Travel through two captivating countries in ultimate luxury on the Rovos Rail Pretoria to Victoria Falls journey . This 3 or 4-night adventure spans 1,400km. Blending romantic Edwardian-era style with the raw beauty of Africa, this elegant rail safari captures the the glamour and excitement of the golden age of rail. Yet combines it with modern comfort and five-star service.
At a Glance: Rovos Rail Pretoria to Victoria Falls (3 or 4 Nights)
Departing from Pretoria, the train winds its way north through South Africa’s Highveld. It travels north 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 flowing north! You across the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe.
As you travel along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114km through the wide-open landscapes of Matabeleland - you can enjoy the changing scenery from your private suite or the open-air observation car. The route passes through Hwange National Park, a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary, where you may spot wildlife from the train itself. Here you enjoy an afternoon game drive in the reserve.
Arrive at the incomparable Victoria Falls, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into one of the world’s great natural wonders. The surrounding area offer you many recreational opportunities including sundowners, cruises, helicopter flips over the Falls, many soft adventure options, as well as superb game viewing and photo safaris.
The four-night version of the journey includes an additional stop in Matobo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its granite kopjes, ancient rock art, and the resting place of Cecil John Rhodes, known as the ‘View of the World.’
This beautifully restored train, Rovos Rail, offers a nostalgic yet supremely comfortable travel experience. The coaches have been splendidly refurbished in Edwardian style with special attention to detail, comfort and luxury.
The observation car allows you to watch the unfolding scenery of the great interior of South Africa from a fascinating perspective.
Each suite combines Edwardian charm with modern indulgence: polished wood panelling, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms with elegant fittings.
Choose from 3 Suite Options:
All suites feature writing desks, personal safes, a bar fridge filled with the drinks of your choice, and 24-hour room service. The bathrooms combine original fittings hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.
Note: The 3-night journey's itinerary is reflected below BUT our digital itinerary shows the 4-night journey timing as the alternative.
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This 3 or 4 night adventure begins with the train’s departure from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. It then winds its way north through Warmbaths, so named for its mineral waters. Then through Nylstroom, christened by the Voortrekkers as the source of the Nile River. The train then passes the edge of the escarpment and crosses the Tropic of Capricorn en route to the border with Zimbabwe.
19h30 – Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal.
Note: The 3-night journey departs Pretoria at 10h00 but the 4-night journey departs at 18h00 and spends an extra night on the train but at no extra cost.
If doing the journey in reverse, returning from Victoria Falls, then both the 3 & 4 night journeys depart at 17h00.
After formalities at Beitbridge the next morning, the train travels on the BBR line to Bulawayo, the second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country.
19h30 – Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mpopoma. Dress: Formal
The following day sees the train travelling along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres. You then travel alongside Hwange National Park, a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary where animals can be spotted from the train. Later you enjoy a game drive followed by sundowners before re-joining the train.
19h30 – Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Thompsons Junction. Dress: Formal
After a service stop at Thompsons Junction, the sojourn ends at the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River. The surrounding areas offer travellers many recreational opportunities including cruises, white-water rafting as well as superb game viewing and photo safaris.
You arrive in Victoria Falls at 10h00.
This is a set tour using specific camps. However many tours can be adapted. Chat to us about your options. It excludes international flights but includes an estimate for all domestic or regional flights within the tour.
Accommodation; all meals; all beverages; room service; limited laundry; excursions with a qualified guide (where applicable); entrance fees as per itinerary; government tax.
EXCLUDESInternational sparkling wine; gratuities; personal expenses; visas, travel insurance; pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation and flights; items of a personal nature.
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