Embark the luxurious Rovos Rail Private Train for this spectacular journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls and witness some remarkable scenery and wonderful locations along the way in South Africa, Mozambique, eSwatini (Swaziland) and Zimbabwe. The beauty and the colours of the region truly need to be seen to be believed and are brought right to the compartment doors of your comfortable rolling hotel.
Travelling from Pretoria we can take in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Drakensberg Mountains and continue along the Panorama Route with visits to historic Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window, one of Blyde River Canyon’s most spectacular viewpoints. Watching the changing mood and colours at sunrise is a truly memorable experience. We continue to the Kruger National Park where, for some, the highlight will no doubt be spotting the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino), whilst for others, it may be seeing the remarkable birdlife or the majestic giraffe that stay longest in memory. Crossing into Mozambique we visit its bustling capital Maputo before exploring the intriguing Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland) where we can witness the lively and colourful local culture as people go about their everyday life. Travelling back into South Africa we will enjoy a game drive in the Kapama Game Reserve and will traverse the Limpopo Province before we enter Zimbabwe, a country of astounding natural beauty and extraordinary wildlife. Here we will step back in time at the Great Zimbabwe Monument as well as visit Antelope Park, home to a lion conservation programme and Matopos National Park, the site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave. Our journey ends with an overnight stay in Victoria Falls, an awe-inspiring sight and a fitting conclusion to our fascinating and varied itinerary.
For this group departure, our associates at Rovos Rail have allocated a selection of cabins for Noble Caledonia guests. You will be accompanied by a Noble Caledonia Tour Manager and the remainder of the guests on board will be international.
Rovos Rail Private Train
We are delighted to be working with Rovos Rail and their luxury train. Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
With discreet and friendly service, top cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration. The beautifully rebuilt train, which may be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives, carries a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Pretoria, South Africa.
Fly by scheduled flight to Johannesburg.
Day 2 Pretoria.
Arrive this morning and transfer to our hotel in Pretoria. The remainder of the day and evening are free to relax in the hotel or explore the city at your own pace.
Day 3 Embark Rovos Rail.
After breakfast we transfer to the Rovos Rail station to embark our train. After settling in we will have lunch on board and the afternoon is spent travelling on the eastern line, built by the Dutch between 1893 and 1895 to link Pretoria and Maputo, passing through Middelburg and the eMalahleni coal mining region. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Panorama Route.
Today we take a full day tour of the Panorama Route. In 1873, gold was discovered in the area around the quaint town of Pilgrim’s Rest, now a living museum and national monument. The find attracted 1,500 diggers and today many of the restored miners’ houses serve as shops. Further along the escarpment we find the great Blyde River Canyon, a gorge 26 kilometres in length and 800 metres deep, carved into the face of the escarpment. Bourke’s Luck Potholes are strange deep cylindrical cavities formed by river erosion and floodwater. From the vantage point of Wonder View we can gaze across the sweeping landscape of the Lowveld, where subtle fragrances of the lower region rise to merge with the crisp winds of the Highveld. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Kruger National Park.
We spend the day in the world-renowned Kruger National Park which offers a wildlife experience second to none. Its two million hectares are unrivalled in the diversity of life forms and the park is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques. The park is home to an impressive number of species: about 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 species of mammals including the big five. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Maputo, Mozambique.
This morning we tour Maputo, the capital of Mozambique and a city of contrasts and an exciting mix of cultures. The city swings along to a beat like no other in Africa offering true African hospitality. Its architecture is a blend of African, Portuguese and early colonial traditions with old Catholic churches side-by-side with mosques, fortresses, Victorian mansions and other buildings from a bygone era. This afternoon we travel to the border for formalities as we enter eSwatini. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland).
Today we tour the tiny Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland) which covers only 17,000 square kilometres making it the second smallest country in Africa. Enjoy amazing views of the Ezulwini Valley as we drive to the Swazi Market which is a bustling hive of activity and displays a wide variety of skilfully crafted candles, woodcarvings, colourful textiles and superb basketwork for which Swazis are renowned. At Mantenga Cultural Village we will discover a living museum of traditions representing life in the 1800s. With the traditional artefacts on display, the village illustrates many facets of the ancient Swazi way of life: social, economic and religious. Lunch is served at Mantenga Lodge nestled in the mountains overlooking ‘Execution Rock’. We will return to the train in the late afternoon and continue to the border to re-enter South Africa. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Kapama Game Reserve, South Africa.
This morning, we take a game drive in Kapama Game Reserve which is situated in South Africa’s northernmost province of Limpopo and renowned for its prolific and diverse wildlife. This private reserve is home to over 40 different mammal species, including the Big Five and approximately 350 bird species and a myriad smaller species can also be seen here in their natural environment. We then visit the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, a unique African wildlife facility focusing on conservation and the sustainability of rare, vulnerable and threatened species. Founded on passion, the centre has adopted a holistic approach to its conservation activities such as the educating of surrounding communities, tourism, breeding, rehabilitation and antipoaching. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Limpopo Province.
Spend a relaxing day on board as we traverse Limpopo Province, which is located in the far north of South Africa and shares borders with three neighbouring countries: Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The Limpopo landscape varies from one area to the other from tropical forests, bush and shrubs to semi-desert areas with small trees and bushes and mountains to flat land. It is also the only province in South Africa with more than two cultural groups staying together in their original habitat in harmony. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Great Zimbabwe Monument, Zimbabwe.
Having crossed the border overnight we start to discover Zimbabwe. This morning, we tour the Great Zimbabwe Monument, a hugely impressive monument situated on the south-eastern edge of the central plateau. It is the largest pre-colonial monument south of the Egyptian pyramids and is a celebrated achievement of the African people. Magical fables such as the story of King Solomon’s Mines find their origins here amongst the ruins of an ancient city built by the Rozwi people. Discover how these ancient people lived and mined gold and silver which were ultimately taken out of Africa by Arabic and Portuguese traders. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Antelope Park.
Set in over 3,000 acres of open savannah grassland, Antelope Park is a unique game reserve and is also home to the famous ‘African Lion and Environmental Research Trust’ (ALERT) lion rehabilitation programme. This programme is a multiphase lion conservation initiative and Africa’s first genuine programme working to ethically re-introduce the offspring of captive bred African lions back into the wild. Other optional activities include game drives, horse riding, elephant interaction and a birdwatching experience. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Matopos National Park.
This morning, we embark on a full day tour of the Matopos National Park. ‘Matopos’ means ‘bald headed ones’ and aptly describes the dramatic hills and granite rocks of this area. A notable landmark of this UNESCO World Heritage Site will be the visit to the burial place of Cecil John Rhodes (who gave Zimbabwe its previous name of Rhodesia) which is situated on top of a hill with fantastic views of the Matopo landscape. Afterwards, we will visit one of the more accessible bushman caves, of which there are many hidden amongst the hills. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Hwange Game Reserve.
Covering 1,462,000 hectares, Hwange is roughly the same size as Belgium, and we spend a full day game viewing in the reserve with a picnic stop for lunch. Situated in the northwest corner of Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is the nation’s largest wildlife area and contains a variety of animals and bird species, including Cape Buffalo and elephant, but is most well-known for its prolific lion population. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Victoria Falls.
Disembark this morning at Victoria Falls Station. Forming the largest single curtain of falling water on earth (on average the curtain is 92 metres deep), the Victoria Falls’ 500 metre plume of spray can be seen from as far as 70 kilometres away. The sound of the water can also be heard from kilometres away and up close this muted ‘thunder’ becomes a roar. In full flood, over 550 million litres of water per minute cascade over the brink. The vast width of the falls, extending 1708 metres, allow for many safe vantage points from where you will be able to get different views of the roiling water as it crashes into the gorge and whose constant spray maintains the rain forest. The forest is an attraction on its own with many of the trees marked to help identification. These include fig, mahogany, date palm, milkwood and ebony. The bird life is prolific and species that may be seen include the colourful sunbird and large trumpeter hornbill. Check in to the Victoria Falls Hotel for an overnight stay and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure to explore the town and falls. (B)
Day 15 Victoria Falls to London.
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. (B)
Day 16 London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 12 to 27 January 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Pullman Suite | £11495 | |
| Deluxe Suite | £14495 | |
| Royal Suite | £17995 | |
| Pullman Suite for sole use | £14495 | |
| Deluxe Suite for sole use | £18995 | |
Tour Reference Code: LARR1200127
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Pretoria & Victoria Falls • 11 nights aboard Rovos Rail • Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) • All drinks on Rovos Rail (excluding premium brands) • Limited laundry service on Rovos Rail • Excursions as detailed • Entrance fees • Local guides • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Rovos Rail Train Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Zimbabwe visa, Mozambique visa, optional excursions, drinks with included meals off the train.
Please note: This is a limited group departure. Noble Caledonia have an allocation of cabins and the remainder of guests on board will be non-Noble Caledonia, international guests. All bookings (including those made by Commodore Club members) are subject to a 10% deposit. The train operator, Rovos Rail, is reliant on the railway services provided by the countries through which they travel. Delays can occur due to issues with locomotives, signalling, damage to power cables or tracks and electrical outages. Whilst Rovos Rail will endeavour to ensure the schedule is adhered to there may be amendments due to these challenges.
NB Minimum numbers apply.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
Rovos Rail Private Train
We are delighted to be working with Rovos Rail and their luxury train. Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
With discreet and friendly service, top cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration. The beautifully rebuilt train, which may be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives, carries a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites.
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Information Directory
Information Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the train or click on the booklet to download.
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences and we are delighted to offer their luxury train, the Rovos Rail. Step aboard the wood-panelled coaches and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
ACCOMMODATION
The train carries a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. All have en-suite bathrooms with original fittings that combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hairdryers and shaver plugs. All are equipped with a writing surface and a personal safe for valuables. There are three categories of accommodation available:Royal Suites (16 m2): The Royal Suites are both spacious and elegant. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with a Victorian bath and separate shower. The epitome of luxury with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of side-by-side twin or spacious double beds. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of your choice and room service is available 24 hours a day.
Deluxe Suites (10 m2): The Deluxe Suites accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with a shower. The wood-panelled rebuilt sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of your choice and room service is available 24 hours a day.
Pullman Suites (7 m2): The Pullman Suites accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have an en-suite bathroom with shower. The wood-panelled rebuilt sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort.
ADAPTORS
A limited number of international adaptors are available on board.AIR-CONDITIONING
All public cars are fitted with gas-filled air-conditioning systems. Each suite has an air-conditioning unit with individual temperature control (this can also be set to heat mode). Fresh-air intake is solved by opening a window; however, windows should be closed while operating the air-conditioning unit.ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pre-departure announcements will be made before boarding the train by the Train Manager. Any further important information will be personally announced by your onboard host/ess.COMMUNICATIONS
In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. There is an internal telephone system in all suites. The use of mobile phones, laptops and anything else that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your suite only. The reception can be poor while the train is moving. It is advised to contact your service provider to ensure the correct settings for network services are activated. Internet will be available at many of the Rovos Rail lounges and accommodations en-route.
You can contact the train by email at reservations@rovos.co.za. Please indicate the passenger name and departure date as the subject.DAILY PROGRAMME
A day to day itinerary is placed in all suites detailing the arrangements and this will be available for you when you board the train. Any updates will be communicated as necessary.DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although the onboard staff will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board, please speak with the chef at dinner on your first evening to reconfirm your needs.DINING & DRINKING
The Rovos Rail has two 42-seater Dining Cars to accommodate the maximum complement of 72 passengers in total comfort at one sitting. An enthusiastic team of chefs are responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There is an emphasis on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes. Every morning there is a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order and a buffet selection of fresh fruits and yoghurts. Lunch and dinner are set menus and both are complemented by a selection of excellent South African wines. Normally breakfast is between 7.00 am and 10.00 am, lunch at 1.00 pm and a formal dinner at 7.30 pm. All meals are served at these times unless otherwise stated in the timetable. All drinks on board are included except for certain premium label spirits, wines and champagnes.DISEMBARKATION
Guests should wait in public areas or their cabin until an announcement is made with instructions for disembarking.DRESS CODE
For Noble Caledonia Exclusive Charters: The dress code on board is defined as casual. During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate, and the evenings are smart casual. Jackets and ties are not required. However, it is requested that you refrain from wearing shorts during evening meals.
For Group Departures: The dress code on board is defined as smart casual. During the day, comfortable smart casual attire is appropriate. Dinner and evenings on board are formal. For gentlemen, collars and ties are mandatory, while a jacket is optional. For ladies, we suggest cocktail/evening dresses or suits.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity on the train is as follows: 220V AC 50Hz 3 point round pronged wall plug. International adaptors are available – please ask your host/ess. There is a USB port in each suite.EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event that an emergency should occur during your journey, we ask that you remain calm and follow the instructions of the train staff. There is a fire extinguisher in your suite and if a fire should break out here, please be quick to apply it. If it cannot be controlled, please advise staff immediately. There are large extinguishers at the end of each carriage for staff application. The train will be brought to a halt for the required action. Do not jump from a moving train.GIFT SHOP
There is a small gift shop on board which is located in the central lounge and is open between mealtimes. The host/ess on duty has a basic first aid kit and a limited supply of personal essentials.GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.LAUNDRY SERVICE
There is a limited laundry service on board comprising household washers, dryers and steam irons. The turnaround is 48 hours so it is not possible to handle a week’s worth of washing in one go. Please note there are no dry-cleaning facilities en-route or on board the train.LOST PROPERTY
Before you leave the train, please check your suite carefully to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and to advise of any associated costs.MAIL
Although your host/ess will be happy to post letters on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway at the stop at which you make such a request. Some postal services are unreliable and many letters or postcards that you ask to be delivered on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route.MEDICAL FACILITIES
Each train is equipped with a standard medical kit, oxygen, automated defibrillator and wheelchair. For emergencies there are private healthcare hospitals available. All train managers have first aid qualifications.ONBOARD ACCOUNT
Any extra expenses can be settled directly on the train with the host/ess. All major credit cards are accepted on the train.PASSPORTS
All passports are collected by the Train Manager upon embarkation. Passports are necessary to facilitate immigration formalities between borders. If required, your Train Manager will also provide the necessary forms for you to fill out. Passports will be returned to passengers prior to the end of the journey.PUBLIC AREAS
On board there is a non-smoking Observation Car at the rear of the train, while the coach next to it contains a small smoking lounge. A unique feature of the Observation Car is the enlarged windows and open-air balcony. At the centre of the train there is a non-smoking Lounge Car, which also houses the Gift Shop. Deep sofas and wingback chairs make for an extremely comfortable car. As with all the service cars the lounges are air-conditioned, yet the windows can be opened allowing in the sights, sounds and scents of Africa.QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore we ask that you fill in the questionnaire that will be distributed to you during the tour. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday and in order to do this we need some feedback from our guests.SECURITY & SAFETY
Whilst on board, passengers are encouraged to close shutters (and preferably windows as well) in the cabins and passengers are specifically requested to close windows and shutters when not in the cabin. The train doors in the passages are all locked from the inside. Your cabin door can also lock from the inside. It is requested that guests adhere to the following:
• Never open exterior doors while the train is moving.
• Never jump off or onto the train while it is moving.
• An emergency brake is located halfway down each corridor and is only to be used in the case of an emergency. If used in a non-emergency situation, the culprit will be heavily fined.
• When taking photographs out of the window, always look ahead to see what is coming. Safety goggles are provided in your cabin.
• Please ensure that all valuables, documents and cash are kept in a safe place. Management and staff will not accept responsibility for any loss of personal property or cash if it is not put in the safe. Please be advised that if you leave your cabin you must make certain that your windows and shutters are closed.
• Do not stray from well-frequented areas after dark.
• Change foreign currency at an authorised dealer only.SERVICE
A dedicated host/ess is available for full 24-hour room service. He/she can be called from the telephone in your suite. The Train Manager and Deputy Train Manager are also on hand throughout the journey to help with any queries.SMOKING POLICY
On board the train, smoking is only allowed in the Club Lounge but please be aware that the train is generally made up of wood. Please do not throw flammable items such as cigarette or cigar butts off the train as bush fires in Africa are a constant and dangerous hazard.TELEPHONE CALLS
There is an internal telephone system on board. Please check the room list which details all telephone numbers – this will include the number of your host/ess should you need their service between midnight and 6.00 am.TOILETRIES
A complete toiletry bag is available in your en-suite bathroom with the following South African products: conditioning shampoo, body and hair bar, shower gel, soap, body lotion, hand sanitiser, insect spray, shower cap, tissues and a vanity kit with nail file, paper-made cotton buds and cotton pads. Products are 100% natural and biodegradable. All bottles are made from 100% reclaimed and recycled rPET, and are returned to the factory for recycling after a journey. Other products are wrapped in cardboard, which is sustainably sourced. Plug-in hairdryers – in addition to your bathroom unit (if applicable) – are available on board.TRACK
The track over which the train travels is inconsistently maintained. The train is therefore restricted to 60km/h (37mph) and over bad sections the speed is reduced to as little as 20km/h (12mph). If you find it noisy, earplugs are available.WAKE UP CALL
Wake up calls can be requested via your host/ess.WATER
The water used on the train is carried in tanks under each coach. These tanks are filled every day but they cannot be topped up while the train is travelling. Water inside the cabins has been filtered and chlorinated; it is safe for bathing and brushing teeth only. Please use the bottled water provided for drinking.Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000