OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail is much like the Orient Express and offers a completely unique and luxurious experience crossing Southern Africa on a superbly restored Edwardian train. Its sleeping coaches with deluxe and royal suites, dining car and glassed-in observation car are truly first class. You can choose from several journeys operating weekly between Knysna and Cape Town, Cape Town and Pretoria, Pretoria and Victoria Falls, Pretoria and Skukuza and vice versa. In May 2000 a trip is offered between Pretoria and Swakopmund and in July 2000 between Cape Town and Dar Es Salaam.

The Blue Train
The Blue Train is a sophisticated luxury train service that started in 1972. Schedules operate between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Pretoria, Pretoria and Victoria Falls, Pretoria and Hoedspruit and vice versa. Accommodation for 84 guests is in air-conditioned suites designed to be the most luxurious of any train in the world, with full butler service. Formal dinners offer a showcase of fresh varied South African Cuisine and fine Cape Wines.

Tswalu
Tswalu is Africa's leading conservation protect, taking in 1,100 km2, in the northern Cape at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains, bordering the Kalahari Desert, and is now home to a unique collection of birds and animals. Extensive breeding projects of the Desert Black Rhino, King Cheetah, Cape Buffalo, Roan, Sable and the animal rehabilitation and information centre display Tswalu's commitment to conservation. 22 guests are accommodated in individual luxurious thatched lodges. Access is by private charter via Kimberley.

Gamebirds Southern Africa
Gamebirds Southern Africa operates fabulous game bird shoots in the shooting season (late June to September) through extensive areas of superb Southern African wildlife and prolific game bird habitat, visiting unspoilt wilderness and meeting interesting people. Itineraries include 8/9 days of all wild bird driven, flighted and walk-up shoots - guinea fowl, francolin, sand grouse, pigeon, dove, geese, duck, and sometimes quail. Prices start at US $ 13,000 per gun in a full 12 gun party for 8/9 days including full board accommodation on a private chartered Rovos Rail train. A non-shooter sharing and accompanying a full fee paying gun costs from US $ 2,000.

The Palace of the Lost City
The Palace of the Lost City is an extraordinary hotel with 338 spacious and beautifully appointed rooms overlooking a man made lake and jungle at the Sun City Resort. The architecture is awesome and the resort is home to the Million Dollar Gold Challenge. It has world-class facilities and entertainment.

"The Free and Easy" Self Drive Programme
"The Free and Easy" Self Drive Programme involves planning your own route, selecting the number of nights accommodation required and buying the number of accommodation vouchers necessary. Easy! Vouchers can be used at over 300 participating Bed and Breakfasts, Protea Hotels and Private Game Lodges. Only your first nights accommodation can be booked in advance (at a Bed and Breakfast or Protea Hotel only), and thereafter you make all the bookings direct with the establishment between 72 and 24 hours prior to your arrival. Costs are £ 100.00 per person per night for Private Game Lodges, £ 19.00 per person per night for bed and breakfasts and £ 20.00 per person per night for Protea Hotels. Any unused vouchers can be refunded on your return less an admin fee of £ 20.00 per person.