Orient-Express is renowned for it's series of luxury train journeys. The Soul of Africa combines the splendour of Cape Town's legendary Mount Nelson Hotel and Johannesburg's stylish Westcliff Hotel with South Africa's premier rail experience - The Blue Train - and a choice of safari game lodge anywhere in South Africa.

An overnight journey from Pretoria (outside Johannesburg) to Cape Town takes passengers southward via Kimberley through sprawling farmlands with breathtaking vistas. The route takes in some of the country's iconic landmarks and allows passengers to stop off along the way to experience a taste of local history. Fall asleep under a canopy of African stars and awaken to breakfast as the train meanders through the lush vineyards and orchards of the Cape.

Disembark from the train and transfer to Cape Town's best loved Mount Nelson Hotel for a two night stay in a Superior Room. This hotel is a luxury retreat in the heart of the Cape Town's cultural centre complete with nine acres of lush gardens, two swimming pools, a distinctive spa and exceptional service.

The journey continues onward from Cape Town to your South African safari lodge of choice.

Package rates: depends on the safari lodge chosen and what flights will need to be booked (and also, if you would like longer on the safari).

We have indicated prices per night below but these are the standard rates and do not take into account any specials that may be running at the time that you wish to travel so these may decrease.

Please note - the journey may be undertaken in the reverse order, travelling first from Cape Town to Pretoria by luxury train.

Email us for more information on this Orient-Express The Soul of Africa Package or for your customized South African Vacation.

The Westcliff Hotel, Johannesburg:
Located in the select northern suburbs of Johannesburg, The Westcliff is easily accessible from the city and Johannesburg International Airport. A complimentary shuttle takes visitors to the elegant shopping districts of Sandton, Hyde Park and Rosebank.

All of The Westcliff's 80 spacious bedrooms and 35 suites are individually decorated, fully air-conditioned and feature luxurious en suite bathrooms. All rooms offer total privacy and most have sunny, private balconies with spectacular views.

Guests can cool off in two large, heated swimming pools and two plunge pools, and within the grounds there is also a floodlit tennis court with a resident coach and an executive gym. Golfers can enjoy the facilities of a nearby club, which offers guest membership benefits.

To pamper the mind and body even further, qualified staff offer a wide range of treatments at The Health Spa.

Guests have a choice of dining in The La Belle Terrasse & Loggia fine dining restaurants, or in the more casual Polo Lounge and Bar. Alternatively relax on the Pool Deck with its glorious heated pool and spectacular views of the city and the Zoological Gardens.

Rates are based on best available rate so depends on when you are travelling.

Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town or vice versa:
Board one of the most luxurious trains in the world; The Blue Train for an unbelievably scenic and interesting journey to Cape Town or from Cape Town to Pretoria.

Since its inception in 1946, the Blue Train has become recognized as the epitome of luxury rail travel and an icon of the Southern African tourism, hospitality and leisure experience. Comparable to the world's finest hotels, each suite on board the train offers five star luxury accommodation, with private en-suite bathroom facilities.

The luxury element on the train is accentuated by the personalized butler service, fine cuisine and wide selection of South Africa's finest wines.

So, step aboard and journey into a timeless world of grace, elegance and romance on The Blue Train.

The Blue Train departs Cape Town or Pretoria on selected Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays so it is quite easy to fit into your itinerary and it takes just over 24hrs to get to either Cape Town or Pretoria.

Rates per person sharing:
1 September - 15 November 2012
Luxury Double:       R15 570  De Luxe Double:      R14 295
Luxury Single rate: R23 140  De Luxe Single rate: R21 430

1 January – 31 August 2012 & 16 November - 31 December 2012
Luxury Double:       R12 515   De Luxe Double:      R11 585
Luxury Single rate: R18 770   De Luxe Single rate: R17 375

Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town:
Located at the foot of Table Mountain and set in nine acres of lush gardens, the 105 year old Mount Nelson Hotel is the city's most distinguished hotel, offering unparalleled tradition, history and sophistication. The Mount Nelson Hotel's combination of elegance, grace, grandeur and exceptional location makes for a truly memorable experience.

The Hotel's two restaurants offer five star dining experiences. The award winning Cape Colony Restaurant showcases the finest 'Modern South African Cuisine' and the Oasis Restaurant and Bar, overlooking idyllic gardens, is the perfect venue for informal alfresco dining. The Hotel is also famous for its decadent Afternoon Tea that is served daily in the invitingly elegant lounge. The highly acclaimed kitchen is also now open to the public, offering guests the opportunity to dine in the heart of the kitchen and simultaneously enjoy a 'fish-bowl glimpse' into the chefs' previously secret domain. An elegant champagne and cocktail bar, Planet, has also recently opened at the hotel. The bar spills out onto a magnificent garden for guests to take full advantage of the beautiful African night sky.

Rates are based on best available rate so depends on when you are travelling.

Safari options:
We will find the most suitable safari option for you based on your requests and budget. We would highly recommend MalaMala (Kruger National Park - high budget), Ulusaba (Sir Richard Branson's own lodge in Greater Kruger area - medium high), Shamwari (Eastern Cape/Greater Addo area malaria free safari - medium high), Sabi Sabi (Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Greater Kruger area - medium budget). There are so many to choose from but we can tailor make according to your needs.

BOOK this Orient-Express The Soul of Africa Package now.