Rovos Rail to the Falls and Chobe

Johannesburg and Pretoria

Welcome to South Africa. On arrival in Johannesburg, you’ll transfer to your comfortable hotel in Pretoria. The afternoon is free to relax after your flight or explore South Africa's administrative capital. There are botanical gardens and leafy parks, historical buildings and world-class museums and a towering statue of Nelson Mandela waiting to be discovered. Overnight at Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel.

Rovos Rail

After breakfast, you’ll be whisked off to Pretoria Station to board Rovos Rail, your five-star hotel on wheels for the next three nights and 1,400 kilometres, journeying to the majestic Victoria Falls. An African icon, this train embodies class and elegance, with its vintage Edwardian carriages and handsome period décor. Travel north through Bela-Bela, originally named as Warmbaths for its mineral waters, Modimolle and cross the Tropic of Capricorn and Limpopo River. Relax in the observation car with a drink in hand while you take in the spectacular South African landscape through the big picture windows or from the open-air balcony. You have three whole days of relaxation and indulgence ahead. In the evening, everyone dresses up for dinner, an elaborate occasion, served in the train's 1920s dining cars. An extensive selection of South Africa’s best wines are available to accompany your meal. Overnight on Rovos Rail.

Things to do:

✓  Included

Unbeatable glamour on Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail

Wake up to more fabulous vistas, as you continue your journey towards Victoria Falls. Enter Zimbabwe and pass through Bulawayo, the nation's second city. Sink into the plush sofas in the luxurious lounge car to play board games, read or just watch the world go by. You definitely won’t go hungry on this trip. Breakfast is made to order, lunch and dinner are multi-course affairs and don’t forget afternoon tea! Overnight on Rovos Rail.

Things to do:

✓  Included

Unbeatable glamour on Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail

Today, you will travel along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line (114km) before entering Hwange National Park. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, impala and zebra. Leaving the train, you will enjoy a game drive in the park. Hwange is teeming with wildlife and is legendary among safari afficionados. It is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa and lion, leopard and cheetah are regularly seen. Back on board, dress up for your final evening of fine food and elegant living. Chat to your fellow passengers over after-dinner cocktails and share your experiences. Overnight on Rovos Rail.

Things to do:

✓  Included

Unbeatable glamour on Rovos Rail

Victoria Falls

Rovos Rail rolls into Victoria Falls Station mid-morning. Disembark the train and transfer to Ilala Lodge, where you will spend the next three nights. Enjoy a guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The falls are the largest curtain of falling water on the planet, and you will visit all the best viewpoints. Depending on the time of year, be prepared to get wet! Walk through the rainforest where you may spot vervet monkeys and baboons. Back at your hotel, you can relax in the pool and watch the mist from the falls rise and may spot a wandering warthog or bushbuck. If you want to stay at a heritage property, more in keeping with your time on Rovos Rail, we recommend The Victoria Falls Hotel, one of Africa's most famous properties. Overnight at Ilala Lodge.

Things to do:

✓  Included

See the spray of Victoria Falls from your terrace at Ilala Lodge

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Face to face with 'The Smoke That Thunders'

Optional

The Palm River Hotel: A slice of serenity near Victoria Falls

Optional

An interlude of African history: The Victoria Falls Hotel

Optional

Go on safari from your starbed at Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls

For a bird’s eye view of the falls, take to the skies on an optional helicopter ride. There’s no better way to fully comprehend the scale and magnificence of Victoria Falls. Alternatively, for an opportunity to experience the local culture, you could opt to share lunch with a local family and enjoy some authentic Zimbabwean home cooking. In the evening, board a small boat to cruise the Zambezi River, looking out for hippos, crocodiles and elephants and watching the sun set. Overnight at Ilala Lodge.

Things to do:

✓  Included

See the spray of Victoria Falls from your terrace at Ilala Lodge

✓  Included

Step back in time on a luxurious sunset Zambezi cruise

Optional

Flying high in a helicopter over the Victoria Falls

Optional

A taste of authentic home cooking in Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls

Today is free to relax or try some more optional activities. The falls could keep you transfixed for days, but away from the spectacle, the great Zambezi River beckons. You can choose to hurtle down its frothing rapids on a white-water raft or simply drift along the river's gentler parts in a canoe for two. Ziplining through the treetops is another popular activity, where you can get an adrenaline rush at the same time as taking in the spectacular views. Overnight at Ilala Lodge.

Things to do:

✓  Included

See the spray of Victoria Falls from your terrace at Ilala Lodge

Optional

Thrills, spills and heart-pounding adventures at Victoria Falls

Optional

A thrilling zip ride through the treetops in Victoria Falls

Chobe National Park

Cross into Botswana today where you will spend the next three nights, on the banks of the Chobe River. The area is renowned for its prolific wildlife, which you will seek out on morning and afternoon game drives, as well as boat safaris. On hand to escort you are experienced guides who will help you to really make the most of your safari experience. If you want to continue in a heritage theme, more in keeping with your time on Rovos Rail, we recommend Chobe Game Lodge, where Elizabeth Taylor married Richard Burton. It is also the only lodge in the national park. Overnight at Muchenje Safari Lodge.

Things to do:

Optional

Chobe Game Lodge: where Elizabeth Taylor married Richard Burton

Optional

From baboon encounters to elephant crossings – a day on safari at Chobe Game Lodge

Optional

From a glass-crushing plant to a biogas-fuelled kitchen – eco-tour at Chobe Game Lodge

Chobe National Park

Continue your animal adventures today. Chobe is home to Africa’s highest population of elephants with more than 120,000 roaming the plains, alongside buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, antelope and more. You might spot a leopard lazing in a tree, a lion lying in the grasslands or a herd of elephants wading through the water. The landscapes are amazing too; you can see the beautiful Chobe River with views across to Namibia as you cross the dry, dusty plains. Overnight at Muchenje Safari Lodge.

Chobe National Park

Make the most of your final day in Chobe with a boat safari. Crocodiles and hippos are normally spotted in the water and there are lots of birds too, including fish eagles hunting from the river. Watch elephants bathing up close and animals coming to the river to drink. There is also plenty of time to relax by the pool and take in the picturesque views. Overnight at Muchenje Safari Lodge.

Chobe National Park and Departure

After one final game drive, transfer to Kasane Airport for your flight home or onward travel.