Rovos Rail - Pretoria to Victoria Falls 2024/2025
4 days / 3 night Journey
5 days / 4 night Journey
Embark on an unforgettable voyage through South Africa's picturesque landscapes aboard Rovos Rail's opulent train. Witness the breathtaking beauty as it winds its way westward through Botswana, then northward towards Bulawayo, culminating in the awe-inspiring spectacle of Victoria Falls.
Embarking on these three or four-night excursions commences as the esteemed Pride of Africa sets off from Rovos Rail's elegant station at Capital Park in Pretoria. This extraordinary journey unfolds as the train leisurely traces a path northwards through Warmbaths, renowned for its mineral springs. Continuing onward, it passes through Nylstroom, dubbed by the Voortrekkers as the "source of the Nile River" due to its north-flowing river. The train then skirts along the edge of the escarpment, where the Highveld dramatically gives way, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn en route to the Zimbabwean border. Upon crossing the border, the journey progresses along the BBR railway line via West Nicholson, towards Bulawayo.
After traversing Bulawayo, the route veers northwestward, passing through Hwange Game Reserve, where passengers can spot wildlife from the train and partake in an early morning game drive. Following a stop at Thompson's Junction, the ultimate destination awaits: the incomparable Victoria Falls, nestled on the majestic Zambezi River.
The quaint station of Victoria Falls (913m) welcomed its first railway arrival in June 1904. Amidst old colonial structures, bougainvillea, and palm trees, set against the backdrop of the Victoria Falls Hotel, lies a delightful oasis, offering respite from the arid terrain.
Victoria Falls stands as one of Nature's remarkable wonders, alongside the likes of the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, and an erupting volcano. Over two million years, it's believed that seven different 'Victoria Falls' have existed, corresponding to the lower Zambezi gorges. The present falls, eroding northwards from Devil's Cataract, will eventually shift, unveiling a new gorge for tourists to behold.
Spanning just over a mile (1.7km), the falls are punctuated by various small islands, including Livingstone's. Plummeting to a depth of 108m at Rainbow Falls, the falls' grandeur is best appreciated from the Zambian side, offering the finest view along the gorge.
The surrounding areas present travelers with myriad activities, from game viewing and photo safaris to cruises and white-water rafting adventures.
Please note that depending upon railways capacity this journey could be routed northwards through Beitbridge and Zimbabwe.
Rovos Rail Pretoria to Victoria Falls Map
(Click on map to enlarge)
Enjoying afternoon tea in the Lounge Car
Rovos Rail arrives at Victoria Falls
Pretoria -Victoria Falls- 4 days / 3 nights
Departures 2024 :
January 25.
February 1, 8, 22, 29.
March 14.
August 22.
September 19, 26.
October 10, 17, 31.
Departures 2025 :
January 23.
February 6, 20, 27.
March 13.
April 3.
August 28.
September 18, 25
Itinerary :
Day 1 : Pretoria
10:00
The Pride of Africa departs from Pretoria Rovos Rail Station heading north. Guests may freshen up before joining fellow travellers in the Observation Car.
13:00
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.
16:30
Tea is served in the Lounge Car or Observation car at the rear of the train.
The train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn.
19:30
Dinner is served in the Dining Cars.
The train crosses the Limpopo River to Beitbridge.
Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 2 : At Leisure On Board
07:00 - 10:00
Breakfast is served in the Dining Cars.
The train travels through baobab country.
13:00
Lunch is served in the Dining Cars.
The train travels towards Bulawayo: second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and
industrial capital of the country.
16:30
Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30
Dinner is served in the Dining Cars en route to Mpopoma for overnight.
Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 3 : Hwange National Park
07:00 - 10:00
Breakfast is served in the Dining Cars.
13:00
Lunch is served in the Dining Cars as Rovos Rail journeys between Gwaai and Dete along the eastern edge of Hwange National Park along one of Africa's longest stretches of straight railway line at 114km.
15:00
Disembark at Kennedy for a game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park.
19:30
Dinner is served in the Dining Cars en route to Thompsons Junction for the overnight stop.
Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 4 : Victoria Falls
07:00 - 09:30
Breakfast is served in the Dining Cars as the train departs from Thompsons.
10:00
The Pride of Africa arrives at journey's end in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Timings are fot guidance and may change.
Victoria Falls - Pretoria - 5 days / 4 nights
Departures 2024 :
January 10, 17.
February 14.
March 6, 20, 27.
April 10, 17, 24.
May 1, 15, 29.
June 12.
July 10, 17, 24, 31.
August 7, 14, 28.
September 4, 11.
October 2, 23.
November 6, 13, 20, 27.
December 23.
Departures 2025 :
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.
Itinerary :
Day 1 : Pretoria
18:00
Leave Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria and settle into your suite before mingling with fellow travelers in the lounge car or observation car located at the rear of the train. Journey through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela), renowned for its mineral springs, and Nylstroom (Modimolle), dubbed by the Voortrekkers as the "source of the Nile River" due to its north-flowing river. Traverse the edge of the escarpment, where the Highveld dramatically descends.
20:00
Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Polokwane.
Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 2 : At Leisure On Board
07:00 - 10:00
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
Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
The train proceeds to cross the Limpopo River on its way to Beitbridge for border formalities with Zimbabwe. Rudyard Kipling's "Just So Stories" vividly describes the adventure of the 'Elephant's Child,' who embarks on a journey to the "great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees," to uncover what the Crocodile has for dinner.
19:30
Dinner is served in the Dining Cars en route to Gwanda.
Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 3 : Matobo National Park
06:00 - 09:00
Breakfast is served in the Dining Cars.
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 (approx. 45 min) to Matobo National Park to see 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.
Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 4 : Hwange National Park
07:00 - 10:00
Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
The train traverses between Gwaai and Dete along one of the globe's lengthiest stretches of straight railway track, spanning 114 kilometers. This route runs parallel to the eastern border of Hwange Park.
13:00
Lunch is served in the Dining Cars.
15:000
Enjoy a game drive in Hwange National Park, the nation's largest wildlife area at 1,462 000ha.
19:30
Dinner is served in the Dining Cars en route to Thompsons Junction.
Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 5 : Victoria Falls
07:00 - 09:30
Breakfast is served in the Dining Cars until departure.
The observation car will be leading the train – a different aspect that rail enthusiasts enjoy.
10:00
Arrive at journey's end at the incomparable Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Timings are for guidance and may change.
Train Fares Pretoria to Victoria Falls 2024/2025 :
Pullman Suite from £2,710 per person
Deluxe Suite from £3,980 per person
Royal Suite from £5,185 per person
Prices are per person, sharing a twin/double suite, one way.
Please note that all prices shown are intended as a guide only, as rates can vary depending on currency fluctuations etc. The correct prices will be quoted at the time of booking.
Price Includes :
- Accommodation on board the train.
- All table d'hôte meals and room service.
- All alcoholic and other beverages.
- Sightseeing excursions and entrance fees.
Please note: Excursions may be changed according to schedule achieved. Times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed.
