Rovos Rail: Pretoria to Victoria Falls (or v.v.)
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,414
DELUXE | RAIL: This journey takes guests from Pretoria westward to Botswana before crossing the border into Zimbabwe and on to the mighty Victoria Falls. This tour also operates in reverse.
Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a by-gone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
Your two-night three day adventure begins with the departure from Rovos Rail's gracious station in Capital Park Pretoria. This special journey departs in the morning and slowly meanders westwards through Mafikeng into Botswana and then north towards Mahalapye, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn just after Gaberone.
Once the train has passed through the dry reaches of Botswana we arrive at Plumtree in the late afternoon for border formalities with Zimbabwe. We continue in a north-westerly direction passing Bulawayo heading towards Thompson's Junction and Hwange Game Reserve. Journeys end is the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River. Please note that depending upon railways capacity this journey could be routed northwards through Beitbridge and Zimbabwe.
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,414
Itinerary View Trip Map
Depart Pretoria
Depart Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. Guests may freshen up in their suites 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.
Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Polokwane.
| Meal Plan | Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Rovos Rail |
| Location | View map |
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Rovos Rail
The golden age of luxury train travel has been renewed in the heart of the African bush. These beautifully restored trains consist of up to 20 coaches that can be drawn by steam, diesel or electric locomotives operating at various stages of the journey. The …
The golden age of luxury train travel has been renewed in the heart of the African bush. These beautifully restored trains consist of up to 20 coaches that can be drawn by steam, diesel or electric locomotives operating at various stages of the journey. The sleeping cars as well as the observation and dining cars have been splendidly refurbished in the style of the period but with an eye for modern comfort. The train carries a maximum of 72 passengers who are attended by highly motivated members of staff, and provides a cuisine of superb standard. Rovos Rail offers unique rail safaris through some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa.
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 4
At Leisure on Board
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00am. The train departs Polokwane. Depart the train for a visit to Polokwane Nature Reserve this morning before returning to the train in time for lunch. Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn enroute to Louis Trichardt.
Tea in the midway lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train will be served this afternoon and later on dinner, as the train crosses the Limpopo River to Beitbridge for overnight.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Matobo National Park
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.
Lunch is served in the dining cars.
Transfer (±45 min) to Matobo National Park for a game drive. Visit bushmen caves and the grave of Cecil John Rhodes.
Depart for Sawmills.
Dinner is served in the dining cars
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Hwange National Park
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.
Lunch is served in the dining cars.
Enjoy a game drive in Hwange National Park, the nation's largest wildlife area at 1 462 000ha.
Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Thompsons Junction.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Arrive Victoria Falls
Breakfast until 09:30. The observation car will be leading the train -- a different aspect that our rail enthusiasts enjoy.
Arrive at journey's end at the incomparable Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Pretoria to Victoria Falls | Select Thursdays | ||
Month | Day | Month | Day |
| January '22 | July '22 | ||
| February '22 | August '22 | ||
| March '22 | September '22 | 29 | |
| April '22 | October '22 | 26 | |
| May '22 | November '22 | 16, 23 | |
| June '22 | December '22 | 21 | |
Pretoria to Victoria Falls | Select Thursdays | ||
Month | Day | Month | Day |
| January '23 | 4, 18 | July '23 | 5, 19 |
| February '23 | 15 | August '23 | 2, 9, 23, 30 |
| March '23 | 8, 22, 29 | September '23 | 6, 13, 20, 27 |
| April '23 | 26 | October '23 | To Be Advised |
| May '23 | 10. 24 | November '23 | To Be Advised |
| June '23 | 7, 28 | December '23 | To Be Advised |
Victoria Falls to Pretoria | Select Sundays | ||
Month | Day | Month | Day |
| January '22 | July '22 | ||
| February '22 | August '22 | ||
| March '22 | September '22 | No Departures | |
| April '22 | October '22 | No Departures | |
| May '22 | November '22 | 20 | |
| June '22 | December '22 | 26 | |
Victoria Falls to Pretoria | Select Sundays | ||
Month | Day | Month | Day |
| January '23 | 8 | July '23 | 2, 9, 16, 23 |
| February '23 | No Departures | August '23 | 13, 27 |
| March '23 | 16 | September '23 | No Departures |
| April '23 | 2, 16, 30 | October '23 | To Be Advised |
| May '23 | 14, 28 | November '23 | To Be Advised |
| June '23 | 11 | December '23 | To Be Advised |
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 3 nights deluxe accommodations aboard Rovos Rail in a Pullman Suite*
- Shared game drive in Hwange National Park (max 7 guests)**
- Entrance fees
- South Africa VAT
- Limited laundry
- Room service
- All beverages (excluding International/French champagne)
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
* Upgraded cabins also available. Please enquire.
**Please note maximum vehicle capacities are subject to change without prior notice
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals & beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.
27 Sep 2023
