Start your luxurious rail journey in a world of elegance, romance and grace, as the train departs Rovos Rail’s station in Pretoria. You will depart in the morning and slowly journey westwards through Mafikeng into Botswana and then north, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn just after Gaborone. The luxurious train meanders westwards towards Bulawayo and ends in Victoria Falls.
The package includes accommodation, meals and excursions during the train journey, as well as alcoholic beverages whilst on board the train. Our consultants can book accommodation and activities in Victoria Falls to compliment this luxurious itinerary on the Rovos Rail.
Today your 1600-kilometre journey through varied African scenery begins as the Rovos Rail departs from the private station in Capital Park, Pretoria. Enjoy scenic views as the train passes the Magaliesberg Mountains. The Rovos Rail is the epitome of luxury with beautiful wood panelling and period Edwardian features. Air-conditioned suites accommodate two people with en-suite bathrooms, original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.
A professional team of chefs onboard the Rovos Rail place emphasis on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes. Every morning there is a full breakfast with cooked dishes to order. For lunch and dinner there is a starter and a choice of fish, meat or vegetarian dishes followed by a delicious dessert. Meals are complemented by excellent South African wines. All meals are served in one sitting in the Victorian dining cars. Fine china, crisp linen and silver complete the exquisite meals served onboard.
Border formalities will be dealt with at Mafikeng, before the train travels north through Botswana's capital, Gaborone. Enjoy breakfast this morning as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn and you watch the ever-changing African vistas from your window. Wander down to the observation car which is positioned at the rear of the train and meet your fellow travellers. At the centre of the train there is a non-smoking lounge car that seats 26 passengers in comfort. A smoking club lounge is located next to the observation car.
Maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. Linger over a tasty lunch which is served in the dining car and in the late afternoon arrive in Plumtree for border formalities for your journey into Zimbabwe.
As the sun disappears over the landscape, the day's smart-casual dress code gives way to a parade of elegant eveningwear and you will enjoy another dinner banquet in the magnificent dining car. Fall asleep in your luxurious suite with the relaxing "clickety-clack" sounds of the travelling train. The train will stop overnight in Mpopoma.
Today the train heads towards Thompson's Junction and Hwange National Park where animals can be spotted from the train. Zimbabwe is home to a wide variety of wildlife, plant life and bird species. The train stops long enough for you to venture into the thickets of the wildlife-rich bushes on a guided game drive in the park.
Your guide will explain the bush and its inhabitants to you as your open safari vehicle navigates its way through the dusty paths. Look out for the smaller facets of the bush, such as the variety of birds and the smaller mammals. Ranging from the tiny beetles to the towering giraffes, the bush is full of surprises.
Return to the train for your onward journey to Thompson Junction - a railway marshalling yard northwest of Hwange - for an overnight stay. Dinner is served at 19:30 in the dining cars.