DVENTURES

Shongololo operates three 16-day Adventures, each traversing great stretches of southern Africa to let you

experience the wonderful topographic, social, historic, floral and wildlife diversity of these distinctive areas -

south and west coast - the central and southern regions - and the northern and north-eastern areas of this

richly endowed sub-continent.

15 NIGHTS / 16 DAYS

28-Feb-07 - 15-Mar-07

11-Apr-07 - 26-Apr-07

1-Aug-07 - 16-Aug-07

12-Sep-07 - 27-Sep-07

31-Oct-07 - 15-Nov-07

1

This 16-day journey travels across six countries. The route is

carefully crafted to deliver stunning experiences every day. The

train travels leisurely between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls

making numerous calls at destinations in Mozambique, Swaziland,

Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. As the tracks

unfurl you’ll gain rare insight into the cultural and geographical

cocktail that makes Southern Africa so vibrant and exciting.

Having a “pre-day” means that one is able to acclimatise and unpack prior to the first day of touring. Specialised

activities that could be undertaken, include the following:

A highlight of any visit to Victoria Falls is a trip in a light aircraft or helicopter over the Falls. Enjoy a bird’s eye

view of one of the seven natural wonders of the world in all its magical splendour.

Batoka Gorge provides one of the most intense sensory thrills imaginable. Its twenty-three white water rapids and

striking scenery deep within the sheer black cliffs, afford the adrenaline junkie a wild roller coaster ride. The

rapids are run in large rubber rafts, launched from just below the Falls.

Seated comfortably on the back of nature’s true “King of the Beasts”, guests can experience an age-old African

tradition. Be witness to this mutually enriching and rewarding relationship between man and elephant in a modernday

Africa.

The bridge spans the gorge between Zambia and Zimbabwe and offers one of the world’s highest bungee jumps

(111 m). Challenge the limits of the mind and test the edge of fear by leaping off the impressive bridge, with

the Falls behind and the mighty Zambezi below.

A pre-night on board will include dinner, bed and breakfast.

The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night.

The Falls form the largest single “curtain” of falling water on earth measuring 1708 m wide. On average the

curtain is 0.92 m deep. The spray plume can rise to 500 m and can be seen from as far as 70 km away. In full

flood, over 550 million litres of water per minute cascade over the brink. Because the Falls are so wide, there

are numerous safe vantage points provided, from where you will be able to get various views of the Falls and the

roiling water as it crashes into the gorge and the constant plume of spray that maintains the Rain Forest. The

forest is an attraction on its own and many of the trees are marked to help identification. They include Fig,

Mahogany, Date Palm, Milkwood and Ebony. The bird life is also prolific and species that may be seen include

the colourful Sunbird and large Trumpeter Hornbill. The sound of the water can be heard from kilometres away

and up close this muted ‘thunder’ becomes a roar. Craft and curio shops abound with enough variety for everyone

to find something to take home as a souvenir.

The afternoon is spent at leisure.

The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night.

A 70-kilometre ride brings us to the Botswana border, where we cross into the famous Chobe Park. There is a

great array of wildlife and the Chobe Elephants are well respected, as are the Hippos in the river. Highlights

include a game drive in 4x4 vehicles and a river cruise. Lunch (guests’ own account) will be taken at a waterfront

lodge with a swimming pool.

The train remains stationary at Victoria Falls Station over night.

2

Plus Package: Free choice of available land excursions Light Package: Choice of 5 land excursions Always Optional

Guests will cross the Zambezi River over the famous Railroad Bridge. Our first stop is at the Zambian side of

Victoria Falls before continuing to the town of Livingstone, named for David Livingstone, the Scottish visionary,

who had an insatiable appetite for exploration and a desire to open Africa to the world. The existence of the Falls

had of course been known to local tribespeople. Livingstone, upon hearing stories about “Mosi oa Tunya” (the

smoke that thunders), arranged to be taken there by dugout canoe. On November 16, 1855 he came to the

northern end of what is now Livingstone Island and from there crawled to the edge of the precipice and beheld

the spectacle of the waterfall for the first time. We visit the Livingstone Museum, before taking a walk through

the Maramba market.

(Full day; distance travelled: ± 70 km)

This spectacular lunchtime cruise on the Zambezi includes a buffet lunch and drinks.

EVENING ACTIVITY

An off-rail dinner is planned for this evening.

The train departs for Dete in the evening.

A local village is visited so that guests may experience the lifestyle of the Ndebele and the Tonga peoples. We

proceed to Simbala Primary School in Dete, before continuing to Mlibizi. Mlibizi is a scenic resort on the Zambezi

River between Victoria Falls and Kariba. This part of the river is famous for its fighting Tiger Fish, Baobab trees

and dramatic scenery. Lunch (guests’ own account) is taken here before embarking on a cruise upriver to Elephant

Bay via the mouth of the Mlibizi River.

(Full day; distance travelled: ± 180 km)

Guests have the opportunity to spend a night at a lodge inside the Hwange Game Reserve. We leave the train after

breakfast and are transferred to the lodge. Two game drives (afternoon and morning) as well as one lunch, dinner

and breakfast are included in the overnight stay. The transfer back to the train is on the afternoon of Day 05.

(Bookings subject to availability)

The train remains stationary at Dete Station for the night.

Zimbabwe’s premier National Park is known for its Lion population. Situated in the north-western corner of

Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is the nation’s largest wildlife area and contains a variety of animals and bird

species. Covering 1 462 000 hectares, Hwange is roughly the same size as Belgium. An early morning game drive

in the park is followed by breakfast at the Sikumi Tree Lodge. After a morning of game viewing, lunch (guests’

own account) will be at the Hwange Safari Lodge. There will be an opportunity to relax at the pool for a while

before we resume our game viewing later in the afternoon.

The train leaves for Bulawayo in the evening.

Matobo means “bald headed ones” and aptly describes the dramatic hills and granite rocks of this area. Highlights

3

Plus Package: Free choice of available land excursions Light Package: Choice of 5 land excursions Always Optional

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

joining a tour of 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 travelled: ± 150 km)

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

joining a tour of 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 the Railway Museum.

(Full day; distance travelled: ± 150 km)

A visit to this famous wildlife orphanage gives insight into the plight of some of the wild animals.

The train travels to Bannockburn in the evening.

Situated on the south-eastern edge of the central plateau Great Zimbabwe is an impressive monument. It is the

largest pre-colonial monument south of the Egyptian pyramids - a most celebrated achievement of the African

people indeed. One can stroll amongst the ruins of an ancient city built by the Rozwi people and discover how

they lived and how they mined gold and silver, which were ultimately taken out of Africa by Arabic and Portuguese

traders. Magical fables such as the story of King Solomon’s Mines find their origins here. This tour is followed

by lunch at the Great Zimbabwe Hotel (guests’ own account). After lunch we travel through attractive granite hill

country to Rutenga.

Guests rejoin the train at Rutenga and travel to Beit Bridge where the train crosses into South Africa.

The vast Soutpansberg range of mountains, stretching in a mighty panorama from east to west across the northern

reaches of the Limpopo Province, is unique in its splendour and beauty. The myths and legends of the people of

the north are interwoven into the mist-shrouded peaks and crags. The trees, the plants, the animals and the

ancient ruins of a people long gone, the rock engravings marking the passage of the San hunter-gatherers, create

a fascinating insight into the area and its people.

This area is home to many active artists and crafters. At a youth development centre unemployed youth have

established their own paper factory, using recycled paper to produce various items such as notebooks, letterheads,

envelopes, book covers and various other items. This is followed by a visit to a textile factory. Here the local women

design and screen-print cloth and make items like jackets, linen, tablecloths, curtains and many more. They also

sell pottery and woodcarvings. We visit one of the leading potters in the Limpopo Province. It is fascinating to

see how they gather and prepare the clay from which they make beautiful pots. A lunch stop (guests’ own account)

is included, before we head back to the train, departing at around 15:00.

Guests board the train at Makhado after the day’s touring and travel through some spectacular countryside in the

late afternoon, before continuing over night to Hazyview.

Mpumalanga means “Land of the Rising Sun”. It is a province of extraordinary natural beauty.

4

Plus Package: Free choice of available land excursions Light Package: Choice of 5 land excursions Always Optional

We visit the village of Pilgrim’s Rest, a living museum and declared National Monument. Gold was discovered in

this area in 1873, attracting 1500 diggers. Today, many of the restored miner’s houses serve as shops. Further

along the escarpment we find the great Blyde River Canyon, a gorge of 26 km long and 800 m deep, carved from

the face of the escarpment. The Three Rondavels present an unforgettable view of three huge rock spirals rising

out of the far wall of the canyon, looking like African huts. Bourke’s Luck Potholes are strange deep cylindrical

cavities formed by river erosion and floodwater. From the vantage point of God’s Window we gaze across sweeps

of the Lowveld, where subtle fragrances of the lower region rise to merge with the crisp winds of the Highveld.

(Full day; distance travelled: ± 280 km)

Early morning pick up at Hazyview Station and transfer to the balloon launch site. Tea, coffee and biscuits will

be served on arrival, followed by a scenic balloon flight lasting about an hour. Cape sparkling wine will be served

upon landing followed by a breakfast at a country lodge and a transfer back to meet the rest of the group.

(This activity is weather dependent)

The train remains stationary in Hazyview over night.

The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that equals the best anywhere. Its 2 million

hectares are unrivalled in diversity of life forms and the park is a world leader in advanced environmental

management techniques. The park is home to an impressive number of species, e.g. 336 species of trees, 49

species of fish, 34 species of amphibians, 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds and 147 species of

mammals.

(Full day; departure time depends on the season, as gates open and close with sunrise and sunset; distance

travelled: ± 220 km)

Game drives are conducted in open safari vehicles, specifically designed to ensure safety as well as optimum

game viewing. Guides have intimate knowledge of the fauna and flora. Breakfast will be enjoyed at one of the

many picnic spots and lunch (guests’ own account) at one of the rest camps in the park. Game viewing continues

for the remainder of the afternoon.

You will be taken to the mountain lodge in the late morning. Rhino, Elephant, Leopard and Buffalo populate the

area. Two open vehicle game drives as well as lunch, dinner and breakfast are included. The next morning, after

departure from the lodge, you will be able to explore the Kruger National Park (in our air-conditioned vehicle)

before rejoining the train in Komatipoort.

(Bookings subject to availability)

Late morning (at around 11:00) you will be transferred to the luxury lodge, situated in a private game reserve on

the banks of the Sabi River, where a lunch will await you. After a siesta, followed by coffee and cake, you will

depart on a sunset safari, in search of the Big Five. Encounters with all spheres of the eco-system, from the

smallest insect to the mighty African elephant, are possible. After a sundowner drink in the bush you will return

to the lodge, where a delightful dinner awaits you. Early the next morning (just before sunrise) you will be awakened

to depart on an open vehicle game drive to experience the African fauna at its most active. A mouth-watering

breakfast will round off your experience, before you will be taken back to join the rest of the group inside the

Kruger National Park. Game viewing (in our air-conditioned vehicle) will be done en route to Komatipoort, where

you’ll rejoin the train.

(Bookings subject to availability)

Midway between the Blyde River Canyon and the southern Kruger National Park, the residents of the traditional

villages of the Shangaan invite guests to share in their way of life. The picturesque villages are set in the shade

of ancient trees in a reserve of forest and grassland. The Shangana Cultural Village has been created and built

5

Plus Package: Free choice of available land excursions Light Package: Choice of 5 land excursions Always Optional

by local Shangaan people as a way of preserving a rich heritage and is an example of South Africa’s great cultural

diversity

A drink at a local pub could be an interesting evening experience.

The train remains stationary in Hazyview over night.

The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that equals the best anywhere. Its 2 million

hectares are unrivalled in diversity of life forms and the park is a world leader in advanced environmental

management techniques. The park is home to an impressive number of species, e.g. 336 species of trees, 49

species of fish, 34 species of amphibians, 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds and 147 species of

mammals.

(Full day; departure time depends on the season, as gates open and close with sunrise and sunset; distance

travelled: ± 220 km)

Nelspruit is considered the gateway to the Mpumalanga Province. With its sub-tropical climate and abundant

sunshine the town forms an ideal base from where to explore. It is also the trading centre for the surrounding

fruit growing area. The fertile soil and subtropical climate provide perfect conditions for the production of citrus

and tropical fruits (mainly mango, banana, avocado, macadamia and pecan nuts). The Lowveld Botanical Gardens

just outside the town has a rare collection of plant species and the first man-made rain forest. The nearby Sudwala

Caves, Dinosaur Park and cultural centre will expose your senses to primitive Africa.

Guests rejoin the train at Komatipoort before crossing into Mozambique. The train travels to Maputo.

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. Ancient 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.

Guests are transferred to the ferry port for a ferry ride to a beach resort. On the beach, one can relax in the sun

or go for a swim. Should you take a late afternoon stroll along the beach, you would be able to watch local fishermen

net their catches. Lunch (guests’ own account) can be taken at a restaurant specialising in Indian Ocean cuisine

with an emphasis on the freshest seafood dishes prepared in traditional African-Portuguese ways.

EVENING ACTIVITY

Dinner will be enjoyed at a local seafood restaurant.

The train remains stationary at Maputo Station over night.

Guests will get a good impression of the character of the city. A visit to the municipal market is followed by a

stop at the old Fortaleza which dates back to 1769. Other interesting city sites include the Catholic Cathedral,

the Civic Centre, Louis Trichardt Trek Memorial, Samora Machell Statue, the Jardim Tunduru (Botanical Gardens)

and the Iron House (Casa do Ferro). The Polana Hotel, built in the 1920s, with its striking white exterior and

stunning décor, is the best known landmark in the city. From the garden one can see Xefina Island. Next we visit

an art gallery where furniture and sculptures are made out of old AK47 weapons. The last stop is at the largest

6

Plus Package: Free choice of available land excursions Light Package: Choice of 5 land excursions Always Optional

market in the Southern Hemisphere, which is also on the way to Costa do Sol. At Costa do Sol there is an opportunity

to relax while having a cold drink. Lunch (guests’ own account) to be enjoyed at either the Polana Hotel or at a

restaurant in town.

The train crosses the border into Swaziland and remains stationary in Mpaka over night.

The tiny Kingdom of Swaziland covers only 17 000 square kilometres, making it the second smallest country in

Africa.

The drive from Mpaka will afford majestic views of the Ezulwini Valley. The Swazi Market is a hive of activity and

displays a wide variety of skilfully crafted woodcarvings, colourful textiles and superb basketwork for which Swazis

are renowned. This day in Swaziland will introduce you to everyday life in Africa’s smallest kingdom.

Guests rejoin the train at Impala Station in South Africa from where it continues to Johannesburg.

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.

We will spend the morning in Tshwane, previously known as Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa.

We visit the Union Buildings housing the offices of the President and Ministers, designed by the famous colonial

English architect, Sir Herbert Baker, and completed in 1913. The buildings overlook the city towards the once

fortified hills to the south. A grand bronze statue of “Oom Paul (Kruger)”, the patriarch president of the ZAR or

old Transvaal Republic, surrounded by his Boer fighters, dominates Church Square, central point of the city. Before

leaving the capital behind, we visit the Voortrekker Monument that commemorates the “Great Trek” of the 1830s.

In the afternoon we travel to Soweto to visit the Hector Petersen Memorial, named after one of the first students

to be killed in the 1976 uprising against the Apartheid government.

(Full day; distance travelled: ± 200 km)

Our day starts at the tranquil Brenthurst Gardens, the private property of the Oppenheimer family, where we’ll

be taken on a guided tour through this very special haven of peace in the heart of the bustling “City of Gold”.

This is followed by a lunch break in the suburb of Rosebank, where you can experience the multi-cultural “Rainbow

Nation” in a modern, yet ethnocentric setting. Rosebank shows you the mix of first and third world cultures and

showcases arts and crafts from all over the African continent. In the afternoon, we travel to Soweto to experience

the heartbeat of this township, comprising one million people and made famous by the Apartheid laws. We pass

the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (the largest hospital in the Southern Hemisphere) and also drive past the

only street in Africa that once housed two Nobel Peace Laureates, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.

We visit the Hector Petersen Memorial, named after one of the first students to be killed in the 1976 uprising.

The train remains stationary in Johannesburg for the night.

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 Cradle of Humankind developments (the Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves) are a Blue IQ

initiative. Our visit will start at Maropeng (Setswana for "returning to the place of origin"), the visitor centre at

7

Plus Package: Free choice of available land excursions Light Package: Choice of 5 land excursions Always Optional

8

the Cradle of Humankind. An exciting 4-billion-year journey through the elemental forces - water & ice, air, fire

and earth - is simulated on an underground lake. One emerges at the beginning of the world after dipping through

waterfalls and icebergs, into the eye of a storm, past erupting volcanoes and through the depths of the earth. The

journey continues through an experience that highlights the history of our world and humankind as a species. Real

fossils are also on display. We continue for a visit at the Sterkfontein Caves, 10 km away, most famous for the

two world-renowned hominid finds, namely Mrs Ples in 1947 and Little Foot in 1997. Since excavations at the

site first began, hundreds of hominid fossils as well as stone tools have been found here. The excavation of Little

Foot and other fossils is an ongoing process at this still active fossil dig. The scientific exhibition here includes

lifelike models of hominids as well as specific finds such as Mrs. Ples, the Taung Child and Little Foot.

We visit this multi-cultural African Village set among pristine bushveld and rocky hills. Experience the culture of

five of South Africa’s major indigenous tribes: the Xhosa, the Zulu, the Pedi, the Basotho and the Ndebele. Lunch

will be included.

This is truly South Africa’s premier shopping mall, the best of Africa south of the pyramids...

• Arrival transfer: airport - train

• Departure transfer: train - airport

• Accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis (per itinerary)

• A free choice of available land excursions

• Arrival transfer airport - train

• Departure transfer: train - airport

• Accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis (per itinerary)

• A choice of FIVE land excursions (Additional land excursions can be bought on board the train)

• Airfares (National / International)

• Lunches

• Beverages

• Laundry

• Gratuities

• Purchases of a personal nature

• Light passengers: additional land excursions

• Specialised Activities

• Pre-night accommodation

• Visas where applicable

• Travel insurance

• Transfers between the train and hotels

Please note that this itinerary is also available in the opposite direction.