Overview

This three-night adventure begins with the train’s departure from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. It then winds its way north through Warmbaths, 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. The train then passes the edge of the escarpment and crosses the Tropic of Capricorn en route to the border with Zimbabwe. After formalities at Beitbridge the next morning, the train travels towards Bulawayo, second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country. The following day sees the train travelling along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres – before traversing Hwange National Park, a rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary where animals can be spotted from the train and a game drive excursion is enjoyed. After a service stop at Thompsons Junction, the sojourn ends at the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River. The surrounding areas offer travellers many recreational opportunities including cruises, whitewater rafting as well as superb game viewing and photo safaris. Available in reverse. Depending upon railway capacity, this journey could be routed through Botswana.

DAY 1

09h30 The train departs Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria.

13h00 Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train travels north through Warmbaths and Nylstroom, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn.

Enjoy afternoon tea and dinner en route to Messina and Beitbridge for Zimbabwe border formalities.

(Breakfast 07h00-10h00 • Lunch 13h00 • Tea 16h30 • Dinner 19h30)

DAY 2

Day at leisure. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served as the train travels towards Bulawayo via West Nicholson. Overnight stop on board at Mpopoma.

DAY 3

07h00 Breakfast is served as the train departs Mpopoma.

13h00 Enjoy lunch while travelling along the eastern edge of Hwange Park along one of Africa’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres.

15h00 Arrive at Kennedy Siding for a game drive at The Hide.

19h30 Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Thompsons Junction for the overnight stop.

DAY 4

07h00 Breakfast is enjoyed while travelling towards the Zambezi River.

10h00 Arrive at journey’s end in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

General make-up of the train Locomotive, generator car, staff car, guest sleepers, a non-smoking lounge car (26 guests), two non-smoking 42-seat dining cars (if required, plenty of space for the maximum of 72 guests carried), kitchen car, guest sleepers, smoking lounge and Observation Car (32 guests) at the tail.

Cuisine Meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests’ every need is catered for. There’s an accent on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes such as game are a specialty.  Breakfast is between 07h00 and 10h00, lunch at 13h00, tea at 16h30 and a formal dinner at 19h30. A gong heralds lunch and dinner.

Dress For days on the train dress is smart casual. Evening attire is more formal – for the gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for ladies we suggest cocktail/evening dresses or suits. Please include warm clothing for cold mornings and evenings.

Mobile Devices and Internet In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there are no radios or television sets on board. The use of mobile phones, laptops and essentially anything that has the ability to disturb other passengers is confined to the privacy of your suites.

Smoking is only allowed in the privacy of your suite and in the Club Lounge.