2024 Extensions
Extensions for post-Comrades Marathon 2024 include a three-night safari experience at Thanda Game Reserve, a seven-night extensions on the luxurious Rovos Rail and Victoria Falls, or if feeling up to the challenge book our Big Five Marathon package, which takes place on June 15, 2024!
THANDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE | THREE-NIGHT PACKAGE: JUNE 11 - 14, 2024
Thanda Safari is a world of wilderness and wildlife game reserve, matched with a deep commitment to Zulu culture and environmental conservation. Thanda means ‘Love’ in the language of the Zulu people, and Thanda Safari lives this ethos in the management of its 14 000-hectare reserve, its three unique properties, and its community partnerships. Experience the ultimate safari and game lodge experience with Thanda Safari, which has repeatedly been named the World’s Leading Luxury Game Reserve Lodge.
ITINERARY
Tuesday, June 11 -After breakfast, we will depart from the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban to Thanda Private Game Reserve. The group transfer will be an approximately 3-and-a-half hour drive along the Indian Ocean. After arriving to your suite or experiential non electrified / solar powered luxury tent, you will depart for your first game drive (approx. 4:00 PM) in four-wheel Land Rovers. An early morning or late afternoon safari is the best time to look for the Big Five. With 14,000 hectares to explore and led by experts of the African bush, you’ll see an incredible range of animals, including cheetahs, hyaenas, giraffes, warthogs and abundant bird and plant life. (Lunch and dinner included)
Wednesday, June 12 and Thursday, June 13 - Today is an early morning wake-up (6:00 AM) with coffee available before departing for your morning game drive. This is a great time to view many animals visiting the water holes and/or predators hunting for its day food. We will return around 9:00 AM for breakfast and spend the balance of the day relaxing, going on bush walks, and/or enjoying optional activities that you can book on site. We will head out for our last game drive at 4:00 PM and return for dinner. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Friday, June 14 - We recommend flying from local Richards Bay Airport (2 hour drive) or King Shaka International Airport (3 hour drive) in Durban so that you can connect with your international flight home. After breakfast, we will depart Thanda Safari Lodge for the group transfer to Durban King Shaka International Airport. We expect to arrive between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Please keep his in mind when booking your flights. If the group transfer does not suit your plans or should you need a transfer to Richards Bay Airport, we can arrange a private transfer. Please contact us for the additional cost. (Breakfast included)
NOTES: Extensions are guided by Marathon Tours & Travel staff based on a minimum number of sales. Thanda Private Game Reserve will look after you and MTT staff are available by phone if sales do not reach a minimum number. Please refer to last day of itinerary for flight recommendations. Families with children are welcome, however some restrictions apply, depending on child age.
NEW FOR 2024
PRETORIA & VICTORIA FALLS | THREE-NIGHT PACKAGE: JUNE 11 – 14, 2024
The cosmopolitan city of Pretoria, also known as ‘Tshwane’, is situated in the province of Gauteng and functions as one of three capitals of South Africa. Pretoria has been dubbed ‘The Jacaranda City’, owing to the annual bloom of magnificent purple blossom trees that adorn the wide avenues of the city. Discover several historic monuments, fine government buildings, and fascinating museums, and explore several interesting cultural sites. The Transvaal Museum is a natural history museum showcasing an ancient dinosaur fossil found at the nearby Cradle of Humankind; the Pretoria Botanical Gardens offers visitors a glimpse of different biomes, and the Voortrekker Monument is a famous National Heritage Site. Don’t miss the nearby Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary as well as the beautiful Wonderboom and Groenkloof Nature Reserves.
Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1708 meters in width. The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer. The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenalin-filled activities for adventure lovers. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including scenic flights, micro lighting, white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions into the incredible Chobe National Park.
ITINERARY
Tuesday, June 11 - After an early breakfast, we will depart from Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban to Durban King Shaka Airport. After arriving you will check in and board your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your vehicle for a tour of Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, also known as Jacaranda City. Interesting sites visited on the tour are the Voortrekker Museum, Kruger House, Church Square, Unions Buildings and passing by the President’s office. Lunch will be enjoyed at one of the local restaurants before we continue to Court Classique Suite Hotel. After room check in you can relax and freshen up before meeting for dinner. (Lunch and Dinner included)
Wednesday, June 12 - After breakfast, we will depart from Court Classique Suite Hotel to Johannesburg Airport (journey time approx. 40 minutes). After arriving you will check in and board your flight to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the Victoria Falls Hotel (journey time approx. 20 minutes). At 3:45 PM we invite you to enjoy a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River. The Zambezi Sunset cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Zambezi River. There are great photo opportunities against often-spectacular African sunsets. Flocks of birds skim the waterline as the sun sets behind the African skyline. Clients may have the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, and elephant as well as enjoy the many different bird species. The Sunset Cruise is very popular and includes finger snacks, beer, wine, local spirits and soft drinks. Dinner for own arrangements. (Breakfast and Sundowner Cruise included)
Thursday, June 13 - After breakfast, this morning enjoy a Guided Tour of the Falls on the Zimbabwe side. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here indeed is nature’s supreme masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality…and nothing prepares you for your first sight. The Victoria Falls, now in its 150 millionth year, reaches its zenith in about May each year. En-route, you may be taken past the ‘Big Tree’ where they may stop and take photos. Accompanied through the rainforest by one of the qualified guides who will give a brief history of the falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. Guides are also happy to assist clients with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed. (Breakfast included)
Friday, June 14 - We recommend flying from Victoria Falls Airport so that you can connect with your international flight home. Please follow standard check out procedures before meeting our representative in the hotel foyer who can assist you with transport to the airport (journey time approx. 20 minutes). (Breakfast included)
NOTES: Extensions are guided by Marathon Tours & Travel staff based on a minimum number of sales. A local guide will look after you at key times and MTT staff are available by phone if sales do not reach a minimum number. Please refer to last day of itinerary for flight recommendations. Families with children are welcome.
PRETORIA, VICTORIA FALLS WITH ROVOS RAIL| SEVEN-NIGHT PACKAGE: JUNE 11 – 18, 2024
The cosmopolitan city of Pretoria, also known as ‘Tshwane’, is situated in the province of Gauteng and functions as one of three capitals of South Africa. Pretoria has been dubbed ‘The Jacaranda City’, which is owed to the annual bloom of magnificent purple blossom trees that adorn the wide avenues of the city. Discover several historic monuments, fine government buildings, and fascinating museums, and explore several interesting cultural sites. The Transvaal Museum is a natural history museum showcasing an ancient dinosaur fossil found at the nearby Cradle of Humankind; the Pretoria Botanical Gardens offers visitors a glimpse of different biomes, and the Voortrekker Monument is a famous National Heritage Site. Don’t miss the nearby Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary as well as the beautiful Wonderboom and Groenkloof Nature Reserves.
Rovos Rail offers 11 exceptional train journeys throughout Southern Africa, and we include the 1400km 4 nights Pretoria to Victoria Falls journey in this trip. Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Step aboard the classic wood-panelled coaches and sit back as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. The beautifully rebuilt trains carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. The Rovos Rail train departs from Pretoria and travels north through South Africa, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and Limpopo River towards Bulawayo, second city of Zimbabwe. During the trip you will see various places of interest and enjoy game drives before arriving to great splendor at Victoria Falls Hotel. With discreet and friendly service, excellent cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration.
Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1708 meters in width. The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer. The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenalin-filled activities for adventure lovers. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including scenic flights, micro lighting, white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions into the incredible Chobe National Park.
ITINERARY
Tuesday, June 11 - After an early breakfast, we will depart from Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban to Durban King Shaka Airport. After arriving you will check in and board your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your vehicle for a tour of Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, also known as Jacaranda City. Interesting sites visited on the tour are the Voortrekker Museum, Kruger House, Church Square, Unions Buildings and passing by the President’s office. Lunch will be enjoyed at one of the local restaurants before we continue to Court Classique Suite Hotel. After room check in you can relax and freshen up before meeting for dinner. (Lunch and Dinner included)
Wednesday, June 12 - After breakfast, please follow standard check out procedures before meeting our representative in the hotel foyer. 8:30 AM – Depart the hotel for Cradle of Humankind. The Cradle of Humankind, one of eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa, and the only one in Gauteng, is renowned as the place where humankind originated. It is here that the first hominid, Australopithecus, was found in 1924 at Taung in the North West Province by Professor Raymond Dart of the University of the Witwatersrand, and is one of the major tourist attractions in South Africa. The Cradle of Humankind area boasts 13 excavation sites that are recognized as national heritage sites, both internationally and by the South African Heritage Resources Agency. Lunch to be enjoyed at a local restaurant, before being transferred to Rovos Rail Station to be in time for the onward journey. 6:00 PM – Depart Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. You may wish to freshen up in your suite before joining fellow travellers in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train. Travel through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela) – so named for its mineral waters – and Nylstroom (Modimolle), christened by the Voortrekkers as the source of the Nile River as the town’s river happened to be north flowing. Pass the edge of the escarpment where the Highveld drops precipitously. 8:00 PM – Dinner is served in the dining cars enroute to Polokwane. Dress: Formal. Please ensure the Train Manager or Administration Deputy is in possession of your passport. (Fully inclusive- all meals and drinks (excluding champagne) included)
Thursday, June 13 - 7:00 AM – Breakfast is served in the dining cars. The train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn enroute to Louis Trichardt. 1:00 PM – Lunch is served in the dining cars. Border formalities with South Africa. 4:30 PM – Tea in the lounge and observation cars. The train crosses the Limpopo River en route to Beitbridge for border formalities with Zimbabwe. In Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories, the ‘Elephant’s Child’ departs his family for the “great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees, to find out what the Crocodile has for dinner.” 7:30 PM – Dinner is served in the dining cars enroute to Gwanda. Dress: Formal (Fully inclusive- all meals and drinks (excluding champagne) included)
Friday, June 14 - 6:00 AM – Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09:00. The train travels baobab country and ascends to Bulawayo: second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country. 12:00 PM – Lunch is served in the dining cars. 1:30 PM – Transfer (±45 min) to Matobo National Park to see bushmen caves, rock art and the grave of Cecil John Rhodes. 6:00 PM – Depart for Sawmills. 7:30 PM – Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal. (Fully inclusive- all meals and drinks (excluding champagne) included)
Saturday, June 15 - 7:00 AM – Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. The train travels between Gwaai and Dete along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres – and along the eastern edge of Hwange Park. 1:00 PM – Lunch is served in the dining cars. 3:00 PM – Enjoy a game drive in Hwange National Park, the nation’s largest wildlife area at 1,462,000 hectares. 7:30 PM – Dinner is served in the dining cars en-route to Thompsons Junction. Dress: Formal. (Fully inclusive- all meals and drinks (excluding champagne) included)
Sunday, June 16 - Please ensure your luggage is ready for collection 15 minutes before departing and that you have your passport. 7:00 AM – Breakfast until 09:30. The observation car will be leading the train – a different aspect that our rail enthusiasts enjoy. 10:00 AM – Arrive at journey’s end at the incomparable Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. You will be met off the train and assisted to the hotel. 3:45 PM – Enjoy a Sundowner Cruise on the Zambezi River. The Zambezi Sunset cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Zambezi River. There are great photo opportunities against often-spectacular African sunsets. Flocks of birds skim the waterline as the sun sets behind the African skyline. Clients may have the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, and elephant as well as enjoy the many different bird species. The Sunset Cruise is very popular and includes finger snacks, beer, wine, local spirits and soft drinks. Dinner for own arrangements. (Breakfast and Sundowner Cruise included)
Monday, June 17 - After breakfast, this morning enjoy a Guided Tour of the Falls on the Zimbabwe side. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here indeed is nature’s supreme masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality…and nothing prepares you for your first sight. The Victoria Falls, now in its 150 millionth year, reaches its zenith in about May each year. En-route, you may be taken past the ‘Big Tree’ where they may stop and take photos. Accompanied through the Rainforest by one of the qualified Guides who will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. Guides are also happy to assist clients with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed. (Breakfast included)
Tuesday, June 18 - We recommend flying from Victoria Falls Airport so that you can connect with your international flight home. Please follow standard check out procedures before meeting our representative in the hotel foyer who can assist you with transport to the airport (journey time approx. 20 minutes). (Breakfast included)
NOTES: Extensions are guided by Marathon Tours & Travel staff based on a minimum number of sales. A local guide will look after at key times and MTT staff are available by phone if sales do not reach a minimum number. Please refer to last day of itinerary for flight recommendations. Families with children are welcome.
Itineraries are subject to change.
