Rovos Rail – Victoria Falls to Pretoria

The pride of Africa

Experience the extravagant elegance of rail travel through the beauty of Africa on the most luxurious trains in the world. Rovos Rail was established in the year 1989, consisting of a locomotive and seven carriages with only four paying passengers, friends and press.

After the journey from Pretoria to Cape Town in 1991 the company began to flourish, literally in different directions. Today Rovos Rail operates several trains which accommodate up to 72 passengers. Each train has a staff car, kitchen car, lounge car, open-balcony observation car, a smoking lounge and one or two dining cars.

All cars have windows. The observation car has large windows offering guests a panoramic view of the magnificent passing African landscape.

Rovos Rail travel to the most beautiful locations in Africa. From east to west and north to south in a series of journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 days.

It's said that the Cape Town to Dar es Salaam trip is one of the most outstanding train journeys in the world. You also have the Namibia trip and the journeys from Pretoria, Cape Town, Victoria Falls and Durban which are run on a consistent basis throughout the year.

In July 2019 Rovos Rail will set off on a new journey lasting 15 days from Tanzania traveling through Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola. It will be the first time in history that a passenger train will travel the east-to-west copper trail on this route.

Deluxe Suites

The sleeper coach or suite as we call it measure 10 square meter and accommodates two people with the option of twin or double beds. It features a lounge area, closet, luggage rack and fridge. All suites are air-conditioned and has en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, hairdryers and shaver plugs.

DAY 1: Life on board Rovos Rail.
Train departs from Victoria Falls Station

The train departs from Victoria Falls station in Zimbabwe at 5pm and travels southeast towards Thompsons Junction.

Guests may freshen up in their suites before going for a refreshing drink in the observation car, or they may relax in the lounge car with fellow travellers. A 3-course dinner is served in the dining cars at 07:30pm, remember to dress up! Train overnights at Kennedy Siding.

DAY 2: Game drive in Hwange National Park

Early morning wake up call at 5am. Continental breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure. Disembark for a game drive at 6am at The Hide in Hwange National Park. Brunch is served in the dining cars from 11am until 01:30pm.

The train travels between Dete and Gwaai along one of the world's longest stretches of straight railway line approx. 114km, and continues to Bulawayo, second largest city in Zimbabwe.

Tea in the observation car or lounge car at 04:30pm. Another delicious 3-course dinner is served in the dining cars at 07:30pm. Train overnights at Beitbridge.

*Please ensure the train manager is in possession of your passport.

DAY 3: Train departs Beitbridge, leaves baobab county
and travels towards Polokwane

Continental breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10am.

Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn. Tea in the observation car or lounge car at 04:30pm.

A 3-course dinner is served in the dining cars at 07:30pm. Don't forget to be formal and add a little extra sparkle to your outfit on the last dinner on board. Train overnights at Pyramid Station.

DAY 4: Arrival at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria

Continental breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09:30am as the train travels towards Capital Park.

Arrival at Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria at 10am.