Experience a three-day journey through one of the most scenic areas of South Africa as Rovos Rail's luxurious train meanders westwards through Botswana and then north towards Bulawayo and on to the magnificent Victoria Falls.
This two-night adventure begins as the train departs Rovos Rail’s gracious station at Capital Park in Pretoria. This special journey departs in the morning and slowly meanders westwards through Mafikeng into Botswana and then north towards Mahalapye, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn just after Gaborone.
Once the train has passed through the dry reaches of Botswana we arrive at Plumtree in the late afternoon for border formalities with Zimbabwe.
We continue in a north-westerly direction through Botswana passing Francistown and Plumtree and on to Bulawayo.
From Bulawayo we continue in a north-westerly direction passing through Thompson’s Junction and Hwange Game Reserve where we enjoy an early morning game drive. Journeys end is the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River.
The little station of Victoria Falls (913m) was first reached by railway in June 1904. Old colonial buildings, bougainvillea and palm trees against the backdrop of the Victoria Falls Hotel form a charming oasis of soft sweetness after the rugged dryness of the landscape.
The Victoria Falls is one of Nature's great revelations on a par with the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest and an erupting volcano. It is believed that there have existed no less than seven different 'Victoria Falls' over the past two million years. These cascades correspond to the lower gorges of the Zambezi. The present falls is wearing from Devil's Cataract northwards, eroding the softer material behind the present basalt base of the falls. When eventually all the soft matter has been removed, the Victoria Falls will move back, a fresh gorge will yawn and where the falls are now will become a new site for tourists.
Although just over a mile long (1.7km) the falls are broken up by various small islands, including Livingstone's. At their deepest, the falls are 108m deep at Rainbow Falls. Although the usual tour of the Victoria Falls National Park is recommended from the south or Zimbabwe side of the falls, the finest view along the gorge is to be had from the north side or Zambian side.
Please note that depending upon railways capacity this journey could be routed northwards through Beitbridge and Zimbabwe.
PRETORIA • MAFIKENG • PLUMTREE • BULAWAYO • VICTORIA FALLS
1 January 2010 to 30 September 2011
PRETORIA TO VICTORIA FALLS |
|
Thursday |
|
| 10:00 | The Pride of Africa departs Rovos Rail's private Station in Capital Park. |
| 13:00 | Lunch is served in the Dining Car en route to Zeerust |
| 19:30 | Dinner is served as the train heads towards Mafikeng. |
Friday |
|
| 07:00 | Breakfast is served in the Dining Cars. |
| 13:00 | Lunch is served in the Dining Cars. |
| 17:00 | Border formalities at Plumtree. |
| 19:30 | Dinner is served in the Dining Cars. |
Saturday |
|
| 07:00 | Breakfast is served in the Dining Cars. |
| 13:00 | Lunch is served in the Dining Cars. |
| 17:00 |
Arrive at the Victoria Falls where your Rovos Rail journey ends. |
VICTORIA FALLS TO PRETORIA |
|
Sunday |
|
| 10:00 | Depart Victoria Falls Station. |
| 13:00 | Lunch is served in the Dining Cars. |
| 19:30 | Dinner is served in the Dining Cars. |
Monday |
|
| 07:00 | Breakfast is served in the Dining Cars. |
| 13:00 | Lunch is served in the Dining Cars. |
| 19:30 | Dinner is served as the train heads towards Lobatse |
| 23:00 | Arrive at Mafikeng for border formalities. |
Tuesday |
|
| 05:00 | Train departs Mafikeng. |
| 07:00 | Breakfast is served in the Dining Cars. |
| 13:00 | Lunch is served in the Dining Cars. |
| 17:00 | Arrive at journey's end, the gracious Capital Park Station, Pretoria. |
Click here for detailed information on destinations visited on this route.
Departures Pretoria to Victoria Falls and Victoria Falls to Pretoria 2010/11:
| Pretoria to Victoria Falls | Victoria Falls to Pretoria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2010 | |||
| January 14, 28. | August 5, 19. | January 17, 31. | August 8, 22. | |
| February 11, 25. | September 2, 16, 30. | February 14, 28. | September 5, 19. | |
| March 11, 25. | October 14, 28. | March 14, 28. | October 3, 17, 31. | |
| April 8, 22. | November 11, 25. | April 11, 25. | November 14, 28. | |
| May 6, 20. | December 23. | May 9, 23. | December 26. | |
| July 22. | July 25. | |||
| 2011 | 2011 | |||
| January 6, 20. | May 12, 26. | January 9, 23. | May 1, 15, 29. | |
| February 3, 17. | July 21. | February 6, 20. | July 24. | |
| March 3, 17, 31. | August 4, 18. | March 6, 20. | August 7, 21. | |
| April 14, 28. | September 1, 15, 29. | April 3, 17. | September 4, 18. | |
Prices 2010/11 : Pretoria to Victoria Falls or v. v.
| Pullman Suite | Deluxe Suite | Royal Suite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prices from (per person) | £1,031 | £1,547 | £2,062 |
| Single Occupancy from | £1,547 | £2,320 | £3,094 |
Please note that all prices shown are intended as a guide only, as rates can vary depending on currency fluctuations etc. The correct prices will be quoted at the time of booking.
Prices include :
- Accommodation on board the train.
- Three superb meals and 24 hour room service.
- All alcoholic and other beverages.
- Sightseeing excursions and entrance fees.
Off train excursions cannot be guaranteed and will be undertaken only if time permits.
Departure and arrival times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed.
