Shongololo Express 2012 - Rail Plus Australia

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Itineraries

The Southern Cross Adventure - Johannesburg to Victoria Falls or vice versa
The Good Hope Adventure - Cape Town to Johannesburg or vice versa
The Dune Adventure - Johannesburg to Swakopmund or vice versa
On The Traces Of Dr Livingstone - Victoria Falls - Dar Es Salam

The Southern Cross Adventure - Johannesburg to Victoria Falls or vice versa

Day 1	TSHWANE (PRETORIA) / JOHANNESBURG / SOWETO Should you only arrive at Johannesburg International Airport today, you will be met upon arrival and transferred to the train. Please note that you should arrive no later than 08:00 at the airport in order to participate in the day's excursions. The train departs in the evening from Johannesburg to Impala Station (situated to the north of Swaziland).
Day 2	SWAZILAND The tiny Kingdom of Swaziland covers only 17 000 square kilometres, making it the second smallest country in Africa. Guests rejoin the train at Mpaka Station from where it departs to Maputo in Mozambique over night.
Day 3	MAPUTO (MOZAMBIQUE) Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, offers an exciting mix of culture and buildings reminiscent of trends set by African, Portuguese and early Colonial traditions. The city swings along to a beat that is like no other in Africa. It enables you to experience true African hospitality. Old Catholic churches rest side-by-side with Mosques and Fortresses, Victorian Mansions and other buildings from a bygone era. It's a city of contrasts and excitement that provides an ideal meeting point for social and business ventures.
Day 4	MAPUTO (MOZAMBIQUE) The train departs from Maputo at around 15:00 and travels to Komatipoort where it will overnight.
Day 5	KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Guests rejoin the train in Hazyview where it will stand over night.
Day 6	MPUMALANGA Mpumalanga means "Land of the Rising Sun". It is a province of extraordinary natural beauty. Guests rejoin the train in Hazyview where it will stand over night.
Day 7	PANORAMA ROUTE The train travels from Hazyview to Makhado (previously called Louis Trichardt), where it remains stationary after arrival.
Day 8	DAY ON THE RAILS TO ZIMBABWE Guests spend the day relaxing on the train through the countryside of the different provinces - Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Limpopo Province. We cross the border into Zimbabwe at Beit Bridge and head onto Rutenga Station where guests spend the night and depart for Great Zimbabwe the next morning. Lunch will be served on the train this day. There will be informative talks held by the guides on the train
Day 9	GREAT ZIMBABWE Guests rejoin the train at Bannockburn and travel to Bulawayo over night.
Day 10	ANTELOPE PARK, GWERU Today there is one highlight:- Walk with Lions in Antelope Park. This activity takes approximately one and a half hours and offers an amazing photo opportunity. The long-term project here aims to reintroduce the offspring of captive bred lions into the wild. The lions accompanying you on walks average between 3 and 15 months of age. No leashes, no collars - the lions roam free with you through the African bush. You may even be fortunate enough to experience a lion stalking some of the wildlife species which abound in Antelope Park. Back to the camp, you will also have the opportunity for about 20 min to view and interact with lion cubs.
Day 11	BULAWAYO AND MATOBO NATIONAL PARK Matobo means "bald headed ones" and aptly describes the dramatic hills and granite rocks of this area. Highlights include a visit to the burial place of Cecil John Rhodes, who gave his name to Rhodesia, as Zimbabwe was previously known, and an inspection of a Bushman cave. There will be time for lunch (guests' own account) before visiting the Natural History Museum, which is one of the best of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Lastly, we take a drive through the city and visit an Art Gallery. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 150 km).
Day 12	HWANGE NATIONAL PARK The train departs for Victoria Falls in the evening.
Day 13	LIVINGSTONE (ZAMBIA) Evening Activity An off-rail dinner is planned for this evening. The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night.
Day 14	CHOBE NATIONAL PARK (BOTSWANA) The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night.
Day 15	VICTORIA FALLS The afternoon is spent at leisure. The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night.
Day 16	TRANSFER DAY If guests are transferring to a hotel, this will be arranged for them in the morning. If guests are flying out of Victoria Falls, their flight may only be in the afternoon. In this case optional tours may be undertaken.

The Good Hope Adventure - Cape Town to Johannesburg or vice versa

Day 1	CAPE TOWN Should you only arrive at Cape Town International Airport today, you will be met upon arrival and transferred to the train. Please note that you should arrive no later than 08:00 at the airport in order to participate in the day's excursions. Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world with Table Mountain dominating its skyline. The train remains stationary in Muizenberg for the night. An evening shuttle service will be available to go to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Day 2	CAPE TOWN After the day's activities the train travels from Muizenberg to Worcester where it remains stationary for the night.
Day 3	WINELANDS / OVERBERG REGION The fertile green valleys of the Cape Winelands are surrounded by proud mountain ranges. A Mediterranean climate and winter rainfall create some of the best wines in the world. The rich, fertile soils along the Breede River and the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl areas have become justly famous for their Whites, Reds, Sherries, Ports and Brandies. The Overberg region to the southeast embraces mountains, valleys and coastal areas and annually welcomes the Southern Right Whale to its waters. The train departs for Mossel Bay over night.
Day 4	KIMBERLEY and BLOEMFONTEIN Kimberley is the capital city of the Northern Cape, well known for the Big Hole which resulted from the discovery of diamonds that led to the establishment of the city in 1893. Bloemfontein is the seat of the South African judicial system. At the end of the 19th century it was also the capital of the old Boer republic of The Orange Free State
Day 5	MIDLANDS / SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG Guests now head to the eastern jagged peaks of the Drakensberg, following waterways as they drop and cascade down mountain clefts, and through hidden valleys to the tumbling luscious hills that extend through the Midlands.
Day 6	DURBAN Durban is South Africa's third largest city and enjoys great importance due to its industry and extensive sea port. Thanks to the subtropical climate and the long stretches of beautiful beaches, large numbers of "uplanders" retreat to Durban in winter. An orientation tour of the city will allow you to see a good mix of old and new, African, Orient and the West. We will drive along the Golden Mile promenade with its many hotels and restaurants. A visit to the Victoria Market will also be included. At the end of the morning we will drop you at either the Botanical Gardens or at uShaka Marine World, Africa's largest marine theme park, at either of which you can have lunch and spend the afternoon (all entrances and lunch for your own account). Pick up will be at a pre arranged time later in the afternoon.
Day 7	ZULULAND In the morning guests will enjoy a guided tour of a Zulu cultural village, followed by the St Lucia Wetlands, declared a World Heritage Site. In the afternoon we will take a cruise on the St Lucia Estuary, looking for hippos, crocodiles, and a large variety of water birds
Day 8	ZULULAND An early departure to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve will get us into the park to experience wildlife magic. The park lies in the heart of Zululand where ancient trails lead through the thorn veld and along the mighty rivers of Africa's oldest established wilderness area. Once the exclusive royal hunting ground of King Shaka, it is a tapestry of natural and cultural history. The park is a treasure store of species including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, kudu, bushbuck, cheetah, hyena and many others. Over 300 bird species have been recorded here. Game drives will be conducted in our vehicles.
Day 9	SWAZILAND The tiny Kingdom of Swaziland covers only 17 000 square kilometres, making it the second smallest country in Africa.
Day 10	KRUGER NATIONAL PARK The Kruger National Park straddles the province of Mpumalanga, which means "Land of the Rising Sun". It is a province of extraordinary natural beauty.
Day 11	PANORAMA ROUTE or KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Day 12	PRETORIA / JOHANNESBURG / SOWETO Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of the Southern African region and home to some of Africa's greatest cities. The name of the province derives from the Sotho word meaning "Place of Gold", which is very suitable since much of the wealth of Gauteng has come from this precious metal.
Day 13	TRANSFER DAY If guests are transferring to a hotel, this will be arranged for them in the morning. If guests are flying from Johannesburg International Airport, their flight may only be in the evening. In this case optional tours within the Johannesburg area may be undertaken.

The Dune Adventure - Johannesburg to Swakopmund or vice versa

Day 1	JOHANNESBURG - OR TAMBO ITERNATIONAL AND HOTEL TRANSFERS Join the Shongololo Express at Klerksdorp Station from 08h00 onwards till the departure at 10:00. After being welcomed by your tour guide and the Shongololo Express representatives spend some time settling-in and familiarising yourself with the detailed programme and exciting excursions on offer to you during your trip ahead to Namibia! Sit back and enjoy the scenery while our Tourist guides prepare you with information talks on the days touring ahead whilst travelling through the Provinces of the North West, Free State and Northern Cape.The train departs for Upington at 10:00
Day 2	AUGRABIES FALLS AND BORDER CROSSING Visiting the Augrabies National Park is not only a highlight because of its waterfalls (even though they are the main attraction). The interesting flora as well as the small Klipspringer is also worth mentioning. Three short hiking trails lead from the rest camp at the park entrance to and around the waterfalls. They are not very difficult to walk, but solid hiking shoes are recommended, because of the rocky ground. In April / May when the Gariep (Orange) River's water level is at its peak, amplitude of 200 meters of water falls almost 60 meters down the granite ravine. (Half day; distance traveled: ± 260 km).The train departs from Upington and crosses into Namibia late in the evening
Day 3	FISH RIVER CANYON Enjoy an early-morning breakfast before we depart for the Fish River Canyon. Eroded over millennia, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest natural gorge in Africa. Set in a harsh, stony plain, dotted with drought resistant succulents such as the distinctive Quiver Tree or Kokerboom, the canyon is a spectacular natural phenomenon. It took hundreds of millions of years to evolve into its current shape. Its full length is 160 km, the width up to 27 km and the depth 550 m. After a quick stopover at the famous Canyon Roadhouse, which is interestingly decorated with old car parts found in the region, we push further to Keetmanshop for lunch (guests' own account). In the afternoon we visit Giant's Playground, an impressive jumble of massive dolerite boulders of 160 - 180 million years old. We end our afternoon with a visit to the Quiver Tree Forest, where around 300 specimens of this prehistoric tree, Aloe dichotoma, can be found. They grow between 3 and 5 meters tall and their forked branches reach skywards, affording beautiful photo opportunities.(Full day; distance traveled: ± 300 km).The train journeys from Keetmanshop to Aus over night.
Day 4	LUDERITZ AND KOLMANSKOP Guests depart in the morning for a drive through the desert to visit the desert horses en route to Luderitz. On arrival guests tour the historical town including the Cross and the ghost city of Kolmanskop. Take a walking tour, and learn about electricity, ice makers and 10 pin bowling back in the 30's!! Guests rejoin the train at Aus Station.The train departs Aus for Windhoek in the evening
Day 5	WINDHOEK The city tour of Windhoek starts with a visit to the TransNamib Transport Museum. The museum is situated in the Windhoek Railway Station and was built from 1912 to 1913. In front of the building is the narrow-gauge locomotive (vintage 1900) which used to operate between Swakopmund and Windhoek. The museum at the Alte Feste Castle offers a range of displays, including the Social History Gallery and the Independence Display. Both give an insight into Namibia's complex history. At the top of Robert Mugabe Avenue is the Christuskirche or Evangelical Lutheran Church. This is one of the city's most striking landmarks and was built from local sandstone and completed in 1910. Romanesque, neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles influenced its design and Kaiser Wilhelm II donated its stained- glass windows. Our last visit is the Namibia Craft Centre in the old Breweries Building.
Day 6	ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK The tour departs to Etosha National Park, entering via the Namutoni Gate. The Etosha National Park is one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife in Africa and was proclaimed a game reserve by German Governor Von Lindequist in 1907. The heart of the park is the Etosha Pan (Etosha means "place of dry water"). It is an extensive, flat depression of about 5 000 km². Game viewing takes place from our air-conditioned vehicles. There are 144 mammal species in the park, which covers an area of 22 270 km². These include Elephant, Giraffe, Blue Wildebeest and Black Rhino. Among the predators are Lion, Cheetah, Leopard and several species of wild cat. Hyena and Jackal are the scavengers. Antelope species range from the majestic Eland to the shy little Damara Dik-Dik. The most striking of the antelope species is the Gemsbok, with its dramatic black and white markings. It also appears on the Namibian coat of arms. Bird life is prolific and some 340 species have been identified, including Namibia's national bird, the Crimson-Breasted Shrike. Lunch (guests' own account) is enjoyed in one of the camps. We meet the train back at a siding outside the park in the Oshivelo region.
Day 7	ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK This morning is the last opportunity to experience the magic of Etosha's animal kingdom (this time in the southern region of the park and once again in our air-conditioned vehicles)After lunch (guests' own account) we depart for Otjiwarongo, where the train will await us for its southwards journey to Omaruru
Day 8	OMARURU Omaruru is a town and constituency in the Erongo Region of Namibia. Its official population is 6,792. The town is situated by the Erongo Mountains, on the usually dry Omaruru River.
Day 9	SWAKOPMUND / SPITZKOPPE AND NORTH COAST Spitzkoppe, Henties Bay and the Cape Cross Seal Reserve
Day 10	SWAKOPMUND / WALVIS BAY
Day 11	SWAKOPMUND Day spent at Leisure. The train departs 18:00 and travels overnight to Windhoek.
Day 12	TRANSFER DAY/DEPARTURE WINDHOEK A late breakfast will be served on board the train. If guests are transferring to a hotel, this will be arranged for them in the morning. Transfers to the airport will be done as per the flight schedules

On The Traces Of Dr Livingstone - Victoria Falls to Dar Es Salam or vice versa

Day 1	CHOBE NATIONAL PARK (BOTSWANA) A 70-kilometre road trip brings us to the Botswana border, where we cross into the famous Chobe National Park. There is a great array of wildlife and the Chobe elephants are well respected, as are the many hippos which can be seen in large numbers basking in the river. Highlights include a game drive in 4x4 vehicles and a river cruise on the Chobe River. Lunch (guests' own account) will be taken at a waterfront lodge where there is a swimming pool. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 200 km) The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night.
Day 2	VICTORIA FALLS ZIMBABWE AND ZAMBIAN SIDE
Day 3	ON THE RAILS TO LUSAKA Today will be spent on the rails through the south of Zambia towards its capital, Lusaka. You'll be able to see rural Africa as it passes by - miles and miles of flat landscape dotted with green Mopani trees. The exciting prospect of deeper, darker Africa looming... Lunch (inclusive on this full-day of travel) is served on board. After arrival, the train will remain stationary in Lusaka over night.
Day 4	LUSAKA - SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK After breakfast you will be transferred to Lusaka Airport for a flight to Mfuwe International Airport inside the South Luangwa National Park.
Day 5	SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
Day 6	SERENJE / LIVINGSTONE MEMORIAL / KUNDALILA FALLS After breakfast our journey on the tracks of Dr Livingstone continues to the place where he died on May 4, 1873. It's a very pleasant drive from Serenje, passing the Kasanka National Park. Along the way you will see the creatively decorated houses of the Bemba people. The memorial itself is simply a plaque placed on the former site of a 'mupundu' wild fruit tree under which Dr. Livingstone's heart was buried. His body was then wrapped and carried for 1 500 km (over 11 months) to the coast by his dedicated porters Sushi ad Chuma, from where it was shipped back to England. Before returning to the train, we will visit the Kundalila Falls (meaning "Crying Dove"). The Kaombe River falls 70 m here, breaking into thin veils of spray. (Half day; distance traveled: ± 250 km).Train departs in the evening for Kasama
Day 7	SCENIC ESCARPMENT DROP This full day train ride will be a highlight, as it includes a spectacular daylight drop off the escarpment. Lunch (inclusive on this full-day of travel) is served on board. Please note that we will be crossing the Border at Tunduma toTanzania.
Day 8	CROSS BORDER / MAKAMBAKO (TANZANIA)
Day 9	SELOUS GAME RESERVE Selous, covering an area of roughly 50 000 km², is the largest game reserve in Africa - 4 times the size of the Serengeti, and almost 6% of Tanzania's land surface. It possesses a diverse landscape, ranging from hot volcanic springs to sporadic lakes, channels from the Great Rhaha and Rufiji Rivers. The reserve consists of 43 hunting blocks and 4 photographic zones for tourists in the north. These photographic zones cover around 2 500 km², roughly the size of Luxembourg. Selous is famous for its Elephant, Hippopotamus and Rhino (although depleted). Africa's largest population of Buffalo can also be found here. Other species include Nyasaland and Brindled Gnu, Hartebeest, Greater Kudu, Sable Antelope, Eland, Reedbuck, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Warthog, Zebra, Giraffe and Wildebeest. Predators include Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyena and Hunting Dog. Cheetahs are rare. Over 350 species of bird and reptiles such as crocodiles and various snakes and lizards and 2 000 species of plants are also to be found in this reserve. (Full day; distance traveled: ± 120 km)
Day 10	SELOUS / OVERNIGHT TO DAR-ES-SALAAM
Day 11	DAR ES SALAAM / BAGAMOYO Dar es Salaam (meaning "Haven of Peace"), has Sultan Majid bin Said, the 1860s sultan of Zanzibar, to thank for its existence. He saw its potential as a deepwater port because of its strategic position at the centre of the East African coast. The city is an eclectic mix of Swahili, German, Asian and British architecture, reflecting its colonial past and more recent history. Today it is a hustling and bustling seaport at the crossroads of some of the most important sea routes on the Indian Ocean. A fascinating pastime here is undoubtedly sitting at the water's edge and being witness to the diverse vessels navigating the waters of the port - not least of them being the traditional dhows, going about there business as if there were no huge cruise liners and cargo ships shadowing them
Day 12	TRANSFER DAY After breakfast you can stay on board till the time of your airport transfer (depending on the flight organised by you), or we will transport you to the starting point of your specialised activity, which we'll be happy to help you organise.