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Summary

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From The Falls To Cape Town By Luxury Rail

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Duration

9 Days

Starts In

Victoria Falls

Route

Hwange National Park, Kimberley, Cape Town , Pretoria, Victoria Falls

Begin where the Zambezi roars over Victoria Falls and end where Table Mountain rises over the Atlantic — this Rovos Rail journey traces the length of Southern Africa in one unforgettable arc. From Hwange's elephant herds and one of the world's longest straight stretches of railway line, through baobab country and across the Tropic of Capricorn, the route pauses in Pretoria before pressing on to the diamond legacy of Kimberley and the ancient stillness of the Karoo. Nine days of shifting landscape and effortless luxury culminate in the Mother City itself, where vineyards give way to ocean views and the journey finds its perfect, indulgent close.

RAIL JOURNEY 9 Days / 8 Nights Aboard Rovos Rail Luxury Train from Cape Town to Victoria Falls, featuring Matjiesfontein, Kimberley, Pretoria, Madikwe Game Reserve, Victoria Falls, Chisimba Falls, Nyerere National Park and Dar Es Salaam. Includes private arrival & departure transfers, your choice of luxury cabin accommodations, room service, all meals, local beer, wine and soft drinks, onboard lectures and guided excursions as indicated in the itinerary.

Includes

Accommodations as per itinerary
Sightseeing: per itinerary
Train tickets as per the itinerary
Special onboard entertainment per itinerary
Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
Private arrival and departure transfers as per itinerary

Excludes

Items of a personal nature
All other items not mentioned as included
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel insurance; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts

Itinerary

Day
1

Day 1: Falls to Rails — Departing Victoria Falls

Before boarding, the morning and early afternoon are yours in Victoria Falls — transfers and tours of the falls themselves, the historic village, or a range of adventure activities can all be arranged on request for those wanting one last taste of Mosi-oa-Tunya's thunder. Late afternoon brings your transfer to Rovos Rail Station, where the Pride of Africa awaits. As the train departs at 17:00, the falls recede behind you and the bush begins to close in, tracking toward Hwange National Park. Settle into your suite as the light fades, with a formal dinner served this evening — the first of many aboard one of the world's great trains.

Day
2

Day 2: Straight and Wild — Hwange National Park

An early start rewards guests with a morning game drive deep into Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest wildlife reserve and home to one of Africa's greatest elephant populations, alongside lion, giraffe, and exceptional birdlife across its vast tracts of teak forest and open grassland. Back on board, the train embarks on one of its most remarkable stretches — 114 unbroken kilometers of dead-straight track between Dete and Gwaai, a feat of railway engineering that runs the full length of the park's eastern boundary. It's a day that pairs raw wilderness with quiet engineering wonder, the bush rolling past in one long, golden line.

Day
3

Day 3: Crossing South — Baobab Country and the Tropic

After breakfast, border formalities mark the departure from Zimbabwe as the train leaves the ancient baobab country behind — those improbable, bottle-shaped giants standing sentinel over the red earth — and begins its long push south into South Africa. Later in the day, the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn, a quiet but significant milestone in the journey's geography. It's a day given over to onboard rhythm: leisurely meals, easy conversation in the lounge car, and long stretches of changing bushveld sliding past the window as the train steadily closes the distance toward Pretoria.

Day
4

Day 4: Jacaranda City — Arriving in Pretoria

The train arrives at Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria, at 10:00, where a transfer carries you to Capital Menlyn Maine for the first of two nights on a bed and breakfast basis. With the afternoon free, take the chance to rest, explore the surrounding Menlyn precinct, or simply enjoy a change of pace after days aboard the train. Pretoria's jacaranda-lined streets and layered political history make it a rewarding stopover in their own right — a welcome pause between the wilds of Zimbabwe and the diamond country still ahead on the journey south toward Cape Town.

Day
5

Day 5: At Leisure — A Day in Pretoria

Your second day in Pretoria is yours to shape. Join an included tour of the city, tracing its government quarter, colonial-era architecture, and famous jacaranda boulevards over lunch, or spend the day exploring independently at your own pace. Pretoria's blend of history and contemporary South African life offers plenty to fill a leisurely day away from the rails, whether that means a museum visit, a wander through the city centre, or simply relaxing at the hotel. The evening closes back at Capital Menlyn Maine, rested and ready to rejoin the train for the next leg of the journey.

Day
6

Day 6: Highveld Horizons — Departing Pretoria

A morning transfer returns you to Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria, for a 10:00 departure, and the journey resumes its southward arc across the broad, grassy plains of the Highveld. It's a day for the observation car, as open grassland stretches to the horizon in every direction, the gentle sway of the train marking the steady rhythm of onboard life. Formal meals continue their familiar cadence — breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner this evening — as the train presses on toward one of the journey's great historical detours, diamond country waiting just ahead.

Day
7

Day 7: Diamond Legacy — Kimberley's Big Hole

Today's highlight is Kimberley, capital of the Northern Cape, where a tour through the Diamond Mine Museum village and the legendary Big Hole — established in 1871 and the largest hand-dug excavation on earth — brings the drama of the diamond rush vividly to life. It's a compelling change of pace after days of open landscape, trading scenery for storytelling as the mining-era history of this remarkable town unfolds around you. Back on board, the train continues its journey south, carrying you deeper into the semi-arid heart of South Africa toward the Karoo.

Day
8

Day 8: Into the Karoo — Matjiesfontein and Beyond

The Great Karoo unfolds today in all its stark, silent beauty — a vast semi-desert region that was once, remarkably, the floor of an ancient inland sea. A highlight of the day is a visit to Matjiesfontein, a beautifully preserved Victorian village frozen in time, complete with vintage cars and period architecture that feel plucked from another century. The scale and silence of the surrounding Karoo landscape is humbling, its endless horizons and shifting light among the most memorable of the entire journey, as the train presses on toward its final destination.

Day
9

Day 9: Journey's End — Arriving in Cape Town

The final morning carries you from the Karoo into the vibrant energy of Cape Town, one of the most dramatic closing stretches of any rail journey in the world. The train arrives at Cape Town Station at 10:00, bringing this extraordinary journey to its close beneath the unmistakable silhouette of Table Mountain. From Victoria Falls' thundering waters to Hwange's wilderness, Kimberley's diamond legacy, and the Karoo's timeless stillness, you'll have crossed the length of two countries aboard one of the world's most celebrated trains. Please enquire for extended accommodation options in Cape Town.

Dates & Prices

17 of Jan, 2027

Sunday

24 of Jan, 2027

Sunday

7 of Feb, 2027

Sunday

28 of Feb, 2027

Sunday

6 of Mar, 2027

Saturday

7 of Mar, 2027

Sunday

28 of Mar, 2027

Sunday

11 of Apr, 2027

Sunday

25 of Apr, 2027

Sunday

9 of May, 2027

Sunday

23 of May, 2027

Sunday

18 of Jul, 2027

Sunday

1 of Aug, 2027

Sunday

15 of Aug, 2027

Sunday

5 of Sep, 2027

Sunday

26 of Sep, 2027

Sunday

10 of Oct, 2027

Sunday

24 of Oct, 2027

Sunday

7 of Nov, 2027

Sunday

21 of Nov, 2027

Sunday

9 of Jan, 2028

Sunday

23 of Jan, 2028

Sunday

13 of Feb, 2028

Sunday

20 of Feb, 2028

Sunday

27 of Feb, 2028

Sunday

12 of Mar, 2028

Sunday

2 of Apr, 2028

Sunday

16 of Apr, 2028

Sunday

21 of May, 2028

Sunday

28 of May, 2028

Sunday

18 of Jun, 2028

Sunday

25 of Jun, 2028

Sunday

16 of Jul, 2028

Sunday

6 of Aug, 2028

Sunday

20 of Aug, 2028

Sunday

3 of Sep, 2028

Sunday

10 of Sep, 2028

Sunday

24 of Sep, 2028

Sunday

Frequently Asked Questions

What destinations are included in the From the Falls to Cape Town by Luxury Rail package?

The From the Falls to Cape Town by Luxury Rail package includes several stunning destinations: Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Pretoria, Kimberley, and Cape Town. This journey allows travelers to experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Southern Africa over the course of 9 days.

How many days and nights will I spend on the train during this itinerary?

During the From the Falls to Cape Town by Luxury Rail itinerary, you will spend 8 nights aboard the Rovos Rail luxury train. The journey spans 9 days in total, with the first day dedicated to exploring Victoria Falls before boarding the train for an unforgettable experience.

What meals and drinks are included in this tour?

This package includes all meals served on board the Rovos Rail, along with local beer, wine, and soft drinks. Guests can enjoy formal dining experiences throughout the journey, ensuring a luxurious culinary experience while traveling through Southern Africa.

Are there options for customizing accommodations or excursions on this itinerary?

Yes, this itinerary offers customization options for accommodations and excursions. You can choose from different luxury cabin options on the train, and additional tours or activities in destinations like Victoria Falls and Pretoria can be arranged upon request. For personalized choices, please consult with a Keytours travel consultant.

What is not included in the From the Falls to Cape Town by Luxury Rail package?

While the package includes many luxurious amenities, certain items are not included, such as: - Items of a personal nature - Travel insurance (available upon inquiry) - Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts - Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary. Be sure to review the full list of inclusions and exclusions for complete clarity.

How will I travel between destinations during this tour?

Travel between destinations in this itinerary is primarily by the Rovos Rail luxury train, which provides a unique and comfortable travel experience. Additionally, private transfers are included for arrival and departure at each location, ensuring seamless transitions throughout your journey.

What kind of support can I expect during my trip?

Travelers on this itinerary can expect 24-hour emergency assistance from Keytours Vacations. Our team is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience, and you can reach out for support or inquiries at any time during your journey.

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Include Flights?

Yes

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