South Africa by Train

Let your excitement wander through Victoria Falls and uncover a myriad of experiences, before sitting back to watch southern Africa unravel before your eyes, as you travel from Victoria Falls to South Africa in grandeur on the Rovos Rail. Top off this once in a lifetime experience with a stylish stay on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, with expert guides showcasing some of the Cape’s most extraordinary experiences.

1. Fly into Victoria Falls

2. Days 1-3: Victoria Falls - the Zim side

   Your journey begins as you fly overnight and touch down in Victoria Falls. Your home for the next two nights is Batonka Guest Lodge, a tranquil haven that exudes character and elegance. On your first afternoon, you’ll be whisked away to begin your adventure with a bang, as you start your tour of the mighty Victoria Falls. You’ll be guided around this natural wonder, and be enthralled by your guide’s niche knowledge, whilst marvelling at the immensity and power of the falls. Watch the glowing sun set on the horizon behind the mist rising up from the falls, before heading back to Batonka to relish on a delicious 3-course dinner. Enjoy a tipple of Amarula before sinking into your king size bed for the night. Spend a leisurely morning at your hotel before losing yourself in adventure as you try some of the adrenaline fuelled activities that Victoria Falls is so famed for. Plunge into Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool on the edge of the falls and peer down at the cascading water below you. Or splash out on a helicopter ride to get the ultimate viewpoint of Victoria Falls.

   Accommodation: Batonka Guest Lodge (2 nights)

3. Days 3-6: Cape Town & the Western Cape

   Make the most of your final day in Victoria Falls. Why not hop on a boat on the Zambezi River for the ultimate sunrise cruise. As you float down the river, feel the palpable serenity of the Zambezi and observe elephants drinking at the river’s edge, kicking up the dust in the glow of the rising sun. Later in the day, feel your excitement build as you arrive at Victoria Falls Station and board the Rovos Rail, a world-class train steeped in grandeur and timeless grace. Settle into your luxury suite before joining the other guests in the lounge car for drinks, feeling the spirit of a bygone era before enjoying four courses of fine cuisine, accompanied by delectable South African wine. 
   
   The following morning, as you relish on a hearty breakfast, the train will head into northern Hwange National Park where you will stop for a game drive. Hop into your safari vehicle and let your excitement wander through this vast wilderness, encountering herds of elephants majestically ambling by and pass towering giraffes as they curiously look over at you. You’ll enjoy lunch back on the train as it travels between Dete and Gwaai, and you’ll admire the everchanging landscapes along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line, at an impressive 114 kilometres! You will pass staggering landscapes dotted with baobab trees before dinner is served. On your final full day on this iconic train, watch the magic of southern Africa unfold before your eyes as you see the magnificent Limpopo River and cross the Tropic of Capricorn. 

   Accommodation: Rovos Rail (3 nights)

4. Days 6-9: Cape Town & the Western Cape

   Cape Town awaits. This morning you will end your train journey in Pretoria, South Africa. Tearing yourself away from the opulence of the Rovos Rail, you won’t be parted from luxury for long as you are whisked to Johannesburg to board a flight to Cape Town, and you’ll then arrive at the exquisite Cape Grace hotel. Oozing with elegance and coupled with contemporary flair, enjoy your home for the next three nights on the buzzing V&A Waterfront, with rugged Table Mountain in the backdrop. Spend this evening in style and head to the Silo’s rooftop bar for an al fresco experience with spectacular views, soaking up the last of the day’s sunshine before gazing out at a glorious sunset. This morning, you’ll be met by an expert guide and you’ll meander along the coastal route of the Cape Peninsula, taking in staggeringly beautiful views and meeting the friendly locals in fishing villages such as Simon’s Town. A trip along this route would not be complete without a visit to Boulder’s Beach, where you can observe a colony of penguins frolicking around in the sand. In the afternoon, glide up to Table Mountain in the cable car and feel your excitement build as you edge towards the summit. From the top, contemplate the extraordinary views with a glass of wine in hand. 
   
   Your final full day will be spent in the foodie capital of South Africa. You’ll head out of the city with your private guide, passing luscious vineyards, dotted with plum trees, arriving in the quaint village of Franschhoek, nestled within a sweeping valley. Delve into the abundant vineyards of the Winelands, sampling world-class wines and delight your taste buds with a lunch at Babylonstoren, devouring the creative food that it is so famed for.

   Accommodation: Cape Grace Hotel (3 nights)

5. Fly home from Cape Town

   Make the most of your final morning and afternoon in Cape Town. Perhaps amble through the V&A market and do a spot of souvenir shopping before enjoying an al fresco lunch and wine at a café. You’ll then be transferred to the airport in time for your overnight flight back to the UK.

Victoria Falls, Rovos Rail & Cape Town