4 DAYS • 1400km

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, 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 and cross the Tropic of Capricorn towards Bulawayo, second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country. 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. Available in reverse. Depending upon railway capacity, this journey could be routed through Botswana.

From 2022, guests have the option of choosing the 3-night journey or the new 4-night journey, which includes a local village stop and a chance to explore the game and prolific birdlife of a 1000ha ranch. See itineraries for details.

Day 1:  Pretoria

BORDER: MUSINA, SOUTH AFRICA / BEITBRIDGE, ZIMBABWE

10h00     Depart Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train.

Please ensure the Train Manager or Administration Deputy is in possession of your passport.

13h00    Lunch is served in the dining cars. Travel through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela) – so named for its mineral waters – and Nylstroom, 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.

16h30    Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. The train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn.

19h30    Dinner is served in the dining cars. The train crosses the Limpopo River to Beitbridge.Dress: Formal

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.”

Day 2:  At leisure on board

07h00  Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. The train travels baobab country.

13h00  Lunch is served in the dining cars. Travel towards Bulawayo: second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country.

16h30  Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.

19h30  Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mpopoma for overnight. Dress: Formal

Day 3:  Hwange National  Park

07h00  Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00.

13h00  Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train travels between Gwaai and Dete along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres – and along the eastern edge of Hwange Park.  Enjoy a game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park.

15h00  Enjoy a game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park.

19h30    Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Thompsons Junction. Dress: Formal

Day 4:  Victoria Falls

Please ensure that your luggage is ready for collection at 09:45 and that you have your passport.

07h00   Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09:30.

10h00   Arrive at journey’s end at the incomparable Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Please dress accordingly for game drives/excursions: 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.In your suite you will find the Journeys magazine that features articles of interest related to the route.

Why not add on a couple of nights enjoying the splendour of Victoria Falls, before your onwards journey  – please contact us for a quotation