Rovos Rail: Victoria Falls Journey (Pretoria to Victoria Falls - 4 Nights) (Tour code: 12531)
Victoria Falls
Highlights
Traverse the edge of the Kalahari Basin
Travel through the Limpopo Province
Matobo National Park Game Drive
Hwang Reverse Game Drive
Tour ends at the incomporable Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Overview
This adventure begins with the train’s departure from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. Travel 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 north-flowing.
Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and Limpopo River towards Bulawayo, second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country. Enjoy a game drive (4-night journey only) in Matobo National Park, a World Heritage Site with bushmen caves, rock art and dramatic granite hills. It is also the site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave atop the summit of Malindidzimu – ‘hill of benevolent spirits’ with a ‘view of the world’.
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 the incomparable 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.
Itinerary also available in reverse direction.
Inclusions
Itinerary
Intro Map
Victoria Falls Journey - Pretoria to Victoria Falls (4 Nights)
Day 1 Depart Pretoria
Depart Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria at 18:00.
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 slope where the Highveld drops precipitously.
20:00 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Polokwane
(Dress: Formal, jacket and tie).
Overnight onboard. Please note: the Train Manager or Administration Deputy will request to take possession of your passport for border crossings.
Day 2 At Leisure onboard Rovos Rail
07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
The train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn en route to Louis Trichardt.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. Border formalities with South Africa.
16:30 Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
The train crosses the Limpopo River en route to Beitbridge for border formalities with Zimbabwe. 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.”
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Gwanda.
Overnight on board.
Day 3 Matobo National Park
06:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09:00 am.
The train travels baobab country and ascends to Bulawayo: second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country.
12:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
13:30 Transfer (±45 min) to Matobo National Park.
Visit bushmen caves, rock art and the grave of Cecil John Rhodes.
18:00 Depart for Sawmills.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars.
Day 4 Hwange National Park
07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00 am.
The train travels between Gwaai and Detealong one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line –114 kilometres – and along the eastern edge of Hwange Park.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars.
15:00 Enjoy a game drive in Hwange National Park, the nation's wildlife area.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Thompsons Junction.
Overnight on board.
Day 5 Victoria Falls
Please ensure your luggage is ready for collection 15 minutes before departing and that you have your passport.
07:00 Breakfast is served until 09:30 am.
The observation car will be leading the train – a different aspect that our rail enthusiasts enjoy.
10:00 Arrive at journey’s end at the incomparable Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Accommodation
Rovos Rail
Upgrade availableEnjoy the extravagant elegance of rail travel on Rovos Rail, one of the most luxurious trains in the world, combining the opulence of pre-war travel with subtle modern innovations.
The wood-panelled sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard.
The Pullmans, used on our short journeys, accommodate one or two passengers and have 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. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily.
Suite configurations are subject to availability. Suite layouts may differ from images.
- Double or twin beds
- Upper and/or lower bunk
- Daytime sofa setting
- En-suite with shower, toilet and basin
- Fold-up writing desk
- Luggage shelf
- Cupboards
- Safe
- Air conditioning
- Tea facilities
- Bespoke amenities
- Robes and slippers
- Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in)
- Shaver plugs (2-pin)
- USB ports
- Safety glasses
- Emergency torch
- Fire extinguisher
- Laundry bag
- Shoe bag
- Internal telephone system
- Room service
Room Upgrades
Deluxe Suite
The Deluxes accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds and have their own lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily.
Suite configurations are subject to availability. Suite layouts may differ from images.
Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.
Royal Suites
The Royals each take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. They accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds. A dedicated host/ess is always available and services the suites daily.
Suite configurations are subject to availability. Suite layouts may differ from images.
Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.
Additional information
Please dress accordingly for excursions/game drives: mornings can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons can be warm then cool down considerably. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, hats and sun protection are advised. Rain capes are available. Excursions may be changed according to schedule achieved. Times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed.
2025 Departure dates:
- January 8, 15
- February 12
- March 5, 19, 26
- April 9, 16, 23, 30
- May 14, 28
- June 11, 27
- July 9, 16, 23, 30
- August 6, 13, 20
- September 3, 10
- October 1
- November 5, 12, 19, 26
- December 24
Excluded
- Onboard: champagne, gratuities, personal expenses, pre & post tour transfers and accommodation
- International airfares and taxes
- Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
- Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
- Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
- Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
- Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
- Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package
FAQs
What is included in the price?
All onboard accommodation, meals, all beverages except champagne, and off train excursions are included. Some items such a pre & post transfers, flights, gratuities, and personal expenses are not included.
Can someone with mobility limitations travel on the Rovos Rail?
Should you or your guests have any special requirements or mobility issues, please do let us know ahead of your luxury train journey. We can accommodate guests with walking difficulties although we recommend an able-bodied passenger accompany guests. We regret that the train is not suitable for wheelchair-bound passengers. Should you have mobility impairments/restrictions or special requirements, we urge you to inform your Agent at time of booking.
Are children permitted onboard?
We do accommodate children, but we kindly ask parents to be sensitive to the adult nature and atmosphere of the train. Long journeys are not recommended for under 13s. Children between 0-2 years old are not permitted to travel. There are no child-minding facilities or activities available for children on board.
Is there Wi-Fi onboard Rovos Rail?
To maintain the spirit of travel of a bygone era, the use of mobile phones, laptops and essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of suites only.
The signal strength may be weak while the train is in motion, so it is recommended to consult your phone service provider and verify the proper network settings are enabled – as there is no Wi-Fi onboard.
Can Rovos Rail accommodate special dietary preferences?
We cater for food allergies provided a detailed request has been made at that time of your reservation. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare suitable meals with the ingredients available on board. We regret we are unable to prepare meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.
Is there a dress code when onboard Rovos Rail?
Days on board are smart casual: Neat, conventional yet relatively informal in style combining casual and formal clothing pieces.
Dinner on board is formal: For gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement (from 2024 only, a collar and tie will be mandatory, and a jacket will be optional). For ladies, we suggest cocktail/evening dresses or suits.
On long journeys we enjoy themed evenings where guests can dress up accordingly or opt for smart casual.
Off-train excursions: We recommend comfortable walking shoes, sun lotion and hats. If required, blankets and rain capes are available.
Game drives are on open vehicles so please dress accordingly: mornings can be cool then warm up considerably; afternoons can be warm then cool down considerably.
Can I smoke onboard?
The Club Car is used to host the smokers on the train in a public area and as an overflow facility adjoining the Observation Car. With a glass passage wall, guests can comfortably watch the scenery on both sides of the train.
Do I need to check-in prior to arrival?
Please check-in a minimum of one hour before departure. Should you wish to visit our museum or do a site tour at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, we suggest arriving two hours prior to departure. If Pretoria is your arrival point, we suggest delaying your pick-up so you can enjoy the site tour. Passports are required at check-in. No vouchers are required. Luggage will be tagged and placed in your suite on board the train where you will find a full itinerary pack.
Are there luggage restrictions?
It is possible to store luggage in your suite under the bed or above the door on a luggage rack, which provides ample space for storage. There are no luggage restrictions on board although we do not recommend more than two large suitcases. On selected long journeys, guests are provided with a Rovos Rail Tog bag that can be used for overnight trips or hand luggage on aircraft. A soft bag is preferable on plane transfers with a luggage weight restriction of 15kg.
Will I need travel insurance?
As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.
Subscribe now for your chance to win
a $500 Travel Voucher
Be the first to hear about our new Holiday Packages