Incredible South Africa with Rovos Luxury Train and Victoria Falls

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa
• 3 Johannesburg
• 4 Johannesburg & Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
• 5 Victoria Falls
• Optional Excursion: Chobe National Park, Botswana, $210
• 6 Victoria Falls & Rovos Rail
• 7 Rovos Rail & Hwange National Park
• 8 Rovos Rail, Matobo National Park & cross the border to South Africa
• 9 Rovos Rail, South Africa
• 10 Rovos Rail & Johannesburg
• 11 Private Game Reserve
• 12 Private Game Reserve
• Optional Excursion: AM Bush Walk
• 13 Panorama Route to White River
• 14 White River to Cape Town
• 15 Cape Town
• Optional Excursion: Half-Day Cape Winelands Tour, $150
• 16 Cape Point & Boulders Beach
• 17 Depart Cape Town

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Dates & Prices

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

• Depart New York on your overnight flight to Johannesburg

Day 2 Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa

• Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to your hotel
• Spend the remainder of the day at leisure
• Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers

54 on Bath or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Welcome to South Africa! After completing customs and immigration formalities, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 3 Johannesburg

• Enjoy a full-day Johannesburg Journey to Freedom tour
• Spend the evening at leisure

54 on Bath or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, learn more about South Africa's turbulent past and its unwavering hope for the future on a fascinating tour to Soweto (short for Southwestern Township), a sprawling metropolis on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Your tour will give you a close-up look at daily life in this bustling neighborhood, the largest black urban settlement in Africa, and the center of political campaigns aimed at overthrowing the apartheid state. Highlights of the Soweto tour include a visit to the Kliptown open-air museum, the former residence of Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela, the Hector Peterson memorial for the victims of the civil unrest in the 1970s, and a drive by the ultramodern Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

Later, visit the Apartheid Museum. The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. An architectural consortium comprising several leading architectural firms conceptualized the design of the building on a seven-hectare stand. The museum is a superb example of design, space, and landscape, offering the international community a unique South African experience.

Afterward, return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 4 Johannesburg & Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
• Arrive in Victoria Falls, meet your local guide, and transfer to your hotel
• Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure
• Embark on a sunset cruise of the Zambezi River

Victoria Falls Safari Club or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. This evening, experience the glorious falls from an up-close vantage point as you set sail on a sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River. Enjoy snacks while looking for hippos, monkeys, elephants, and crocodiles that frequent the waters and the surrounding areas. After sunset, enjoy a 4-course Mediterranean-style dinner.

Day 5 Victoria Falls

• Spend a full day at leisure
• Or, join a recommended optional tour to Chobe National Park in Botswana

Victoria Falls Safari Club or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this magnificent natural wonder on your own. Wander along the well-marked trails through the rainforest that wind up to and around the falls. The trails allow for excellent picture-taking from various vantage points (be sure to protect your camera if it's not waterproof). A wide range of optional excursions are available locally, including game drives, walking safaris, bungee jumping, and more. We recommend the full-day tour of Chobe National Park in Botswana.

 

Optional Excursion: Chobe National Park, Botswana, $210

Take advantage of an optional full-day excursion to the Chobe National Park in Botswana, renowned for its large elephant population. Begin the day with a safari boat cruise on the Chobe River. Afterward, enjoy lunch at the Chobe Game Lodge and end the day with an afternoon game drive in an open vehicle.

Note: This excursion requires a passport and a double-entry Zimbabwe visa. Minimum of 2 passengers is required.

Day 6 Victoria Falls & Rovos Rail

• Join a guided tour of the falls
• Transfer to the station to board Rovos Rail, your home for the next 4 nights, ending in Pretoria, South Africa.

Rovos Rail Luxury Train Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the falls. You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the greatest natural wonders—and the world's largest curtain of falling water! Located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls consists of numerous falls separated by islands in the river below. The Zambezi River spills more than 2 million gallons of water per second over the Bakota Gorge, creating multiple rainbows and an awe-inspiring display of raw power unrivaled by other natural wonders. The water's tremendous roar and the ever-present spray cloud give the falls their local moniker, "Smoke that Thunders."

Later today, transfer to the train station to board Rovos Rail. Freshen up in your suite before joining fellow travelers in the lounge or observation car at the train's rear. This evening, a formal dinner will be served in the dining cars en route to Malindi.

Day 7 Rovos Rail & Hwange National Park

• Enjoy a game drive in Hwange National Park

Rovos Rail Luxury Train Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Early this morning, after a continental breakfast, depart the train for a game drive in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest wildlife area. Enjoy lunch on the train as you travel along one of the world's longest stretches of straight railway line en route to Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe. Enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge or observation car. Later, enjoy a formal dinner in the dining cars.

Day 8 Rovos Rail, Matobo National Park & cross the border to South Africa

• Transfer to Matobo National Park to see busmen caves and rock art
• This evening, cross the border from Zimbabwe to South Africa

Rovos Rail Luxury Train Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, drive to Matobo National Park, where you will see bushmen caves, rock art, and the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, after whom Zimbabwe's former name, Rhodesia, was named. Return to the train for lunch as the journey continues through the baobab tree countryside. Enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge and observation cars, and later, indulge in a formal dinner as the train continues to Beitbridge for Zimbabwean border formalities.

Day 9 Rovos Rail, South Africa

• Enjoy a day of leisure on board

Rovos Rail Luxury Train Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Spend the day at leisure on board as the train makes its way through the landscape. Crossing the Limpopo River, which forms the border between Zimbabwe and South Africa, you’ll traverse a region steeped in both natural beauty and literary legend. In Just So Stories, Rudyard Kipling describes the 'Elephant’s Child' venturing to the "great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever trees," on a curious quest to discover what the Crocodile has for dinner. As you take in the scenery, enjoy lunch while the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn. Afternoon tea is available in the lounge and observation cars, before a formal dinner is served en route to Pyramid. As night falls, the train passes the escarpment’s edge, where the Highveld dramatically drops away.

Day 10 Rovos Rail & Johannesburg

• Arrive at the Rovos Rail station in Pretoria and transfer to your hotel

Peermont D'oreale Grande Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, disembark from the train and meet our representative for your transfer to a conveniently located hotel near Johannesburg’s airport. Situated within a lively complex featuring entertainment options and a variety of restaurants, the hotel offers a comfortable and convenient stay. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 11 Private Game Reserve

• Transfer to the airport for your flight to the South African bush
• Enjoy an afternoon game drive

Kapama River Lodge or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, depart for the Johannesburg airport for your short flight to the South African bush. Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Greater Kruger National Park, this exclusive lodge boasts world-class amenities and unrivaled wildlife encounters close to some of the most iconic wildlife on the planet. Enjoy an afternoon game drive led by a professional expert guide in an open safari vehicle, searching for the illustrious "Big 5" and hundreds of other species of animals. With approximately 350 bird species recorded on the reserve, bird enthusiasts are also spoilt for choice. This evening, enjoy dinner at the camp.

Day 12 Private Game Reserve

• Enjoy a morning game drive
• Spend the remainder of the day at leisure
• Embark on an exciting afternoon game drive

Kapama River Lodge or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, wake up early and depart in an open vehicle for the morning game drive. When applicable, your experienced rangers and trackers may invite you out of the vehicle to see tracks and examine certain plants. After an exhilarating hunt for tracks to see the animals' activities the previous night, return to the camp for breakfast. The remainder of the day is spent at leisure until it's time for the afternoon game drive, which extends into the evening to view seldom-seen nocturnal animals. Later, return to the lodge for dinner.

Optional Excursion: AM Bush Walk

The Kapama River Lodge offers a Bush Walk in lieu of the game drive. This is subject to availability, done in very small groups, and is for those who are physically fit and comfortable walking long distances. When you arrive at the lodge, you will meet with the guides, who assess all potential participants' fitness levels to ensure everyone's safety. If the bush walk is not for you, you will be included in the early morning game drive.

Note: If you are interested, please let us know at the time of booking.

Day 13 Panorama Route to White River

• Enjoy a morning game drive
• Embark on a Panorama Route Tour with views of the Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Lisbon Falls, and God’s Window

Oliver's Restaurant & Lodge or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, rise early and depart in an open vehicle for the morning game drive, searching for the Big 5, antelope, and other animals. Return to the camp for breakfast.

Then, depart for White River via the Panorama route. Along the way, marvel at the geological formations known today as The Three Rondavels, Bourke's Luck Potholes, cylindrical rock sculptures formed by years of water erosion, Lisbon Falls, and God's Window. 

Later, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 14 White River to Cape Town

• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cape Town
• Transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure

Queen Victoria Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cape Town. Later, check into your hotel and enjoy free time exploring the surroundings of the V&A Waterfront.

Day 15 Cape Town

• Enjoy a tour of Cape Town, including Table Mountain
• Spend the afternoon at leisure, or join an optional excursion to the Cape Winelands

Queen Victoria Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today, enjoy a panoramic city tour of Cape Town, showcasing this vibrant city's scenic and historical highlights. Weather permitting, travel by cable car to the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town's most striking landmark. Wind your way past the picturesque suburbs of Camps Bay and Clifton route to the central business district. Sense the depth of history as you drive past Parliament Buildings, City Hall, the Slave Lodge, and the Castle of Good Hope, built initially as a maritime replenishment station and now the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa! Learn more about the history of the Bo-Kaap and its people as we move up the cobblestoned hills to the Malay Quarter and marvel at the ice-cream colors of the quaint Bo-Kaap homes. Take the afternoon to relax or join an optional visit to the famous Winelands of the Western Cape.

Note: Table Mountain Cableway will shut down for annual maintenance from mid-July to early September. If Table Mountain Cableway is closed, we will visit Signal Hill instead.

Optional Excursion: Half-Day Cape Winelands Tour, $150

Today, enjoy a glorious excursion to the Cape Winelands. Take a leisurely drive to get acquainted with the beauty of this world-renowned region before venturing into the wine-making process in a fascinating cellar tour. Learn about the production of wine, from grape to goblet, and enjoy tastings of the iconic wines.

Day 16 Cape Point & Boulders Beach

• Enjoy a full-day Cape Point tour
• Visit Boulders Beach, home to the famous penguin colony
• Stop at a local winery and indulge in a wine tasting
• This evening, take part in a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers

Queen Victoria Hotel or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Today, enjoy a full-day tour of Cape Point. Journey along Millionaires Paradise, admiring the glamorous homes of Clifton Beach and Camps Bay. Then, travel towards the charming coastal town and working harbor of Hout Bay. Marvel at the breathtaking views and rugged landscape as you wind along the legendary Chapman's Peak Drive toward the Cape of Good Hope Section of Table Mountain National Park. After, witness the fascinating penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Continue to the historical naval port of Simon's Town and experience the wilder side of this exquisite Cape coastline. End the tour with a stop at the Groot Constantia winery for an exquisite wine tasting. Later this evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 17 Depart Cape Town

• Morning at leisure
• In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight home
• Your memorable adventure ends as you touch down tomorrow morning in New York

Breakfast

Hotels

54 on Bath

Deluxe

Situated in the leafy Johannesburg suburb of Rosebank, the 54 on Bath hotel offers a signature blend of luxury and style. 54 on Bath is conveniently located within easy reach of Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City, Melrose Arch, as well as the Gautrain rapid rail system. 54 on Bath features an outdoor terrace with a sparkling pool. Enjoy an alfresco snack or relax with a cold drink as you take in the African sunset and surrounding views. For those who like to work up a sweat to start the day right, or wind down after a day of exploring, stop by the Rosebank Fitness Club with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

More information

Victoria Falls Safari Club

Deluxe

Situated high on a plateau which forms a natural boundary to the Zambezi National Park, the Victoria Falls Safari Club is located within the magnificent grounds of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. The Club enjoys uninterrupted views, spectacular Africa sunsets, and private waterhole with an abundance of game, and is just four kilometers from the majestic Victoria Falls.

More information

Rovos Rail Luxury Train

Deluxe

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. With discreet and friendly service, five-star cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration. The Observation Car which has a spacious open-air balcony and seats 32 passengers, is positioned at the rear of the train while at the center of the train there is, when numbers dictate, a non-smoking Lounge Car that seats 26 passengers in comfort. There is also a small, discreet Gift Shop. In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. The use of mobile phones, laptops and essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your suites. Smoking is only allowed in the privacy of your smoking suite and in the Club Lounge, located next to the Observation Car and seats 11. Dress Code: Many of the passengers aboard enjoy the formality of fine china and glassware, crisp linen and silver, and dress accordingly. Evening attire is formal – for the gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for ladies we suggest cocktail/evening dresses or suits. During the day, dress is smart casual and cool, comfortable clothes, shoes and hats are recommended for the excursions, especially in the game reserves where it can get very hot. Please include warm clothing for cold mornings and evenings.

More information

Peermont D'oreale Grande Hotel

Deluxe

Step into refined elegance at the 5-star Peermont D’oreale Grande Hotel, where luxurious comfort meets world-class amenities. Relax by the stunning pool, stay active in the modern gym, or unwind with a treatment at the tranquil Octavia’s Day Spa. With impeccable service and a regal atmosphere, every stay feels like a grand escape.

More information

Kapama River Lodge

Deluxe

Located right on a Private Game Reserve Camp, experience the luxurious feel of the modern-styled Kapama River Lodge. This five-star accommodation is nearby the Greater National Kruger Park with wraparound views of the African bush, enhancing the sense of tranquility at this exclusive safari lodge. 

More information

Oliver's Restaurant & Lodge

First Class

Nestled among White River Country Estate, along the Panorama Route, Oliver's Restaurant & Lodge provides a tranquil stay for guests as they experience the marriage of Austrian flair and African hospitality. 

More information

Queen Victoria Hotel

Deluxe

The Queen Victoria Hotel is set in a quiet, historic precinct near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, close to the heart of Cape Town, and easy access to the airport. The hotel’s regal ambiance is felt throughout the property, from its triple-volume foyer with a dramatic spiral staircase and glass lift, crystal chandeliers, and marble finishes. 

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 21 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about South Africa? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Zimbabwe? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Botswana? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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