PretoriaHwange National ParkVictoria Falls

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, the 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 – a ‘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. In this rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary, a game drive excursion is enjoyed. Arrive at the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River, where this vacation ends. The surrounding areas offer travellers many recreational opportunities, including cruises, whitewater rafting, superb game viewing, and photo safaris. Available in reverse.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Hwange Reserve game drive
  • Traverse the Limpopo province
  • Matobo National Park game drive
  • Explore the edge of the Kalahari Basin
  • Visit Victoria Falls

What’s included

  • Tours at each stop
  • All-inclusive
  • Luxury cabin
  • Expert guides in each destination

flexibility

This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.

3

Nights

Price Guide

$4500 – $7700 pp

Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more

Day 1

Fly to Johannesburg

plan line
Day 2

Pretoria

Depart Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the lounge or observation car at the train’s rear. 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.

Day 3

At Leisure on Board

Breakfast is served in the dining cars. The train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn en route to Louis Trichardt. Lunch is served in the dining cars. Border formalities with South Africa. Tea 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.” Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Gwanda

Day 4

Matobo National Park

Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09:00. The train travels to Baobab country. It ascends to Bulawayo, the second city of Zimbabwe, the capital of Matabeleland and the country’s industrial capital.
Lunch is served in the dining cars. Transfer (±45 min) to Matobo National Park to see bushmen caves, rock art and the grave of Cecil John Rhodes. Depart for Sawmills. Dinner is served in the dining cars.

Day 5

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 most extended stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres –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.

Day 6

Victoria Falls

Arrive in Victoria Falls today; here, you can take a private tour of the falls or go on a day safari.

dot joiner for itins
Day 7

Fly home

A note on price

The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.

Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).

Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.

Price Guide $4500 – $7700 per person

When to travel

jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec

South Africa has a temperate climate with the majority of the country experiencing warm, sunny days. The summer months (November to March) are generally hot with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Winter (May to August) is mild with temperatures ranging from 3 to 20 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is highest in the summer months, with the Western Cape seeing the most rain. The Eastern Cape and Northern Cape tend to be dryer.

Add on’s

There are a multitude of add-on holiday options to this Rail itinerary, for example, you could head to Kruger National Park and go on daily safaris exploring the national park while spotting the Big 5.

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