This adventure begins in before travelling north through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela), so named for its mineral waters, and Nylstroom, 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 and cross the Tropic of Capricorn towards Bulawayo, second city of Zimbabwe. Travel along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line (114km) before traversing Hwange National Park, a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary where a game drive excursion is enjoyed.
Arrive at Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River where this sojourn ends. The surrounding areas offer travellers many recreational opportunities including cruises, whitewater rafting as well as superb game viewing and photo safaris.
The Train: Each train has accommodation carriages, dining cars, lounge car, small gift shop, smoking lounge and observation car with open-air balcony. Maintaining the spirit of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. The three types of suites include a dedicated host available at all times and services the suites daily.
Pullman Suite: Used on short journeys, cabins feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, the suites have a comfortable sofa-seat with a conversion to double or twin beds (side-by-side or upper and lower bunks) for the evening.
Deluxe Suite: Accommodates one or two passengers in double or twin beds with its own lounge area, and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. Includes a bar fridge filled with the on-board beverages of the guests choice.
Royal Suite: Takes up half a carriage with its own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. Accommodates one or two passengers in double or twin beds and includes a bar fridge filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers choice.
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Summary
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights from NZD $4,575*Countries
Multi Country Tours - Africa, South Africa, ZimbabweType of Journey
Rail, WildlifeHighlights
• Hwange Reserve • Victoria Falls • Traverse the Kalahari Basin • Pretoria
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Departure Dates
2024
Pretoria to Victoria Falls
10, 17, 31 Oct
Victoria Falls to Pretoria
6, 13, 20, 27 Oct; 3 Nov
2025
Pretoria to Victoria Falls
23 Jan; 6, 20, 27 Feb; 13 Mar
3 Apr; 28 Aug; 18, 25 Sep
Victoria Falls to Pretoria
19 Jan; 9, 16, 23 Feb
2, 9, 16, 23, 25 Mar; 6, 22 Apr
17 Jun; 5, 31 Aug
7, 14, 16, 21, 28 Sep -
What's Included
Tour Includes
• Luxury rail journey
• All onboard accommodation
• All meals (B, L, D) during the itinerary
• Afternoon tea onboard most days
• All beverages onboard unless otherwise mentioned
• Room service
• Limited laundry service
• Shared guided excursions as per itinerary
• Entrance fees as per itineraryNot Included
• International sparkling wine onboard
• Gratuities
• Pre- and post-tour accommodation, flights and transfers
• Visas if required -
Gratuity
- Rovos Rail recommend a gratuity for train crew of between US$10 to US$20 per guest per night if you are satisfied with the service provided
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Pricing
Description Twin
NZDSingle
NZDExtra
NZD2024
1 Oct – 31 Dec
Pullman Suite
Deluxe Suite
Royal Suite–
–
4575
6860
8955–
–
6860
10290
134302025
1 Jan – 30 Sep
Pullman Suite
Deluxe Suite
Royal Suite–
–
4575
6860
8955–
–
6860
10290
13430Please note: while prices are accurate at time of loading they are subject to change due to currency fluctuations and currency surcharges may apply. Please check price at time of booking -
Itinerary
Day 1: 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. Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train travels through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela) – so named for its mineral waters and Nylstroom, 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.Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn. As the train crosses the Limpopo River to Beitbridge dinner is served. 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.’
Day 2: On Board
Breakfast is served in the dining cars as the train travels baobab country. Travel towards Bulawayo second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country. Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars and dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mpopoma for overnight.Day 3: Hwange National Park
Today the train travels between Gwaai and Dete along one of the longest stretches of straight railway line in the world 114 kilometres along the eastern edge of Hwange National Park – keep an eye out for wildlife! In the afternoon, disembark at Kennedy Siding and enjoy a game drive at The Hide.Day 4: Victoria Falls
Arrive at journey’s end, Victoria Falls.Journey available in reverse.
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Booking Conditions
- Pricing varies due to fluctuations in exchange rates; please contact us for current pricing
- Please enquire about pricing for children (3 to 9 years) and singles in Royal Suites
- The minimum age requirement is 3 years
- No child-minding services or activities are available onboard
- Included excursions are subject to change based on the achieved train schedule
- Formal attire is required at dinner