Rovos Rail - Victoria Falls to Pretoria 2024/2025
4 days / 3 night Journey
5 days / 4 night Journey
Experience a journey through one of the most scenic areas of South Africa starting at the magnificent Victoria Falls. From here the Pride of Africa heads south through Zimbabwe, across the plains of Botswana and into South Africa to its home at Pretoria, the capital city.
The historic station at Victoria Falls was first established in June 1904. The old colonial buildings with their bougainvillea and palm trees set against the backdrop of the Victoria Falls Hotel are a soothing oasis compared to the rugged and arid landscape.
Victoria Falls are a natural wonder that will surely be awe-inspiring to any that are lucky enough to visit them. It is believed that there have existed no less than seven different 'Victoria Falls' over the past two million years. These cascades correspond to the lower gorges of the Zambezi. The present falls is wearing from Devil's Cataract northwards, eroding the softer material behind the present basalt base of the falls. When eventually all the soft matter has been removed, the Victoria Falls will move back, a fresh gorge will yawn and where the falls are now will become a new site for tourists.
Although just over a mile long (1.7km) the falls are broken up by various small islands, including Livingstone's. At their deepest, the falls are 108m deep at Rainbow Falls. Although the usual tour of the Victoria Falls National Park is recommended from the south or Zimbabwe side of the falls, the finest view along the gorge is to be had from the north side or Zambian side.
The surrounding areas offer travellers many activities such as game viewing and photo safaris as well as cruises and white water rafting
Depart Victoria Falls for this epic journey through some of southern Africa's most beautiful scenery. After leaving Victoria, the train heads south east towards Hwange National Park. After an early breakfast, disembark for a game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest wildlife reserve. Return to the train and enjoy the scenery as the train travels between Dete and Gwaai along one of the world's longest stretches of straight railway line at 114 kilometres, before passing Bulawayo, the second city of Zimbabwe and capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country.
The train leaves baobab country and travels south before crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and on towards Warmbaths (so named for its mineral waters) and Nylstroom, christened by the Voortrekkers as the source of the Nile Rive,r as the town's river happened to be north flowing.
After passing by the escarpment's edge where the Highveld drops precipitously, journeys end arrives in Pretoria around mid-morning.
Please note that depending upon railways capacity this journey could be routed southwards through Beitbridge and Zimbabwe.
Rovos Rail Victoria Falls to Pretoria Map
(Click on map to enlarge)
Rovos Rail at Victoria Falls
Enjoy the passing scenery from the Observation Car
Victoria Falls - Pretoria - 4 days / 3 nights
Departures 2024 :
January 21.
February 4, 11, 18, 25.
March 3, 10, 17, 24.
April 7.
July 28.
August 18.
September 8, 15, 22, 29.
October 6, 13, 20, 27.
November 3.
Departures 2025 :
January 19.
February 9, 16, 23.
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 25.
April 6, 22.
June 17.
July 1.
August 3, 31.
September 7, 14, 16, 21, 28.
Itinerary :
Day 1 : Victoria Falls
17:00
The Pride of Africa departs from Victoria Falls Station heading south-west towards the Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest game reserve.
19:30
Dinner is served in the Dining Cars as the train makes its way to Malindi for its overnight stop.
Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 2 : Hwange National Park
05:00
Early wake-up call with continental breakfast in the dining cars until departure.
06:00
Disembark for a game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park .
12:00
Lunch is served in the Dining Cars. The train travels between Dete and Gwaai along one of Africa's longest stretches of straight railway line - 114 kilometres - and passes 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 as the train travels baobab country.
19:30
Dinner is served in the Dining Cars en route to Beitbridge for South African border formalities.
Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 3 : At Leisure on Board
07:00 - 10:00
Breakfast is served in the Dining Cars as the train heads in a southerly direction. The train crosses the Limpopo River to Musina.
13:00
Lunch is served in the Dining Cars as Rovos Rail crosses the Tropic of Capricorn towards Warmbaths and Nylstroom.
16:30
Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. Travel through Warmbaths - 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.
19:30
Dinner is served as the train passes the edge of the escarpment. Overnight Pyramid.
Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 4 : Pretoria
07:00 - 09:30
Breakfast is served in the Dining Cars as the train makes its final leg of the route.
10:00
The Pride of Africa arrives at its home at the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria.
Timings are fot guidance and may change.
Victoria Falls - Pretoria - 5 days / 4 nights
Departures 2024 :
January 14, 28.
March 31.
April 14, 21, 28.
May 5, 19.
June 2, 16, 20.
July 14, 21.
August 4, 11, 25.
September 1.
November 10, 14, 24.
December 1, 27.
Departures 2025 :
January 12, 23, 26.
March 30.
April 13, 20, 27.
May 4, 18.
June 1, 15.
July 13, 20, 27.
August 10, 17, 23, 24.
September 25.
Itinerary :
Day 1 : Victoria Falls
17:00
Depart from Victoria Falls Station, Zimbabwe. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train.
19:30
Dinner is served in the Dining Cars en route to Malindi.
Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 2 : Hwange National Park
05:00
A continental breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure.
06:00
Enjoy a game drive in Hwange National Park, the nation's largest wildlife area at 1,462,000 ha.
12:00
Lunch is served in the Dining Cars.
The train travels along one of the world's longest stretches of straight railway line – 114km – en route to 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.
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
Breakfast is served in the Dining Cars until departure.
08:00
Transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to Matobo National Park for a game drive. Visit bushmen caves and the grave of Cecil John Rhodes.
13:00
Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train travels baobab country.
16:30
Tea in the lounge and observation cars as the train descends to Gwanda.
19:30
Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Beitbridge for Zimbabwean border formalities.
Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 4 : At Leisure on Board
07:00 - 10:00
Breakfast is served in the Dining Cars.
The train crosses the Limpopo River to Musina for South African border formalities.
13:00
Lunch is served in the Dining Cars.
The train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn.
16:30
Tea in the lounge and observation cars.
19:30
Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Pyramid, passing the edge of the escarpment where the Highveld drops precipitously.
Remember, dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie and ladies elegant evening wear.
Day 5 : Pretoria
07:00 - 09:30
Breakfast is served in the Dining Cars.
10:00
The Pride of Africa arrives at journey's end at Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria.
Timings are for guidance and may change.
Train Fares Victoria Falls to Pretoria - 3 or 4 nights - 2024/2025 :
Pullman Suite from £2,410 per person
Deluxe Suite from £3,400 per person
Royal Suite from £4,520 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.
