THE CALL OF AFRICA AND BEYOND An epic journey from Cape Town to the Seychelles aboard the Pride of Africa and the MS Island Sky 9th January to 9th February 2017 2 Table Mountain, Cape Town oin us for one of the greatest SEYCHELLES Aride journeys in the world as we INDIAN OCEAN Curieuse J raslin anibar a Digue explore Africa from Cape Town Desroces TANZANIA ae Alponse to Dar es Salaam aboard the most elous eserve Aldabra Cisimba alls Dar es alaam Cosmoledo akambako luxurious train in the world, the Pride Kasama Assumption sland arquar of Africa followed by an island hopping ZAMBIA adventure aboard the MS Island Sky ivingstone through the wonderful islands of the Indian Victoria alls MADAGASCAR Ocean. Travel the length of South Africa visiting ZIMBABWE the diamond town of Kimberley, the nation’s BOTSWANA adike eserve capital of Pretoria and stay two nights at the private eerust retoria Madikwe Reserve where the Kalahari merges with the Kimberley Bushweld and abundant wildlife thrives before reaching SOUTH AFRICA Dar es Salaam where we embark on our expedition ride of Africa Cape sland ky cruise from one pristine island to the next. Ton In spite of all its regional difficulties, Africa still captures the imagination like no In the coastal city of Dar es Salaam we leave the Pride of Africa and begin other continent. Its varied cultures and people, its extraordinary wildlife and the second leg of our journey aboard the MS Island Sky. After a day perhaps most of all, the majesty of its landscapes cast a lifelong spell on all of exploration in atmospheric Zanzibar our island hopping expedition who visit. If you enjoy travelling on trains and small ships and have a hankering through the pristine islands of the Seychelles and Amirante begins, the to explore Africa in some depth, then this may be the ideal trip for you. Our highlight of which for many will be our time spent on Aldabra which Sir journey unites the most luxurious of trains with the all-suite MS Island Sky, a Julian Huxley referred to as ‘one of nature’s treasures and should belong perfect marriage for genuine travellers. Due to the success and high demand to the whole world” and where we plan to spend two days exploring. Our of a similar trip we have now offered twice before we are delighted to have the small ship allows us access to wonderful places denied to larger ships and Game drive opportunity to operate this once in a lifetime journey again. with our onboard experts you can learn about and enjoy encounters with fabulous endemic wildlife in this immensely rich and timeless corner of the After a four night stay at the wonderful Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town, Indian Ocean. With our purpose built Zodiacs we will land on otherwise Red-footed Booby, Cosmoledo during which time there will be a selection of excursions we embark the inaccessible beaches, explore vast lagoons and coral reefs and encounter Pride of Africa and travel north through South Africa, through Botswana and some of the most extraordinarily beautiful tropical scenery to be found Zimbabwe and cross the border to the magnificent Victoria Falls before we anywhere in the world. cross the mighty Zambezi River travelling north to Zambia where we join the Tazara Railway line. In Zambia visit the Chisimba Falls and continue the climb Such detailed and demanding itineraries require intensive planning and towards the Zambian and Tanzanian border, almost the midpoint between well-orchestrated execution. The Pride of Africa has a well-deserved Africa’s two Great Rift Valley lakes. Descend into the Rift Valley travelling reputation for excellence and many years of experience operating in South through stunning scenery as the train negotiates the tunnels, switchbacks and Africa. The MS Island Sky likewise has years of experience in sailing the viaducts of the escarpment. Time permitting we will visit the Selous Game waters of the Indian Ocean and a crew that is second to none in providing Reserve, the largest on the continent and the very vision of ‘Timeless Africa’. the very best of service and experiences in these waters. 3 feature of the Observation Car is the enlarged windows and open-air balcony. At the centre of the train there is a non-smoking Lounge Car, THE PRIDE OF AFRICA which also houses the Gift Shop. Deep sofas and wingback chairs make for an extremely comfortable car. In maintaining the spirit of travel of a We are delighted to have chartered the luxurious Pride of Africa private train from our bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. As with all the service cars the lounges are air-conditioned, yet the windows can be associates at Rovos Rail. Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an opened allowing in the sights, sounds and scents of Africa. international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood- YOUR DINING panelled coaches and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied The Pride of Africa has two 42-seater Dining Cars to accommodate the scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere maximum complement of 72 passengers in total comfort at one sitting. An enthusiastic team of chefs are responsible for overseeing the very of a bygone era when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa important task of ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There is an in a relaxed and elegant fashion. accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes such as game are a specialty. Every morning there is a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order and a buffet selection of fresh fruits and yoghurts. Lunch and dinner are set menus and both are complemented by a selection of excellent YOUR ACCOMMODATION The Royal Suites, each of which takes up half a carriage, are spacious and South African wines. Dietary requests will be catered for and guests can The train carries a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed elegant, measuring 16 square metres in size. Each has its own private discuss the menus with the chef prior to the meals for alternative options. suites. The sleeper coaches are some of the most spacious in the world, lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. offering every modern convenience and comfort. The epitome of luxury, The Deluxe Suites measure 10 square metres and have a lounge area and LIFE ONBOARD with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the air- en-suite bathroom with shower and the Pullman Suites which measure In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin seven square metres are equipped with a comfortable sofa-sat during the or television sets on board. The use of mobile phones, laptops and or spacious double beds. All are equipped with a writing surface and, for day and converted to double or twin beds for the evening. essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is valuables, a personal safe. There is also a bar fridge filled with confined to the privacy of your suites only. For days on the train dress is beverages of the passengers’ choice and room service is available 24 YOUR SPACE smart casual. Evening attire is more formal – for the gentlemen a jacket hours a day. In the en-suite bathrooms original fittings are combined with On board there is a non-smoking Observation Car at the rear of the train, and tie is a minimum requirement while for ladies cocktail/evening the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver sockets. while the coach next to it contains a small smoking lounge. A unique dresses or suits. 4 The Pullman Suite The Deluxe Suite The Royal Suite 5 Dining on deck Restaurant Library YOUR DINING Another benefit of a small ship is the quality of the cuisine. With only one MS ISLAND SKY sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Where possible and when it meets his high The much loved MS Island Sky is one of the finest small ships in the world. With a standards, the chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. In the main elegant dining room, maximum passenger capacity of only 114, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast and a buffet-style lunch are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks. further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. Onboard there is a high ratio of crew to passengers. Our friendly crew team and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the YOUR SUITE of 75 are mainly Filipino and Eastern European and our Scandinavian attractive dining room, all contribute to making any voyage aboard the Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All captains are experienced mariners, having been in service aboard large MS Island Sky a memorable experience. After a day ashore you will return feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies.