African collage

This panoramic sojourn winds its way from Pretoria to Cape Town and includes a golfing and non-golfing itinerary. After a game drive in Kruger Park* guests travel to the Kingdom of eSwatini* to witness Swazi heritage and to Hluhluwe for game viewing. Travel along the coast to Durban* for a city tour then traverse the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Spionkop Lodge*, the perfect base for exploring the mountains, bush, birds and battlefields of the region. Continue to Port Elizabeth* for a game drive at Addo Elephant Park then on to the natural paradise of Knysna for an overnight stay at Fancourt*. ~Transfer through the Outeniqua Mountains to the impressive Cango Caves and an ostrich farm for a visit. Traverse the Karoo and the spectacular winelands and Cape mountains before this magnificent expedition ends in Cape Town. Available in reverse.

*Courses dependent on availability and direction: White River/Mbombela/Leopard Creek (on request), Nkonyeni/Royal Swazi, Durban Country Club/Mount Edgecombe/Cotswold Downs, Champagne Sports Resort, Humewood, Fancourt and Pezula/Simola.

*Parts of the railway line between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town have sadly been damaged and washed away due to fire and flooding. Repairs are underway with estimated completion to be confirmed. We have altered the routing between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town but have pleasingly retained the excursions and departure/arrival points.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Addo Elephant Park game drive
• Cape Town
• Journey through the Cape Winelands
• Clarens Town Visit
• Play the African Collage courses
• Drakensberg Mountains
• Durban tour
• Durban Botanic Gardens tour
• Travel along the Garden Route
• Golden Gate National Park Drive
• Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park game drive
• Traverse the Karoo
• Boat cruise on the Knysna lagoon
• Kruger Park game drive
• Mantenga Cultural Village visit
• Oudtshoorn ostrich farm tour
• Traverse the Outeniqua Mountains
• Outeniqua Transport Museum (optional)
• Port Elizabeth tour (northbound only)
• Pretoria
• Sandstone Estate Heritage Trust
• Hear the historic tale of Spionkop
• Spionkop Reserve game drive
• Traverse eSwatini
• Swazi Candles visit
• Trundle through the Valley of a 1000 Hills

Inclusions

11-night accommodation in selected suites on board of the Rovos Rail
1-night accommodation in Fancourt
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
All beverage (except of international sparkling wines)
Room service
Limited laundry
Excursions with a qualified guide (where applicable)
Golf activities (green fees, carts, halfway house meals and tea/coffee and bottled water).
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Government tax

Exclusions

International airfare – Transfers from/to airport or to/from the hotel – Pre and post tours – All off-train beverages – International sparkling wines – Gratuities to personnel & guides – Personal expenses – Visa if required – Travel insurance

Additional Information

Note

• Excursions may be changed according to the schedule achieved. Times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed.
• Meals on board (unless adjusted): Breakfast 07:00-10:00 • Lunch 13:00 • Tea 16:30 • Dinner 19:30.
• Please check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. Should you wish to visit the Rovos Rail Museum or do a site tour at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, we suggest arriving two hours prior to departure. If Pretoria is your arrival point, we suggest delaying your pick-up so you can enjoy the site tour.
• Passports are required at check-in. No vouchers are required. Luggage will be tagged and placed in your suite on board the train where you will find a full itinerary pack.

COURSE INFORMATION

Course selection is dependent on availability.

WHITE RIVER

Mbombela • Parklands • 6 036m • Carts available • www.whiterivercountryclub.co.za
Naturally adapted to the valley floor upon which it lies, White River is located at the feet of several private nature reserves. Such is the beauty of the course that holes 7 and 11 have been compared to the likes of Augusta. Opened in 1924, it was designed by Gary Player and Reg Taylor. The long, snaking river that runs through the course is the defining feature and is home to an astounding array of flora and fauna. Signature hole: 5th – par 3 – 138m: This hole calls for an accurate tee shot over the river onto a gently sloping green.

MBOMBELA

Mbombela • Parklands • 5 700m • Carts available • www.nelspruitgolfclub.co.za
Mbombela lies in the fertile valley of the Crocodile River in the hot and humid Lowveld. It has a very important place on the tourist map due to its close proximity to the Kruger National Park. Founded in November 1928 and moved to its present location in 1939, Mbombela is one of Mpumalanga’s top courses. The bushveld course is a Bob Grimsdell design built among rocky outcrops. It was a nine-holer for nearly 30 years before Grimsdell returned to complete a second nine in 1967. It was left largely untouched until 1998 when Peter Matcovich upgraded it. The course is lined with indigenous lowveld trees and bent grass greens and cynoden/kikuyu fairways complement the landscape. Mbombela is famous for hosting the annual Jock of the Bushveld Festival of Golf, considered the biggest amateur tournament of its kind in the world. Started in 1968, it now receives some 800 amateurs from far and wide who play more than 2 000 rounds during a week in May.

LEOPARD CREEK (If available, this course may be booked on your own account)

Kruger Park Malelane • Parklands • 6 631m • Carts compulsory • www.leopardcreek.co.za
This ultra-exclusive world-class facility is the brainchild of magnate Johan Rupert and, as can be expected, no expense was spared. Bordered to the north and the west by the picturesque Crocodile River and the Kruger National Park, the course represents African golf at its best with indigenous bushveld bordering the immaculate fairways and greens. Innovative architectural and landscaping techniques ensure the course is naturally protected from animals, while lakes and small streams divert through the development to create scenic vistas and interesting golf strategies. Hazards take a new dimension for much of the water is home to the magnificent creatures for which the river is named…crocodiles.
Signature hole: 13th – par 5 – 505m Here the green is right on the edge of the river but 32m above the water level offering magnificent views into the Kruger Park.

NKONYENI

Eswatini • Bushveld • 5 810m • Carts available • www.nkonyenigroup.co.za
Nkonyeni Golf Estate is situated in 1200 hectares of gorgeous bushveld overlooking the Great Usuthu River and surrounding mountains. Built in 2007, the championship course was designed by Phil Jacobs (previously associated with the Gary Player Group and responsible for a total of 40 golf courses in France, Hong Kong, China, Philippines, Indonesia and South Africa) and further constructed by Robert Richardson. The bushveld course meanders through the private game reserve providing a unique experience at the 18th hole with a shot across the Usuthu River onto an island surrounded by rocks.

ROYAL SWAZI

Eswatini • Parklands • 6 166m • Carts available • www.suninternational.com
This spectacular championship course is one of the most scenic locations found in the world. Opened in 1966, it has been laid out on the slopes of the Lebombo Range that curve gently down into the valley. The first nine holes are comparatively level but the second nine fully exploits the mountainous terrain. Challenging features include lakes, gullies thick with vegetation, out-of bound areas running close to fairways, swirling breezes, clusters of magnificent trees and indigenous plants and wickedly sited bunkers – one is so steep it requires steps to facilitate access.

DURBAN COUNTRY CLUB

Durban • Semi-links • 6 157m • Carts available • www.dcclub.co.za
Built by George Waterman and fellow professional golfer Laurie Waters, the Durban Country Club was established in 1922 and has a proud history. The difficulties these men faced were immense as all earth-moving had to be done manually, giant sand dunes were flattened and dense bush and trees chopped down and carted away. Renowned for its classic Cape Dutch architecture, lush vegetation, undulating fairways, sand dunes and beautiful setting overlooking the Indian Ocean, the club has been the venue of choice for many an important celebration in its rich history. Signature Hole: 3rd – par 5
- 468m A tee shot from the highest point on the course into a valley below, completely exposing the drive to the ocean gusts. Trees on the right of the
straightaway hole need to be avoided as well as the large fairway bunker on the landing area to the left.

MOUNT EDGECOMBE

Durban • Parklands • 5 885m • Carts available • www.mountedgecombe.com
Neatly tucked away in the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast, Mount Edgecombe Country Club has two 18-hole championship courses, The Woods and The Lakes. Originally known as the Huletts Country Club and created by Sid Brews in 1936, the course was upgraded in 1992 by Hugh Baiocchi and meets USGA specifications. The Woods is a parkland layout with four sets of tees playable by golfers of any handicap. Signature holes: There are three special holes that constitute the course’s “Amen Corner” from the 14th to 16th. Holes 14 to 16 are where water hazards come into play. The first one is a par 5 with water guarding the green followed by a par 3 across water and a par 4 where a dam must be carried to reach the fairway.
In 1994, Daysen, De Villiers and Van der Merwe were commissioned to design The Lakes directly south of The Woods. Their philosophy was to design a challenging but fair course where serious golfers could test their skills but an occasional golfer could enjoy the game. Opened in 1997, the course is undulating with indigenous bush in places and its share of imposing water hazards.
Signature holes: The 8th and 9th run alongside the Pani Dam to complete the front nine; water guards the left side of the holes and indigenous bush the right, so make sure to be accurate from the tee.

COTSWOLD DOWNS

Durban • Parklands • 6 193m • Carts available • www.cotswolddowns.co.za
Set on Hillcrest’s doorstep, Cotswold Downs lifestyle and golf estate has great views, rolling hills, indigenous bush, spectacular birdlife and free-roaming antelope. Designed by Peter Matkovich to USGA specifications, the 18-hole championship parklands type course blends seamlessly with its surrounds featuring bent-grass greens, undulating fairways and natural water features. A mixture of cool season and summer grasses allows the course to be lush all year round. Fairways are punctuated by dams, wetlands and ponds that attract a variety of wildlife while views are excellent from the tee boxes. All levels will find the course challenging but enjoyable and, at a length of 6193m, golfers can expect the odd long par 5 that will test their driving skills with
cleverly placed bunkers and interesting water hazards.

CHAMPAGNE SPORTS RESORT

Drakensberg • Mountain • 7 400m • Carts available • www.champagnesportsresort.com
Located in the beautiful Drakensberg area, this course has to be rated as one of the most scenically memorable golf layouts in South Africa. Designed by Hugh Baiocchi and Kevin Curren, it successfully blends the natural attributes of the terrain and the surrounding beauty with the modern demands of a quality course. It undulates up and around the contours of a valley that nestles under the dominant peaks of Champagne and Cathkin Peaks and incorporates several holes with blind tee shots. Professional and novice alike will appreciate the 84 well-appointed bunkers that line the fairways and greens. The quality of the greens is accredited to Trevor Livesey whose passion remains unabated. Though the drama of the mighty mountains dominates the eye, the course also enjoys gentle vistas where the lower hills create a kaleidoscope of colour blessed with trees, rivers and dams to add even more of a challenge.

HUMEWOOD

Port Elizabeth • Links • 6 225m • Walking course • www.humewoodgolf.co.za
Situated on the sand dunes on the shores of Algoa Bay, this true links course is characterised by thick coastal bush, swales, humps and hollows. Although the fairways are wide and undulating in order to compensate for the strong winds, the rough that borders them is unforgiving. The holes are simple yet neat, the gulf greens are fast and firm, the few bunkers are well positioned with tough, steep faces and there are no water hazards. Signature hole: 13th – par 4 – 408m This hole runs uphill along a severely sloped fairway with a tough semi-blind approach to a tiny green hidden behind a mound with rough to the right, a bunker to the left and thick bush behind it.

PEZULA

Knysna • Links and Parklands • 5 963m • Carts available • www.pezulagolf.com
Pezula is a sweeping spectacle of fairways and greens rolling through the pristine Southern Cape landscape. The award-winning course, designed by David Dale and Ronald Fream of GolfPlan USA, rates amongst the best and the most scenic in the world. Covering 254ha on the Knysna clifftops, Pezula has views of both the lagoon and the Indian Ocean. It is designed to include a full range of shots in a diverse coastal terrain making it a challenging, rewarding and complete golf experience for players of all levels.
Signature hole: 13th – par 5 – 467m This amazing hole drops 200ft and is measured in ‘airtime’. Your level or uneven lie will determine your second shot selection. Don’t forget to look back to the tee when you finish the hole.

SIMOLA

Knysna • Parklands • 6 401m • Carts compulsory due to distances • www.simolaestate.co.za
Keeping your head down at Simola can be a challenge as the views around the course are awe-inspiring. Every hole either looks across the Knysna Lagoon or over the Knysna River as it twists and turns through the valley below. It is clear to see why Simola takes its place as one of South Africa’s premier golfing destinations. It’s also the first Jack Nicklaus signature course on the Garden Route reflecting the maestro’s philosophy of attuning the layout and design to the natural lie of the land. Set below high ridges, the course is free from the wind that so often plagues coastal courses. Fairways flow with the natural undulating contours and the unusual configuration of five par 5s and five par 3s add a dimension to the game. Even with all the uphill and downhill holes, Nicklaus has cleverly achieved a course where you seldom have an uneven lie. The short holes are a feature of the layout testing a wide range of clubs from a fairway metal at the 6th to a wedge at the 17th. The par 5s are excellent beginning with the switchback opening hole that must be one of the most challenging. Three of the par 5s are played to elevated greens and these are tough targets to hit even with a short pitch.

FANCOURT COUNTRY CLUB

George • 2 Parkland • Carts available • www.fancourt.co.za
1. MONTAGU • 6 714m • This course is exquisitely conditioned with a glorious parkland layout covering large tracts of varying terrain on rolling land. Mature trees, flowerbeds, shrubs and water hazards provide a colourful contrast. Signature hole: 17th -par 3 – 190m This is scary for the average golfer with its long carry over water but the green is large and receptive so ignore it and go for the flag. If conservative, favour the left side of the green.
2. OUTENIQUA • 6 312m • Designed by Gary Player and named after the mountain range overlooking the area, this parklands course is more forgiving than Montagu being more open in appearance, yet it has its share of challenges and risk-and-reward moments. Signature hole: 14th – par 4 – 421m No surprise this is the toughest hole with its intimidating tee shot over water. If the flag is on the left of the green, play conservatively for the middle as there is water lurking at the back left.

DRESS CODE

Acceptable clothing:

• Shirts with collars and sleeves must be tucked in
• Traditional long or short golf trousers
• Short trousers with knee-length stockings or short white socks
• Ladies skirts or culottes must be knee-length
• Golf hats or peaks worn with peak forward
• Golf shoes with soft spikes (most clubs)

Not acceptable:

• T-shirts, vests or sleeveless shirts
• Denim jeans
• Sweatpants or cargo pants
• Drawstring shorts
• Shoes without socks
• Cross-trainer sports shoes