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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted Small Group Tour

Victoria Falls, Cape Town & Botswana Safari

Southern Africa rail and safari: Victoria Falls, Botswana, Pride of Africa train, Cape Town

Illustration of Victoria Falls, Cape Town & Botswana Safari

Great Rail Journeys' 16-day escorted tour explores southern Africa from Victoria Falls to Cape Town, departing London Heathrow and returning after two weeks of wildlife, scenic drives and urban discovery. The journey spans Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia with a UK Tour Manager guiding a small group throughout. Days blend safari experiences (morning game drives in Chobe National Park and Nambiti Reserve, a sunrise wildlife drive), river cruises (sunset on the Zambezi, sunset on the Chobe), and city exploration (Cape Town's Table Mountain cable car, the Cape Peninsula tour to meet African penguins at Boulders Bay). The centrepiece is a two-night journey aboard Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa in a Pullman Suite from Pretoria to Durban, with all meals and drinks included on the train. Most nights are spent in 4-star hotels; accommodation ranges from Victoria Falls and Kasane's safari lodges to Durban, Knysna and Cape Town. This tour suits repeat rail travellers, couples seeking guided and free time, photographers drawn to famous landscapes, and those comfortable with a mix of escorted activities and independent evenings.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement is GBP 2,000 above half the double-occupancy price (double from GBP 6,999, single from GBP 8,999), a significant uplift for solo travellers.
  • Several days involve independent dining; confirm restaurant options with Great Rail Journeys before booking, particularly in smaller towns.
  • The tour spans four countries across three weeks; ensure your passport has sufficient validity and check visa requirements for Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia before departing.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: In flight

    London to Johannesburg

    This extensive southern African discovery begins at London Heathrow as you meet the Tour Manager and the rest of the small group, before boarding an overnight flight to Johannesburg.

  2. Day 2overnight: Victoria Falls

    Victoria Falls & Zambezi sunset cruise

    After touchdown in Johannesburg, board an internal flight to Victoria Falls Airport. Transfer to the hotel on the banks of the Zambezi River. Enjoy a welcome drink and a classic sunset river cruise on the Zambezi with refreshments, possibly seeing hippos, crocodiles and elephants. Evening is free to dine independently; courtesy shuttle bus to Victoria Falls town until 9pm.

  3. Day 3overnight: Victoria Falls

    The spectacular Victoria Falls

    After breakfast, enjoy a morning tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Victoria Falls on Zimbabwe's border with Zambia. Afternoon is free to relax at the lodge. In the evening, experience a Boma dinner – a traditional African meal served outdoors with barbecued food, game meat, African drummers, dancers and a Sangoma.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Kasane, Botswana

    Botswana and sunset cruise on the Chobe River

    Travel by road to Kasane in the Chobe District of Botswana. Check in to a safari lodge on the banks of the Chobe River. After lunch independently at the lodge, embark on a scenic sunset cruise along the Chobe River, spotting elephants, giraffe, antelope, buffalo and abundant birdlife. Dine independently at the lodge restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Kasane, Botswana

    Wildlife viewing in the Chobe National Park

    Early morning three-hour game drive in 4x4 vehicles through Chobe National Park, home to the largest surviving elephant population in the world. Rest of the day at leisure – optional activities include fishing and bird watching, or relaxing at the pool or spa.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Pretoria

    Flight to Johannesburg & overnight in Pretoria

    Final breakfast at the Botswana safari lodge before a short transfer to Kasane Airport for a flight to Johannesburg. Met by a local guide and transferred to the hotel in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital. Arrive late afternoon. Dine independently in the evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7railovernight: Aboard Pride of Africa

    The Pride of Africa train to Kwa-Zulu Natal

    Transfer to Pretoria's Capital Park private station for Rovos Rail passengers. Time to relax or visit the railway museum before boarding the Pride of Africa for a two-night journey to Durban. Cross the vast Highveld plateau and travel eastwards towards the Drakensberg mountains. All meals and drinks included on board.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8railovernight: Aboard Pride of Africa

    Sunrise safari in Nambiti Reserve, plus a choice of excursions

    Before breakfast, take a wildlife drive through the private Nambiti Big Five Reserve. Breakfast served back on board, followed by brunch in the dining cars. Arrive at Estcourt and transfer to Spionkop Lodge. Choose between a talk and tour of the historic Spionkop Battlefield or a drive into the Spionkop Reserve for wildlife spotting. Enjoy sundowners overlooking the dam before returning to the train for a traditional South African dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9railovernight: Durban

    Overnight in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal

    Breakfast in the dining cars as the train continues to Durban. Stop near Howick to visit the Ardmore Ceramics Gallery. Return to the train for lunch on board. Arrive in Durban and transfer to the central hotel on the Golden Mile. Evening free to dine independently.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  10. Day 10overnight: Knysna

    To Knysna via Nyosi Wildlife Reserve & the Garden Route

    Early check out with a breakfast pack provided. Internal flight to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). Transfer by coach along the Garden Route to Knysna. En route, stop at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve for a short safari drive, followed by lunch with a view and a tasting of local wines. Arrive in Knysna this afternoon; evening free to explore.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  11. Day 11overnight: Knysna

    Cruising Knysna Lagoon to Featherbed Nature Reserve

    Boat trip on Knysna Lagoon, cruising to Knysna Heads and the unspoilt Featherbed Nature Reserve. Nature walk with a specialist guide. Lunch beneath a canopy of Milkwood trees. Return to Knysna; rest of the day free to explore the town.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  12. Day 12overnight: Cape Town

    Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farm and on to Cape Town

    Depart by coach to Cape Town via the scenic coastal route past Knysna lagoons. Head inland to Oudtshoorn for a guided tour of an ostrich farm and a traditional South African braai lunch. Continue to Cape Town, arriving early evening. Hotel situated in the City Bowl at the foot of Table Mountain.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  13. Day 13overnight: Cape Town

    Cape Town orientation tour & free time to explore

    City orientation tour by coach taking in City Hall, Cape Town Parliament, Company's Gardens, Castle of Good Hope and the Bo-Kaap. Cable car to the top of Table Mountain with panoramic views and free time at the summit. Rest of the day free – options include Robben Island ferry, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or the V&A Waterfront.

    Meals: Breakfast

  14. Day 14railovernight: Cape Town

    Touring the Cape Peninsula & meeting African penguins

    Full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula including the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Chapman's Peak scenic coastal road. At Cape Point, ride the Flying Dutchman funicular railway to near the lighthouse. Continue along False Bay to Simon's Town Naval base and Boulders Bay, home to a colony of African penguins. Return to Cape Town hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast

  15. Day 15overnight: In flight

    Flight from Cape Town to London

    Leisurely final day to soak up the sights of Cape Town or unwind. In the evening, transfer to Cape Town Airport for the overnight flight back to London.

    Meals: Breakfast

  16. Day 16

    Homeward bound – arrival in London

    Arrive at London Heathrow early this morning. The epic tour of southern Africa draws to a close and you are free to make your way home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Sunset river cruise on the Zambezi River from the lodge banks at Victoria Falls, with refreshments and possible sightings of hippos, crocodiles and elephants.
  • Day 3Guided morning tour of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Zimbabwe's border with Zambia.
  • Day 7Boarding the Pride of Africa at Pretoria's Capital Park station for a two-night journey to Durban in a Pullman Suite, crossing the Highveld and Drakensberg mountains.
  • Day 8Sunrise wildlife drive through Nambiti Reserve, followed by a choice between a tour of Spionkop Battlefield or a wildlife drive in Spionkop Reserve.
  • Day 14Full-day Cape Peninsula tour including Chapman's Peak scenic coastal road, Cape Point funicular railway, and Boulders Bay to view a colony of African penguins.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 11 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • 2 nights in a Pullman Suite aboard Rovos Rail
  • Standard class rail travel
  • Flights from London Heathrow to Victoria Falls via Johannesburg
  • Return flight from Cape Town to London Heathrow
  • All internal flights
  • Breakfast each day
  • 5 lunches
  • 1 brunch
  • 3 dinners
  • All meals and drinks aboard Rovos Rail (including off-train excursions)
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Sunset river cruise on the Zambezi River
  • Boma dinner
  • Morning game drive in Chobe National Park
  • Sunset cruise on the Chobe River
  • Sunrise wildlife drive in Nambiti Reserve
  • Choice of Spionkop Battlefield tour or Spionkop Reserve drive
  • Knysna Lagoon boat trip and Featherbed Nature Reserve nature walk
  • Cape Town orientation tour
  • Table Mountain cable car
  • Full-day Cape Peninsula tour including Flying Dutchman funicular
  • Safari drive at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve
  • Wine tasting at Nyosi

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. The price includes the two-night journey aboard the Pride of Africa from Pretoria to Durban in a Pullman Suite, with all meals and drinks on board. Internal flights between Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town are also included, as are transatlantic flights from London Heathrow.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager who accompanies the group from start to finish. The maximum group size is 22 travellers.
What is included in the price from GBP 6,999?
The package includes 11 nights in 4-star hotels, the two-night Pride of Africa journey, all internal flights, breakfast each day, five lunches, one brunch, three dinners, all meals aboard the train, and all guided tours and excursions including game drives, river cruises, the Table Mountain cable car, and entry to reserves and attractions.
How much walking is involved?
Most days combine coach travel with guided walks of one to two hours. Game drives take place in 4x4 vehicles. You will use the Table Mountain cable car, ride the Cape Point funicular railway, and complete a nature walk at Featherbed Reserve. Luggage is handled by hotel and train staff.
Which trains are featured?
The Pride of Africa, operated by Rovos Rail, carries the group from Pretoria to Durban over two nights in a Pullman Suite. All meals and drinks are included on board.
When does this tour depart?
Great Rail Journeys offers four departures: September 2026, January 2027, February 2027 and August 2027.

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