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Tailor Made Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Rovos Rail: Pretoria to Victoria Falls

Luxury train from Pretoria to Victoria Falls with Hwange game drive

Illustration of Rovos Rail: Pretoria to Victoria Falls

Tailor Made Rail operates this 6-day luxury rail journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls aboard Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa. The journey spans South Africa and Zimbabwe over 3 nights on the train, beginning with a departure from Pretoria where lunch is served as the train passes the Highveld escarpment and crosses the Tropic of Capricorn. On day 3, passengers disembark at Kennedy Siding for a game drive at Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest natural reserve, before continuing to Victoria Falls. The final 2 nights are spent at the Ilala Lodge Hotel, with a full day to explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed falls via optional activities such as helicopter flights, Devil's Pools swimming, or a Chobe National Park safari. The package includes all meals and drinks onboard, transfers, and a return flight to Johannesburg, delivered in Pullman, Deluxe Suite, or Royal Suite cabin options. This trip suits luxury seekers and repeat rail travellers drawn to a combination of train travel, wildlife, and natural wonders.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights to and from the UK are not included; only the return flight from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg is part of the package.
  • The hotel in Victoria Falls is listed as 'or similar', meaning the final accommodation may vary.
  • This is a tailor-made package, so availability and exact departure dates should be confirmed directly with Tailor Made Rail.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Aboard the Pride of Africa

    Depart Pretoria aboard Rovos Rail train

    Check in at Rovos Rail station in Pretoria and mingle with fellow guests in the lounge cars as the journey to Zimbabwe begins. Lunch is served through Warmbaths and Nylstroom, past the escarpment where the Highveld drops away, with afternoon tea and a formal dinner as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn towards the Zimbabwean border.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Aboard the Pride of Africa

    Travelling through Zimbabwe

    A leisurely start with breakfast served until 10am, travelling the BBR railway line via West Nicholson and Bulawayo (with lunch served), then afternoon tea in the observation car and dinner as the train continues towards Mpopoma.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Aboard the Pride of Africa

    Hwange National Park

    Breakfast onboard, a morning at leisure, then lunch prepared with local ingredients as the train travels one of the world's longest straight railway stretches between Gwaai and Dete. Disembark at Kennedy Siding for a game drive in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest natural reserve, before dinner onboard towards Thompsons Junction.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Victoria Falls

    Arrive Victoria Falls

    Breakfast served from 7am; arrive at Victoria Falls around 10am at the end of the rail journey. Met at the station and escorted to the Ilala Lodge Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

  5. Day 5overnight: Victoria Falls

    Victoria Falls

    A day at leisure at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Victoria Falls, the world's largest based on combined width and height. Options include viewing tours, swimming at the Devil's Pools, a helicopter flight, safaris into Chobe National Park in Botswana, or a Zambezi River cruise.

  6. Day 6rail

    Victoria Falls to Johannesburg

    Check out and transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for the flight back to Johannesburg. This journey can also be combined with the Rovos Rail or Blue Train journeys from Cape Town to Pretoria.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart Pretoria aboard the Pride of Africa as lunch is served through Warmbaths and Nylstroom, passing the Highveld escarpment before crossing the Tropic of Capricorn towards the Zimbabwean border.
  • Day 3Disembark at Kennedy Siding for a game drive in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest natural reserve, after the train traverses one of the world's longest straight railway stretches.
  • Day 4Arrive at Victoria Falls around 10am after the 3-night rail journey and transfer to the Ilala Lodge Hotel for a 2-night stay at the UNESCO World Heritage listed falls.

Included

  • A 3-night journey with Rovos Rail in a Pullman Cabin, including all meals, drinks and a game drive at Hwange Park
  • 4* hotel accommodation in Victoria Falls with breakfast
  • Transfers from station to hotel and hotel to airport in Victoria Falls
  • A flight from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg at the end of your stay
  • Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office

Not included

  • Flights to and from the UK

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes 3 nights aboard Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa from Pretoria to Victoria Falls, with all meals, drinks, and a game drive at Hwange National Park included.
What is the duration and route?
The trip is 6 days and 5 nights. The train departs Pretoria, travels via Bulawayo and Hwange National Park, and arrives at Victoria Falls. A return flight takes you from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg on day 6.
What accommodation is provided?
You stay 3 nights in a Pullman Cabin, Deluxe Suite, or Royal Suite onboard the Pride of Africa, then 2 nights at the Ilala Lodge Hotel (or similar) in Victoria Falls with breakfast included.
What activities are included?
The package includes a game drive at Hwange National Park and transfers in Victoria Falls. Day 5 is at leisure; optional paid activities include swimming at Devil's Pools, helicopter flights, Chobe National Park safaris, and Zambezi River cruises.
What is not included?
Flights to and from the UK are not included. The return flight is only from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg.
What cabin options are available?
The base price of £2,999 per person (January-September 2025) covers a Pullman Cabin for two sharing. Deluxe Suite upgrades start at £800 per person; Royal Suite upgrades start at £1,600 per person. Prices rise to £3,399 per person from October 2025.

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