Rovos Rail, Vic Falls & Big Five

ABOUT THIS TRIP

A ride on the Rovos Rail, the “Pride of Africa,” is a truly special experience. On the world’s most luxurious train, you’ll experience the unique landscapes of northern South Africa and Zimbabwe. Along the way, you’ll stop for a guided game drive in Hwange National Park. Once you arrive in Victoria Falls, you’ll, of course, take a guided tour to the world’s most impressive waterfalls and enjoy a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. And since one game drive is certainly not enough to get to know Africa’s impressive wildlife, you’ll then continue on to Chobe National Park in Botswana to a luxurious safari lodge, from where you’ll go in search of the Big Five and all other African wildlife.

You stay in luxury class accommodation with perfect service. The same naturally applies to the Rovos Rail. This trip 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
• 3x Ngoma Bridge

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 9x overnight stay in the Deluxe category *****
• 9x breakfast, 6x lunch, 6x dinner
• private transfers according to program
• one-way trip on Rovos Rail with program
• Excursion to the Victoria Falls and sunset boat trip on the Zambezi
• Six guided activities in Chobe 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

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.

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).

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 (PRESIDENTIAL SUITE)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 2: PRETORIA

ONEWAY TRANSFER PRETORIA LOCAL

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.

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).

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 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.

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

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

DAY 2 TO DAY 5:

PRETORIA

OPTIONAL UPGRADE STARTING AT €1,985 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 Royal Suites are approx. 16 square meters in size and have a comfortable bed and a 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 and separate bathtub, a tea/coffee maker, minibar, safe and 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) (ROYAL SUITE)

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

DAY 5: VICTORIA FALLS

PRIVATE TRANSFER VIC IF LOCAL

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.

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).

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 thundering masses of water from 16 different vantage points. But the small town of Victoria Falls has a lot more to offer: relaxed boat and canoe trips on the upper part of the Zambezi River, adventurous rafting on the lower part in the gorge, helicopter flights over the falls and much more.

Built in 1904, the Victoria Falls Hotel is situated in the Victoria Falls National Park. With its view of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River Gorge, it is one of Africa's most famous hotels - world-renowned for its elegance and charm. Due to the spacious development, the size of the 161 rooms is hardly noticeable. All rooms have a bathroom/WC, a coffee/tea station, air conditioning, a hairdryer, a TV, a telephone and a minibar. The hotel offers three restaurants, a terrace, a bar, a pool, a spacious garden, a fitness room, a hairdresser, a spa area (for a fee) and a souvenir store.

THE VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL (STABLES SIGNATURE WING ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 6: VICTORIA FALLS

TOUR OF THE FALLS & SUNSET CRUISE

You will take part in the following two activities during your stay in Victoria Falls:

Tour of the Falls:
On this tour, you will get up close to the mighty Victoria Falls. Together with a local guide, you will visit the various viewpoints on the paved circular trail along the gorge. During these impressive views of the masses of water, you will learn a lot from your guide about the geological formation of the Victoria Falls and the history of their discovery by the British David Livingstone.

Sunset Cruise:
You take a sunset cruise on the upper part of the Zambezi River and have the opportunity to spot hippos, elephants and crocodiles, as well as numerous bird species. As the sun slowly sets, you can enjoy a cool drink and savor the wonderful moment.

You will be picked up at your accommodation for both activities and taken back there afterwards. The activities each last around two hours and the national park fees are included in the price. The tour language is English and other people take part.

DAY 7: VICTORIA FALLS

PRIVATE TRANSFER VIC FALLS - KASANE

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.

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).

DAY 7 TO DAY 10:

NGOMA BRIDGE

The north-east of Botswana offers great sights. The Chobe National Park and its proximity to the Victoria Falls have made Kasane a tourist hub. Chobe National Park is home to huge herds of elephants and an area full of scenic contrasts. Boat trips on the Chobe River are a must here! In the dry months from May to October, many animals, especially the large herds, gather along the river to quench their thirst or to bathe. During the rainy season, from November to April, when the water is also in the seasonal pans, the wild animals spread throughout the national park. This is a great time for birdwatchers, as many migratory birds are also found at the water's edge alongside the local birds. In November and December, the young animals are born and with the onset of rain, the park blossoms with beautiful wildflowers. The lodges at Ngoma Bridge are not far from Kasane, but are situated in a region of the Chobe National Park where there are only a few lodges. This part of the park has little traffic and therefore guarantees exclusive experiences.

Ngoma Safari Lodge is located in the north of Botswana in the Chobe Game Reserve on the western border of Chobe Park and offers a wonderful view of the Chobe River. Each suite has a spectacular view of the river and, with a little luck, the famous elephants, zebras or buffalos can be observed from the room, which graze on the floodplains of the river depending on the season. (8 suites: Shower/WC, outside showers, fan, air conditioning, minibar, coffee kitchen, small private pool. Lodge: dining area, lounge, bar, pool, sun deck, viewing platform, souvenir store).

Included are local drinks, 2 activities per night (day & night game drives, walking safaris, boat excursions, cultural excursions to the village), laundry service, transfers from/to Kasane, park fees. All activities are in English, with additional persons.

NGOMA SAFARI LODGE (SUITE)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 6 ACTIVITIES

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.