JournEy from NOBLE CALEDONIA EXCLUSIVE CHARTER
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NOBLE CALEDONIA EXCLUSIVE CHARTER Journey from V i cto r i a Fa l l s b y P r i vate T r a i n An escorted journey between Victoria Falls & Pretoria aboard the Shongololo Express 13th to 28th September 2021
Leopard, Hwange National Park
W
e are delighted to have chartered the Shongololo Express Private Train from our associates at Rovos Rail,
renowned for their exceptional service and world class travel experiences, for this this spectacular journey
from Victoria Falls to Pretoria which stops along the way to view some remarkable scenery and wonderful
locations in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, eSwatini (Swaziland) and South Africa. In spite of all its regional difficulties,
Africa still captures the imagination like no other continent. The beauty and the colours truly need to be seen to
be believed and are brought right to the compartment doors of our comfortable rolling hotel, all while enjoying
the excellent service for which Rovos Rail is renowned.
Our journey begins in Zimbabwe, a country of astounding natural beauty and extraordinary wildlife with a two
night stay at the legendary Victoria Falls Hotel offering dramatic views of the gorges of the spectacular Victoria
Falls. From here we start our journey to Hwange National Park, a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary where
animals can be spotted from the train and during our game drive. For the remainder of our time in Zimbabwe
we will step back in time at the Great Zimbabwe Monument as well as visit Antelope Park, home to a lion
conservation programme and Matopos National Park, the site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave. Arriving into South
Africa we will traverse the Limpopo Province and enjoy a
game drive in the Kampama Game Reserve before crossing
the border to Mozambique. Here we visit its bustling capital
Maputo before exploring the intriguing Kingdom of eSwatini Victoria Falls
(Swaziland)where we can witness the lively and colourful Hwange
Game Reserve
Thompson’s Junction
local culture as people go about their everyday life. ZIMBABWE
Kennedy
Crossing back in to South Africa we will visit Kruger National Antelope
Park
Park where, for some, the highlight will no doubt be spotting BOTSWANA
Bulawayo
Matopos
Great Zimbabwe
Monument
the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino), National Park
Bannockburn
whilst for others, it may be seeing the remarkable birdlife Rutenga
or the majestic giraffe that stay longest in memory. We then
continue to our final destination of Pretoria via the awe- Louis Trichardt
MOZAMBIQUE
inspiring landscapes of the Drakensberg Mountains and along Tzaneen
the Panorama Route with visits to historic Pilgrim’s Rest,
Kruger
Kapama Game National Park
Reserve
Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window, one of Blyde SOUTH AFRICA Klaserie
River Canyon’s most spectacular viewpoints. Watching the Pretoria
Panorama Route Malelane
changing mood and colours at sunrise is a once in a lifetime
Nelspruit
Maputo
Kaapmuiden
experience. Johannesburg
ESWATINI Mpaka
(SWAZILAND)
www.noble-caledonia.co.uk
Blyde River Canyon
Shongololo Express Voortrekker monument, Pretoria
Giraffes
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Victoria Falls, from where you will be able to get amongst the hills. (B, L, D) This evening we cross the bridge
Zimbabwe. Fly by scheduled different views of the roiling water as to Messina for South African
indirect flight. it crashes into the gorge and whose Day 7 Antelope Park. Set in over border formalities. (B, L, D)
constant spray maintains the rain 3,000 acres of open savannah
Day 2 Victoria Falls. Arrive today forest. The forest is an attraction grassland, Antelope Park is a Day 9 Limpopo Province, South
and transfer to the Victoria Falls on its own with many of the trees unique game reserve and the Africa. Spend the day on board
Hotel, popularly known as ‘the marked to help identification. These Park is also home to ALERT’s as we traverse Limpopo Province,
grand old lady of the falls’ and a include fig, mahogany, date palm, Lion Conservation Programme. which is located in the far north
splendid base for our two night milkwood and ebony. The bird life Included will be a unique ‘Lion of South Africa and shares
stay. We will have some free time is prolific and species that may be Feeding’ experience and, standing borders with three neighbouring
this afternoon before we meet for seen include the colourful sunbird just metres from the fence line, countries: Botswana, Zimbabwe
dinner this evening. (D) and large trumpeter hornbill. In we can watch in awe as several and Mozambique. The Limpopo
the afternoon we will transfer to fully-grown male lions charge landscape varies from one area to
Day 3 Victoria Falls. We have a day the Shongololo Express at the towards their meal and tussle for the other from tropical forests, bush
to relax at the hotel or explore the Victoria Falls station and depart this the prime pieces. An adrenaline- and shrubs to semi-desert areas
local area. Maybe join an optional evening. (B, D) filled activity, the lion feeds not with small trees and bushes and
tour such as a helicopter ride over only give a once-in-a-lifetime mountains to flat land. (B, L, D)
the falls, a game drive in the nearby Day 5 Hwange Game Reserve. experience but also constitute a
Chamabonda or Zambezi National Covering 1,462,000 hectares, vital part of the research into the Day 10 Kapama Game Reserve.
Parks, visit a local village or play a Hwange is roughly the same size lions’ characters and dominance This morning we take a game
round of golf. In the late afternoon as Belgium and we spend a full behaviour. Other activities drive in Kapama Game Reserve
we will meet for a sunset cruise on day game viewing in the reserve include game drives, horse riding, which is situated in South Africa’s
the Zambezi before enjoying an with a picnic stop for lunch. elephant interaction and a bird- northernmost province of Limpopo
evening at leisure for independent Situated in the northwest corner watching experience. (B, L, D) and renowned for its prolific and
dining arrangements in the hotel or of Zimbabwe, Hwange National diverse wildlife. Kapama Private
town. (B) Park is the nation’s largest wildlife Day 8 Great Zimbabwe Game Reserve is home to over
area and contains a variety of Monument. Today we tour the 40 different mammal species,
Day 4 Victoria Falls. Meet after animals and bird species but is Great Zimbabwe Monument, a including the Big Five and
breakfast in the hotel. From here we most well-known for its prolific lion hugely impressive monument approximately 350 bird species
take a walking tour of the town and population. (B, L, D) situated on the south-eastern and a myriad smaller species can
Victoria Falls. Forming the largest edge of the central plateau. It is also be seen here in their natural
single curtain of falling water on Day 6 Matopos National Park. the largest pre-colonial monument environment. We then visit the
earth (on average the curtain is 92 This morning we embark on a south of the Egyptian pyramids Hoedspruit Endangered Species
metres deep), the Victoria Falls’ 500 full day tour of Matopos National and is a celebrated achievement Centre, a unique African wildlife
metre plume of spray can be seen Park. “Matopos” means ‘bald of the African people. Magical facility focusing on conservation
from as far as 70 kilometres away. headed ones’ and aptly describes fables such as the story of King and the sustainability of rare,
The sound of the water can also be the dramatic hills and granite rocks Solomon’s Mines find their vulnerable and threatened
heard from kilometres away and up of this area. A highlight will be the origins here amongst the ruins species. Founded on passion,
close this muted ‘thunder’ becomes visit to the burial place of Cecil of an ancient city built by the the centre has adopted a holistic
a roar. In full flood, over 550 million John Rhodes, who gave Zimbabwe Rozwi people. Discover how approach to its conservation
litres of water per minute cascade its previous name of Rhodesia. these ancient people lived and activities such as the educating of
over the brink. The vast width of Afterwards, we will visit one of the mined gold and silver which were surrounding communities, tourism,
the Falls, extending 1708 metres, more accessible bushman caves, ultimately taken out of Africa by breeding, rehabilitation and anti-
allow for many safe vantage points of which there are many hidden Arabic and Portuguese traders. poaching. (B, L, D)
Maputo
Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Lilac-breasted roller
Day 11 Kingdom of eSwatini life forms and the park is a world overlook the city towards the Hospital (the largest hospital in
(Swaziland). Today we tour the tiny leader in advanced environmental once fortified hills to the south. A the Southern Hemisphere) and
Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland) management techniques. The park grand bronze statue of “Oom Paul also drive past the only street in
which covers only 17,000 square is home to an impressive number (Kruger)”, the patriarch president Africa that once housed two Nobel
kilometres making it the second of species: about 336 trees, 49 fish, of the ZAR or old Transvaal Peace Laureates – Archbishop
smallest country in Africa. Travel to 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 Republic, surrounded by his Boer Desmond Tutu and Nelson
Mantenga Cultural Village enjoying birds and 147 species of mammals. fighters, dominates Church Square Mandela. We also visit the Hector
amazing views of the Ezulwini Valley (B, L, D) at the centre of the city. Before Petersen Memorial, named after
and the Komati River en route. leaving the capital behind we the first student to lose his life
Our tour of eSwatini (Swaziland) Day 14 Panorama Route. Today visit the Voortrekker Monument in the 1976 uprising against
will introduce you to everyday life we take a full day tour of the which commemorates the Great the Apartheid government.
in Africa’s smallest kingdom. The Panorama Route. In 1873, gold Trek of the 1830s. Our next stop This afternoon we transfer to
Swazi Market is a bustling hive of was discovered in the area around is Soweto which, comprising one Johannesburg Airport for our
activity and displays a wide variety the quaint town of Pilgrim’s Rest, million people, was made famous scheduled flight to London. (B, L)
of skillfully crafted woodcarvings, now a living museum and national by the laws of Apartheid. We
colourful textiles and superb monument. The find attracted pass the Chris Hani Baragwanath Day 16 London. Arrive this morning.
basketwork for which Swazis are 1,500 diggers and today many
renowned. (B, L, D) of the restored miners’ houses
serve as shops. Further along the
Day 12 Maputo, Mozambique. escarpment we find the great Prices per person
Based on double occupancy
This morning we tour Maputo, Blyde River Canyon, a gorge
the capital of Mozambique and a 26 kilometres in length and 800 Category Price
city of contrasts and an exciting metres deep, carved into the Gold Cabin £6795
mix of cultures. The city swings face of the escarpment. Bourke’s Emerald Cabin £8595
along to a beat like no other Luck Potholes are strange deep Gold Cabin for sole use £9795
in Africa offering true African cylindrical cavities formed by river
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights at
hospitality. Its architecture is a erosion and floodwater. From the
the Victoria Falls Hotel with breakfast • 11 nights aboard the Shongololo
blend of African, Portuguese and vantage point of Wonder View Express • Meals as indicated inclusive of house wine, beer & soft drinks with
early colonial traditions with old we gaze across the sweeping lunch & dinner (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner) • Excursions • Entrance
Catholic churches side-by-side landscape of the Lowveld, where fees • Local guides • Onboard Train Manager • Noble Caledonia Tour
with mosques, fortresses, Victorian subtle fragrances of the lower Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
mansions and other buildings from region rise to merge with the crisp Not Included: Travel insurance, visas, optional excursions in Victoria Falls,
a bygone era. This afternoon we winds of the Highveld. (B, L, D) meals other than those shown.
travel to Komatipoort for border
formalities as we return to South Day 15 Pretoria, Soweto & Visa Information: Visas are not required for entry into South Africa or
Africa. (B, L, D) Johannesburg to London. This eSwatini (Swaziland). Visas are required for entry into Mozambique and
morning we take a tour of Pretoria, Zimbabwe. For ease, we have arranged with the train’s operator, Rovos Rail,
Day 13 Kruger National Park, the administrative capital of South for both of these visas to be issued on arrival for British citizen passport
South Africa. We spend the day Africa and visit the Union Buildings holders for a fee of approximately $55 US Dollars per person (exact fee for
in the world-renowned Kruger designed by the famous colonial each visa will be advised closer to departure). Alternatively you can obtain
these visa independently before travel through your nearest embassy/
National Park which offers a English architect, Sir Herbert
consulate or via a visa agency. This information is correct at the time of
wildlife experience second to Baker. Completed in 1913, it now printing and, should the information change, we will be in touch with
none. Its two million hectares houses the offices of the President booked passengers with updated guidelines.
are unrivalled in the diversity of and Ministers and the buildings
+44 (0)20 7752 0000
Observation Car
Gold Cabin
Lounge Car
Emerald Cabin
The Shongololo Express
ThediningShongololo Express, as a rolling hotel, offers sleeping compartments in two categories, two air-conditioned
cars, a bar car and an observation car. The tempting three course dinners are served in a single sitting.
The bar car, open around the clock, is ideal for relaxing over a cocktail or a glass of South African wine and is a
popular spot for reading. Complimentary tea and coffee are available on board at all times.
All of the sleeping compartments offer a private berth and a compact wardrobe. A hairdryer and cars and are complemented by a selection of
shower and toilet, adjustable air conditioning, small toiletries are also provided. Still water is South African wines. There is an accent on fresh,
220/230 V sockets, a small safe, towels and provided daily in your compartment. There are a local ingredients and traditional dishes.
clothes hangers. The beds are made up daily by total of twenty four Gold Cabins.
your train attendants. There is no formal dress
code on your private train during the day. Dinner Emerald Cabins: The Emerald sleeping
on board is smart casual. A laundry service is compartments (approximately ten square
available during the entire trip (at cost). Large metres) are equipped with two single berths or
pieces of luggage can be stowed beneath a double berth and a compact wardrobe. Each
the berths or on the upper luggage racks. compartment in this category also has a small
However, since space on board is limited, we do seating area. A hairdryer and small toiletries are
recommend taking soft-sided luggage rather also provided. Still water is provided daily in your
than hard-side cases. compartment. There are a total of 14 Emerald
Cabins.
Your Accommodation
Gold Cabins: The compartments (approximately Your Dining
seven square metres) are equipped with two Meals are served in a single sitting in the
individual berths next to each other, or a double charming Victorian atmosphere of the dining Dining Car
African elephant, Hwange National Park
2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE
+44 (0)20 7752 0000 | info@noble-caledonia.co.uk | noble-caledonia.co.uk
Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request.
Cover image: Victoria Falls
310719_S
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