South Africa, Zimbabwe • Rail
Rovos Rail: Pretoria to Victoria Falls
This luxury rail adventure begins in Pretoria before travelling north, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn towards Bulawayo, second city of Zimbabwe.
You then travel along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line (114km) before traversing Hwange National Park, a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary where a game drive excursion is enjoyed. Arrive at Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River where this sojourn ends. The surrounding areas offer travellers many recreational opportunities including cruises, whitewater rafting as well as superb game viewing and photo safaris.
From NZ$7,600 per person, twin share
4 Days / 3 Nights • Set departures 2026–2028 • South Africa, Zimbabwe
2026 — Pretoria > Victoria Falls 8, 15, 22, 29 Oct · 19 Nov
2026 — Victoria Falls > Pretoria 10, 11, 18, 25 Oct · 1 Nov · 1 Dec
2027 — Victoria Falls > Pretoria 17, 19, 24, 26, 31 Jan · 7, 14, 21, 28 Feb · 2, 7, 14, 21, 28 Mar · 4, 11, 18 Apr · 23 May · 27 Jun · 10, 24 Jul · 14, 22, 29 Aug · 5, 12, 14, 19 Sep · 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Oct · 7, 14, 21, 28 Nov
2027 — Pretoria > Victoria Falls 28 Jan · 11, 25 Feb · 4, 18 Mar · 1 Apr · 9, 23 Sep · 7 Oct · 4, 11 Nov
2028 — Victoria Falls > Pretoria 16, 30 Jan · 1, 20, 22 Feb · 5, 14, 19 Mar · 2, 23, 25 Apr · 7, 28 May · 11, 25 Jun · 9, 23, 24, 25 Jul · 4, 27 Aug · 5, 17 Sep
2028 — Pretoria > Victoria Falls 20 Jan · 3, 10, 24 Feb · 9, 23 Mar · 6, 20 Apr · 18 May · 15, 29 Jun · 13, 27 Jul · 10, 31 Aug · 7, 21 Sep
Price quoted is a lead-in rate. As pricing may vary seasonally and according to standard/category selected, please contact us for a quote on your specific requirements.
Current offer • Book by 18 December 2026
Combine & Save!
Create extraordinary itineraries by combining short and long journeys, and save 5% on the rate. Please note that not all combinations are available for every departure, plus other trips can be combined, with a flight in between. Please enquire.
Luxury Rail Journey. Let us tailor-make further travel arrangements before and/or after this journey.
Who this suits
Travellers heading to Victoria Falls who would rather arrive by train than by air, and anyone who wants a taste of Zimbabwe's Hwange on the way.
Good to know
The train crosses into Zimbabwe. It ends at Victoria Falls, which makes a natural start for a few nights at the Falls or a safari beyond.
The journey
Day by day
Day 1 — Pretoria
Depart Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train. Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train travels through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela) – 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. Pass the edge of the escarpment where the Highveld drops precipitously.
Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn. As the train crosses the Limpopo River to Beitbridge dinner is served. In Rudyard Kipling’s “Just So” stories, the Elephant’s Child departs his family for the “great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees”, to find out what the crocodile has for dinner.
Day 2 — On Board
Breakfast is served in the dining cars as the train travels through baobab country. Travel towards Bulawayo, second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country. Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars and dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mpopoma for overnight.
Day 3 — Hwange National Park
Today the train travels between Gwaai and Dete along one of the longest stretches of straight railway line in the world, 114 km along the eastern edge of Hwange National Park – keep an eye out for wildlife! In the afternoon, disembark at Kennedy Siding and enjoy a game drive at The Hide.
Day 4 — Victoria Falls
Arrive at journey’s end, Victoria Falls.
Journey available in reverse.
Pricing • New Zealand dollars, per person
By season and category
2026
| Season | Twin, per person | Single | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Oct – 31 Dec | |||
| Pullman Suite | NZ$7,600 | NZ$11,400 | Enquire → |
| Deluxe Suite | NZ$10,860 | NZ$16,290 | Enquire → |
| Royal Suite | NZ$14,175 | NZ$21,260 | Enquire → |
2027
| Season | Twin, per person | Single | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Jan – 30 Sep | |||
| Pullman Suite | NZ$7,600 | NZ$11,400 | Enquire → |
| Deluxe Suite | NZ$10,860 | NZ$16,290 | Enquire → |
| Royal Suite | NZ$14,175 | NZ$21,260 | Enquire → |
| 01 Oct – 31 Dec | |||
| Pullman Suite | NZ$8,690 | NZ$13,030 | Enquire → |
| Deluxe Suite | NZ$12,515 | NZ$18,775 | Enquire → |
| Royal Suite | NZ$16,345 | NZ$24,515 | Enquire → |
Price quoted is a lead-in rate. As pricing may vary seasonally and according to standard/category selected, please contact us for a quote on your specific requirements.
The Train
Each train has accommodation carriages, dining cars, lounge car, small gift shop, smoking lounge and observation car with open-air balcony. Maintaining the spirit of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. The three types of suites include a dedicated host available at all times and services the suites daily.
Pullman/Pullman Gold Suite
Pullman Suites are used on shorter journeys, while the slightly larger Pullman Gold Suites are used on longer journeys. These cabins feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, the suites have a comfortable sofa-seat with a conversion to double or twin beds (side-by-side or upper and lower bunks) for the evening.
Deluxe Suite
Accommodates one or two passengers in double or twin beds with its own lounge area, and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. Includes a bar fridge filled with the on-board beverages of the guests choice.
Royal Suite
Takes up half a carriage with its own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. Accommodates one or two passengers in double or twin beds and includes a bar fridge filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers choice.
What’s included
- 3 nights’ accommodation onboard in your suite of choice
- All meals (B, L, D) during your trip
- Afternoon tea onboard most days
- All beverages onboard unless otherwise mentioned
- Shared guided excursions as per the itinerary
- Entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Room service and limited laundry onboard
Not included
- International sparkling wine onboard
- All other off-train beverages
- Gratuities
Booking conditions
Booking conditions as supplied by World Journeys.
- Pricing varies due to fluctuations in exchange rates; please contact us for current pricing or other changes
- Please enquire about pricing for children (3 to 9 years) and the Royal Suites
- Please also enquire about the 5-day/4-night programme
- The minimum age requirement is 3 years
- No child-minding services or activities are available onboard
- On select departures Pullman Suites are replaced by Pullman Gold Suites
- Included excursions are subject to change based on the achieved train schedule
- Formal attire is required at dinner
Gratuities
- Recommended US$10 to US$20 per person per night
Journey operated by World Journeys and booked through Fine Travel.
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An African itinerary takes significant co-ordination: international airfares, hotels, game reserves, internal transfers and flights. Booking through Fine Travel, you benefit from partners on the ground who have been chosen and tested over many years by our specialist partners — and you deal with one TAANZ-accredited agency in New Zealand.
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