Rovos Rail, Vic Falls & Big Five

ABOUT THIS TRIP

A trip on Rovos Rail, the "Pride Of Africa", is a very special experience. Experience the unique landscape of South Africa's north and Zimbabwe on the world's most luxurious train. On the way, you stop for a guided game drive in Hwange National Park. Once you arrive in Victoria Falls, you will of course take part in a guided tour to the most impressive waterfalls in the world and a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. And as one game drive is certainly not enough to get to know Africa's impressive wildlife, you will then return to Hwange National Park to a luxury safari lodge, from where you will chase after the Big Five and all other African wild animals.

You will stay in upmarket accommodation with first-class service. The same naturally applies to the Rovos Rail. This tour departs from Johannesburg or Victoria Falls on certain fixed dates. Please ask for your personal offer. This trip can be customized around the train journey according to your wishes.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 1x Pretoria
• 3x Rovos Rail
• 2x Victoria Falls
• 2x Hwange
• 1x Victoria Falls

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 9x overnight stay in the Superior Plus category ****/*****
• 9x breakfast, 7x lunch, 7x dinner
• private transfers
• One-way trip on Rovos Rail with excursions as per the itinerary
• four guided activities at Victoria Falls
• four game drives in Hwange National Park
• Comprehensive travel documents according to the booked tour itinerary
• Local offices with 24-hour hotline (German/English)
• Travel insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Meals not mentioned
• not mentioned or optional activities
• Flight performance
• Entrance fees and conservation fees not mentioned
• other personal expenses, tips
• personal travel insurance
• Continuous tour guide

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO PRETORIA

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

DAY 1 TO DAY 2:

PRETORIA

Pretoria is the capital of South Africa and shares the seat of government with Cape Town and Bloemfontein. In contrast to vibrant Johannesburg, Pretoria shines with its diverse history. The most important sights are the Union Buildings on a hill with a great view of the city, the former home of state founder Paul Kruger, the central Church Square and the Voortrekker Monument. As a major city, Pretoria naturally also has countless shopping opportunities, restaurants and cafés to offer. A visual highlight is the month of October, when the blossoms of the Jakaranda trees transform entire streets into purple avenues.

Stay at the elegant Castello Di Monte, a luxurious Tuscan-style property with a cozy garden in the quiet suburb of Waterkloof Ridge. The highlights of Pretoria can be reached in around 15 minutes by car. The nine rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a TV, a safe and free WiFi. The Terrace Rooms also have a balcony or terrace. The suites are more spacious with their own lounge area. The accommodation offers a pool, a sun terrace, a garden, a restaurant and a lounge.

On some departure dates, the Rovos Rail train journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls is operated with four nights instead of three, with departure from Pretoria at 6 pm. In this case, the overnight stay in Pretoria can be omitted.

CASTELLO DI MONTE (TERRACE ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 2: PRETORIA

ONEWAY TRANSFER PRETORIA LOCAL

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

DAY 2 TO DAY 5:

PRETORIA

The Rovos Rail is definitely the most luxurious way to spend your vacation in South Africa. The trains with their lovingly restored nostalgic carriages are a five-star hotel on wheels. All carriages are air-conditioned and offer every conceivable comfort. Each train has a dining car, a lounge car and a viewing car at the end of the train. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, extras can be ordered. In the afternoon, cakes are served in the lounge car. Dinner is a multi-course menu. A 24-hour butler service is also available to every guest.

The highlight of this Rovos trip is definitely the included Big Five safari in an open off-road vehicle in Hwange National Park, the largest national park in Zimbabwe. The trip starts on day 1 in Pretoria at 10:00 am and ends in Victoria Falls on day 4 at 10:00 am.

The Pullman suites are approx. 7 square meters in size and have a comfortable bed that can be converted into a couch during the day. Two single beds (bunk beds) can also be booked on request. The suite is air-conditioned (hot/cold) and has its own bathroom with shower/WC, a tea/coffee maker, a safe and a hairdryer. High-quality toiletries and small treats round off the perfect facilities.

ROVOS RAIL PRETORIA TO VICTORIA FALLS (3 NIGHTS) (PULLMAN SUITE)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 3 ACTIVITIES

DAY 2 TO DAY 5:

PRETORIA

OPTIONAL UPGRADE FROM €1,680 PER PERSON

The Rovos Rail is definitely the most luxurious way to spend your vacation in South Africa. The trains with their lovingly restored nostalgic carriages are a five-star hotel on wheels. All carriages are air-conditioned and offer every conceivable comfort. Each train has a dining car, a lounge car and a viewing car at the end of the train. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, extras can be ordered. In the afternoon, cakes are served in the lounge car. Dinner is a multi-course menu. A 24-hour butler service is also available to every guest.

The highlight of this Rovos trip is definitely the included Big Five safari in an open off-road vehicle in Hwange National Park, the largest national park in Zimbabwe. The trip starts on day 1 in Pretoria at 10:00 am and ends in Victoria Falls on day 4 at 10:00 am.

The deluxe suites are approx. 10 square meters in size and have a comfortable bed and a small lounge area. Two single beds can also be booked on request. The suite is air-conditioned (hot/cold) and has its own bathroom with shower/WC, a tea/coffee maker, a minibar, a safe and a hairdryer. High-quality toiletries and small treats round off the perfect facilities.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

ROVOS RAIL PRETORIA TO VICTORIA FALLS (3 NIGHTS) (DELUXE SUITE)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 3 ACTIVITIES

DAY 5 TO DAY 7:

VICTORIA FALLS

The mighty Victoria Falls are located directly on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and are without doubt one of the main attractions of southern Africa - a natural wonder that is second to none! The locals call the mighty waterfall "Mosi-oa-Tunya", which translates as "thundering smoke" and describes the natural spectacle very aptly. The Zambezi River plunges abruptly into a 110-metre-deep gorge over a length of more than one kilometer, producing an enormous spray that can be seen for miles depending on the season and water level. On Zimbabwe's side of the falls, a paved circular path leads directly along the gorge and offers a constantly changing view of the water masses from 16 different vantage points.

Wallow Lodge is situated outside Victoria Falls in a private concession area of the Victoria Falls National Park, bordered by the Masuwe River and the gorges of the Zambezi. The lodge was opened in 2022 and is slightly elevated along the Masuwe River with magnificent views from the spacious main area of the lodge as well as from all tented suites. The main lodge building is spacious and open plan, allowing guests to enjoy the view of the African bush and the animals along the river from the dining area, bar and lounge as well as from the outdoor terrace with pool and fire pit. The 16 tented suites have a bathroom/WC, an additional outdoor shower, a terrace with a view of the river, air conditioning, a fan, a minibar and a tea/coffee maker.

The price includes various activities such as a guided tour to Victoria Falls, game drives in the concession area, sundowners at Batoka Gorge, and a visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. Transfers to the city and from/to the airport or train station, as well as local drinks, are also included. All activities and transfers are in English and are carried out with other people.

THE WALLOW LODGE (SAFARI SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 2 ACTIVITIES

DAY 5 TO DAY 7:

VICTORIA FALLS

OPTIONALLY UPGRADEABLE FROM 870 € PER PERSON

The mighty Victoria Falls are located directly on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and are without doubt one of the main attractions of southern Africa - a natural wonder that is second to none! The locals call the mighty waterfall "Mosi-oa-Tunya", which translates as "thundering smoke" and describes the natural spectacle very aptly. The Zambezi River plunges abruptly into a 110-metre-deep gorge over a length of more than one kilometer, producing an enormous spray that can be seen for miles depending on the season and water level. On Zimbabwe's side of the falls, a paved circular path leads directly along the gorge and offers a constantly changing view of the water masses from 16 different vantage points.

The Old Drift Lodge is located directly on the banks of the Zambezi River. The luxurious lodge is an oasis of peace in the middle of the Zambezi National Park, around seven kilometers from Victoria Falls. Regular visitors to the lodge are not only elephants, buffalo and zebras, but also giraffes and antelopes. The 14 tented suites have a bathroom/WC and an additional outdoor shower, a terrace with a private plunge pool overlooking the river, a fan, air conditioning, a minibar and a tea/coffee maker. The Family Suites have two bedrooms. The Star Suite also has an outdoor bed for stargazing. The lodge offers a restaurant, a bar, a terrace overlooking the river and a fire pit.

The price includes various activities such as guided tours to Victoria Falls, game drives in the national park, boat trips on the Zambezi River, and guided walking safaris. Transfers to the city and from/to the airport or train station, as well as local drinks, are also included. All activities and transfers are in English and are carried out with other people.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

OLD DRIFT LODGE (STANDARD SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 7: VICTORIA FALLS

PRIVATE TRANSFER VIC FALLS - HWANGE

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

DAY 7 TO DAY 9:

HWANGE

The almost 15,000 km² Hwange National Park is located in the foothills of the Kalahari and is the most important nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The park's dense animal population includes over 20,000 elephants, 17,000 buffaloes, 6,000 impalas, 5,000 other antelopes and kudus, as well as 3,000 giraffes. Cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, lions, waterbucks and many other animals of southern Africa are also at home here. The whole area is an almost flat savannah, with few natural waterholes and sparse vegetation, especially in the west. The best time for good game viewing is the dry season in winter from May to October.

Your luxurious lodge is one of very few private accommodations located directly in Hwange National Park. Situated in the shade of dense treetops, The Hide overlooks a waterhole where, with a little luck, numerous animals such as elephants, kudus, zebras and giraffes can be observed. (10 tented suites: Bathroom/WC, fan, mosquito net, veranda, outdoor shower. Lodge: fireplace, pool, observation deck overlooking a waterhole, restaurant, bar)

The price includes up to four activities per night (game drives, hikes), local drinks and laundry service. All activities are conducted in English, with additional persons.

THE HIDE (DELUXE TENT)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 7 TO DAY 9:

HWANGE

OPTIONAL UPGRADE FROM €1,510 PER PERSON

The almost 15,000 km² Hwange National Park is located in the foothills of the Kalahari and is the most important nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The park's dense animal population includes over 40,000 elephants, 17,000 buffaloes, 6,000 impalas, 5,000 other antelopes and kudus, as well as 3,000 giraffes. Cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, lions, waterbucks and many other animals of southern Africa are also at home here. The whole area is an almost flat savannah, with few natural waterholes and sparse vegetation, especially in the west. The best time for good game viewing is the dry season in winter from May to October.

In the eastern part of Hwange National Park, the luxurious Somalisa Camp offers a pure African feeling! The close-to-nature camp is the perfect blend of African elegance, warm hospitality and untamed wilderness. Directly in front of the lodge is a waterhole that is visited daily by large herds of elephants and other animals and dinner is traditionally eaten under the clear starry sky by the campfire. The spacious tented suites were built under old acacia trees and are equipped with every conceivable comfort. (7 tents: bath/WC, outdoor shower, mosquito net, fan, fireplace, veranda, safe, tea/coffee station. Lodge: pool, terrace, lounge, restaurant, bar, boma (traditional campfire dining area), waterhole)

The price includes local drinks as well as half or full day game drives in Hwange National Park, walking safaris and night drives. All activities are in English and are conducted with additional persons.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

SOMALISA CAMP (LUXURY TENT)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 9: HWANGE

PRIVATE TRANSFER HWANGE - VIC FALLS

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

DAY 9 TO DAY 10:

VICTORIA FALLS

The mighty Victoria Falls are located directly on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and are without doubt one of the main attractions of southern Africa - a natural wonder that is second to none! The locals call the mighty waterfall "Mosi-oa-Tunya", which translates as "thundering smoke" and describes the natural spectacle very aptly. The Zambezi River plunges abruptly into a 110-metre-deep gorge over a length of more than one kilometer, producing an enormous spray that can be seen for miles depending on the season and water level. On Zimbabwe's side of the falls, a paved circular path leads directly along the gorge and offers a constantly changing view of the water masses from 16 different vantage points.

The luxurious Ilala Lodge is just a ten-minute walk from the spectacular Victoria Falls. The town center of Victoria Falls, with its restaurants and numerous souvenir stores, is also just a few minutes' walk away. From many points of the lodge you can admire the spray of the falls. The lush garden of the lodge is occasionally visited by antelopes for a snack. The 73 rooms are equipped with bath/WC, air conditioning, fan, TV, coffee/tea station, hairdryer, safe, balcony or terrace. The lodge also offers a restaurant, a bar, a terrace with a view of the park and a pool.

ILALA LODGE (DELUXE ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 10: VICTORIA FALLS

PRIVATE TRANSFER HOTEL - VIC FALLS AIRPORT

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking and are based on the number of participants stated. Errors excepted. Alternative availability, seasonal overlaps or exchange rate fluctuations may lead to price changes. Please request your personal tour offer with your desired travel dates. This tour offer does not include flights.

The child rate applies to one child under the age of 12 staying in their parents' room. One child under the age of two stays free of charge. For children aged 12 and over, the adult rate generally applies. Not all accommodation allows children of all ages.

We recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance and travel health insurance to cover the costs of assistance, including repatriation in the event of accident, illness or death. We can provide a corresponding offer on request.

A passport is required to enter the country. For Zimbabwe, a tourist visa must be obtained upon entry. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance.depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Minors under the age of 18 may be required to carry additional documents. We will inform you of the exact requirements before you book. Travelers who have stayed in an area at risk of yellow fever must provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please ask for suitable offers.

The Kruger Park, northern KwaZulu-Natal (Hluhluwe, St. Lucia) and Zimbabwe (except for a few regions above 1200m) are malaria-prone areas. Please ask your doctor whether prophylaxis is advisable for you.

The organizer of this trip is South Africa Travel GmbH & Co. KG, Buddestraße 9, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany, Tel +49 521 33676880.

START DATES OF OUR TRAIN SAFARIS

The start dates of our train safaris depend on the respective departures of the Rovos Rails. Please enquire about your preferred period and we will send you an individual offer. The pre- and post-train program can be adapted to your wishes at any point.

APPROXIMATE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Long-haul flights to Southern Africa in Economy Class cost from EUR 900, while prices can be well over EUR 1000 in the high season. Flights in Premium Economy Class are available from 1500 EUR, in Business Class flights cost from 2500 EUR (per person for outward and return flights). All prices are average values depending on the airline and season. The actual prices at a given time depend on the number of bookings and may vary. Early booking is recommended, especially in the high season.

A light lunch costs around EUR 7 (small salad, soup) to EUR 13 (pizza, pasta, burger) per person, a dinner around EUR 17 (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to EUR 24 (steak, fish) to EUR 29 (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer or soft drinks cost around EUR 2.80 per cup or glass. Prices may vary upwards or downwards depending on the region or type of restaurant.

Entrance fees to national parks cost between EUR 5 and EUR 25 per person per day, depending on the size and popularity of the park. Entrance fees to museums or other attractions cost between EUR 3 and EUR 20 per person. Children under the age of 12 usually pay half price.