Itinerary
Intro Map
Rovos Rail - Southern Cross - Pretoria to Victoria
Day 1 Pretoria
Arriving at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, you can rejuvenate in your suite before convening with fellow travellers in the lounge cars. The journey commences along the eastern line, heading towards the rugged Emalahleni coal-mining region and Middelburg, recognized as Africa's hub for stainless steel production.
Indulge in a delightful lunch served in dining cars. Enjoy a serene tea session in the lounge and observation cars. End the day with a sumptuous dinner in the dining cars, combining culinary delights with scenic travel. (Dress: Formal)
Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.
Day 2 Paranoma Route
Begin your day with a relaxed breakfast in the charming dining cars before embarking on a full-day tour of historical sites such as Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Graskop, complete with lunch.
Return to the train in Mbombela (140 km), which then departs for Malelane. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner served in the dining cars.
Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.
Day 3 Kruger National Park
Start your day aboard with a delightful breakfast served in the dining cars. At 07:00am, prepare for an exhilarating full-day game viewing adventure in the Kruger Park, complete with a satisfying lunch.
Return by 4:30pm for a relaxing tea session in the lounge and observation cars as the journey continues towards Maputo, Mozambique. Border formalities will be attended to during this time. Wind down your day with a sumptuous dinner served in the dining cars at 19:30.
Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.
Day 4 Maputo, Mozambique
Explore the vibrant capital of Mozambique, Maputo, a city brimming with cultural diversity and architectural contrasts. Experience its unique blend of African, Portuguese, and Colonial influences, where old Catholic churches stand alongside mosques, fortresses, and Victorian mansions, showcasing a rich historical tapestry.
Start your day aboard the Rovos Rail with breakfast served in the dining cars at 07:00am. Immerse yourself in a city tour of Maputo, Mozambique, discovering its charm and history, followed by a delightful lunch.
Return to the train by 4:30pm for a tranquil tea session in the lounge and observation cars as the journey continues towards Mpaka, Eswatini. Border formalities will be completed during this leg of the trip. Conclude your day with a splendid dinner served in the dining cars.
Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.
Day 5 Eswatini
Discover the picturesque Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), spanning 17,000 square kilometers, predominantly characterized by its mountainous terrain. Despite its size, this kingdom proudly maintains two capitals: Mbabane, serving as the administrative hub, and Lobamba, the royal and legislative center. Renamed eSwatini in April 2018, meaning "place of the Swazi," it remains an absolute monarchy.
Commence your day with a delicious breakfast served in the dining cars. Disembark at Mpaka for transfers to explore Swazi Candles and the captivating Mantenga Cultural Village, where lunch awaits at Mantenga Lodge.
Return to the train at in the afternoon as it departs for Hoedspruit, experiencing border formalities en route.
Relax with tea in the lounge and observation cars. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner served at 7:30pm in the dining cars.
Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.
Day 6 Kapama Reserve & Hoedspruit endangered species centre
Start your day early with a continental breakfast served in the dining cars until 05:30. Embark on an exhilarating game drive in Kapama Game Reserve followed by a visit to the Hoedspruit endangered species centre.
By noon, return to the train for a satisfying lunch as it departs for Tzaneen and Louis Trichardt. Enjoy a relaxing tea session in the lounge and observation cars.
As the day winds down, join in the evening's festivities with a dinner served at 7:30pm in the dining cars. Embrace the theme of "Africa" or opt for smart casual attire to add to the charm of the evening.
Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.
Day 7 At leisure on board
Embark on a captivating journey, beginning your day with a delightful breakfast. The train travels to Rutenga in Zimbabwe.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely tea session in the lounge and observation cars, immersing yourself in the charm of the journey. As the day progresses, indulge in the evening's culinary delight with a delectable dinner served in the dining cars, all while enroute to the enchanting destination of Zimbabwe. (Dress: Formal)
Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.
Day 8 Great Zimbabwe monument
Immerse yourself in enlightening lectures conducted in the lounge car, offering insightful knowledge throughout the journey, either in the morning or afternoon.
Begin your day with breakfast served in the dining cars. At 08:00am, prepare for a transfer to the iconic Great Zimbabwe Monument for an engaging tour coupled with a delightful lunch.
Return to the train at Oreti siding at 5pm as it departs for Gweru. Anticipate a formal dinner served in the dining cars, adding an elegant touch to the evening.
Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.
Day 9 Antelope Park
Start your day with a hearty breakfast served in the dining cars, embark on an adventure to Antelope Park, a serene game reserve spanning over 3000 acres. Immerse yourself in a full day of exploration and relaxation with various activities on offer. You can opt for canoeing, game drives, horseback game viewing, elephant interaction, bird-watching cruises, and more, all while indulging in a satisfying lunch.
Return to the train at 4:30pm for a tranquil tea session in the lounge and observation cars before departing for Bulawayo. Round off the day with a formal dinner served in the dining cars, adding an elegant touch to the evening's ambiance. (Dress: Formal)
Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.
Day 10 Matobo National Park
Commence your day aboard the Rovos Rail with a delicious breakfast served in the dining cars. Prepare for an immersive full-day tour of Matobo National Park starting at 09:00. Explore the park's wonders, including the resting place of Cecil John Rhodes and the intriguing bushmen caves adorned with rock art, while enjoying a fulfilling lunch amidst this natural beauty.
Unwind with tea in the lounge and observation cars before the train departs for Kennedy. As the day draws to a close, relish a formal dinner served in the dining cars, adding a touch of sophistication to the evening's atmosphere.
Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.
Day 11 Hwange National Park
Nestled in the northwest corner of Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park sprawls across 1,462,000 hectares, holding the distinction of being the country's largest wildlife sanctuary. Abundant in diverse animal and bird species, the park is particularly renowned for its thriving lion population.
Begin your day early with breakfast served in the dining cars at 05:00am. Embark on an exhilarating full-day of game viewing in Hwange National Park starting at 06:30am, complete with a packed lunch to fuel your exploration. Pause for a tranquil tea break in the lounge and observation cars.
Savour a delightful dinner in the dining cars as the train sets off for Thompson’s Junction. Embrace the charm of the "1920’s" theme or opt for smart casual attire to add a touch of vintage elegance to the evening's ambiance.
Overnight stay aboard the Rovos Rail.
Day 12 Victoria Falls
Start your morning with a leisurely breakfast served until 9:30 am aboard the train. Upon arrival at Victoria Falls station by 10:00am, check out and take a short stroll to the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel. At 11:00am, gather for an enriching walking tour of the village and the majestic falls, accompanied by a delightful lunch experience.
Later in the afternoon, reconvene at the hotel by 4:00pm for a picturesque sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. At 6:30pm, transfer back to the Victoria Falls Hotel, marking the conclusion of the tour.
Accommodation
Rovos Rail (Pullman Gold)
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 Pullman Golds, used on long journeys, accommodate one or two passengers and have an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, the suites are setup with split twin beds configured as sofa-seats (optional) with a conversion to split twin or double beds 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
- Day time 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 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 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.
Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.
Royal Suite
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 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.
Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.