Another stunning luxury train excursion in South Africa is the delightful Rovos Rail Pretoria to Victoria Falls train journey. It combines contrasting scenery in two countries and game-viewing with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of rail.
This delightful three or four night journey winds its way south past the goldfields of the Witwatersrand. You then cross the border into Zimbabwe. Then you spend a relaxing two nights meandering up through Zimbabwe. You pass through Hwange National Park where you can spot animals from the train. You stop for an afternoon game drive before arriving in style at Victoria Falls on the final morning.
This beautifully restored train comprises luxury coaches drawn by vintage-steam locomotives. The coaches have been splendidly refurbished in Edwardian style with special attention to detail, comfort and luxury.
On the Rovos Rail Pretoria to Victoria Falls Journey, you can choose between three different compartment sizes, all of which are en suite. The Pullman suite is the smallest compartment size with banquettes which are converted into beds. The Deluxe suite are more spacious with a permanent bed. Or, choose the top end Royal suite which is even more spacious with a bath in the en suite bathroom as well as a shower.
Typically, there are 2-4 departures in each direction per month. The departures are a mix of 3 night and 4 nights depending on the dates. But the price is exactly the same. (Note that the 3-night journey's itinerary is reflected below BUT the digital itinerary shows the 4-night journey as the alternative)
Three-night journey: Departs Pretoria at 10am in the morning and arrives in Victoria Falls at approx. 10am
Four-night jounery: Departs Pretoria at 6pm in the early evening and arrives in Victoria Falls at approx. 10am
Note that the single supplement is 50% of the per person sharing rate below.
Rovos Rail Pretoria to Victoria Falls
3 nights in 2024: 22 Aug and 19 & 26 Sep, 10, 17 & 31 Oct
4 nights in 2024: 1, 15 & 29 May; 12 Jun; 10, 17, 24 & 31 Jul; 7, 14 & 28 Aug and 4 & 11 Sep, 2 & 23 Oct, 6, 13, 20 & 27 Nov
3 nights in 2025: 23 Jan, 6, 20 & 27 Feb, 13 Mar, 2 April, 28 Aug and 18 & 25 Sep
4 nights in 2024: 8 & 15 Jan, 12 Feb, 5, 19 & 26 Mar, 9. 16, 23 & 30 April, 14 & 28 May, 11 & 27 June, 9, 16 & 23 July, 6, 13 & 20 Aug, 3 & 10 Sept
Rovos Rail Victoria Falls to Pretoria
3 nights in 2024: 28 Jul; 18 Aug and 8, 15, 22 & 29 Sep, 6, 13, 20 & 27 Oct, 3 Nov
4 nights in 2024: 5 & 19 May; 2, 16 & 20 Jun; 14 & 21 Jul; 4, 11 & 25 Aug, 1 Sep, 10 & 24 Nov, 1 & 27 Dec
3 nights in 2025: 19 Jan, 9, 16 & 23 Feb, 9, 9, 16 & 23 Mar, 6 & 22 April, 17 Jun, 5 & 31 Aug and 7, 14, 21 & 28 Sep
4 nights in 2025: 12 & 26 Jan, 30 Mar, 13, 20 & 27 April, 4 & 18 May; 1 & 15 Jun; 13, 20 & 27 Jul; 10, 17 & 24 Aug
The Rovos Rail Pretoria to Victoria Falls train has set departure dates every month. So it will fit in well with any safari itinerary in Botswana, Zambia or even in Zimbabwe. You can also opt to do this train journey in reverse starting in Victoria Falls and heading south to Pretoria.
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Use the scroll button to see the full itinerary.
This 3 or 4 night adventure begins with the train’s departure from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. It then winds its way north through Warmbaths, so named for its mineral waters. Then through Nylstroom, christened by the Voortrekkers as the source of the Nile River. The train then passes the edge of the escarpment and crosses the Tropic of Capricorn en route to the border with Zimbabwe.
19h30 – Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal.
Note: The 3-night journey departs Pretoria at 10h00 but the 4-night journey departs at 18h00 and spends an extra night on the train but at no extra cost.
If doing the journey in reverse, returning from Victoria Falls, then both the 3 & 4 night journeys depart at 17h00.
After formalities at Beitbridge the next morning, the train travels on the BBR line to Bulawayo, the second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country.
19h30 – Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mpopoma. Dress: Formal
The following day sees the train travelling along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres. You then travel alongside Hwange National Park, a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary where animals can be spotted from the train. Later you enjoy a game drive followed by sundowners before re-joining the train.
19h30 – Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Thompsons Junction. Dress: Formal
After a service stop at Thompsons Junction, the sojourn ends at the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River. The surrounding areas offer travellers many recreational opportunities including cruises, white-water rafting as well as superb game viewing and photo safaris.
You arrive in Victoria Falls at 10h00.
This is a set tour using specific camps. However many tours can be adapted. Chat to us about your options. It excludes international flights but includes an estimate for all domestic or regional flights within the tour.
Accommodation; all meals; all beverages; room service; limited laundry; excursions with a qualified guide (where applicable); entrance fees as per itinerary; government tax.
EXCLUDESInternational sparkling wine; gratuities; personal expenses; visas, travel insurance; pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation and flights; items of a personal nature.
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