One of the most coveted adventure destinations in the world is South Africa – especially if you combine a thrilling safari to spot the Big Five and a memorable rail journey on the splendid Blue Train.

Safari hunting

It will be a bucket-list holiday of a lifetime where you will see South Africa’s amazing wildlife, watch awe-inspiring waterfalls, gorgeous vineyards and romantic rail journey.

Imagine Holidays has crafted a luxurious, 15-night African adventure plus an all-inclusive Blue Train journey taking in the wonders of Victoria Falls, Pilanesberg National Park and beautiful Cape Town with prices starting from $10,999pp.

To book, click here or call Imagine Holidays on (02) 7254 2124.

Over three days, your temporary home is at Bakubung Safari Lodge, tucked deep within Pilanesberg National Park where you will go on daily bush walks and game drives to track down Africa’s Big Five – elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino.

Next you will transfer to Pretoria to board the iconic Blue Train to transport you to Cape Town passing through some of the most stunning scenery, savannah grasslands framed by majestic mountains.

Fine dining on the Blue Train

Then you will luxuriate in a hotel in Stellenbosch and enjoy a Winelands tour with fine wine tastings before returning to Cape Town to spend three nights where you can explore the vibrant city renowned for its natural and historic wonders.

For rail aficionados, keen to follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandel and cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan, travelling on the Blue Train will give you bragging rights. Enjoy five-course gourmet meals, finished off with post-dinner cognac and cigars – the height of decadence as if you have stepped into the pages of a 1930’s novel.

Each rail cabin is arranged as a spacious sitting area which transforms into a cosy sanctuary at night with goose-down duvets. Feel the warm African air when you slip into the elegant observation car to sip your favourite cocktail or smoke a Montecristo Havana cigar.

Your epic adventure kicks start with your arrival at Johannesburg where you will spend one night exploring South Africa’s largest city populated with breweries, restaurants and jazz clubs.

The amazing Victoria Falls

You will then spend three nights stay in Livingstone, where you will go on a walking tour of the spectacular Victoria Falls, enjoy an afternoon cruise onboard the Lady Livingstone on the Zambezi River followed by an elegant Royal Livingstone Express train as it travels through the heart of the Zambezi River Valley. The experience will leave you spellbound.

The Bakubung Bush Lodge offers the perfect launch pad for an unforgettable safari experience as you search for the Big Five in an open four-wheel vehicle. Be prepared to come face to face with the reclusive leopard, majestic rhino, herd of playful elephants and a pride of lions lazing in the sun. In the evening enjoy an outdoor boma – an African-style dining experience under the starlit sky.

Your Blue Train journey from Pretoria to Cape Town will bow you away with its elegant style, opulent marble bathroom and fine cuisine.

Penguins on Sandy Coast, Cape Town

In Cape Town, you will take great delight on a fully escorted Cape Town Peninsula tour to explore Sea Point, the amazing views of the Twelve Apostles and the penguins of Boulders Beach.

Your holiday summary

All inclusive rail journey

  • 2 night all-inclusive luxury Blue Train journey from Pretoria to Cape Town* with an off-train excursion

Fully escorted tours

  • Royal Livingstone Express train journey including a five-course dinner and drinks
  • Walking tour of Victoria Falls
  • Lady Livingstone river safari
  • Pilanesberg National Park game drives
  • Winelands tour in Stellenbosch
  • Full-day Cape Peninsula tour

Hotel stays

  • 1 night five-star hotel stay in Johannesburg at the Peermont D’oreale Grande with breakfast
  • 3 night four-star hotel stay in Victoria Falls at the David Livingstone Safari Lodge and spa with breakfast
  • 3 night four-star stay in Pilanesberg National Park Park at the Bakubung Bush Lodge with breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • 3 night four-star stay in Stellenbosch at the Devon Valley Hotel with breakfast
  • 3 night four star stay in Cape Town at the Southern Sun The Cullinan or similar with breakfast.

All flights, taxes and transfers

* Some departure dates operate a reverse itinerary from Cape Town to Pretoria. Alternative departure dates offer a stay at the Portswood Hotel in Cape Town.

To book click here or call Imagine Holidays on (02) 7254 2124.