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Luxury Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria with Victoria Falls

Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria with a Victoria Falls stay

Illustration of Luxury Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria with Victoria Falls

Railbookers' Luxury Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria with Victoria Falls runs 14 days and 13 nights, starting in Cape Town and finishing back in Johannesburg after a stop at Victoria Falls. The trip opens with four nights in Cape Town, including a Cape Peninsula drive and a day touring Franschhoek's wine estates, among them the 1692 farm Babylonstoren. On day 5 the Rovos Rail Discover train departs for a three-night journey to Pretoria, stopping at Kimberley's Big Hole and passing through Golden Gate Highlands National Park. After two nights and a city tour in Johannesburg, a short flight covers the distance to Victoria Falls for three nights on the Zambezi River, with a river cruise, a half-day guided tour of the Falls with a walking safari, and the Boma dinner and drum show. A final flight returns travelers to Johannesburg for one more night before departure. It suits travelers who want a single luxury itinerary combining a classic rail journey with one of Africa's best-known natural landmarks.

What to know before you look closer

  • Reaching Victoria Falls and returning to Johannesburg both involve short flights rather than rail, on days 10 and 13.
  • The evidence for this listing does not include specific departure dates; confirm current scheduling and availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Cape Town

    Your Journey Begins in Cape Town

    Welcome to South Africa! On arrival at the airport, you will be met by our representatives and transferred to your luxury hotel for a four-night stay. (Overnight Cape Town)

  2. Day 2overnight: Cape Town

    Cape Town

    Today enjoy a private half-day city tour, passing iconic landmarks and sites such as the Castle of Good Hope, St. George's Cathedral, the Company Gardens, and the vibrant Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Continue to join a sparkling tour, and witness the art of diamond cutting and the careful craftsmanship of jewelry manufacturing by skilled experts. Discover the history of the Diamond and Gold Trade in South Africa. You will be offered the option of continuing to Table Mountain, where you can ascend to the top, weather permitting by the revolving cable car. (Overnight Cape Town)

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3overnight: Cape Town

    Cape Town

    Make sure your camera is fully charged today, as you head out of the city on a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast. Visit the village of Hout Bay, one of Cape Town's best-kept secrets. Here there is an option to take a short boat trip to Duiker Island to view the Cape Fur Seals, which inhabit the island. Next is the Cape Point Nature Reserve which includes an abundance of wildlife. On your return to Cape Town, follow the coastline along False Bay and visit the Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach, then enjoy refreshments on the slopes of Table Mountain. (Overnight Cape Town)

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Cape Town

    Cape Town to Franschhoek

    Embark on a unique journey through scenic vineyards on an open-side tram and tram bus. Explore historic wine estates, including Babylonstoren, a well-preserved Cape Dutch farm dating back to 1692. Guided by an expert, discover the rich history of the French Huguenots in Franschhoek village. Enjoy the perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and fine wines. (Overnight Cape Town)

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5railovernight: onboard

    Overnight Onboard Rovos Rail

    Bid farewell to Cape Town today as you begin your three-night luxury adventure by train. Relax in opulent surroundings and savor exquisite cuisine as the train glides through stunning landscapes towards Pretoria. Unwind in your elegant cabin and indulge in the impeccable service and amenities offered on board. (Overnight onboard)

    Meals: B, L, D

  6. Day 6railovernight: onboard

    Overnight Onboard Rovos Rail

    Wake up to breathtaking scenery as the Rovos Rail continues its voyage towards Pretoria. Today, enjoy a captivating excursion to Kimberley, known for its diamond mines and rich history. Visit the Big Hole, the largest man-made excavation site in the world, and explore the fascinating Diamond Mine Museum. Immerse yourself in the stories of the diamond rush era before returning to the train for a sumptuous dinner. (Overnight onboard)

    Meals: B, L, D

  7. Day 7railovernight: onboard

    Overnight Onboard Rovos Rail

    As the Rovos Rail meanders through the picturesque landscapes, marvel at the beauty of the Golden Gates Highlands National Park. Admire the majestic mountains, rolling hills, and vibrant flora that surround you. Relax in the elegant lounges, savor delectable meals, and engage in conversation with fellow travelers as you continue your unforgettable rail journey. (Overnight onboard)

    Meals: B, L, D

  8. Day 8railovernight: Johannesburg

    Johannesburg

    Today your rail journey comes to an end in Pretoria, and once you have said farewell to your traveling companions over the past three days, you will be driven on the short journey to Johannesburg for a two-night stay. (Overnight Johannesburg)

    Meals: B

  9. Day 9overnight: Johannesburg

    Johannesburg

    Enjoy a full-day private tour of Johannesburg today. Discover the history of Johannesburg, the city of gold, and experience the vibrant neighborhood life of Soweto. Visit Constitution Hill, the Constitutional Court and site of Johannesburg's Old Fort Prison, Walter Sisulu Square - Kliptown Open Air Museum and the Hector Pieterson Memorial. View the iconic Soweto Towers and experience the buzz of Vilikazi Street and an authentic street market. (Overnight Johannesburg)

    Meals: B

  10. Day 10overnight: Victoria Falls

    Victoria Falls

    Following breakfast, you will be whisked to the airport for a short flight to Victoria Falls. Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is a breathtaking natural wonder renowned for its majestic beauty and the deafening roar of its cascading waters. On arrival, you will be taken to your luxury hotel located on the Zambezi River, and once settled enjoy a two-hour river cruise. Throughout the trip, the crew will tell you numerous stories about the local culture, historical exploration, and amazing wildlife. (Overnight Victoria Falls)

    Meals: B

  11. Day 11overnight: Victoria Falls

    Victoria Falls

    Today is all about the Falls. A half-day guided tour takes you to the edge of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. During the tour, you will enjoy a walking safari and learn about the history and local wildlife of the area. Later, experience a vibrant fusion of delectable cuisine, lively performances, and rhythmic beats at the Boma dinner and drum show, where a tantalizing 4-course meal awaits alongside captivating entertainment, culminating in an engaging drumming extravaganza. (Overnight Victoria Falls)

    Meals: B, D

  12. Day 12overnight: Victoria Falls

    Victoria Falls

    Spend today at your own leisure. Relax by the pool or revisit the amazing Falls. the Victoria Falls Footpath is an easy-to-navigate route through the rain forest which gives you the very best views of all the Falls. (Overnight Victoria Falls)

    Meals: B

  13. Day 13overnight: Johannesburg

    Johannesburg

    You will be escorted to the airport for your short flight to Johannesburg and then transported to your hotel for a final night in South Africa. Venture into the city for some final souvenir shopping perhaps. (Overnight Johannesburg)

    Meals: B

  14. Day 14rail

    Your Journey Ends in Johannesburg

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels. A driver will escort you from your hotel to the airport in time for your onward journey. If you wish to extend your trip with additional nights in a different destination, one of our Rail Experts can help you with all the arrangements! B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4A day touring Franschhoek's wine estates by open-side tram, including Babylonstoren, a Cape Dutch farm dating to 1692
  • Day 5The three-night journey aboard Rovos Rail begins as the train departs Cape Town for Pretoria
  • Day 7The train passes through Golden Gate Highlands National Park
  • Day 10Arrival at Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River, followed by a two-hour river cruise
  • Day 11A half-day guided tour of Victoria Falls with a walking safari, followed by the Boma dinner and drum show

Included

  • 4 nights of luxury hotel accommodations including breakfast in Cape Town 3 nights of luxury hotel accommodations including breakfast in Johannesburg 3 nights of luxury hotel accommodations including breakfast in Victoria Falls 3 nights in a Pullman Suite onboard Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria including: All meals and drinks All off-board experience All freshly prepared meals Private half-day city tour of Cape Town Private full-day Cape Peninsula including Kirstenbosch Private full-day Franschhoek Wine Tram & Babylonstoren Farm Experience Private full-day city tour of Johannesburg Sunset Zambezi River cruise Guided Tour of Victoria Falls Private airport/hotel/station transfers throughout Flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, and return

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes 3 nights in a Pullman Suite aboard Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria, with all onboard meals and drinks included.
Is Victoria Falls reached by train?
No. After Johannesburg, a short flight covers the distance to Victoria Falls, with a return flight to Johannesburg afterward.
Is this trip independent or escorted?
It is an independent rail vacation, arranged by Railbookers, with private guided tours and private transfers at each stop.
Which train is used?
Rovos Rail Discover, traveling from Cape Town to Pretoria.
What is included at Victoria Falls?
3 nights in a luxury hotel on the Zambezi River, a river cruise, a half-day guided tour of the Falls, and the Boma dinner and drum show.
What hotels are included?
4 nights in Cape Town, 3 nights total in Johannesburg split before and after Victoria Falls, and 3 nights on the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls, all with breakfast.

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