A great rail journey through South Africa, Swaziland, 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
Rovos Rail, our long-standing partner, has acquired and upgraded the Shongololo Express. We are delighted to maintain a special tariff for 2019, but into 2020 and beyond prices are going up for this popular itinerary, so early booking is recommended. This great journey is facilitated by 11 nights on the train avoiding the need for 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
6 Lunches and 12 Dinners
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 Full-day tour of Pretoria, viewing the Union Buildings, Church Square, Voortrekker Monument. Visit Soweto and the Hector Petersen Memorial. Embark the Shongololo Express for 11 nights. Travel through the Drakensberg Mountains, known to the Zulu people as 'Barrier of Spears'. (B, D)
Day 4 Full-day tour including the Panorama Route, Pilgrim's Rest, Blyde River Canyon, The Three Rondavels, Bourke's Luck Potholes and God's Window. Depart Nelspruit for Malelane. (B, D)
Day 5 Full-day safari in the Kruger, one of the world's largest and best managed game reserves with an abundance of species including elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard, zebra, cheetah and hippo. Depart for Mozambique. (B, D)
Day 6 City tour of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique on the Indian Ocean, a blend of African, Portuguese and early colonial traditions. Continue to Mpaka in the mountain kingdom of Swaziland. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Enjoy views of the Ezulwini Valley and Komati River and visit Manzini and Mbabane. Depart for the Limpopo. (B, D)
Day 8 Morning game drive in Kapama Game Reserve and visit the Wild Dog and Cheetah Project. Depart for Tzaneen. 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. Optional excursions bookable locally include game drives and a bird-watching cruise. Depart for Bulawayo. (B, 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. Waterholes facilitate game viewing, especially predators, as wildlife congregates during the dry season (May-Oct). (B, L, D)
Day 14 Arrive at Victoria Falls. Disembark for two nights at the 5-star Victoria Falls Hotel, one of the world's great hotels, known as 'The Grand Old Lady of the Falls'. Walking tour of the village and the Falls, one of the 'Seven Natural Wonders of the World'. Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. (B)
Day 15 Day at leisure or optional helicopter ride over the Falls (12mins - £129). (B)
Day 16 Return flight via Johannesburg or extend at Chobe National Park in Botswana for three nights. (B)
Day 17 Arrive Heathrow.
Notes
Some walking over rough ground and it is sometimes necessary to ‘climb’ into the safari vehicle.
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.
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.
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. The Gold category (7sq. m) and Emerald category cabins (10sq. m) are air-conditioned with private facilities hairdryer, safe and can be configured into a twin or double.
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 large buffalo and elephant herds, lion and zebra. Enjoy 2 game drives and 2 game cruises. Half board included.
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 and shares a border with Chobe National Park. 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.
2019
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double Gold Cabin
British Airways from Heathrow
2020
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double Gold Cabin
British Airways from Heathrow
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double Gold Cabin
British Airways from Heathrow
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double Gold Cabin
British Airways from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £1795
(2020 £1895)
Accommodation Upgrades
Emerald cabin £795
(2020 £895)
Single supplement £1995
(2020 £2195)
Flight Options
London/Johannesburg/London
British Airways World Traveller Plus from £695
British Airways Club World from £2295
Extension Options
Pre-Tour Extra Nights - Pretoria
Courtyard Arcadia (per night) £135
Single supplement £70
Arrival transfer £30
Post-Tour Extra Nights - Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Hotel (per night) £165
Single supplement £140
Departure transfer £20
Extension - Botswana
Chobe Safari Lodge or Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge
3 nights £795
Single supplement £225
Optional Excursions
Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls £129
Independent Arrival
Save £900
Arrival transfer add £30
Departure transfer add £20
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 11 nights' train and 3 nights' hotel accommodation, breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 12 dinners, 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 procrurement, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
