Yulia - Travel Expert
- A legendary journey to Victoria Falls
- An included safari en route
- A great rail crossing through Southern Africa
Pretoria
Flight, transfer and accommodation prior to the trip: on request
Arrival in Pretoria for one of the most beautiful train journeys in Southern Africa.
In the afternoon, you board the Rovos Rail at Pretoria’s historic station, a real jewel of period charm. After a warm welcome and the discovery of your suites, decorated with panelled woodwork and elegant fabrics, you enjoy your first drink in the lounge or on the panoramic platform.
The train pulls away slowly, leaving the capital behind as it crosses the rolling landscapes of the Highveld. You pass through Warmbaths, known for its thermal springs, and Nylstroom, christened by Boer pioneers “the source of the Nile” for its capricious river. Through the large windows, you admire the golden evening light over the vast northern prairies.
Dinner is served in the restaurant cars with Victorian charm, where white tablecloths and silverware create a refined atmosphere. The night promises to be peaceful, lulled by the train’s quiet rhythm.
Beitbridge
The day breaks over the northern savannahs of South Africa. You enjoy a delicious breakfast served on board as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn. The morning passes leisurely between reading, conversations, and admiring the scenery from the open observation car at the rear of the train.
After lunch, Rovos Rail reaches the border of Beitbridge, between South Africa and Zimbabwe. Formalities are handled on board, in a relaxed atmosphere. Tea is served in the lounge car, and then the evening continues with a refined dinner.
The train continues its journey north, gliding through the African bush in golden and green tones.
parc national du matobo
This morning, your Rovos Rail special train travels through the baobab region before reaching Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, whose history dates back to the time of King Ndebele Mzilikazi. You then head out on an excursion to the Matobo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This unique place fascinates with its hills of granite polished by time and its strange rock formations known as the “bald heads.” You explore caves that shelter ancient rock paintings and the famous tomb of Cecil John Rhodes, founder of Rhodesia, located atop a rocky outcrop offering a magnificent panorama of the surrounding hills.
Back on board for tea. Dinner is served while the train heads towards Sawmills, passing through bush landscapes dotted with acacias and small villages.
parc national de Hwange
The journey continues across the great Zimbabwean plains. After breakfast, the train enters the grounds of the Hwange National Park, the country’s largest wildlife reserve.
You set off for a photo safari accompanied by experienced rangers. Hwange is home to an impressive variety of species: elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, zebras and antelopes roam freely in a savannah setting dotted with waterholes and large trees.
Lunch is served on board, followed by some time to relax in the lounge or in the panoramic car, before a gala dinner at the train’s pace, as it continues its route to Thompsons Junction.
chutes victoria
The journey continues across the great Zimbabwean plains. After breakfast, the train enters the grounds of the Hwange National Park, the country’s largest wildlife reserve.
You set off for a photo safari accompanied by experienced rangers. Hwange is home to an impressive variety of species: elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, zebras and antelopes roam freely in a savannah setting dotted with waterholes and large trees.
Lunch is served on board, followed by some time to relax in the lounge or in the panoramic car, before a gala dinner at the train’s pace, as it continues its route to Thompsons Junction.
Since its launch in 1989, the luxury train Rovos Rail has gained an international reputation thanks to its luxurious 5-star rail experiences.
On board the Rovos Rail, the service is elegant, notably the wooden parquet flooring in the refurbished and reconfigured carriages, as well as the refined cuisine served during meals. Enough to recreate the cosy, hushed atmosphere of a bygone era.
With its many journeys in South Africa, lasting from 48 hours to a fortnight, the Rovos Rail train takes its passengers on a discovery of Africa’s greatest destinations: Cape Town, Dar es Salam, the natural reserves of Mpumalanga, the Victoria Falls, the Namibian desert, the unspoilt beauty of the Karoo, and even KwaZulu-Natal.
Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its world-class travel experiences. With discreet, friendly service, a traditional 5-star cuisine, and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines.
In a series of journeys from 48 hours to 15 days, Rovos Rail links a few of the continent’s greatest destinations, from Cape to its tip in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania—picturesque splendours as diverse as the Mpumalanga reserves and the Victoria Falls, desert landscapes in Namibia, and the beauty of the Karoo to the lush sugarcane lands of KwaZulu-Natal and the magnificent Garden Route along the south coast of Cape Town.
The trains—which can be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives and are far more eco-friendly—carry up to 72 passengers in 36 beautifully appointed suites, and they are also available for charter, while the events train can accommodate up to 250 guests and is suited to day trips.
An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring customer satisfaction. There is an emphasis on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes. Each morning, there is a full breakfast with dishes prepared to order. Lunch and dinner are complemented by a selection of South African wine tastings. All meals are served in a single sitting in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the restaurant carriages. Many passengers enjoy the formality of the porcelain and glassware, the linen, and the silverware, and dress accordingly. During the day, attire is more relaxed and cool—comfortable clothing, shoes, and hats are recommended for excursions, especially in private reserves where it can get very hot. The carriage where you can sit and watch the scenery features a spacious outdoor balcony and seats for 32 passengers, positioned at the rear of the train.
Tailor-made safaris and excursions for chartered flights, private trips, corporate visits, launches, and events are available—in the comfort and luxury of Rovos Rail.
The 7 m² Pullman Suites for 2 people in twin or double configuration with a shower room. They must be converted to become a living room.
16m². They extend over half a carriage. They feature a seating area and a bathroom with a bathtub and a shower
11m² for 2 people in twin or double, with a seating area and a shower room.
This adventure, just for you
- Accommodation on board the train for every night mentioned, depending on the compartment category chosen
- All meals mentioned (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- All drinks on board except champagne or other international sparkling wine
- Excursions with a qualified English-speaking guide *
- Entry fees to sites according to the itinerary
- A light onboard laundry service (limited)
- Government taxes
EXTRA SERVICES NOT INCLUDED, BUT OFFERED AS AN ADD-ON
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Arrival/departure transfers
- Accommodation in a hotel before and after the itinerary
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED
- Drinks outside the train
- Tips
- Personal expenses
