Rovos Rail: Victoria Falls Safari Train
Pretoria to the smoke that thunders — luxury rail married to Big Game safari
Overview
This is the great bucket-list rail journey of Southern Africa: four nights aboard the Pride of Africa from Pretoria to Victoria Falls, blending the romance of a golden-age train with genuine Big Game safari. Over roughly 1,400 kilometres the restored carriages carry you off the Highveld, across the Tropic of Capricorn and the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe, with off-train game drives in the rhino sanctuary of Matobo National Park and the elephant kingdom of Hwange — before the smoke that thunders, Victoria Falls, reveals itself at journey's end.
By day you watch the bush drift past from the open observation car; by night you dine under crisp linen and sleep in an en-suite Victorian suite. Game drives in Matobo bring you close to both white and black rhino, ancient San rock art and the resting place of Cecil John Rhodes; Hwange delivers some of Africa's largest elephant herds and its full cast of predators. It is the rare journey that satisfies the rail romantic and the safari enthusiast in one seamless, all-inclusive arc.
Who It's For
Ideal for travellers who want it all — the ceremony of luxury rail and the thrill of the bush — without changing hotels every night. Superb for a milestone trip, a photographic adventure, or as the spectacular overland link between a South African safari and a Victoria Falls finale.
Package Highlights
Four Nights on the Pride of Africa
The world's most luxurious train, Pretoria to Victoria Falls
Matobo Rhino Tracking
Game drive among white & black rhino, San rock art and Rhodes' grave
Hwange Elephant Country
Game drive in Zimbabwe's flagship park — vast elephant herds & predators
Victoria Falls Finale
Arrive at Mosi-oa-Tunya, the greatest sheet of falling water on earth
Tropic of Capricorn Crossing
Cross the Limpopo and the Tropic of Capricorn by rail
All-Inclusive Fine Dining
Every meal, all beverages and the cellar included throughout
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A champagne welcome at Rovos Rail's private Capital Park station begins the adventure. As the Pride of Africa pulls out, settle into your wood-panelled suite and enjoy lunch as the Highveld and the bushveld towns of Bela-Bela and Modimolle slip past. Afternoon tea in the lounge car precedes the first black-tie dinner as the train heads north towards the border.
🏨 Accommodation: Rovos Rail — Pullman / Deluxe / Royal Suite
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Your Route
Tap a marker to see each stop on your journey.
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Pullman Suite
📍 7 m² — the classic Rovos suite
The intimate ≈7 m² Pullman Suite with an en-suite shower and a sofa that converts to a double or twin beds — the perfect base for the four-night run to the Falls.
From $788 per person per night
Deluxe Suite
📍 10 m² — the sweet spot
A roomier ≈10 m² suite with lounge seating and a full en-suite bathroom with shower — the most popular category and superb value on the safari train.
From $1,140 per person per night
Royal Suite
📍 16 m² — half a carriage
Half a carriage of Edwardian grandeur — ≈16 m² with a private lounge and a full bathroom with Victorian bath and shower. The ultimate way to travel to the Falls.
From $1,513 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Pullman Suite
(~$788/night)
≈7 m² en-suite suite, all meals, all beverages and Matobo & Hwange game drives included
Get QuoteDeluxe Suite
(~$1,140/night)
≈10 m² suite with lounge area, all-inclusive dining, cellar and off-train safaris
Get QuoteRoyal Suite
(~$1,513/night)
Half-carriage ≈16 m² suite with Victorian bath and private lounge, fully inclusive
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 4 nights aboard Rovos Rail in your chosen suite category
- ✓ All meals — breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and formal dinners
- ✓ All on-board beverages including a curated wine, spirit & beer selection
- ✓ Off-train game drives in Matobo National Park and Hwange National Park with guides
- ✓ Rhino tracking, San rock art and World's View excursion at Matobo
- ✓ Personal train manager and stewards; limited laundry
- ✓ Champagne station reception on departure
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International & regional flights
- ✗ Victoria Falls hotels, tours and transfers (we can arrange)
- ✗ Zimbabwe visas and park departure taxes where applicable
- ✗ Imported champagne and rare vintages
- ✗ Gratuities, travel insurance and personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
For the best game viewing in Matobo and Hwange, travel in the dry season (May–October) when animals concentrate at waterholes. For Victoria Falls at its most thunderous, March–May follows the rains; September–November offers the clearest views of the falls' rock face.
Why Choose This Package
Rail Romance Meets Real Safari
The only way to combine the world's most luxurious train with genuine Big Game drives in Matobo and Hwange.
Rhino & Elephant in One Trip
Track rhino in Matobo and witness Hwange's colossal elephant herds — without ever unpacking.
A Legendary Overland Link
The most elegant way to travel between South Africa and Victoria Falls, crossing the Limpopo and the Tropic of Capricorn.
Effortless & All-Inclusive
Meals, beverages, cellar and game drives are all included — we handle every transfer, visa tip and extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Rovos Rail: Victoria Falls Safari Train?
From $3,150 per person | 5 Days / 4 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
