Luxury Train Holidays in May 2027

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Victoria Falls to Pretoria (4 nights) on Rovos Rail

Victoria Falls to Pretoria (4 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from Victoria Falls to arrive at The Victoria Falls Hotel on Mallet Drive between 15h00 and 15h30. Check in at the foyer of The Victoria Falls Hotel where you can listen to the departure speech before being ushered across the road to the Victoria Falls Train Station. Enjoy watching a traditional tribal dance before your hostess shows you to your suite. The train departs from Victoria Falls Station at 17h00 (if all runs to schedule). Settle into your suite and join fellow travellers in the lounge or observation car before dinner is served at 19h30 (formal dress code).

Day 2: Hwange National Park

Do not party too late into the evening on Day 1, as continental breakfast on Day 2 is at 05h00 to get you fuelled for your 06h00 game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park. Return to the train for lunch as it travels along one of Africa's longest stretches of straight railway line - 114km from Dete to Gwaai. There is no WiFi on the train, and on this remote stretch cellular reception is practically non-existent, leaving you with no option but to converse with your fellow passengers.

Day 3: Matobo National Park

Transfer to the UNESCO-listed Matobo National Park at 08h00 for a guided excursion. Explore the ancient San bushmen caves, marvel at rock art dating back thousands of years, and visit the grave of Cecil John Rhodes carved into the granite summit at World's View. Return to the train as it travels through countryside dotted with baobab trees towards the South African border.

Day 4: At Leisure on Board

You can catch up on sleep as breakfast is served until 10h00. The train crosses the Limpopo River to Musina for South African border formalities. Enjoy a leisurely day on board watching the changing landscapes as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn towards the Highveld, ascending the edge of the escarpment.

Day 5: Arrival in Pretoria

Enjoy breakfast in the dining cars before arriving at the private Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria at 10h00 (scheduled time; delays are common). Join a 90-minute tour of the station and museum. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer at 11h30 to your accommodation in Johannesburg or Pretoria.

Special Offer: Game drive at Hwange National Park
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
2 May 2027 (17h00) 1 Royal 21 Deluxe 2 Pullman
9 May 2027 (17h00) 10 Deluxe 1 Pullman
16 May 2027 (17h00) 2 Royal 12 Deluxe 1 Pullman
30 May 2027 (17h00) 2 Royal 18 Deluxe 11 Pullman
PULLMAN: ZAR 66,500 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 95,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 124,000 per person sharing
Pretoria to Cape Town (2 nights) on Blue Train

Pretoria to Cape Town (2 nights) on Blue Train

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from Pretoria or Johannesburg to arrive at your check-in in Pretoria; this will either be at Irene Farm (Nellmapius Drive, Irene, Centurion) or the main Pretoria Train Station (note this is separate from Rovos Rail's private station). Enjoy pre-departure beverages, canapes, and live entertainment. When checking in at Irene Farm, a shuttle transports guests the 1km to Irene Train Station. Your butler will welcome you on board and show you to your suite. The train is scheduled to depart at 13h00, after which you can enjoy a light lunch in the lounge car and observation car. Complimentary WiFi is available on board throughout your journey, should you feel the tragic need to check your emails whilst gliding past paradise. Note that departure times are subject to change. Let us know if you would like to extend your experience by staying at Irene Country Lodge the night before your departure.

Day 2: Kimberley

Breakfast is served on a first-come, first-served basis - a gentle reminder that the early bird gets the best bacon. Stop at Kimberley Station to explore the Railway Museum, from where you will be taken by bus for an exclusive off-train excursion to the Diamond Mine Museum (weather and time permitting), including viewing the Big Hole from an enclosed ramp. Back at Kimberley Station, guests are gifted a glass of sherry engraved with The Blue Train logo as a memento.

Day 3: Arrival in Cape Town

Enjoy breakfast and a light lunch before the train's scheduled arrival at 18h00 in Cape Town under the shadow of Table Mountain, concluding your magnificent journey. Note that arrival times are subject to change. Butlers will usher guests from the train to the Arrival Lounge. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from the Arrival Lounge to your accommodation in Cape Town.

Special Offer: Complimentary night at the 5-star Irene Country Hotel before your 2-night Blue Train journey.
Upcoming Availability
May 2027 3 (13h00)
De Luxe: ZAR 45,565 per person sharing
Luxury: ZAR 58,135 per person sharing
Cape Town to Pretoria (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Cape Town to Pretoria (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Arrive at the Rovos Rail Lounge in Cape Town between 09h00 and 09h30; listen to the departure speech before boarding the train, which departs Cape Town Station at 11h00. Travel inland through the Winelands, ascending 750m through four tunnels (including the 13.5km Hex River tunnel) towards Worcester. Please remember there is no onboard WiFi; consider this a forced, yet highly luxurious, digital detox.

Day 2: Matjiesfontein

Disembark for a morning stroll through the historic Victorian village of Matjiesfontein, founded in 1884 by Scottish railwayman James Logan. Explore the Lord Milner Hotel, the vintage car and railway carriage collection, and the Laird's Arms Pub before reboarding the train to traverse the Great Karoo - a landscape so quietly beautiful you might actually forget to check your phone.

Day 3: Kimberley Diamond Mine

Enjoy breakfast as the train approaches Kimberley, the historic heart of South Africa's 1871 diamond rush. Disembark to tour the Kimberley Diamond Mine Museum and peer into the Big Hole (now partially filled with water) before returning to the dining cars for lunch and a final formal dinner on board.

Day 4: Arrival in Pretoria

Scheduled to arrive at 16h00 at the private Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria. Take time to explore the working locomotive sheds and railway museum if you wish. When you book, ask us to include a complimentary chauffeur transfer to your destination in Gauteng.

Special Offer: Free chauffeur transfer
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
4 May 2027 (11h00) 1 Deluxe 2 Pullman
18 May 2027 (11h00) 1 Royal 3 Deluxe 1 Pullman
PULLMAN: ZAR 54,000 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 78,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 104,000 per person sharing
Pretoria to Victoria Falls (4 nights) on Rovos Rail

Pretoria to Victoria Falls (4 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from Pretoria or Johannesburg to check in at Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria between 16h00 and 16h30, where you will hand your passport to the Train Manager. Listen to the departure speech and take a tour of the museum and station if time allows. The train is scheduled to depart at 18h00. Enjoy dinner at 20h00 (formal dress) as the train travels north through Bela-Bela (Warmbaths) and Modimolle (Nylstroom).

Day 2: Crossing the Limpopo River

There is an opportunity to sleep off any lingering effects of the previous evening's hospitality, with breakfast served until 10h00. Pass through the Soutpansberg Mountains, which form part of the UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. The train crosses the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe - if you have completed your e-visas and paperwork correctly, you won't even have to step off the train for immigration at Beitbridge.

Day 3: Matobo National Park

Breakfast is served until 09h00. At 13h30, disembark for a 60-minute transfer to Matobo National Park. You will be guided through the granite hills to see historic San bushmen caves with their ancient rock art, as well as the hilltop grave of Cecil John Rhodes at World's View. Return to the train in the late afternoon for a formal dinner.

Day 4: Hwange National Park

Breakfast is served until 10h00. The train travels along one of the world's longest stretches of straight railway line (114km) before arriving at Kennedy Siding. Disembark at 15h00 for an afternoon game drive excursion at The Hide in Hwange National Park, where, if you are lucky, you will view lions, cheetahs, serval, and eland.

Day 5: Arrival at Victoria Falls

Ensure your luggage is packed as you enjoy a final breakfast (served until 09h30). The train is scheduled to arrive at the incomparable Victoria Falls Station at 10h00 (delays are common), marking the end of your ultra-luxurious train journey. Walk across to The Victoria Falls Hotel and enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to your accommodation in Victoria Falls.

Special Offer: Complimentary night at the Victoria Falls Hotel, free chauffeur transfers in Pretoria and Victoria Falls
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
5 May 2027 (18h00) 13 Deluxe
12 May 2027 (18h00) 2 Royal 13 Deluxe
19 May 2027 (18h00) 1 Royal 7 Deluxe 1 Pullman
26 May 2027 (18h00) 1 Royal 9 Deluxe 1 Pullman
PULLMAN: ZAR 66,500 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 95,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 124,000 per person sharing
Cape Town to Pretoria (2 nights) on Blue Train

Cape Town to Pretoria (2 nights) on Blue Train

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to The Blue Train Lounge at Cape Town Station. Registration and check-in take place while you enjoy pre-departure snacks and drinks. Board the train, settle into your luxurious suite, and depart the Mother City. The train glides through the Cape Winelands towards the majestic Hex River Valley. Stay connected to home using the train's complimentary onboard WiFi - though we strongly recommend looking out the window instead.

Day 2: Matjiesfontein

Disembark at Matjiesfontein, a perfectly preserved Victorian railway village. Enjoy a glass of sherry at the bar of the Lord Milner Hotel and soak in the historical charm of the 19th-century architecture before returning to the train to continue your journey through the starkly beautiful Karoo.

Day 3: Arrival in Pretoria

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a light lunch as the train winds its way through the Highveld. The train is scheduled to arrive at the main Pretoria Train Station by late afternoon. Upon disembarking, enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to your final destination in Pretoria or Johannesburg.

Special Offer: Complimentary night at The Capital 5 Star Hotel, before your 2-night Blue Train journey
Upcoming Availability
May 2027 6 (13h00)
De Luxe: ZAR 45,565 per person sharing
Luxury: ZAR 58,135 per person sharing
Pretoria to Cape Town (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Pretoria to Cape Town (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Arrive at the private Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria (this is a dedicated, privately owned station, distinct from the main Pretoria Train Station used by The Blue Train) for check-in between 08h00 and 08h30. Explore working loco sheds, coaches being restored by hand, and a museum of railway memorabilia. Listen to the departure speech before boarding the train, which is scheduled to depart at 10h00 (it is not uncommon for the train to depart late if there is traffic on the mainline - Africa operates on its own elegant clock). Your hostess will take you to your suite and get you settled in. Enjoy lunch as the train travels south through the goldfields of the Witwatersrand. Please note that to preserve the traditional golden-era atmosphere, there is no WiFi on board Rovos Rail; connectivity relies entirely on your mobile device passing close to cellular towers.

Day 2: Kimberley Diamond Mine

Disembark in Kimberley for a tour of the city, the Diamond Mine Museum, and the Big Hole (now filled with water), which is the largest hand-dug excavation in the world - a rather impressive testament to humanity's glittering obsessions. Return to the train for lunch as it traverses the vast, ancient plains of the Karoo.

Day 3: Matjiesfontein

The train traverses a vast semi-desert region called the Karoo. Enjoy a morning visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein (there is the opportunity to disembark at Whitehill Siding to walk the last 5km to the town, should you feel the sudden, inexplicable urge for actual exercise). At Matjiesfontein, visit the Lord Milner Hotel, the Marie Rawdon Museum, the Laird's Arms Pub, the historic church, and the post office. On leaving Matjiesfontein, the train descends through the spectacular Hex River Valley.

Day 4: Arrival in Cape Town

Scheduled to arrive at Cape Town Station at 15h00, marking the end of your luxurious journey. When you book, ask us to include a complimentary transfer to your destination in Cape Town. To continue the Rovos vibe in Cape Town, many clients request to stay at St James Manor, which is owned by Rovos Rail.

Special Offer: Free chauffeur transfer
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
14 May 2027 (10h00) 2 Royal 9 Deluxe
28 May 2027 (10h00) 13 Deluxe 2 Pullman
PULLMAN: ZAR 54,000 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 78,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 104,000 per person sharing
Walvis Bay to Pretoria (11 nights) on Rovos Rail

Walvis Bay to Pretoria (11 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure from Walvis Bay

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to Walvis Bay Station for check-in at 10h00 before the train departs at 11h00, heading inland across the ancient gravel plains of the Namib Desert towards Otjiwarongo. For rail enthusiasts, the observation car leads the train right behind the locomotive until lunchtime tomorrow. Enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner on board.

Day 2: Cheetah Conservation Project

After breakfast, transfer (approximately 60 minutes) to the Cheetah Conservation Fund near Otjiwarongo, founded in 1990 to protect Namibia's wild cheetah population. Return to the train for lunch, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner as the train climbs north towards Tsumeb.

Day 3: Etosha National Park

Pack a small overnight bag and transfer (approximately 60 minutes) to a safari lodge bordering Etosha National Park, where wildlife congregates around waterholes fringing the massive 4,760km² salt pan. After lunch at the lodge, head out on a three-hour afternoon game drive, followed by a casual dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 4: Morning Safari & Southbound to Kranzberg

Rise at 06h00 for breakfast and an early morning game drive in Etosha National Park. Return to the lodge to check out and transfer back to the train at Tsumeb Station in time for lunch. Relax over afternoon tea and a formal dinner as the train travels south towards Kranzberg.

Day 5: Scenic Flight to Sossusvlei

Pack your overnight bag and transfer to the airstrip to board a light aircraft for a one-hour scenic flight over the Namib-Naukluft desert to a lodge in Sossusvlei. After lunch and time at leisure, enjoy an afternoon desert drive amongst the towering red star dunes, capped off with a casual bush dinner under the desert sky.

Day 6: Sossusvlei Sunrise & Windhoek

Wake early for a sunrise drive into the vlei and breakfast amongst the dunes before flying to Namibia's highland capital, Windhoek. Enjoy lunch at the Windhoek Country Club followed by a city tour that includes the Trans-Namib Transport Museum. Rejoin the train at 18h00 for a formal dinner as it cuts south through the Kalahari Desert towards Mariental.

Day 7: Keetmanshoop & Garas Park

Enjoy a leisurely morning on board with breakfast and lunch served in the dining cars. At 14h00, disembark to visit Keetmanshoop and Garas Park, home to roughly 300 prehistoric Quiver Trees (Aloe dichotoma). Return to the train for afternoon tea and a formal dinner bound for Aus.

Day 8: Kolmanskop Ghost Town & Luderitz

After an early breakfast, transfer at 08h00 to the abandoned diamond mining ghost town of Kolmanskop, where desert sands drift through grand Edwardian rooms, followed by lunch in the coastal town of Luderitz. Reboard the train at 18h00 as the observation car leads the train towards Holoog. Tonight's dinner is "Africa" Theme or Smart Casual.

Day 9: Fish River Canyon & South African Border

Following breakfast, transfer at 08h30 to the rim of the Fish River Canyon - the largest canyon in the Southern Hemisphere at 161km long and up to 550m deep. Return to the train for lunch and afternoon tea as border formalities into South Africa take place en route to Upington. Dinner is formal.

Day 10: Upington & The Orange River

Disembark at 08h30 for a walking tour of Upington and a boat cruise on the Orange River. At 11h00, the train sets off across the vast expanse of the Great Karoo. Enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner as the train rolls towards Kimberley.

Day 11: Kimberley's Big Hole

At 09h00, enjoy a guided tour of Kimberley's Diamond Mine Museum and the historic Big Hole before returning to the train for lunch as it begins its climb onto the Highveld. Celebrate your final evening on board with a "1920s" Theme or Smart Casual dinner.

Day 12: Arrival in Pretoria

Enjoy breakfast until 10h00 and lunch at 13h00 as the train rolls across the goldfields of the Witwatersrand, arriving at Rovos Rail's private Capital Park Station in Pretoria in the afternoon. A complimentary chauffeur transfer awaits to take you to your hotel or airport in Pretoria or Johannesburg.

Special Offer: Free chauffeur transfer
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
17 May 2027 (10h00) 4 Deluxe 1 Pullman
PULLMAN: ZAR 258,000 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 327,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 403,000 per person sharing
Lilongwe to Pretoria (16 nights) on Rovos Rail

Lilongwe to Pretoria (16 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure from Lilongwe & Liwonde National Park

Enjoy a complimentary night at a hotel in Lilongwe before receiving a complimentary chauffeur transfer to meet at 09h30 for a welcome reception at the Latitude 13 Degrees Hotel in Lilongwe, Malawi. Please remember to pack a small soft-sided overnight bag (15kg flight restriction), as surplus luggage will be sent ahead to the train in Mozambique and you won't have access to it until Day 3. Transfer to Kamuzu International Airport for a charter flight to Mvuu Lodge (meaning "hippopotamus" in Chichewa), nestled under fever trees on the banks of the Shire River in Liwonde National Park. Enjoy lunch and a late afternoon boat safari with sundowners. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 2: Lake Malawi

Enjoy a 06h00 morning game drive followed by breakfast. Transfer to The Makokola Retreat on the palm-fringed southern shore of Lake Malawi. Check in at 12h00 and enjoy lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure with various activities including watersports, swimming, gym, and tennis. Dinner and overnight at the retreat.

Day 3: Lake Malawi & Moatize

After breakfast and a morning at leisure, take a flight from Lake Malawi to Chingozi Airport in Tete, Mozambique. After immigration formalities, transfer to Moatize Station to board the Rovos Rail train and reunite with your main luggage. Enjoy a driving tour of Tete, known for its colonial-style buildings and the Samora Machel Bridge, followed by sundowners on the Zambezi River. Return to the train for a formal dinner.

Day 4: Moatize & The Dona Ana Bridge

Enjoy breakfast until 10h00 with onboard lectures. At 10h30, embark on a coal-mine tour in Moatize. Return to the train for lunch as it travels towards Sena. This part of the line harks back to British investors in 1901 wanting to connect the Protectorate of Nyasaland (Malawi) to the coast. The Sena line remained Malawi's primary transport link to the sea until 1979, when it was destroyed during the civil war. The line has been rehabilitated to support modern coal exports, allowing luxury passenger trains to safely travel the route once again. The train will cross the historic Dona Ana Bridge; at 3.67km long, it is the longest railway bridge to span the mighty Zambezi River. Spend the afternoon enjoying tea in the lounge and observation cars before a formal dinner.

Day 5: At Leisure on Board

Enjoy breakfast until 10h00 as the train traverses the undulating landscape of Mozambique's interior, passing through rural towns and agricultural settlements. Lunch is served at 13h00 as the train continues towards Beira. Formal dinner is served at 19h30.

Day 6: Beira

After breakfast, disembark for a tour of Beira (in a somewhat ruinous state having been battered by the civil war and cyclones), Mozambique's busy port city. Highlights include the 1904 red-and-white-striped Macuti Lighthouse (decide to climb to the top of this derelict 28-metre-tall structure at your own risk!) and the Macuti shipwreck (a tugboat intentionally run aground in 1985 to serve as a breakwater). The railway from Beira to Bulawayo was built by the Portuguese and opened in 1899 (and defended by Zimbabwean troops during the Mozambican Civil War so trade could continue), and Beira became a favourite holiday spot for Rhodesians (the Grande Hotel is a reminder of this). The initial construction through tropical swamps and forests was brutal; outbreaks of malaria claimed the lives of thousands of labourers working on the tracks. Return to the train for lunch as it travels to Machipanda for border formalities into Zimbabwe. Dinner is formal.

Day 7: Mutare

Breakfast is served until 10h00. Visit the Mutare Museum to explore archaeology, ethnography, and a vintage vehicle collection. Return to the train for lunch and afternoon tea as the train journeys towards Harare. Dinner is formal.

Day 8: Harare

Enjoy an early breakfast before embarking on a tour of Harare. Visit local galleries and flea markets to experience the artistic talent of Zimbabwean sculptors and traders. Return to the train for lunch as it travels through highland mountains towards Gweru. Dinner is "Africa" Theme or Smart Casual.

Day 9: Antelope Park

Transfer to Antelope Park, a savannah haven home to the ALERT lion rehabilitation programme. Optional extras (own account) include canoeing, game drives, and horseback viewing. Return to the train for lunch and travel to Oreti. Dinner is formal.

Day 10: Great Zimbabwe Monument

Following breakfast, transfer to the Great Zimbabwe Monument, the largest precolonial stone monument south of the Egyptian pyramids. Enjoy a guided tour and lunch before returning to the train at Rutenga. Travel to Sango Halt with a formal dinner served on board.

Day 11: Gonarezhou & Limpopo Crossing

After border formalities and passing alongside Gonarezhou National Park, enjoy a day at leisure traversing the humid interior of Mozambique and crossing the Limpopo River. During the Mozambican Civil War (1977-1992), this part of the line suffered near-total degradation due to ambushes and sabotage. While it was restored in the 1990s, the railway had to be practically rebuilt from scratch in 2004 after devastating floods in the Limpopo and Incomati river valleys washed much of it away. The train travels towards Chokwe while you relax with lunch, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner.

Day 12: Maputo, Mozambique

After breakfast and lunch on board, disembark for an afternoon tour of Maputo, taking in the city's blend of African, Portuguese, and early colonial architecture. The train travels to Goba, then crosses the border into Mpaka, Eswatini. To route the train through Eswatini, the journey uses tracks originating from the Goba Railway, opened in 1909 to allow the landlocked territory to export its natural resources through Maputo. Dinner is Smart Casual.

Day 13: Kingdom of Eswatini

Following a 06h00 breakfast, transfer to Swazi Candles and the Mantenga Cultural Village to experience traditional Swazi lifestyle and artisan crafts. Lunch is served at Mantenga Lodge. Return to the train for border formalities and a formal dinner as it travels back into South Africa towards Malelane.

Day 14: Kruger National Park

Start the day with an early 05h00 breakfast. Disembark at 06h30 for a game drive in the magnificent Kruger National Park, with lunch and an opportunity for curio shopping. Return to the train as it travels to Mbombela (Nelspruit). Dinner is formal.

Day 15: Panorama Route

After breakfast, embark on a scenic tour of Pilgrim's Rest, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and Graskop with lunch included. Experience the Graskop viewing lift down into the indigenous forest (own account). Return to the train and travel towards Emgwenya (Waterval Boven). Dinner is formal.

Day 16: At Leisure on Board

Enjoy breakfast as the train rolls through the trout-fishing region of eMakhazeni and Emnothweni, then continues through the coal-mining area of eMalahleni. The Pretoria to Maputo line was built in 1895 to facilitate trade for the then Boer republics. A little piece of trivia is that before starting his luxury train line, Rohan Vos ran a successful auto spares business in Witbank (eMalahleni). Relax on board with lunch and afternoon tea. The final dinner is "1920s" Theme or Smart Casual as the train heads to Pyramid.

Day 17: Arrival in Pretoria

Your final breakfast is served until 10h00. Ensure your luggage is ready 15 minutes prior to arrival. The train arrives at journey's end at the private Rovos Rail Station in Capital Park, Pretoria at 12h00. Allocate an hour or two to exploring the station and museum. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to relax and overnight at a 5-star hotel in Pretoria, courtesy of luxurytrainholiday.com.

Special Offer: Complimentary night at a 5* Hotel in Lilongwe and Pretoria, free chauffeur transfers
Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
18 May 2027 (09h30) 10 Deluxe 1 Pullman
PULLMAN: USD 18,200 per person sharing
DELUXE: USD 24,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: USD 31,500 per person sharing
Victoria Falls to Pretoria (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Victoria Falls to Pretoria (3 nights) on Rovos Rail

Day 1: Departure

Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer from within Victoria Falls to check in at the foyer of The Victoria Falls Hotel (which makes it a great choice of place to stay!) between 15h00 and 15h30. Listen to the departure speech by a Rovos Rail manager before being ushered across the road to the Victoria Falls Train Station, where there will usually be a traditional community dressed in tribal garb to dance and sing as you board - making you feel far more important than you probably are. Rovos are very efficient and your luggage normally beats you to your suite, denying you any excuse to carry your own bags. The train departs at 17h00. Join fellow travellers in the lounge or observation car before dinner is served.

Day 2: Hwange National Park

Enjoy an early morning game drive on safari jeeps at The Hide in Hwange National Park, where you may see lions, cheetahs, serval, eland, and many other species of African wildlife. When you arrive back at the train, continue viewing wildlife from the observation car as you enjoy lunch. Later, the train travels between Dete and Gwaai along one of Africa's longest stretches of straight railway line - an impressive 114 kilometres - giving the driver a rare chance to simply point the locomotive and push go.

Day 3: Tropic of Capricorn

The train passes Beitbridge and crosses the Limpopo River into South Africa via Musina. Enjoy a leisurely day on board watching the changing landscapes as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn - an invisible geographic milestone best celebrated with a highly visible gin and tonic.

Day 4: Arrival in Pretoria

Enjoy breakfast as the train passes the edge of the escarpment. Scheduled to arrive at 10h00 at the private Rovos Rail Capital Park Station in Pretoria. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur transfer to your destination in Pretoria or Johannesburg.

Upcoming Availability
Updated 4 Nov 2026
23 May 2027 (17h00) 2 Royal 4 Deluxe 2 Pullman
PULLMAN: ZAR 66,500 per person sharing
DELUXE: ZAR 95,000 per person sharing
ROYAL: ZAR 124,000 per person sharing

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Rovos Rail The Blue Train

Suite Categories & Dimensions

Pullman Suite ±7 m²

Wood-panelled cabin with a daytime sofa that converts to twin or double beds (or upper/lower bunks on long hauls) and an en-suite shower, basin, and toilet.

Deluxe Suite ±10 m²

Permanent double or twin beds (no daytime conversion needed), a dedicated lounge seating area, bar fridge, and a spacious en-suite bathroom with shower.

Royal Suite ±16 m²

Occupies half a carriage. Features a permanent double or twin bed, private lounge area, and a full en-suite bathroom with both a Victorian claw-foot bath and separate shower.

Pacing from Pretoria to Cape Town

4 Days (3 nights). A deliberately unhurried, leisurely pace that allows for deeper immersion into the landscape (and the wine list).

Atmosphere

Victorian Edwardian elegance. Expect rich wood panelling, openable windows in the observation car, traditional silver-service dining, and a classic, romantic ambience where guests dress formally for dinner.

Connectivity

Intentionally devoid of WiFi, televisions, or onboard radios to preserve the historic golden-era atmosphere and encourage a true, inescapable digital detox.

Pretoria Station

Operates from its own magnificent, privately owned Capital Park Station, which functions as a working locomotive restoration depot, railway museum, and exclusive departure lounge.

Excursions

Includes two off-train excursions in both directions - a visit to the historic Victorian village of Matjiesfontein and a tour of Kimberley's Diamond Mine Museum and the Big Hole.

Operational Adaptability

During the July 2026 floods, Rovos Rail demonstrated high adaptability by rerouting affected journeys to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), providing guests with a viable luxury travel alternative alongside refund options.

Suite Categories & Dimensions

De Luxe Suite ±8 m²

Elegant daytime lounge that converts into twin beds (with en-suite shower) or a double bed (with three-quarter bath and handheld shower), complete with 24-hour personal butler service.

Luxury Suite ±10 m²

Extended suite offering an extra metre of cabin length, twin or double bed configurations, a full-sized en-suite bathtub with overhead shower, and a private digital entertainment system.

Pacing from Pretoria to Cape Town

3 Days (2 nights). A slightly faster journey, ideal for fitting into a tighter travel schedule without sacrificing five-star luxury.

Atmosphere

Contemporary five-star luxury. Think of a modern boutique hotel on wheels with soundproofed carpeted carriages, gold-tinted picture windows, personal butlers, and a dedicated post-dinner Cuban cigar lounge car.

Connectivity

Complimentary WiFi and in-suite entertainment screens are available throughout the train for guests who wish to stay connected (or who simply cannot bear to be parted from their inbox).

Pretoria Station

Departs from the main Pretoria Train Station (or occasionally Irene Station in Centurion), where guests are hosted with canapes and live music in a dedicated VIP pre-departure lounge.

Excursions

Features a single focused off-train excursion depending on direction - the Kimberley Diamond Mine Museum (southbound to Cape Town) or historic Matjiesfontein (northbound to Pretoria).

Operational Adaptability

During the July 2026 floods, The Blue Train maintained a firm focus on its primary Cape mainline schedule, cancelling affected Pretoria - Cape Town services while offering guests full refunds or alternative dates.

The Golden Age of Rail Exploration

Luxury train travel is not merely a mode of transport; it is a return to the golden age of exploration. Traversing vast, untamed landscapes - from the arid expanses of the Great Karoo to the lush hills of Southeast Asia - offers a perspective that simply cannot be replicated by air travel or a standard road trip.

Aboard iconic locomotives like Rovos Rail and The Blue Train, guests are immediately immersed in five-star elegance, creating a striking contrast between the rugged African wilderness outside and the refined luxury inside.

An Unhurried, Bespoke Experience

The on-board experience is designed to be completely effortless. You can expect spacious, wood-panelled suites with en-suite bathrooms, dedicated room service, and impeccable attention to detail. Dining is a grand affair, featuring multi-course meals prepared by top chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients - all expertly paired with award-winning South African wines.

The pace of the journey is deliberately unhurried, encouraging you to disconnect from modern distractions and savour the passing scenery from a dedicated observation car, perhaps with a classic gin and tonic in hand. Depending on your chosen route, the itinerary often includes curated off-train excursions, such as private game drives or historical town tours, adding rich context to your holiday.

How to Secure Your Suite

Securing your suite on these high-demand routes requires careful planning. Cabins - particularly the premium Royal and Deluxe suites - are strictly limited and often book out many months in advance. To make securing your journey as straightforward as possible, we manage all enquiries through a direct, personalised booking service via WhatsApp and email.

When you find a route and date that aligns with your travel plans, simply click the "Book on WhatsApp" button on the relevant itinerary card above. This will automatically open a pre-filled message directly to our dedicated booking team. If you prefer, you can also reach out via email with your preferred travel dates and cabin class.

From that initial contact, we take care of all the logistics. We personally verify real-time availability with the train operators, confirm the exact pricing per person sharing (pps), and place a provisional hold on your suite. Once you review the details and are completely satisfied to proceed, we will guide you through the secure payment process and issue your official travel documents. You pay the exact public rates set by the train operators - there are no hidden markups or booking fees. Our goal is to provide honest, efficient support from your very first enquiry until the moment you disembark.

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