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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail tour

Rovos Rail to Victoria Falls

Luxury train journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls on Rovos Rail

Illustration of Rovos Rail to Victoria Falls

Vacations By Rail's eight-day tour showcases Rovos Rail, one of the world's most luxurious trains, on a journey from Pretoria, South Africa to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The trip begins with one night in a five-star Pretoria hotel before you board Rovos Rail on day 2 for a four-night passage south and east. Onboard the Pullman Suite, you enjoy all meals as the train travels through Baobab country, pauses for a game drive at Hwange National Park on day 4, and arrives at Victoria Falls on day 5. After disembarking, you spend three nights in a hand-selected Victoria Falls hotel (bed-and-breakfast) and fill your days with a walking tour of the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and other viewpoints, and an optional 13-minute helicopter flight above the falls and Zambezi gorges. This is a self-guided independent tour: there is no group or escort, but the route and hotel choices are mapped for you. The pace is relaxed, with multiple nights in each location and ample time on the train to absorb the journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • International flights to Johannesburg are not included; the package begins with a transfer from Johannesburg airport to Pretoria.
  • Hotel options in Victoria Falls vary by rating and location (Insike Lodge is 4-star; Ivory Manor, The Palm River Hotel are 5-star); your final accommodation depends on your selection and availability.
  • The descriptionLong mentions Cape Town and Table Mountain, but the itinerary and route do not include Cape Town; confirm the actual scope with Vacations By Rail before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Pretoria

    Arriving in Pretoria

    Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to your hand-selected five-star hotel in Pretoria for the night on a B&B basis.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Rovos Rail

    Rovos Rail

    Transfer from your hotel to the railway station in Pretoria to board Rovos Rail. Lunch is served in the dining car through Warmbaths and Nylstroom, with dinner in the dining car this evening.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Rovos Rail

    Zimbabwe

    A relaxing day onboard through Baobab country. After lunch, the train makes its way to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second city, with dinner served in the dining car this evening.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Rovos Rail

    Safari in Hwange National Park

    Breakfast and lunch are served onboard as the train travels between Gwaai and Dete. The route pauses for a game drive at the Hide in Hwange National Park, with dinner paired with fine wines served back onboard this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Victoria Falls

    Arrive at Victoria Falls

    Breakfast in the dining car before disembarking Rovos Rail at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Transfer to your chosen hotel, selected between handpicked accommodation options on a B&B basis.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Victoria Falls

    Exploring Victoria Falls

    Tour the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, walking through the permanent misty rainforest to see the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pot, Cataract Island and Livingstone Island.

  7. Day 7overnight: Victoria Falls

    Exploring Victoria Falls

    Experience the 13-minute Flight of Angels, a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, the zigzag gorges and the islands of the Zambezi River.

  8. Day 8

    Tour conclusion

    An included transfer takes you from your hotel in Victoria Falls to the airport to begin your journey home on an overnight flight.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board Rovos Rail in Pretoria and enjoy lunch and dinner in the dining car as the train passes through Warmbaths and Nylstroom.
  • Day 4Experience a game drive at the Hide in Hwange National Park during the train's pause, followed by dinner paired with fine wines onboard.
  • Day 6Walk through the permanent misty rainforest on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls to see the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pot, Cataract Island and Livingstone Island.
  • Day 7Take the Flight of Angels, a 13-minute helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, the zigzag gorges and the islands of the Zambezi River.

Included

  • 4 nights 3, 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • 3 or 4 nights on board the Rovos Rail in a Pullman Suite

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Flights

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes 3 or 4 nights aboard Rovos Rail in a Pullman Suite, as well as all rail and coach transfers throughout the tour.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail tour. You travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary; there is no guide accompanying you.
What meals are included?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included onboard Rovos Rail (days 2-5). Hotel accommodation in Pretoria and Victoria Falls is on a bed-and-breakfast basis only.
What activities are included?
A walking tour of the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls is included on day 6. The helicopter flight (Flight of Angels) and game drive at Hwange National Park on day 4 are included as part of the train journey.
How many nights are spent on the train?
You spend 3 or 4 nights aboard Rovos Rail (nights 2, 3 and 4 of the tour).
What is the starting price?
From USD 4,120 per person. This covers accommodation, all rail and coach travel, and meals as described. International flights are not included.

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