As any world traveller knows, the time spent in between destinations is often one of the more rewarding parts of any trip, as it allows for relaxation and reflection. However, for a true luxury experience on a once-in-a-lifetime tour, individuals who want to see the best of South Africa on more expansive vacations to Africa may want to book their travel accommodations on world-class transportation.

A five-star hotel on wheels, Rovos Rail passes some of the most beautiful scenery in Africa on the way to destinations such as Cape Town, Pretoria, Victoria Falls and Durban, each of which offers unique dining, sightseeing and adventure opportunities perfect for any traveller.

The train itself is crafted in the classic Edwardian style, and it augments this classic design with modern amenities. For true luxury, the Royal Suites, which feature a 16-square-metre by 172-square-metre room and a private bathroom, are a must for visitors. After a long day of seeing the sights and meeting exciting travellers, guests take a warm shower before passing the night on the train's spacious twin or double beds.

Visitors can also customize their travels to fit their preferred leisure activities. For instance, Rovos Rail offers a nine-day golf safari that allows guests to play on the top greens in the nation, such as the Durban Beachwood Country Club, Royal Swazi Golf Club and the Leopard's Creek Country club. Non-golfers who want to tag along can even make the journey, as their itineraries can include additional entertainment stops.

However, for the best extended tours in South Africa, travellers can book with a custom tour provider that partners with Rovos Rail. By securing their travel arrangements in luxury, visitors can ensure they get the best of both worlds, and have enough time to spend exploring the sights and sounds of the country that lies off its more beaten paths. 

While there are many ways to see South Africa while taking a custom tour, to truly travel in luxury and style, visitors may want to consider adding transportation on The Blue Train. According to the company's website, the train has formerly provided accommodations for kings and presidents and is more like a fast-moving five-star hotel than a traditional railroad experience.

Those who want to take extensive tours in South Africa can choose to journey on The Blue Train by taking two popular scheduled routes. The Pretoria to Cape Town route is a 27-hour journey of more than 1,600 kilometres through the heart of the nation. On the way, visitors will see sweeping savannas, marvelous sunsets and everything in between. The train then runs back north to Pretoria.

The Blue Train offers each coach an on-call butler that attends to every need. This professional is on call at all times and only serves a maximum of four suites, which helps ensure quality service. The perfect place for an aperitif or long, relaxing cigar, the train's elegant lounges are great for a quiet game of cards with new friends. In addition to these amenities, the train offers a well-stocked bar that can cater to even a liquor aficionado's whims.

However, taking a luxury train on a custom tour doesn't have to mean staying indoors in total comfort. Luxury train trips can be taken along with separate sightseeing trips. On its northbound journey, the Blue Train stops at Matijesfontein, which was declared a historic monument. Here, visitors are taken on a short tour of this small village that is home to beautiful Victorian style buildings.

As a result, travellers looking to take vacations to Africa in the next six months may benefit by speaking about arrangements with a custom tour provider. With end of the year deals available from select outlets, those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation may find a once-in-a-lifetime deal. 

Perhaps better known by its more exotic nickname "Chimpanzee Eden," the Jane Goodall Sanctuary in South Africa offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those looking to take multi-week vacations in South Africa during the winter season. Started in 1977 with the help of famed animal researcher Jane Goodall, the nonprofit institute seeks to raise awareness about environmental concerns through its efforts.

Housed on a 1,000-hectare reserve, this destination allows those taking vacations to Africa to see the animals in their natural habitat. The chimpanzees on the reserve have never lived domestically, and new chimps are brought in regularly when they are found and in need of refuge, according to the attraction's official website.

Visitors often describe the area as tranquil and educational, as certain aspects of the park are designed to limit potential human disturbances to the carefully crafted environment. Though, this doesn't mean visitors can't see the action up close. For example, certain large enclosures are designated as foraging areas. Here, visitors can see chimpanzees engaging in gleeful social interaction or eating berries and Eucalyptus Tree leaves.

The Jane Goodall Institute says it is committed to preserving the natural habitat of one of Africa's signature animals. According to its data, Africa once held around 2 million chimpanzees, however, this number has been reduced dramatically. Estimates now suggest as little as a 100,000 could be currently living in the wild.

By choosing to travel with certain custom tour providers, guests could enjoy this attraction with the satisfaction of knowing that their daily breakfast, airport transfers and accommodation decisions have already been crafted for their express enjoyment. For example, vacations in South Africa with a custom tour provider could also include this type of treatment at stops such as Kruger National Park, Lisbon Falls and the Blyde River Canyon.