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, 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, Swaziland, 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
A varied itinerary and excursion schedule with excellent guides made for a magical holiday
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, 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, D)
Day 5 Full-day safari in Kruger National Park. Depart for Mozambique. (B, D)
Day 6 City tour of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. 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. 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, 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 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.
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.
2019
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double Gold Cabin
British Airways from Heathrow
| December 31 | £5395 |
2020
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double Gold Cabin
British Airways from Heathrow
| February 18 | £5295 |
| April 14 | £5295 |
| June 9 | £4995 |
| August 4 | £5295 |
| October 20 | £5395 |
| December 30 | £5695 |
2021
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
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double Gold Cabin
British Airways from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £1995
(2021 £2195)
Accommodation Upgrades
Emerald Cabin £895
(2021 £995)
Single supplement £2295
(2021 £2595)
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) £145
Single supplement £75
Arrival transfer £30
Post-Tour Extra Nights - Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Hotel (per night) £175
Single supplement £150
Departure transfer £20
Extension - Botswana
Chobe Safari Lodge or Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge
3 nights £795
Single supplement £235
Optional Excursions
Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls £150
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
