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Durban Safari: Pretoria to Durban – Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail · 3 days, 2 nights

Durban Safari: Pretoria to Durban

Two nights from Pretoria to Durban with a Big Five game drive, the battlefield at Spionkop and the Ardmore ceramics gallery.

  1. PretoriaDay 1
  2. HeidelbergDay 1
  3. Nambiti ReserveDay 2
  4. SpionkopDay 2
  5. ArdmoreDay 3
  6. DurbanDay 3
Train stopExcursion by road
Duration3 days
Nights2
RoutePretoria → Durban
Places visited6
From, per personOn request

Overview

This short safari journey runs from Pretoria across the Highveld into KwaZulu-Natal. Highlights include a game drive in the malaria-free Nambiti Reserve, an afternoon at Spionkop with a choice of battlefield storytelling or a nature drive, and a visit to the Ardmore Ceramics gallery before descending through the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Durban.

  • Game drive in the Big Five Nambiti Reserve
  • Choice of the Battle of Spionkop story or a nature drive
  • Ardmore Ceramics gallery in the Midlands
  • Valley of a Thousand Hills
  • Witwatersrand goldfields and Highveld grasslands

Day by day

Day 1PretoriaOn board

Check in two hours before departure for a welcome tour of the train's station and museum. The train crosses the goldfields and Highveld grasslands via Heidelberg, site of the first Rand gold strike, and the mining town of Balfour, then runs on to Elandslaagte overnight.

Meals: Lunch · Afternoon tea · Dinner

Day 2Nambiti & SpionkopOn board

Head out on a game drive in the Nambiti Reserve, a private Big Five bush retreat, then return to the train for brunch. In the afternoon transfer about 30 minutes to Spionkop Lodge and choose between hearing the story of the Battle of Spionkop over the reserve or a nature drive. The train then continues to Lions River.

Meals: Breakfast · Brunch · Dinner

Day 3Ardmore Ceramics & Durban

Breakfast is served as the train crosses the green hills of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Visit the Ardmore Ceramics gallery, where artists draw on nature and Zulu folklore, then enjoy lunch as the train descends through the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Durban.

Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

LESOTHOESWATINIPretoriaHeidelbergNambiti ReserveSpionkopArdmoreDurban
Where you spend each night
  • Night 1On board
  • Night 2On board

The map is schematic. Dashed lines are excursions by road.

Dates and prices

Dates on request

New departures for this journey have not been released yet. Send us an enquiry or call (866) 484-7882 and we will hold your place on the list.

Enquire

Questions about this journey

How long is the Durban Safari?

It is two nights and three days, covering about 800 km between Pretoria and Durban. The operator runs it during the summer months.

What wildlife can I see?

The highlight is a game drive in the Nambiti Reserve, a malaria-free private reserve that is home to the Big Five. At Spionkop you can also choose a nature drive in its own reserve.

What happens at Spionkop?

Guests transfer about 30 minutes to Spionkop Lodge and choose one of two options. You can hear the story of the Battle of Spionkop while overlooking the reserve, or head out on a nature drive.

What is Ardmore Ceramics?

It is a celebrated ceramics gallery in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, where artists create pieces inspired by nature and Zulu folklore and tradition. The visit takes place on the final morning before the train continues to Durban.

Where does the journey end?

It ends at Durban Station in the early afternoon after lunch on board. Durban's museums, botanical gardens and beaches are close by if you plan to stay on.

How do I check dates and fares?

Live dates and fares are shown on this page, and our reservations team can help on (866) 484-7882.

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