This three-night adventure begins with the train’s departure from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. It then winds its way north through Warmbaths, so named for its mineral waters, and Nylstroom, christened by the Voortrekkers as the source of the Nile River as the town’s river happened to be north flowing. The train then passes the edge of the escarpment and crosses the Tropic of Capricorn en route to the border with Zimbabwe. After formalities at Beitbridge the next morning, the train travels towards Bulawayo, second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country. The following day sees the train travelling along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres – before traversing Hwange National Park, a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary where animals can be spotted from the train and a game drive excursion is enjoyed. After a service stop at Thompsons Junction, the sojourn ends at the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River. The surrounding areas offer travellers many recreational opportunities including cruises, whitewater rafting as well as superb game viewing and photo safaris. Available in reverse. Depending upon railway capacity, this journey could be routed through Botswana.
Day 1: Depart from Pretoria
10:00 Depart Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria, and travel to Zimbabwe. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. Travel through Warmbaths (so named for its mineral waters) and Nylstroom, christened by the Voortrekkers as the source of the Nile River as the town’s river happened to be north flowing. The train passes the edge of the escarpment where the Highveld drops precipitously.
16:30 Tea in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train.
19:30 Dinner is served. The train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn en route to the Zimbabwean border. Dress: Formal
Please ensure the Train Manager/Gift Shop Hostess is in possession of your passport.
Life on Board Rovos Rail
General make-up of the train: Locomotive, generator car, staff car, guest sleepers, a non-smoking lounge car (26 guests), two non-smoking 42-seat dining cars (if required, plenty of space for the maximum of 72 guests carried), kitchen car, guest sleepers, smoking lounge and Observation Car (32 guests) at the tail.
Cuisine: Meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There’s an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes such as game are a specialty. Breakfast is between 07h00 and 10h00, lunch at 13h00, tea at 16h30 and a formal dinner at 19h30. A gong heralds lunch and dinner.
Dress: For days on the train dress is smart casual. Evening attire is more formal – for the gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for ladies we suggest cocktail/evening dresses or suits. Please include warm clothing for cold mornings and evenings.
Mobile Devices and Internet: 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 only.
Smoking: is only allowed in the Club Lounge.
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Day 2: En route to Victoria Falls
07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00. The train travels on the BBR railway line via West Nicholson.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train passes Bulawayo, the industrial capital of the country.
16:30 Tea in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mpopoma. Dress: Formal
Day 3: En route to Victoria Falls
07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00.
13:00 Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train travels between Gwaai and Dete along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres – and along the eastern edge of Hwange Park.
15:00 Disembark at Kennedy Siding. Enjoy a game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park.
19:30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Thompsons Junction. Dress: Formal
Day 4: Arrive in Victoria Falls
07:00 Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09:30.
10:00 Arrive at journey’s end at the incomparable Victoria Falls.
Please ensure you are in possession of your passport.