A great rail journey through South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, with 11 nights on the train, safaris, excursions and a stay at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel included
Flight - 1 night
Pretoria - 1 night
Train - 11 nights
Victoria Falls - 2 nights
Flight - 1 night
Introducing an improved itinerary for 2022; mirroring the service on the iconic Rovos Rail, Shongololo Express now includes full board plus beverages on board and all lunches off board.
Rovos Rail, our long-standing partner, has acquired and upgraded the Shongololo Express, providing a special touring experience for visitors to Southern Africa. Accommodating 72 guests in comfortable cabins, the classic wood-panelled carriages takes you back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the romance of African exploration.
This impressive panoramic journey through South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique and Zimbabwe is facilitated by 11 nights on the train avoiding long road journeys and offers a balance of cultural visits, spectacular scenery and game viewing in four contrasting countries of Southern Africa.
Rail Journey
Excursions Included
4 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Guaranteed Departure
Group Size: 2 – 24
Day 1 Fly overnight direct to Johannesburg.
Day 2 Transfer to Pretoria for overnight at the 4-star Hotel Courtyard Arcadia. (D)
Day 3 View the Union Buildings, Church Square and Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria. Visit Soweto and the Hector Petersen Memorial. Embark Shongololo Express for 11 nights. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Tour of the Panorama Route, including Pilgrim’s Rest, Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels and God’s Window. Depart for Malelane. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Full-day safari in Kruger National Park. Depart for Mozambique. (B, L, D)
Day 6 City tour of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. Continue to Mpaka in the mountain kingdom of Eswatini. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Enjoy views of the Ezulwini Valley and Komati River, and visit Manzini and Mbabane. Depart for the Limpopo. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Morning game drive in Kapama Game Reserve and visit the Wild Dog and Cheetah Project. Overnight at Louis Trichardt. (B, L, D)
Day 9 A day on board as you travel north to Rutenga in Zimbabwe. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Drive to Great Zimbabwe ruins, the capital of the Bantu and Shona in the 11th-15th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Full-day at Antelope Park. Optionals bookable locally include game drives and a bird-watching cruise. Depart for Bulawayo. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Visit Matobo National Park including the grave of Cecil John Rhodes and bushmen caves. Depart for Kennedy Siding. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Full-day game viewing at Hwange Game Reserve, formerly the royal hunting ground of Matabele King Mzilikazi. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Arrive at Victoria Falls. Disembark for two nights at the 5-star Victoria Falls Hotel. Walking tour. Zambezi sunset cruise. (B)
Day 15 Day at leisure or optional helicopter ride over the Falls (12 mins, £150). (B)
Day 16 Return flight via Johannesburg or extend in Botswana for three nights. (B)
Day 17 Arrive Heathrow.
Notes
Some walking over rough ground andt is sometimes necessary to ‘climb’ into the safari vehicle.
Full board on the ‘Shongololo Express’ plus beverages, and lunches on Days 5, 7 & 11.
A boutique hotel with restaurant, bar, outdoor pool and WiFi (free), located in Pretoria, within close proximity to the Kruger Museum. 69 air-conditioned rooms all have private facilities, safe and satellite TV.
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One of the world’s great hotels, known as ‘The Grand Old Lady of the Falls’ and a member of the exclusive ‘Leading Hotels of the World’, this 5-star hotel is steeped in history and tradition. Fine dining and casual restaurants, afternoon teas on the terrace, pool and gardens, a short walk to the falls and WiFi (free). 161 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
Under the ownership of Rovos Rail, The Shongololo Express has undergone a complete refurbishment in 2016. The dining cars have been beautifully renovated and an observation car with an open-air balcony has been added. Compartments are air-conditioned with private facilities and room service, Gold Compartments are 75 sq. ft., Emerald Compartments 107 sq. ft. with an additional seating area.
Relax in the air-conditioned bar and restaurant. Two appointed dining cars set the scene for meals (one sitting). Modern and traditional local cuisine is offered with a selection of distinguished South African wines available (not included). Guests can also relax in the bar car, small smoking lounge or the observation car with an open-air balcony situated at the back of the train. No dress code and laundry available.
Botswana Extension
Stay three nights at Chobe Safari Lodge or Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge, on the Chobe River. Chobe National Park, one of Africa's most prolific wildlife areas, is renowned for its elephants, hippos and lions with wildlife often visible from the Chobe River. Includes two game drives, two game cruises and half board.
Day 1 Transfer to Botswana and stay three nights at the Chobe Safari Lodge or Cresta Mowana Lodge. (D)
Day 2 Game drive and game cruise. (B, D)
Day 3 Game drive and game cruise. (B, D)
Day 4 Return flight. (B)
Day 5 Arrive London Heathrow in the morning.
Chobe Safari Lodge is situated in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River, adjoining and sharing facilities with Chobe Bush Lodge. Restaurant, bar, pool and 76 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, safe and satellite TV.
Situated on the banks of the mighty Chobe River. Restaurant, bar, gym, pool and spa. 114 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Wednesdays
per person in a twin/double Gold Cabin
British Airways from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £2595
Accommodation Upgrades
Emerald Cabin £1295
Single supplement £3095
Flight Options
London/Johannesburg/London
British Airways World Traveller Plus from £695
British Airways Club World from £2295
Optional Excursions
Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls £150
Extension Options
Pre-Tour Extra Nights - Pretoria
Courtyard Arcadia (per night) £145
Single supplement £75
Arrival transfer add £45
Post-Tour Extra Nights - Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Hotel (per night) £175
Single supplement £150
Departure transfer add £20
Extension - Botswana
Chobe Safari Lodge or Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge
3 nights £795
Single supplement £235
Independent Arrival
Save £900
Arrival transfer add £45
Departure transfer add £20
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 11 nights' train and 3 nights' hotel accommodation, breakfast daily, 11 lunches, 12 dinners, all drinks onboard the train, itinerary as described, services of train director, guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, visa procurement, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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