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The Southern Splendour Journey: Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Victoria Falls (or visaversa)

Step aboard Rovos Rail for the Southern Splendour Journey, an 11-night luxury train adventure. The journey begins in Pretoria and then carries you through South Africa, eSwatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, before finally arriving at the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. Throughout the route, you experience vibrant cultures, diverse wildlife, and meaningful historic sites, so every day brings something new to enjoy.

The train itself sets the scene for this remarkable trip. With vintage carriages, elegant dining rooms, and spacious suites, it creates a sense of timeless travel. As you settle into the rhythm of the rails, each day flows into the next with thoughtfully chosen excursions that take you well beyond the classic tourist trail.

What to expect:

To start, go on thrilling game drives in Kruger, Kapama, and Hwange National Parks, where you can spot elephants, lions, rhinos, and more. After that, immerse yourself in local culture at Mantenga Cultural Village and continue your journey through traditional craft centres. You then move on to the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, before heading to the striking Matobo Hills to see remarkable rock art. Further along the route, explore the dramatic landscapes of the Panorama Route, including Pilgrim’s Rest and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

Meanwhile, onboard the train, you can unwind in the observation car, savour locally inspired cuisine, and sip fine South African wines as the scenery shifts around you. As the pace stays unhurried, you have plenty of time to absorb each moment and enjoy the journey in full.

In the end, the Southern Splendour Journey blends wildlife, culture, and luxury into one seamless experience. Whether you travel as a couple seeking romance, a family looking for adventure, or a seasoned explorer wanting something different, this journey offers an unforgettable way to discover Africa.

Note that this journey is only available on specific dates, do contact us for more information.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Pretoria – Begin Your Rovos Rail Journey

Arrive at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria at least an hour before departure, or allow two hours to explore the station’s museum and take a guided tour that celebrates South Africa’s railway heritage.

Once on board, settle into your luxurious cabin as the train departs, winding through eMalahleni (Witbank) and Middelburg. Lunch is served in the dining cars, while afternoon tea in the lounge or observation car offers the perfect chance to watch the scenery drift by. End your first day with a formal dinner in the dining cars, setting the tone for the elegance ahead.

Day 2 - Panorama Route – Scenic Wonders

Wake to the rolling hills of Mpumalanga and enjoy breakfast in the dining car. Disembark for a full-day guided tour of the Panorama Route, including Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Graskop.

Lunch is enjoyed during the excursion before returning to the train. Afternoon tea in the lounge or observation car provides a tranquil pause, followed by a formal dinner as the train departs for its next destination.

Day 3 - Kruger National Park – Safari Adventure

Start early with breakfast before heading out on a full-day game drive in Kruger National Park, spotting Africa’s iconic wildlife. Lunch is included during the excursion. Return to the train in the evening for dinner, sharing stories of the day’s wildlife encounters while the train glides into the night.

Day 4 - Maputo – City and Culture

Breakfast on board as the train travels towards Mozambique.

Disembark for a city tour of Maputo, taking in Portuguese colonial architecture and vibrant local culture. Lunch is served in the city before rejoining the train. Afternoon tea and dinner back on board provide another chance to relax and enjoy the journey.

Day 5 - eSwatini – Tradition and Craft

After breakfast, disembark at Mpaka for a guided visit to Swazi Candles and the Mantenga Cultural Village, experiencing traditional crafts and Swazi culture.

Lunch at Mantenga Lodge is included before returning to the train. Enjoy afternoon tea and a formal dinner on board as the train continues its journey.

Day 6 - Kapama Reserve – Wildlife Encounters

Start the day with an early continental breakfast before a morning game drive at Kapama Private Game Reserve and a visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.

Lunch is served back on board, with afternoon tea in the lounge car. Dinner is served in the dining cars as the train continues southward, offering moments of reflection on the wildlife experiences of the day.

Day 7 - Limpopo Province – Leisurely Travel

Breakfast is served as the train winds through Limpopo Province. Enjoy a relaxing day on board with lunch and afternoon tea while the landscapes change outside your window. I

In the evening, dress for dinner in the dining cars, enjoying the comfort and elegance of Rovos Rail.

Great Zimbabwe ruins

Day 8 - Great Zimbabwe – Ancient Heritage

Breakfast on board before disembarking to visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, an iconic archaeological site. Lunch is included during the tour. Return to the train for afternoon tea and dinner as you cross into Zimbabwe, completing border formalities and enjoying the luxury of your cabin.

Day 9 - Antelope Park – Adventure and Wildlife

After breakfast, spend a full day at Antelope Park, with optional activities including canoeing, horseback game drives, elephant interaction, and bird-watching.

Lunch is served at the park. Return to the train in the afternoon for tea, followed by dinner on board.

Matobo NP

Day 10 - Matobo National Park – Culture and History

Breakfast on the train before a guided tour of Matobo National Park, including visits to Cecil Rhodes’s grave and ancient Bushman rock art.

Lunch is included during the excursion. Return to the train for afternoon tea and dinner as you reflect on the day’s stunning landscapes and historical discoveries.

A Tour Operator's Dream - elephant sighting

Day 11 - Hwange National Park – Final Safari

Very early breakfast precedes a full-day game drive in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve, with lunch included.

Return to the train in the late afternoon for tea and a formal farewell dinner, celebrating the journey and the memories made along the way.

Day 12 & 13 - Victoria Falls

Breakfast on board as the train arrives in Victoria Falls mid-morning. Take a guided walking tour of the town and the Falls, enjoying iconic viewpoints and the sheer spectacle of this natural wonder. This is the end of your train journey.

In the late afternoon, experience a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, a perfect conclusion to a remarkable rail journey. Disembark at your hotel, carrying unforgettable memories of landscapes, wildlife, and the romance of Rovos Rail.

 

Spend two nights at the Victoria Falls Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 14 - Time to say goodbye

After breakfast it is time to vacate your room. Depending on your departure flight, you can use the facilities until it is time for your transfer to the Vic Falls Airport

- Another train journey ...

Fairway elegance, a luxurious golfing odyssey on board Rovos rail.

 

What's included?

Included:
  • Accommodation in a Pullman Suite, all meals, all beverages on board, room service, limited laundry, guided excursions (where applicable), preselected local wines, beers and soft drinks on excursions, entrance fees as per itinerary, govt tax.
  • 2 nights at the Victoria Falls Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast Basis
Excluded:
  • All flights
  • All other beverages
  • International sparkling wine
  • Gratuities, personal expenses
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Pre-tour accommodation
  • Transfers not mentioned
The Train:
  • Each train has accommodation carriages, dining and lounge cars, gift shop, smoking lounge and observation car with open-air balcony.
  • The three types of suites: Pullman/Pullman Gold(±7m2), Deluxe (±10m2) and Royal (±16m2).
  • All have double or twin beds, ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet, basin and bath (Royal only), minibar, safe, airconditioning, linen and amenities and are serviced daily. There is adequate storage and small cupboards with hangers and shelves.
Train Suite Facilities:
  • Double or twin beds, en-suite with shower, toilet and basin
  • Small lounge area
  • Writing desk
  • Luggage shelf, cupboards, safe, fridge
  • Air conditioning
  • Tea facilities
  • Bespoke amenities
  • Robes and slippers
  • Hairdryer (fixed or plug-in)
  • Shaver plugs (2-pin), USB ports
  • Emergency torch
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Laundry and shoe bag
  • Internal telephone system
  • Room service
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