Enhance your stay

Orient-Express Safaris recommends adding the following to your itinerary, to further enhance your Southern African experience:

The Whales of Africa

See the spectacular Southern Right Whales off the Western Cape, a seasonal phenomenon renowned the world over.  We recommend 2 nights at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, situated on 1700 hectares of pristine fynbos, the Cape’s unique vegetation type.  Explore this natural wonderland on foot, by four-wheel drive vehicle, or on horseback. 

Each freestanding luxury suite has its own secluded balcony with views over the ocean or forest.  The cliffs of Walker Bay, right next to the lodge, offer the best land based whale viewing in the world. Grootbos is the only lodge in Southern Africa offering exquisite sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.

The Winelands

The Auberge du Quartier Français is a small, privately owned inn situated in the French Huguenot valley of Franschhoek, in the Cape Winelands. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene with an emphasis is on ultimate luxury and romantic charm, combined with the priceless gift of privacy. Le Quartier Français is legendary for its innovative cuisine, with an endless list of awards. The cuisine is contemporary and creative, using seasonal local ingredients and guests have a variety of dining options.  Fifteen eloquently decorated en-suite bedrooms open onto the rose filled central courtyard and swimming pool. In addition two unashamedly luxurious suites offer spacious lounges, private pools and complimentary full bars.  And if you feel like a little pampering, the in-room beauty therapy offers the ultimate experience in relaxation.

Splendour of the Falls

There is no better way to see Victoria Falls than by staying at the luxurious Royal Livingstone Hotel, Zambia, a 5-star Sun International property.  Only footsteps from the Zambezi River, the rooms and suites offer a tranquil retreat, from the unconstrained beauty of their surroundings.  We also recommend the venerable Tongabezi Lodge, with a riverbank setting.  A stay here is fully inclusive of all meals, drinks (excluding premium brands), laundry and activities including a sundowner cruise, guided canoeing experience and is an ideal combination with Orient-Express Safaris camps.  Livingstone is accessible by direct charter flights from all Orient-Express Safaris camps, and is just 1.5 hours flight away.

Rovos Rail Luxury Train

Orient-Express is synonymous with luxury train travel around the world and is proud to be associated with Rovos Rail in South Africa.  For many seasoned visitors to South Africa, there’s no finer way to see the country. 

The traditional train carriages, all 1920 originals, rekindle the excitement of a bygone era.  The Deluxe Suites each have a lounge area, private bath with shower and space to relax in privacy.  Orient-Express recommends the weekly journeys between Pretoria and Cape Town.

Mala Mala Private Game Reserve

Situated at the southern end of the MalaMala Camp in a prime elevated position overlooking the Sand River and surrounding bush, the Sable Camp is an ideal retreat for the more reclusive traveller who prefers privacy and exclusivity. The Sable Camp accommodates 14 guests in 5 luxury suites and the Lions Den - a 2 bedroomed, spacious luxury suite with magnificent views, accommodation 4 guests. A dedicated team of staff are on hand to make sure that every need of our discerning guests is taken care of, whilst our highly qualified rangers and trackers continue to present close contact viewing in the diverse wilderness that is MalaMala Game Reserve.