This adventure begins in Zimbabwe with an opportunity to explore the Falls and the charming town that is Victoria Falls along the mighty Zambezi River, before beginning your rail journey, as you set off from the Rovos Rail Station the following day. Enjoy a game drive in Hwange National Park and then travel along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line en route to Bulawayo. Travel through to Matobo National Park, and explore a World Heritage Site with bushmen caves, rock art and dramatic granite hills, before descending in to South Africa.
Arrive at The Victoria Falls Hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure unwinding by the pool, lounging in your lavish room or suite or enjoying the five-star facilities including refined restaurant and spa. Those eager to start their adventure can choose to explore the charming town and Zimbabwe’s biggest natural attraction just minutes away.
Depart from Victoria Falls Station aboard an institution of luxury rail travel, not just in South Africa but around the world, Rovos Rail. Service is wonderfully professional whilst still being warm and friendly, the entire dining experience is one of stunning cuisine paired with majestic South African fine wines and formal attire is a refreshing requisite for evening meals.
Steam into a game drive in Hwange National Park, the nation’s largest wildlife area at 1 462 000ha, followed by lunch, served in the dining cars. The train then 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.
Transfer to Matobo National Park to see bushmen caves, rock art and the grave of Cecil John Rhodes. Lunch will be served in the dining cars, as the train travels baobab country and an optional afternoon Tea in the lounge and observation cars as the train descends to Gwanda. Dinner will be served as you travel en route to Beitbridge for Zimbabwean border formalities.
Today the train crosses the Limpopo River to Musina for South African border formalities. Lunch will be served in the dining cars, as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn. Travel through Warmbaths and Nylstroom and pass the edge of the escarpment where the Highveld drops precipitously. Dinner will be served later as you continue en route to Pyramid, passing the edge of the escarpment where the Highveld drops precipitously.
After breakfast, your journey will end at the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, spending one more night of luxury in Castello di Monte. On the doorstep of the Jacaranda City, the hotel is a beautiful blend of Italian architecture and African landscape offering a luxurious, elegant experience, brimming with tranquility.
