africa.

We encourage you to call us now so that we can share with you all of the details about this marvelous journey of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and abundant wildlife – not to mention one of the most amazing rail journeys in the world! All accommodations, most meals, intra-country air and much more are included. We want you to experience “the best in educational travel” and no one does it better than Smithsonian Journeys. All aboard! “South Africa’s Great Rail Journey” is just a phone call away.

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