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South Africa has two luxury trains: Rovos Rail and The Blue Train. Both offer a very relaxing way of crossing the landscape of South Africa and both will give you an unforgettable experience.
The Blue Train
This moving five-star hotel takes its passengers through the breathtaking countryside of South Africa. The Blue Train operates on two routes: Pretoria – Cape Town and Pretoria – Hoedspruit. The Blue Train takes you from Cape Town to Pretoria in 27 hours, and has been known for its excellent hospitality since 1946.
The Blue Train offers two different types of suites: The Deluxe Suite and The Luxury Suite. The Deluxe Suite, measured 4 by 2 metres, contains a double bed, a bathtub with handheld shower, individually-controlled airconditioning and floor heating. The Suite will transform from elegant and relaxing lounge during the day to a subtly-lit bedroom during the night. The Luxury Suite extends the offering from a Deluxe Suite even further. This suite, which is measured 5 by 2, offers twin or double-beds, a luxurious bath tub and digital interactive entertainment system (music, DVD/Blue-Ray).
The entire train is fitted with Wi-Fi, offers elegant lounges and superb dining. Relax with a cognac and a Cuban cigar in the Club Car, or breeze into the Lounge Car for an afternoon High Tea.
Rovos Rail
The main routes of Rovos Rail, which is often referred to as the most luxurious train in the world, are Cape Town – Dar Es Salaam, Pretoria – Swakopmund, Pretoria – Cape Town, Pretoria – Durban and Pretoria – Victoria Falls. The journey from Pretoria to Cape Town takes 2 nights/50 hours, and include a visit to Matjiesfontein and the Diamond Mine Museum.
The train offers 3 types of suites: Royal Suites, Deluxe Suites and Pullman Suites. The Pullman Suites (+/- 7 square metres) are equipped with comfortable sofa-seats during the day, and a double or twin bed in the evening. They have an en-suite bathroom with shower. The Deluxe Suites (+/- 10 square metres) have a twin or double bed, a lounge area and an en-suite bathroom with shower. The Royal Suites, which take up half a carriage, have their own private lounge area and a bathroom en-suite with a Victorian bath and separate shower. With its wood panelling and period Edwardian features, this suite will give you the ultimate luxury travel experience.
All the suites mentioned above have a bar fridge filled with beverages, and room service is available 24/7. Furthermore, the train offers a beautiful pre-1940 dining car, lounge cars and an observation car at the back.
Main differences
On some routes, Rovos Rail operates with a vintage steam locomotive, giving you a very unique travel experience. Rovos Rail also operates on more routes than The Blue Train. Also the most popular route, Pretoria – Cape Town, takes a day longer with Rovos Rail and is thus more expensive. Both offer the same facilities and both stop at the old village of Matjiesfontein, but the Royal Suite of Rovos Rail is probably incomparable. Both trains have individually-controlled air-conditioning in the suites, but only with Rovos it is possible to open the windows. Contrary to The Blue Train, the trains of Rovos Rail are not equipped with Wi-Fi. What both trains have in common: They will give you an unforgettable experience of ultimate luxury travel through the ever-changing scenery of South Africa.
All, Family, Good to know, Wildlife
Below we unpack the main differences between the world-famous Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger Park, which although not as famous as its larger neighbour, offers in our opinion a superior safari experience.
Greater Kruger Park (GKP)
The term Greater Kruger Park is used to describe a number of private game reserves situated along the recently unfenced mid-western border of the Kruger National Park when private landowners saw the benefit of joining the iconic national park to allow game to flow freely through the area. One of the main advantages of a safari here is that there are limited amounts of persons as one has to be staying in one of the private lodges and for this reason, you will experience a less crowded safari with no more than two game vehicles per sighting. Also, in our opinion you will enjoy more exciting game drives as most properties allow real off-road game viewing in their 4×4 open safari vehicles, getting you right up close to the animals. Finally, the smaller lodges here are more up-market than the rest camps found in the Kruger National Park and thus offer a more exclusive safari experience.
Kruger National Park (KNP)
The Kruger National Park consists of a 20,000 km2 area in the north-east of South-Africa, run by government controlled Sanparks. Here you will be able to do a self-drive safari in your own vehicle, although along with everyone else which at times does lead to traffic jams around sightings with a general lack of game viewing etiquette. There is a good network of tar and gravel roads, keep to the speed limits and do not go off road anywhere in the Kruger National Park. You are also NOT allowed to get out of your vehicles (seriously some people have and are not around anymore!) unless in the safety of the ring fenced rest camps.
The park has several of these rest camps accessible to day or overnighting visitors, of which most have a shop and a restaurant to stock up on supplies or enjoy a nice meal and stretch the legs a little. There are well appointed signs leading you to the rest camps and several points of interest.
Which one to choose?
Because the border between the two parks in unfenced, the flora and fauna found in both areas is basically the same. But if you’re on safari for your very first time and don’t feel like driving in the Kruger National Park yourself, then a safari in the Greater Kruger Park might be the best option. In the all-inclusive lodges, the staff will take care of every aspect, while you can relax and enjoy your Big 5 African Safari experience. If you’re looking to enjoy a self-drive safari, then the Kruger National Park has a choice of well priced rest camps spread around the park which you can book direct with Sanparks here, or you can stay in one of the surrounding towns. You can also combine the two parks easily and explore the best of the two worlds!
Parting shot: When planning a South African itinerary with a safari element, we always suggest spoiling yourself with an upmarket private safari lodge experience and saving a little on the accommodations in places like Cape Town, as you will be outdoors exploring the city most of the time anyway.
To learn more about the Kruger Park in general and what to bring on a safari, please read our blog post here.
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If you’re looking for a first time safari experience close to Cape Town, you may find yourself choosing from either Aquila or Inverdoorn Private Game Reserves. In this post, we briefly explain the differences between the two well known private game reserves.
Aquila Private Game Reserve stands in an area of 4,500 hectares of Southern Karoo Highlands, closely surrounded by mountains, valleys and kloofs. Aquila is home to various animals, including the Big Five however it is highly unlikely that you will spot leopard as they are wild in the surrounding mountains and pass through the reserve from time to time, usually in the still of the night. Aquila is acclaimed for its renewable energy, social responsibility, conservation programs and can be divided into three separate biomes – Fynbos, Renosterveldt and succulent Karoo. Aquila offers different types of accommodation, from the newly built lodge with standard (mountain facing) and premier rooms (overlooking the reserve), luxury cottages and larger luxury cottages suitable for extended family.
Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is a 10,000 hectare reserve dedicated to wildlife conservation and is home to various animals and birdlife, including the Big Five, however once again it is highly unlikely that you will spot leopard as they only pass through the reserve from time to time. Inverdoorn offers different types of accommodation, including 3-star lodge rooms, 4-star luxury chalet options and the newly opened 5 star Kughana Tented Camp.
Please note: The lodge rooms are not suitable if you are looking for complete privacy with peace and quiet.
Main differences
Aquila is a little closer to Cape Town as it is just over 2 hours, while Inverdoorn is just short of a 3 hour drive. Aquila is a lot busier with a much higher number of day and overnight visitors than Inverdoorn. Furthermore, Aquila is situated in a mountainous area, while Inverdoorn is surrounded by more expansive plains.
We do not suggest anymore than a 1 night stay at either Aquila or Inverdoorn Private Game Reserves. If you wish to experience something more upmarket, authentic and really special safari experience, then I would suggest the below Sanbona Safari options which is a 3.5 hour drive from Cape Town up the scenic Route 62 in the Klein Karoo.
2 day Sanbona Safari
3 day Sanbona Safari
To view any of the above safaris, click here for our Cape Town safari options.
Please note that ALL safari options close to Cape Town are in newly established private game reserves and thus cannot be compared to a safari in a more established game viewing area like Kruger National Park which has been around for a hundred or so years.
These options fill a very important role in the safari market by offering those persons who have never been on safari and who do not have the time to visit a more established reserve the chance to view Africa’s wild animals … sometimes for the first time.
Some of our Reviews
Excellent and professional services = Good memories
Reviewed on May 5, 2016
5 of 5 stars
“First of all I must thank David for always swift response to any request/questions with positive and good input and solutions. Also and not least to Matt taking us around the Peninsula tour , the wine tour and to Aquila private game/safari.
His local knowledge and friendly/calm attitude was really a good experience matching us perfect.
So whoever is asking me how to plan, to do, to contact for a stay in CT I give them the same answer NO PROBLEM call David and African Blue Tour.”
John Styles, Illinois, USA
Fantastic 2 day tour
Reviewed on March 4, 2018
5 of 5 stars
“We booked through African Blue Day Tours and had the pleasure of Duncan’s company for the two day excursion to and from Inverdoorn. We have to say that Duncan was a great and fun guy to be with. He accommodated and structured our tour to perfection, from stopping off at points of interest, proving us with his extensive knowledge of the surrounding areas, to taking those all important pictures of my wife and myself together. He even organised a lovely picnic on the return journey from Inverdoorn to Camps Bay. Perfect. Thanks so much Duncan for everything, if and when we revisit Cape Town again we will be looking you up!”
Roy B, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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You may have thought that travelling through the Garden Route would not be suitable for your children. Well, not exactly. Along the Garden Route, there are plenty of places to visit with your children. In this article I’ll give you examples of fun activities you can do with them.
Go wild and learn all about our amazing wildlife at a place like Monkeyland, the world’s first free-roaming primate sanctuary. Take one of the guided tours, and you’ll see more than 700 primates. Combine Monkeyland with Birds of Eden, which is home to about 220 different types of birds, and with Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to several big cats, zebras, wild dogs, raccoons and various snake species. Visit Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary, and take one of the hourly tours to see over 100 snakes and other reptiles.
To learn everything about the indigenous wild cats of South Africa, visit Tenikwa Wildlife Centre. They’re open daily and offer a selection of conservation based programs to suit all interests and budgets. During your visit you will be charmed with the sincerity of Tenikwa, the friendliness of the staff and the way in which Tenikwa’s passion for conservation shines through.
Another recommendation is to do one of the Ocean Safaris in Plettenberg Bay. Although the whale season is only from June till November, Ocean Safaris are organised all year round. The safari will start with an adrenaline beach launch with 400hp motors. You will be taken to some of the best spots along the coastline. With some luck you will spot all kinds of animals, including whales, seals, sharks, big fishes and octopuses. It is advised to book on time, as the Ocean Safaris are very popular.
Explore Plett Puzzle Park, a unique park offering interactive fun for the whole family. You can also go to Natures Valley, and explore the beach and rock pools. Enjoy one of the many activities at Keurbooms River, including angling, swimming, kayaking, boating and picnicking. Ride a horse or enjoy a horse drawn carriage tour with Hog Hollow Horse Trails. Enjoy magnificent views over mountains forests and farmlands from a classic wooden carriage.
For some more adventure: Do a two to three hour kayak & lilo adventure on Storms River in Tsitsikamma. Challenge your fear by taking a leap from the cliffs into the deep pools or just relax and enjoy the stunning nature.
Also make sure to visit the Elephant Sanctuary at Plettenberg Bay. Take one of the guided tours to get an interactive experience with the elephants and to see the sanctuary and stables. Tours depart hourly from 8:00am. until 3:30pm.
To enjoy destinations like the ones mentioned above, please click here for our Garden Route Tours.
Some of our Reviews
Excellent outing – highly recommended
Reviewed February 6, 2018
5 of 5 stars
“I was blown away with not just the incredible experience we had in Africa- David surpassed all expectations of customer service. He listened to what we wanted, asked questions, matched us with the best guides in different places as well as made the tours specific for us.
We booked David as we were on a cruise ship and they would not take our young children on the safaris- so we ended up booking all of our day tours with David. I am sooooo grateful we did this! We would not have had the experiences we did if we had been on the ship tours. David had a different guide waiting for us in each port who was perfect for us each time and the adventure he had planned for us.
It is the small things that speak volumes. We were so tired and delayed one day and the guide more than made up for it- even though it had nothing to do with him and happily had coffee while waiting for us to sort out the ship dramas and then customised our adventure even more.
With 2 young children we wanted more time in game parks and less in restaurants- so we were surprised with a glorious picnic and an incredible vista to refuel in the middle of our animal search. Perfect.
The knowledge of our guides was brilliant and they patiently answered all of our and our childrens’ questions.
We had the experience of a lifetime and full credit to David and his team. Seriously cannot recommend him highly enough. And I have not even begun to chat about the tours… Needless to say- I thought binoculars would be needed (as they were with the ship tours) in our case- well the animals were so close we could have touched them! Exilerating! And at all times we felt completely safe.
THANK YOU!!!!!”
Katherine B
Amazing 12 days in South Africa!
Reviewed on June 6, 2016
5 of 5 stars
“We have just returned after a 12 day trip to South Africa. Our entire trip- 3day Kruger Safari and Blyde River Canyon tour, Cape Town and 5 day garden route tour was entirely managed by David Smith and how well he managed it. Our tour guide for 7 days was Duncan Petre an excellent gentleman, professional, friendly and very flexible. His knowledge shows his passion for his profession. Travelling extensively with 2 kids is never easy but Duncan made it so and I must mention, David was himself present at the airport to pick us and he himself drove us back to the airport at 5.30 am in the morning for our return journey. I have never come across an owner who does this personally for his clients. Kudos to African Blue…..stay blessed and go miles guys…”
Anomitraroy, India
All, Family, Good to know, Wine
Popular activities for kids in the Winelands are strawberry picking and grape juice tastings. However, these are just a few examples of what children can do in this stunning region. Who knew that there are plenty of activities and fun places to visit for the whole family?
I want to bring my kids in the Cape Winelands, what could we get up to?F
Although not in the Winelands, you can certainly start our day at the Two Oceans Aquarium before proceeding to the Winelands, where you can explore the wildlife of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean. Then, you can head to the Giraffe House, a wildlife awareness centre that hosts not just giraffes, but a lot of other animal species such as Vervet Monkeys, Meerkat, Crocodiles, Ostriches, parrots, Jackals and many more.
You should also definitely check out the farm of Fairview. This wine estate founded in 1693 organises wine tastings for the parents whilst the children can taste juice and visit the Goat Tower. Make sure to also visit their bakery and try their hand made pastries, baguettes and cakes.
From Fairview website
How can I raise awareness amongst my kids about South African wildlife while exploring the Cape Winelands?
Take one of the guided tours at the Cheetah Outreach, an education and community-based programme created to raise awareness of the plight of the cheetah and to campaign for its survival. You could also visit Drakenstein Lion Park, a lion rescue centre which is also home to the new Chimp Haven. This facility has been built to house the chimps that have been displaced by the closure of Tygerberg Zoo. If you want to see all the big cats at the same time, visit the BigCats Park at Vredenheim, that hosts brown and white lions, leopards and Bengal tigers.
Where could my kids discover reptiles and smaller animals in the Winelands?
We also recommend visiting Eagle Encounters, a wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, education and eco-tourism centre. Also make sure you visit Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm, a kid-friendly destination near Cape Town offering prime viewing of crocodiles. Take one of the guided tours that depart every 45 minutes. The crocodile farm is home to over a 1000 crocodiles and is opened 9 til 5, 7 days a week. Visit the Butterfly World to find a magical world of tropical butterflies. You will soon realise that this is not just a butterfly park, but that that it’s a sanctuary for exotic animals. They have reptiles, exotic birds and other small animals.
Is there any other hidden gems for kids in the Cape Winelands?
We can visit Vergenoegd Wine Estate to watch the morning “duck parade”. During this parade, the Vergenoegd farm utilises 1070 running ducks to assist in the control of the snail and pest population in the vineyards. They have a basic research and breeding programme to keep the ducks productive, healthy and happy. Take a tour of the duck pens and the breeding room with one of their friendly duck herders. Enjoy the parade with a glass of Runner Duck wine from 09:00-10:00am on week days to see how they perform their eco-friendly duties of chemical-free pest control.
Any good markets my kids could enjoy?
Also visit a choice of Saturday and/or Sunday farmers markets in Stellenbosch. The Slowfood market takes its inspiration from the Slow food Movement. Their aim is to bring all food sourced, grown, raised, harvested, caught and preserved by the producers themselves. Root 44 market is, as the name suggests, situated on the Route 44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset. This market has many food stands and is all about family fun. Furthermore, the market offers funky live entertainment, craft and homeware stalls. The Blaauwklippen Family Market is one of South Africa’s oldest markets, dating back to 1682. The market is situated on the slopes of Stellenbosch mountain, surrounded by vineyards. This market offers plenty of activities for children, including a bouncing castle, pony rides, trampolines and more.
Finally, how can I end a beautiful day in the Winelands with my kids ?
Another must-visit with your children is the DelVera agri-village, a true paradise where children can play on the lawns and run around, they can feed and pet the donkeys, ride a go-kart, ride a bike on the kids bicycle trail and horseback riding. Visit one of the boutique shops with arts & crafts, restaurants and cafés. From DelVera, you can also go for a hike in the stunning surrounding area. Every month (September – April), the Dirtopia team organises a full-moon hike. On top of the Klapmutskop, enjoy a picnic while watching the sunset and then see the full moon rise.
From Delvera Agri-village website
Now that you know more about places and activities for kids in the Cape Winelands, click here for our Private Cape Town tours.
Some of our Reviews
Excellent outing – highly recommended
Reviewed April 22, 2014
5 of 5 stars
“On a recent trip to South Africa we had the good fortune of booking a day trip with David. He was polite, knowledgeable and contributed a wealth of knowledge about the destinations we visited. In fact we had such a great day out with him that we booked surfing lessons with him the next day, and he managed to get the whole lot of us to stand up on the board (not an easy task).
He was excellent company – a sentiment shared by our entire group, in fact each of the children enjoyed his company so much that they all wrote in their travel diary about “how much fun they had with David” and how nice he is.
Absolutely 5+++++ stars. Wish him the very best, and if we ever have the good fortune to go back we’ll hope to tour with him again! Cheers!”
Caroline, Toronto, Canada
Simply amazing tour company with fantastic customer service!
Reviewed February 13, 2018
5 of 5 stars
“My family and I (husband plus two kids) had a fantastic experience with David and his team at African Blue Tours. We booked several day trips with them and each one was better than the next. Our tour guide Duncan was great, very knowledgeable, patient with us and with our young girls and attentive. Duncan answered all our questions on South Africa, on its history and everything in-between. When it came time to taste wines during our wine tours, he took the girls outside to feed the goats while my husband and I enjoyed just a little bit of the wine tasting g uninterrupted. All this to say, very attentive, and customer oriented.
Last but certainly not least, the booking was easy and David was very responsive. It was easy to communicate and to get suggestions on different activities to better plan and maximize our time in Capetown. A wonderful and memorable visit. Thank you David and Duncan.”
Daniele Nyirandutiye, Antananarivo, Madagascar
