Compare Cycling the Drakensberg & Kruger by Exodus Travels vs In the Footsteps of Winston Churchill by Cazenove+loyd

Day 1 Start Johannesburg; transfer to Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Upon arrival in Johannesburg we drive directly to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Maluti Mountains of the Northern Free State. This transfer takes roughly 5 hours but will be broken up with stops along the route for bathroom breaks and to stretch the legs. The Golden Gate national park gets its name from the golden hue on the parks sandstone cliffs as the sun hits them. With 11,600 hectares of highland habitat, the national park is home to a number of animals including springbok, mountain zebra and wildebeest as well as the rare bearded vulture and bald ibis. Depending on the time of the group flights, we will either set up the bikes this afternoon or tomorrow morning. We will have a chance to test them out around the grounds of the accommodation before we begin the cycling. Accommodation: Glen Reenen Rest Camp (or similar)

Day 2 Ride over a spectacular mountain pass with a chance of spotting wildlife; transfer to Northern Drakensberg and cycle to our lodge

Getting up early, we cycle 15mi (25km) on roads through the national park. We start with a short climb to a viewpoint where mountain zebras are often spotted before descending a long, winding mountain pass. Later in the ride, we take a few short, steep up-and-down sections to get our hearts pumping before it levels out. All along this road there are great opportunities to see wildlife from the saddle so make sure you have a camera to hand. At the park exit, we transfer towards the Northern Drakensberg (37mi/60km) stopping at the vulture restaurant for views over the Sterkfontein Dam and an early picnic lunch. We then get back on the bikes and cycle down the Oliviershoek pass all the way to the Sungubala lodge, our overnight stay. Here we have the whole night to take in the stunning view of the Amphitheatre, a spectacular 3mi (5km) long vertical cliff face, while enjoying a meal cooked by the guides. Accommodation: Sungubala Eco Camp (or similar)

Day 3 Cycle to the Northern Berg before hiking and a chance to swim at a waterfall

In the morning, we cycle towards the Drakensberg mountains while following a backroad route into the Royal Natal National Park in the Northern Berg. This ride is fairly undulating but the views of the Amphitheatre at the top of each rise are well worth the effort. After entering the park, we continue on our bikes for approximately 1.2mi (2km) to our picnic spot – before lunch we can change into our swimwear and walk the short distance to a waterfall for a well-deserved swim in the cool waters. After lunch, we have time to explore the park and hiking trails or relax before transferring back to our accommodation. Accommodation: Sungubala Eco Camp (or similar)

Day 4 Transfer to Dundee; afternoon ride to Rorke's Drift Museum

We leave the Drakensberg after breakfast with a transfer (130mi/210km; approximately three hours) by road to Dundee. Here we have time for a little shopping and to resupply before continuing onto Rorke's Drift. At Rorke’s Drift, we have a guided tour around the area where 150 British and Colonial troops defended a small garrison against a near-5,000-strong Zulu force. After a hearty lunch and a change into cycling kit, it’s back onto our bikes for a 28mi (45km) ride from Rorke’s Drift to our overnight accommodation. This is a great ride through the scenic cattle country; the first 10.5mi (17km) is on a good-quality compact-dirt road, where we often spot many types of vulture and eagle flying overhead. Accommodation: Bella's Rest Guest House (or similar)

Day 5 Transfer to Badplaas before getting on the bikes for a great ride to our lodge

We have an early morning transfer (186mi/300km; about four hours) towards the hot springs town of Badplaas in the Mpumalanga province. After lunch, we get on the bikes and start our ride with a fantastic 10.5mi (17km) descent before an undulating route to our accommodation just outside town with views of the Hlumu mountains. Accommodation: Badplaas Forever Resort (or similar)

Day 6 Transfer followed by a scenic ride on edge of the Songimvelo Game Reserve and onto our lodge

We start with a short transfer to Maanhaar, close to the border with Swaziland. From here, we climb on the bikes and ride along a gravel road winding between the Songimvelo Nature Reserve and the base of the Hlumu mountains. We pass an abandoned mine; it’s now home to vervet monkeys, so make sure you have your camera ready. As the road starts to climb, we hop in the bus and transfer to the top of a mountain range overlooking the Songimvelo Nature Reserve. We stop on this road for a quick photo at a viewpoint overlooking the valley below before getting back on the bikes to cycle into Barberton town and then road transfer to our accommodation. Accommodation: African Rest Lodge (or similar)

Day 7 Cycle to Kruger National Park through the Kaap River Valley

After breakfast, we get on the bikes and start our ride through the Kaap River Valley as it winds towards Kaapmuiden. After about 31mi (50km), we reach our stopping point and get in the van for a short transfer to a shopping centre where we can change out of our cycling kit and stock up on cold drinks and snacks for Kruger. From here, we have a very short transfer to the Malelane Gate where we enter Kruger National Park and start our safari. We have a two-hour game drive through the southern tip of the park to Skukuza Camp. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready: the southern part of Kruger is known for being home to an abundance of big cats. Accommodation: Kruger National Park Camp (or similar)

Day 8 Game drives in Kruger National Park

Game drives in Kruger National Park An early start to the day, where you can fuel up on a South African rusk and coffee, before heading out in an open game vehicle with a local guide. We’ll stop for lunch and then continue our game drive in search of the Big Five before heading back to camp for dinner. After dinner you have the choice of relaxing at the camp or head out on a night safari, which is an optional extra and should be paid for locally (please see the optional activities section in the Trip Notes for prices and further information). Accommodation: Kruger National Park Camp (or similar)

Day 9 More game viewing, transfer to Hazyview

We aim to spend most of today in the national park searching for animals, and once again start with a morning game drive, but in the opposite direction to yesterday. We return to camp for brunch and to collect our bags before our final game drive in Kruger as we leave the park via the Numbi Gate. From here, we have a short transfer to our overnight accommodation in Hazyview, where we can stroll down to Hippo River or relax by the pool. Accommodation: Gecko Lodge (or similar)

Day 10 Cycle to Sabie and onto Graskop; visit Mac Mac Pools

After a few days of well-earned rest, we get back on the bikes for the most challenging ride of the trip. After a hearty breakfast in Hazyview, we cycle from our lodge up the escarpment and towards Sabie. This first part of the ride is stunning and very different from what we have seen earlier in the tour as our route takes us through avocado plantations and dense forests before arriving in Sabie where we can stop at a cafe for a coffee milkshake and muffin. From Sabie, we continue to climb until we arrive at Mac Mac Pools, where we stop for a swim in the natural pools while our guides make lunch. After food, our ride heads downhill for a visit to Mac Mac Falls and continues to Graskop and our accommodation overlooking the escarpment. Accommodation: Mogodi Lodge (or similar)

Day 11 Ride along the Panorama Route to God's Window via Bourke's Luck Potholes; afternoon ride to Blyde River Canyon

Our final day of cycling takes us through more beautiful scenery as we cycle along the Panorama Route. In the morning, we visit God’s Window to take in the breathtaking landscape before cycling past Wonder View and to Bourke’s Luck Potholes. We stop for lunch here and walk around the curious rock formations before getting back on the bikes for the last time and cycling to the spectacular viewpoint over the Blyde River Canyon and to our accommodation. For our last night in South Africa, we have a group meal in the hotel restaurant, which has an amazing view of the three Rondavels and the canyon. Accommodation: Blyde River Canyon Forever Resort (or similar)

Day 12 Drive to Johannesburg, end

After a leisurely breakfast and a short walk to the private viewpoint within the grounds of our accommodation, we get in the bus and transfer through the small towns of Ohrigstad, Lyndenburg and Dullstroom as we return to Johannesburg Airport. This transfer is roughly 260mi (420km) but we break it up with plenty of short stops and a longer lunch break. Please note, due to the often-high levels of traffic surrounding Johannesburg, we leave our accommodation with plenty of time to complete this transfer. This does mean that on some occasions when the roads are traffic free, we might arrive at the airport early.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Begin your incredible journey through South Africa.

Day 2: Johannesburg

Johannesburg

Explore Johannesburg

Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met and driven to your hotel for one night, the Southern Sun Hyde Park. We have arranged for an early check-in so that you can relax before an exciting afternoon.

Visit the Apartheid Museum + Soweto

This afternoon’s visit provides you with an opportunity to take an in-depth look at South Africa’s turbulent past with one of our top guides.

First, travel to the south of the city to visit the Apartheid Museum. Here you will embark on a historical voyage of discovery, a personal exploration of the past that examines the story of apartheid right up to the first democratic elections held in 1994. Your guide will have intimate knowledge of the pain and brutality of Apartheid and will give you an incredible insight into the country’s history.

Then travel to Soweto (South Western Township), the largest black residential area in South Africa. This sprawling “city within a city” is home to approximately 2-million people. You will explore many of Soweto’s most famous sites such as Freedom Square -where the seminal Freedom Charter was drawn up – and Nelson Mandela’s former home. You will also visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial, which became a symbol of apartheid after a 12-year-old was killed during the Soweto Uprising in 1976.

Day 3: Pretoria And Board Rovos Rail

Visit the Department of Education building and Library in Skinner Street, in Pretoria.

After an early breakfast, you will visit the Department of Education building and the Library in Pretoria. The Library is significant to Sir Nicholas Soames as his grandfather Winston Churchill, was held captive here until his escape about a month later. The building had become a prison following the outbreak of the Boer War.

Following this visit, you will be driven to the private colonial-style Rovos Rail station to board your train and begin your journey.

Train from Pretoria to Dundee

Upon arrival at the station, you will board the train, check into your luxurious cabin and depart for Dundee. The gong will sound for the first time as a sumptuous three-course lunch is served in the dining carriage as you leave Pretoria. As the afternoon continues, enjoy the stunning views of the rolling hills from the comfort of your cabin, or the elegant lounge car.

Enjoy a real sense of ceremony with dinner this evening, complete with crystal glasses, fine white linen and silverware. Dinners on board are designed to be luxuriated over and can go on long into the evening, if guests so wish.

Day 4: Dundee and the First Battle of the Boer War

Visit the Site of Murder of the Prince Imperial

Following breakfast, you will disembark the train for a morning with guide Nicholas Schofield, a peerless storyteller, who will lead you to the site of the murder of the Prince Imperial, the last Napoleon, (and only son of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie) during the Anglo-Zulu wars. Although the emphasis of this trip is on the Anglo-Boer War and Winston Churchill, the Anglo-Zulu wars are equally pertinent.

The Prince’s murder is a fascinating snapshot of the time: with him died the final hope of his supporters for the eventual return of the Empire to France. Lunch will be a delicious picnic-style meal at the site.

Visit the site of the first battle of the Anglo-Boer War

After lunch, you can re-join historian Nicholas Schofield for an afternoon visit to the site of The Battle of Talana – the first major clash of the Anglo-Boer War. During this battle, the British suffered heavy casualties but occupied the coal-mining town of Dundee, which proved crucial to the British war effort. Through his incredible charisma and depth of knowledge, Nicholas Schofield will bring the battle to life.

After this gripping afternoon, you will re-embark the train at Dundee. In the early evening, Nicholas Soames will deliver a lecture entitled ‘The Importance of Being Winston’, all about his grandfather’s early life. You will then be served a delicious dinner on the train.

Day 5: The Rattray Family And Fugitives’ Drift Lodge

Visit the Site of Murder of the Prince Imperial

Following breakfast, you will disembark the train for a morning with guide Nicholas Schofield, a peerless storyteller, who will lead you to the site of the murder of the Prince Imperial, the last Napoleon, (and only son of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie) during the Anglo-Zulu wars. Although the emphasis of this trip is on the Anglo-Boer War and Winston Churchill, the Anglo-Zulu wars are equally pertinent.

The Prince’s murder is a fascinating snapshot of the time: with him died the final hope of his supporters for the eventual return of the Empire to France. Lunch will be a delicious picnic-style meal at the site.

Visit the site of the first battle of the Anglo-Boer War

After lunch, you can re-join historian Nicholas Schofield for an afternoon visit to the site of The Battle of Talana – the first major clash of the Anglo-Boer War. During this battle, the British suffered heavy casualties but occupied the coal-mining town of Dundee, which proved crucial to the British war effort. Through his incredible charisma and depth of knowledge, Nicholas Schofield will bring the battle to life.

After this gripping afternoon, you will re-embark the train at Dundee. In the early evening, Nicholas Soames will deliver a lecture entitled ‘The Importance of Being Winston’, all about his grandfather’s early life. You will then be served a delicious dinner on the train.

Day 6: Exploring Ladysmith

Train in Ladysmith Station

This morning after breakfast, you will drive to the Ladysmith Siege Museum.

Ladysmith Siege Museum

Known as one of the best Anglo-Boer War museums in South Africa, it was built in 1884 as a market house and served as a ration post for civilians during the siege. Now, it houses an extremely comprehensive collection of artefacts from the Boer War. Nicholas Schofield really comes into his own describing this dramatic time of the Anglo-Boer War.

Mt Alice with Raymond Heron

You will then travel to Mt Alice. Upon arrival at Mt Alice, renowned Boer War Raconteur Raymond Heron will give an account of the Spionkop Battle from Mt Alice. Lunch will then be taken at Spionkop Lodge.

Spend the afternoon at the Spionkop Battlefield Site

This afternoon you will visit the actual site of the Spionkop Battle and drive to the top of the hill where the fighting took place. Nicholas Schofield will give a fascinating tour and describe in detail Winston Churchill’s role in the battle – he acted as a courier between Spionkop and General Buller’s Headquarters – before you are taken back to the train at Ladysmith Station.

In the early evening, Nicholas Soames will deliver a lecture on Winston Churchill’s experiences in South Africa from December 1899 to June 1900, including his time as a journalist, his capture and miraculous escape from the Boers, and his rejoining of the army. He will draw on Winston’s private diaries and papers to add great colour to the lecture.

Dinner will be served following the lecture, before the train leaves Ladysmith for Pietermaritzburg.

Day 7: Rovos Rail Arrives In Pietermaritzburg

After breakfast, you will be driven along the coast road via Umhlanga and on to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport from where you will take your onward flight.