The Rovos Golf Safari - Golf Breaks
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EXCLUSIVE SMALL GROUP TRAVEL 5 DEPARTURES IN 2019 & 2020 EACH
The Rovos Golf Safari
8 Nights | 5x18 holes Golf | Fully Inclusive | Big 5 Safari
+44 (0) 845 678 2400
PRETORIA - SUN CITY - LADYSMITH - DURBAN - HLUHLUWE - KRUGER
Intimate Journeys.... Timeless Moments
Rovos Rail has designed a delightful nine-day safari to entertain the most
discerning player with optional excursions for non-playing guests at all venues.
The Golf Safari begins in Pretoria and travels west to Sun City in the hills of the
Pilanesberg for a day at this renowned facility including a game drive for non-
golfers. In the foothills of the imposing Drakensberg Mountains, 18 holes await at
the Champagne Sports Resort with a guided tour of the battlefields a further
highlight for non-golfers. Enjoy a game at Durban Country Club (or Beachwood) or
tour the city.
Then it’s on to Zululand for game viewing at Hluhluwe before heading to
Swaziland. Tee off at Royal Swazi or enjoy a game drive at Mkhaya and a visit to
Ngwenya Glass and Guava Gallery. Golfers then play the challenging Leopard
Creek course (dependent) while non-golfers enjoy a game drive in the world-
famous Kruger Park, after which this memorable journey ends in Pretoria.
That is our destination. Beyond satisfaction, beyond expectations, beyond mer e
excellence — there waits an experience called delight. The Rovos Golf Safari - an
incredible 9 days in two great pursuits - golf and game. Only for the lucky few.
Golfers Package Non-Golfer Package
JOURNEY DATES
• 8x nights accommodation aboard Rovos Rail • 8x nights accommodation aboard Rovos Rail
• All meals and drinks on board including liquor, 2019 • All meals and drinks on board including liquor,
wines, beer and soft beverages 30 Jan - 07 Feb wines, beer and soft beverages
• Cocktail Reception with Classical Music, Steam 21 Feb - 01 Mar • Cocktail Reception with Classical Music, Steam
Locomotive, Porterage and Welcome Gift 28 Mar - 05 Apr Locomotive, Porterage and Welcome Gift
• 5x 18 holes Golf on Gary Player CC, Champagne 03 Oct - 11 Oct • Game Drive at Pilanesberg Reserve and Valley
GC, Royal Swazi GC, Durban CC and Leopard 14 Nov - 22 Nov of Waves entertainment at Sun City
Creek GC (Alternate arrangements will be made
• Historic battlefields tour at Spionkop, followed
if these courses are unavailable)
2020 by Game Drive at neighboring reserve
• All Carts, Caddies and Halfway House Lunch
29 Jan - 06 Feb • Durban City Tour with Botanical Gardens
• Big Five Safari at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Reserve 20 Feb - 28 Feb • Big Five Safari at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Reserve
• Private transfers to golf courses and Tour 26 Mar - 03 Apr
• Game Drive Mkhaya Reserve & Curio Shopping
Co-ordinator throughout the trip 01 Oct - 09 Oct
• Game Drive at Kruger National Park with lunch
• Daily fun contests and fantastic prizes 12 Nov - 20 Nov
at Buhala Game Lodge
• All local taxes and service levies
• All local taxes and service levies
Why go on the Rovos Golf Safari?
privately journey with 39/23 suites legendary hospitality from a crew
for exclusive small-group travel passionate about delight
Rovos Golf Safari is like a private club for a select What you will appreciate most is the intuitive,
few; who share expansive social spaces and gracious service provided by the on-board team
indulge in the epitome of hedonistic luxury of highly efficient and attentive crew
luxurious cabins with windows that extreme golf with wild animals moving
open and personal suite hostess freely on the fairways
All suites are meticulously appointed for every South Africa’s signature bushveld courses are
necessity and come with their own dedicated often home to many zebras, giraffes and hippos
stewardess & butler for 24-hours room service who add a unique experience to your round
award-winning cuisine and unlimited numerous fun contests and attractions
fine wines throughout the journey with great prizes for winners
Exotic dishes conjured with the freshest produce Not only will you play on the #2 and #3 ranked
that are only rivaled by the best South African golf courses of South Africa, but can take home
wines poured before, during and after all meals the many prizes to be given by the Golf Pro
Royal Suites
±16 square meter (±172 sq. ft.)
With only two cabins per train carriage,
the Royal Suites are the most spacious rail
cabins in the world - filled with myriad
details for every convenience & comfort.
All refurbished sleeper coaches are finished
with dark teak paneling, gleaming period
decor and thick carpets. Twin or double
beds, with down pillows, fluffy duvet and
brass reading lamps, a sitting lounge with
two armchairs, writing surface, a personal
safe for valuables, double wardrobe and
ample storage space makes it an intimate
home away from home, just for you.
In suite amenities include minibar; fully
stocked your requested wines and spirits
along with a checklist to be replenished by
the 24-hour room service. Smoking and
electronic devices are allowed in the suite.
Luxury Bath Facilities
The en-suite bathroom features a
full Victorian claw-foot bathtub -
perhaps best enjoyed with a glass
of wine to relax after a long day on
the course. Marble vanity basin,
heated towel rail, sparkling mirrors
and designer luxury bath toiletries
complete your private sanctuary.
Deluxe Suites
±11 square meters (±118 sq. ft.)
For years, these were Rovos Rail's standard
cabins, with three suites to each carriage.
The Deluxe Suites measure 11 square
meters (about 118 feet square) and have
been rebuilt from wood-paneled sleeper
coaches that magically transform from a
relaxing lounge by day, to an ultimate
haven of slumber at night. All Deluxe Suites
feature a sitting area, private safe, writing
table and a fully stocked minibar. Gleaming
period brass fittings combine with modern
hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs
in the en suite bathroom.
And the best surprise - a pair of goggles!
Since Rovos Rail is the only luxury train in
the world where the windows fully open,
the goggles offer protection while leaning
out of the windows. Not just for the wind in
your hair feeling, but for photography too!
Alternate Layouts
Select Deluxe Suites also have
beds configured in an L-shape,
offering greater mobility than
the standard layout, while one
cabin in each carriage have bed
facing the window. Book well in
advance if you want these.
Pullman Suites
±7 square meter (±76 sq. ft.)
The entry-lever Pullman Suites are all
equipped with a comfortable sofa-seat for
day used, with a conversion to double or
twin beds for the evening. Uniquely, the
Pullman Suites are also en suite, complete
with shower; original fittings combine with
modern technology allowing for hot
showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.
The Pullman Suites allow you to in
comfort, luxury, and privacy. In suite
amenities include a writing surface, a safe
for personal valuables and a minibar that
is fully stocked your requested wines and
spirits along with a checklist to be
replenished by the 24-hour room service.
Smoking and use of electronic devices like
mobile phones and laptops are allowed
within the privacy of your suite.
“discover
For those of you who want to
Africa - in the
woodpanelled, gleaming five-
”
star luxury of a bygone era.
LONDON DAILY MAIL
Day 1: The Adventure Begins - Capital Park, Pretoria Visitors to the Rovos Rail’s private 60-acre station complex in Pretoria, are often reminded of the classic movie- Out of Africa. The whole complex is painstakingly renovated to recreate the romance of the Edwardian period. The antique furniture and overstuffed leather sofas in the high-ceilinged waiting room, the cello and violin duet playing Bach or Verdi, the sparkling champagne flutes that appear by your side or the compass in tiled mosaic on the red-brick terrace just outside the French windows takes one back to the golden days of rail travel, with nothing but time on hand.
Day 01: PRETORIA Aboard the Most Luxurious Train in the World Step back in time and relive the charm of 19th century rail travel, when the journey was more important than the destination with nothing but time on hand. midday: welcome reception late afternoon: discover the pride of africa Arrive at the headquarters of Rovos Rail at the Your fondest memory of this journey will be your Capital Park station in Pretoria for a short personal hostess who will pamper you with near orientation by the train manager or even a infantile care throughout the journey. Like a ray personal welcome by Rohan Vos, the charming of sunshine, she will guide you through every owner of Rovos Rail. detail in your suite - from how to turn on the As your luggage is received, tagged and whisked taps to optimal settings for air-conditioner. You away, an original 1929 Steam Locomotive glides may not see her much in days to come unless into the adjoining platform; happily puffing the you need her. But be assured of her presence to distinct smell of coal-fired smoke in the air. This welcome you back with a damp towel and an is a great photo opportunity and you can stand iced drink when you return from the outdoors. on the footplate to chat with the drivers, before As the sun begins to set, meet up with your the grand old lady chugs back to the yard to travel companions in the midway Lounge Car or haul in your train. the open Observation Deck at the rear of the After being escorted to your suite, the train soon train. The latter is also a firm favorite of keen starts to pull out of the Capital Park station. The photographers and you may have to politely engine swaps from steam to diesel just outside request for a slot at this coveted place. As night Pretoria as South African railway authorities do falls, get ready to be blown away by the lavish not permit use of steam hauled locomotives on multi-course dinner paired with many fine wines. their narrow gauge tracks.
Day 2: Gary Player Country Club - Ranked #2 in South Africa Every year, the world's top golfers come to the Gary Player Country Club for competing in one of the richest tournaments in the world- the Nedbank Golf Challenge, boasting a staggering prize fund of US$ 5million. Built on an extinct volcanic crater, this perfectly groomed walking-only course has received rave reviews from the topmost golfers. Known for being both demanding and fair, the course stretches over 7000 meters against the dramatic backdrop of the Pilanesberg Mountains. The interesting pin positions on the clover-shaped putting surfaces that are protected by strategic bunkering is a firm favorite among international golfers.
Day 02: SUN CITY
South Africa’s Kingdom of Pleasure
The sprawling Las Vegas style Sun City Resorts features an array of dazzling entertainment
options and two championship golf courses, including the #3 ranked in South Africa!
morning: play the africa’s major* non-golfers: game drive & lost city
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before heading to
This morning after breakfast, transfer to the Sun
the dramatic Sun City complex, at the foot of the
City from where you will depart for a thrilling Big
Pilanesburg Mountains. Widely known as Africa’s
Five Game Drive with expert rangers aboard
Kingdom of Pleasure, this extravaganza features
4WD Land Rovers in the neighboring Pilanesberg
four world class hotels, a glitzy casino, several
Game Reserve. Come back for lunch at Sun City
leisure facilities and two championship courses
of the highest caliber - both designed by the and enjoy the afternoon at the Lost City.
Black Knight, Gary Player. Conceived on an ancient lost civilization, Sun
Home to the million dollar Nedbank Challenge, City’s Valley of Waves is a legendary water-park
fondly known as the Africa’s Major, the Gary just across the Bridge of Time, that is guarded by
Player Golf Course is also home to a number of mighty elephants. The Bridge erupts every hour
baboons, warthog and antelope, who will share in an exciting, theatrical display of vibrations,
the fairways with you. Don't forget to take your rumbling volcanic sounds and smoke. The main
camera, else friends back home will not believe attraction at the Valley of Waves is the Roaring
your surreal experience. Lagoon – a 6,500 square meter wave pool
bordered by a beach with sea sand and palm
* If Gary Player CC Course is not available,
trees. Every 90 seconds, a 1.8 meter high wave
alternate arrangements will be made at the Lost
City Golf Course, also set within Sun City Resort. crashes into the beach at 35 km/hour.Day 3: Must Try Wines ŸSouthern Right Sauvignon Blanc ŸHamilton Russell Chardonnay ŸMeerlust Reserve Pinot Noir 2009 ŸMeerlust Rubicon 2006 ŸRustenberg John X Merriman 2007 ŸRaka Cabernet Franc 2008 ŸVan Ryn’s Reserva Brandy 2004 There's also a fine collection of South African champagne (Method Cap Classic), dessert wines and cognacs.
Day 03: EN ROUTE
Gourmet Cuisines & Exquisite Wines
Take a break from your golfing adventure and spend an indulgent day, idling in the very lap
of luxury as the train travels south east towards Ladysmith and Estcourt.
morning: a glorious day evening: expedition gastronomy
Wake up in the comfort of your splendid suite After a grand high-tea at 4:30 pm, you will hear
and marvel at the scenery unfolding just outside. the familiar gong yet again at 7:30 pm, inviting
Post breakfast, you'll be spoilt with choices to you to a grand dinner in opulent Victorian
spend the day. Light up a Monte Cristo cigar in settings.
the Lounge Car, play a game of chess or catch
Dinner is most certainly an important highlight
up with friends. All yours, as you like it.
of this journey. Highly polished gleaming decor,
exceptional service and award- winning wines
afternoon: a taste of perfection paired with exotic dishes is something to look for.
You will particularly enjoy dressing up for this
A mellifluous chime at 1300 hours heralds lunch
meal, with the formality of fine china, crisp linen
- a slow 2 hour adventure over five courses that
and silver adding to the charm and romance.
explode into a mouth watering variety of tastes.
After dinner, the Observation car is where most
Following a starter (perhaps an entree of leek
head to for a nightcap; as the train reaches the
and broccoli tarts) is the main course, which can
Spionkop region. Free flowing spirits and great
be ostrich/kudu fillet and jacket potatoes, grilled
storytelling by a member of the fantastic crew
prawn or even the national dish - the Bobotie. A
creates a magical ambience beneath the starlit
cheese and wine pairing follows before desserts
African sky.
like sago pudding and dark chocolate fondant!Day 4: Hillside Beauty - Champagne Golf Course Champagne has sculpted a true championship course out of the rolling landscape and the eighteen holes have been magnificently woven together with immaculate kikuyu fairways, bent-grass greens, devastatingly well placed bunkers (84 of them) and water hazards to provoke a true challenge. The generous fairways are bordered by light rough but beware that badly wayward shots are going to be punished here. The signature hole belongs to the 1st - a sheer brute force affair with the tee-off standing higher than the clubhouse and at 605m in length, the longest hole in the country, and takes you across a ravine to boot! Facilities are top-drawer and visitors are warmly welcomed.
Day 04: LADYSMITH
Bunkers, Bushvelds and Battlefields
The Kwazulu-Natal province of South Africa is a land of historic significance largely due to
the Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift Battlefields of the Anglo Zulu War of 1879
morning: golfing on the slopes non golfers: battlefields tour and safari
After a made to order hearty breakfast, board
After breakfast, transfer in private vehicles (60
the luxury coach for transfer to the heart of
minutes) to Spionkop Lodge for a great historic
Ladysmith - home of the Huch Biaocchi
tour of the battlefields and light refreshments
designed, 6694 m, Champagne Golf Course .
before moving to Spionkop hill to finish this epic
Set high amongst the picturesque peak of the historic story of struggle and victory.
Central Drakensberg lies the Champagne Sports
Return to the lodge for lunch, after which you
Resort Golf Course. Absolutely littered with
breathtakingly beautiful view of the surrounding may choose to depart for a safari in the bush or
mountains and the Cathkin and Champagne relax at the Lodge.
peaks in particular, it comes as no surprise that it
is consistently rated among the Top 30 most
beautiful courses South Africa.
evening: eastward ho
The award-winning clubhouse, aka, the 19th As the sun begins to set, meet up with your
hole, deserves special mention and offers fellow travelers as you return to the now familiar
superb views. The fully stocked pub is the comfort of your cabin. After another fantastic
perfect spot for golfers to compare notes on dinner, share anecdotes from the day over
their experiences on the day’s play. dessert wines like Kahlua or Frangelico.Day 5: A Proud Heritage - Durban Country Club Built by George Waterman and fellow professional golfer Laurie Waters, the Durban Country Club was established in 1922 and has a proud history. The dramatic site, with its towering dunes and crevasses would be perfect for a links, were it not for the lush flora that limits views of the ocean. Owing to its age, the layout now lacks sufficient length for top pros, but the site does not allow for expansion, so the course has been allowed to maintain its classic lines. Renowned for its classic Cape Dutch architecture, lush vegetation, undulating fairways, sand dunes and beautiful setting overlooking the Indian Ocean, the club has been the venue of choice for many an important celebration in its rich history.
Day 05: DURBAN
History - On and Off the Course
Durban is a multicultural City shaped by a collaborative history of the early colonial settlers,
the indigenous Zulus and the Indians settlers who arrived in the 19th century.
golfers: durban country club* non golfers: durban city tour
The 14 times host of the SA Open Championship With your golfing partners heading for the
will be your challenge today. And the rare course, disembark for a guided tour of scenic
combination of scenic surrounds with a testing Durban - boasting a rich heritage and some of
layout make the golfing experience at Durban the best beachfront boulevards in the world.
Country Club uniquely memorable.
Travel along the Golden-mile beachfront, visit
While the course may no longer be one of the the City Hall (an exact replica of the City Hall at
very best in South Africa now, given the array of Belfast, Ireland and the Victoria Memorial in
great new ones, but it remains unmatched for Calcutta) and time permitting, the Moses
character. Add to this the distinction of having Mabhida Stadium. A must visit in Durban is the
the greatest third hole in the world, and Durban Botanic Gardens founded in 1849 - a treasure
CC becomes deserving of every bit of fame and trove of massive trees from Asia, Africa and
attention that has come its way. America, and a magnificent orchid house.
* If Durban Country Club is not available, Enjoy lunch and the afternoon at leisure before
alternate arrangements will be made at Durban returning to the train as it chugs further north
Beachwood Golf Course, another great layout alongside the Indian Ocean towards Hluhluwe.
with immaculate conditioning built in 1930.Day 6: Big Five Safaris - Exhilarating, Terrifying, Inspiring Big Five safaris are a must-do for anyone visiting South Africa, the term referring to the animals considered most difficult to hunt, namely lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino. The sound of "Big Five" still conjures up the romance and excitement of Africa's thrilling encounters, which can be experienced almost all over Southern and East Africa. Prepare to be awed as you see an elusive leopard dozing in the bough of a tree, spot a black rhino with its magnificent horns and bad temper half-hidden in thick shrubs, come across a pride of lions stalking their prey at sunrise, or watch a large herd of elephant move soundlessly across the road.
Day 06: HLUHLUWE
Close Encounters of the Wild Kind
The eastern province of KwaZulu Natal is not only known for its spectacular pristine beaches
and colorful history but also inspiring wildlife experiences in the form of game drives.
early morning: big five safari afternoon: towards swaziland
Wake up early for breakfast before you are
After a tea break at the Hilltop Camp, return to
transferred in private vehicles to the Hluhluwe-
the familiar comforts of your palace on rails.
Imfolozi Game Reserve for a thrilling game drive
Enjoy lunch on board the Rovos Rail while
that will remain etched in your memory forever.
sharing incredible stories from this morning’s
With its rolling hills, open Savannah grasslands adventure, as border formalities are taken care
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi remains an incredibly scenic of by train officials at Golela for entry into
reserve and sets the perfect stage for a great Swaziland (recently rechristened as eSwatini).
day in the bush. With 96,000 hectares to explore,
This is also the perfect time to explore ‘The Most
this also happens to be the oldest proclaimed
Luxurious Train in the World’ at its full glory. You
game reserve in Africa and is world renowned
may choose to pen a postcard back home, hear
for its conservation of Black and White Rhinos,
great anecdotes from the friendly staff who are
whose worldwide population was less than 100
always at hand to delight you, rediscover the
a mere 120 years ago. Thanks to its ceaseless
lost art of simple conversations with fellow
efforts, the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi reserve today
travelers or play a board game in the lounge car
boasts a healthy population of Black Rhinos and
with a Montecristo cigar.
is also home to one of the largest population of
White Rhinos in the world. Life is indeed beautiful.Day 7: Stunningly Picturesque - Royal Swazi Golf Course Esteemed Rovos Rail passengers disembark their luxury train journey only to be greeted by Royal Swazi’s spectacular 18-hole championship golf course – an epic par 72, 6166 m layout that sprawls out onto the dramatic slopes of the Lebombo Range – an 800km stretch of narrow mountainous highland – before curving gracefully down into the lush valley. While the course is well known for providing seasoned golfers with a challenge, there is enough juice to whet the appetite of high handicappers as a very fair test of classic golf. All in all, a truly memorable experience for everyone.
Day 07: SWAZILAND Golf & Game - A Great Pursuit The intriguing kingdom of Swaziland is diminutive but boasts a huge checklist for any visitor. Rewarding wildlife viewing? Tick. Picturesque Golf? Tick. Colorful local culture? Tick. golfers: royal swazi golf course non golfers: wildlife & shopping Set amongst the unspoiled beauty of the With your golfing partners heading for the Ezulwini Valley in Swaziland, the Royal Swazi course, head for the Mkhaya Reserve for a half beckons guests from all corners of the globe, day game drive to spot the legendary African welcoming them to a destination of unrivaled wildlife in their natural environment up close and luxury and legendary golfing experiences. personal. Led by your highly skilled ranger, you Opened in 1966, this spectacular championship will learn a vast amount of first hand knowledge course is one of the most scenic locations found about these exotic creatures and their habits. in the world. The first nine holes are relatively Following your safari and lunch, you will visit level but the second nine fully exploits the Swazi Candles factory, famous for handcrafted, mountainous terrain. Challenging features highly decorative candles in geometric patterns include lakes, gullies thick with vegetation, out- that is a must collect for souvenir hunters. Shop of-bound areas running close to fairways, till you drop for curios before returning to your swirling breezes, clusters of magnificent trees train as it departs for Komatipoort in the big cat and indigenous plants and wicked bunkers. country - Kruger National Park.
Day 8: Augusta of the Bushveld - Leopard Creek Golf Course Designed by John Rupert and Gary Player, with later touch ups by Jack Nicklaus, Leopard Creek is the #2 ranked golf course in South Africa and is the permanent home of the prestigious Alfred Dunhill Championship. It’s not uncommon to see a buffalo snort or a giraffe munch during your round, while the pitch shot might need a hit over a lake full of crocodiles and hippos. Gary Player is especially proud of the par-five 18th with its island green and the par-four 9th with its peninsula green jutting out of the same body of water and overlooking the clubhouse. The 13th is another great hole where the green hangs above the river at a height of more than seven stories.
Day 08: KRUGER
In the heart of Big Cat Country
The hallowed grounds of Augusta National is often mentioned by visitors to Leopard Creek.
Both very exclusive with an air of mystique about them.
morning: leopard creek golf course* non-golfers: the grand kruger safari
After breakfast transfer to the southern border
We have saved the best for the last. Established
of the legendary Kruger National Park. Here,
in 1898, the 2-million hectare oldest National
hugging the banks of the Crocodile River sits the
Park in Africa, the legendary Kruger, provides
Leopard Creek Country Club surrounded by
sanctuary to an estimated 1500 lions, 12000
rocky hills that provides a dramatic contrast to
elephants, 2500 buffalos, 1000 leopards and
the emerald green fairways. Numerous animals
about 5000 rhinos. Cheetah, wild dog, spotted
will stroll the course with you including giraffes,
hyena, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, warthog
kudus, zebras and variety of antelopes.
and innumerable antelope species are also
* If Leopard Creek GC is unavailable, alternate regularly seen on game drives. The safari
arrangements will be made at White River concludes with a superb lunch at the Buhala
Country Club or Nelspruit Golf Course. Game Lodge followed by curio shopping.
Like all good things that must come to an end, so must the
Day 09: Apr 5 / Oct 11 / Nov 22 Rovos Golf Safari. Its time to bid farewell to your new found
friends and train attendants who have made the past days
morning: arrive pretoria - au revior a true dream vacation. Enjoy breakfast, collect your
passports and have a safe trip back home.+44 (0) 845 678 2400 www.golfbreaks.com/rovos-rail
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