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African Rail Adventure Tour

Home Icon 17-days from only £8,195pp

Our 17-day African Rail Adventure is the perfect holiday for anyone looking to combine exploration and excitement with the romance of railways.

Step aboard Rovos Rail and be transported to a bygone era of travel, where ever-changing landscapes unfold beyond the windows of the elegant wood-panelled carriages and where adventure-filled days give way to convivial evenings as the striking of a gong heralds dinner and the sounds of chatter fill the air.

Our two-week adventure between Pretoria and Victoria Falls traverses South Africa, Mozambique, the Kingdom of eSwatini and Zimbabwe; four unique countries which offer up diverse landscapes, fascinating histories and a plethora of wildlife. See some of Africa’s most celebrated game viewing national parks as we go in search of the Big Five during excellent off-train excursions.

As always, when travelling with Distant Journeys we see all the well-known highlights including Victoria Falls and Kruger and Hwange National Parks. We also explore must-see gems such as the Great Zimbabwe Monuments and Matobo National Park. On board Rovos, all meals and selected drinks are included.

Chobe National Park is a relatively short drive from your final stop, Victoria Falls. So why not complete your exploration of Southern African with our three-night Chobe National Park holiday extension? With Africa’s largest elephant population and the Chobe River a focus for wildlife activity, or visit Cape Town with a three-night stay experiencing pristine beaches to rugged mountains, world class cuisine and an incredible waterfront, the perfect addition to your African adventure.

SAVE £200 per person! Book one of our South Africa tours departing from September 2025 and save £200 per person. Offer ends 30th November 2024.

Day 1

Depart UK

Observation Rovos Rail

Your flight will depart from London Heathrow, with complementary regional connections from Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Belfast.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Day 2

Pretoria, Overnight

mandela statue pretoria

We land in Johannesburg, where our waiting coach will take us to the delightful Irene Country Lodge, Pretoria. The day is ours to relax in the beautiful surroundings of our hotel.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Day 3

Pretoria and Soweto

Lady looking out of Rovos Rail train window

Following breakfast, we transfer to Rovos Rail’s private railway station, with its leather chesterfield sofas and glamorous decor, where we complete our check-in formalities and meet fellow guests for our forthcoming rail adventure. Settle into our suites as our journey on the majestic Rovos Rail begins. Enjoy lunch in the dining cars and become acquainted with our surroundings. This evening, after donning our finest attire, enjoy exquisite cuisine accompanied by fine South African wines in the elegant surroundings of the dining car.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 4

Panorama Route

View of the Bourkes Luck-Potholes_Blyde-River-Canyon_Panorama-Route_South-Africa

Enjoy breakfast prior to today’s exploration of the spectacular Panorama Route. Beginning our day at Pilgrim’s Rest, we visit the area where gold was discovered in 1873. Once a lively town full of prospectors, Pilgrim’s Rest has been wonderfully preserved. Next on our route is Bourke’s Luck Potholes, in the Blyde River Canyon. Viewed via bridges and walkways, these wonderful geological cavities were formed by eddy-erosion from the Blyde and Treur Rivers. Our lunch stop is in Graskop, where we descend in a viewing lift to the forest, taking in the spectacular views of the gorge as we go. Once in the forest, wooden walkways will guide us along a 600 metre trail. We continue to Nelspruit, where our luxury train will be waiting.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 5

Kruger National Park

Rhinoceros crossing path with tourists in the background watching

Tour Highlight

An exciting day lies ahead with a visit to one of South Africa’s biggest and most well-known safari areas, Kruger National Park. Following an early breakfast, we head into the park for a full day safari. Home to the Big Five – leopard, lion, rhino, buffalo and elephant, we hope to spot these magnificent creatures alongside cheetah, hippo, zebra and a vast array of other mammals, reptiles and birds that can be found in the park. After an exhilarating day on safari, we return to the comfort of our train, where the friendly staff will greet us with a glass of sparkling wine and a refreshing cold towel, and continue our journey to Mozambique. Following dinner, retire to the Lounge Car, with its elegant wing back chairs and comfy sofas, for a nightcap and recall the highlights of the day with your fellow passengers.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 6

Maputo

Couple Rovos

We awake to find ourselves in Mozambique, on Africa’s east coast. With a heady mix of African, Portuguese and early colonial architecture, Maputo is the country’s capital and a city of contrasts. Enjoy a tour of the city to discover the influences of Maputo’s past as we explore the Catholic churches, Victorian mansions and mosques sitting side by side. We take lunch in Maputo and return to the train later in the afternoon. Enjoy high tea in the comfortable lounge or observation cars as we journey towards the tiny Kingdom of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland).

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 7

eSwatini

Swazi dancers in traditional dress

A day of discovery in the Kingdom of eSwatini (meaning “place of the Swazi”) lies ahead. Our first stop is Swazi Candles, where we have the opportunity to see beautiful candle-making alongside wood carvings, textiles and basketwork from local craftspeople and artists. We continue to Mantenga Cultural Village for an insight into the Swazi way of life and its traditions dating back to the 1800s. This living museum has a number of fascinating traditional artefacts on display. Lunch is taken at Mantenga Lodge before we return to the comfortable surrounds of our waiting train. Take time to relax in the lounge with a refreshing cocktail, or witness the ever-changing landscapes from the observation car as we return to South Africa.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 8

Kapama Private Game Reserve

Lion sitting in the safe in the African bush

We depart early for our game drive in the Kapama Private Game Reserve. Situated in South Africa’s province of Limpopo, and spanning over 15,000 hectares of African bush, over 40 different species of mammals, including the Big Five, and 350 species of bird can be found here, in their natural habitat. We round off our morning with a visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. This unique African wildlife facility focuses on conservation and sustainability of rare, vulnerable and threatened species. We return to our train where we spend an afternoon relaxing and enjoying the elegant and atmospheric surroundings onboard one the finest trains in the world.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 9

Limpopo Province

Couple looking out from the Observation Car onboard the Rovos Rail Train

A leisurely day to relax and unwind onboard, as we traverse the Limpopo Province towards Zimbabwe. From the comfort and convenience of the train, we enjoy the beautiful scenery of the province including semi-desert, bush, tropical forests and spectacular mountains.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 10

Great Zimbabwe Monument

Rovos Rail Train at dusk

Today, we travel to the Great Zimbabwe Monument, an imposing former city, built between the 11th and 15th century, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We explore the remains of this ancient city as we learn about the history of the Rozwi people who lived here. We return to the train late in the afternoon and continue our journey through Zimbabwe.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 11

Antelope Park

Antelope park

After a restful night’s sleep and a sumptuous breakfast, we take a coach to spend our day in Antelope Park – home to many species of animals and birds, as well as the African Lion and Environmental Research Trust (ALERT), which introduces the offspring of lions bred in captivity back into the wild. During our free time, there is a selection of optional activities available including canoeing, bird-watching cruises, game drives and elephant interaction to make our visit here even more memorable. Back on board Rovos, enjoy a cocktail in the lounge as we await the call of the evening gong.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 12

Matobo National Park

Matobo Hills Zimbabwe

Located in southwest Zimbabwe, Matobo National Park is best known for the Matobo Hills, a region of spectacular granite rock formations created around two billion years ago! It is at Matobo Hills that Cecil John Rhodes is buried in a granite tomb overlooking the beautiful Matopos region. His resting place is aptly named ‘World’s View’ and it was personally chosen as he loved the view from the top of the outcrop. The park is also home to many animals including endangered black and white rhinos and birds such as the black eagle. We also visit bushman’s cave to view its impressive rock paintings and carvings.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 13

Hwange National Park

Rhinos South Africa

Today’s excursion takes us to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest national park, boasting the highest diversity of mammals of any National Park in Africa – so get your cameras to the ready! Following our full day of game viewing we return to our train for our final night onboard Rovos Rail. Once the traditional evening dinner gong is struck throughout the carriages for the final time, enjoy and reflect on some of the most incredible experiences of the past week and a half, over a wonderful dinner accompanied with fine wines and, of course, new-found friends.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner PLUS selected on-board drinks

Day 14

Victoria Falls, 2 nights

Victoria Falls

Rovos Rail rolls into Victoria Falls Railway Station, bringing an end to our spectacular rail journey. Our waiting guide takes us on a walking tour of Victoria Falls town followed by a visit to the spectacular Victoria Falls. This awe-inspiring natural wonder, made up of five separate waterfalls, spans 1.7km across Zimbabwe and Zambia. We finish our day with a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, where we hopefully catch a glimpse of the crocodiles, hippos and elephants which live along this beautiful river. We spend our final two nights at either the delightful Insika Lodge Hotel, or the wonderful Ilala Lodge Hotel.

Included meals:

Breakfast and lunch

Day 15

Victoria Falls Freedom Day

African Rail Adventure Day 15

A Freedom Day in Victoria Falls to spend as you please. Embark on a Game Drive in Chobe National Park, offering an opportunity to explore the magnificent Chobe River, famous for its huge herds of elephants. Perhaps enjoy a wonderful insight into Zimbabwean rural life with an excursion to a local village. Or alternatively, relax in the surroundings of your hotel.

Included meals:

Breakfast

Day 16

Depart Victoria Falls

Rovos Rail Station

Following our spectacular journey traversing the African continent aboard the elegant Rovos Rail, we travel to the airport midmorning for our flight to Johannesburg. Our onward flight to London Heathrow departs this evening.

Included meals:

Breakfast, in-flight meals and drinks

Holiday Extensions

Why not extend your Southern African holiday with our magical three-night holiday extension to Chobe National Park, or visit Cape Town with a three-night stay experiencing pristine beaches to rugged mountains, world class cuisine and an incredible waterfront.

Day 17

Arrive UK

Zebras hugging south africa

Our direct British Airways flight from Johannesburg arrives into London this morning and our African Rail Adventure comes to an end. Connecting flights to regional UK airports will connect at London Heathrow.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Departure dates & prices

Departure datePullman Suite
(Rovos Rail) 
Deluxe Suite
(Rovos Rail)
AvailabilityOffer
 2024
 16 September*£7,795£10,195ON REQUEST
30 October£7,795£10,195ON REQUEST
 2025
07 January£8,195£10,6951 ROOM
11 March£8,195£10,6951 ROOM
08 April£8,195£10,6951 ROOM
03 June£8,195£10,695JUST LAUNCHED
18 August*£8,245£10,695JUST LAUNCHED
02 September£8,395 £8,195£10,795 £10,595JUST LAUNCHEDSAVE £200 per person
02 November£8,395 £8,195£10,795 £10,595JUST LAUNCHEDSAVE £200 per person
 2026
11 January£8,595 £8,395£10,995 £10,795JUST LAUNCHEDSAVE £200 per person
19 May£8,595 £8,395£10,995 £10,795JUST LAUNCHEDSAVE £200 per person
11 August£8,595 £8,395£10,995 £10,795JUST LAUNCHEDSAVE £200 per person
17 November£8,595 £8,395£10,995 £10,795JUST LAUNCHEDSAVE £200 per person

* These dates operate in the reverse. Starting in Victoria Falls and finishing in Pretoria.

Prices
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room.

Single occupancy supplement
Pullman Suite: £2,595
Deluxe Suite: £3,695

Deposit:
Pullman suite: £2,000 per person if travelling economy class, £2,950 if travelling World Traveller Plus, £4,750 per person for Club World.

Deluxe suite: £2,500 per person if travelling economy class, £3,450 if travelling World Traveller Plus, £5,250 per person for Club World.

Flight upgrades:
British Airways upgrade to World Traveller Plus from £1,395 per person, or Club World from £3,895 per person.

Visa information
Mozambique. A visa is not required for Mozambique if staying for less than 30 days. A entry fee of 650 Mozambican meticais is payable to enter the country. Rovos Rail will handle on your behalf for an estimated cost of R200 per person.

Zimbabwe a visa is required. Rovos Rail will help facilitate whilst travelling onboard. NOTE: If you are planning to take our Chobe National Park holiday extension you will require a double entry visa for Zimbabwe.

For more information on applying for your visa and the associated costs, please refer to our FAQ’s page.

Important information
Our holiday prices are subject to fuel surcharges and the availability of flights in the lowest fare booking class. The correct price will always be confirmed to you before you book, and once you have booked, our Price Promise will guarantee there will be no further increases.

For full booking conditions see our booking conditions page.

So much included

Our African Rail Adventure has so much included. Scheduled international flights, overseas transfers, daily breakfast, 11-nights all-inclusive on the luxurious Rovos Rail train and amazing excursions.

Flights with leading scheduled airlines

  • Return economy class flights with British Airways from London Heathrow with regional connecting flights available at no extra cost from Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Belfast City Airport.
  • All airport charges, security charges and any applicable fuel surcharges
  • UK Air Passenger Duty

Carefully selected hotels

  • First class hotels in Pretoria and Victoria Falls
  • All hotel porterage
  • Applicable hotel taxes

Many meals

  • Daily breakfast

All-inclusive on the Rovos Rail

  • 11-nights onboard Rovos Rail
  • All meals on board
  • Selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, on board

Unforgettable experiences

  • Sightseeing tours in Maputo, eSwatini (Swaziland), Great Zimbabwe Monument and Victoria Falls
  • Game drives in Kruger National Park, Kapama Private Game Reserve and Hwange National Park
  • Tour the scenic Panorama Route
  • Discover Antelope Park
  • Explore the unique history of Matobo National Park
  • Sunset River Cruise at Victoria Falls

On the ground

  • All overseas transfers

100% confidence

  • Your holiday is covered by our Price Promise
  • Your holiday is fully ATOL protected

Irene Country Lodge Hotel, Pretoria

For your visit to Gauteng, known as South Africa’s economic capital, you’ll be staying in the historical village of Irene. Here, your accommodation will be the enchanting African Pride Irene Country Lodge. As you approach the lodge, you’ll travel down… Find out more >
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  •   Official rating
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  •   Distant Journeys rating

Rovos Rail

Distant Journeys are proud to offer some of the world’s best rail tours across our destinations. A unique and memorable journey awaits you on the Rovos Rail. For more than 30 years, family-run Rovos Rail has operated rail journeys through… Find out more >

Ilala Lodge Hotel, Victoria Falls

Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel with friendly, attentive staff, and offers luxury and comfort amid beautifully landscaped gardens. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located just an eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls, one of the seven Natural Wonders of… Find out more >
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  •   Official rating
  • Image of 4 stars
  •   Distant Journeys rating

Insika Lodge, Victoria Falls

The Insika Lodge, a modern boutique lodge of only 40 rooms, sits in a beautiful location among the Mapone trees, surrounded by streams, ponds and waterholes. The main lodge area comprises of expansive decks, a firepit, bar and deli and… Find out more >
  • Image of 5 Stars
  •   Official rating
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  •   Distant Journeys rating
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Victoria Falls: Chobe National Park

Make the most of your time at Victoria Falls by taking a day excursion to the Chobe National Park in Botswana. We take a morning coach journey to the Kazungula...

US $ 228 / GBP £207 Read More >
victoria-falls-helicopter-flight

Victoria Falls: Helicopter Flights

The best way to truly appreciate the splendour and scale of the Victoria Falls is to view them from the air. Why not take a scenic helicopter ride and enjoy...

From US $165.00/ GBP £132 Read More >
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Victoria Falls: Zambezi Fishing

Fishing in the mighty Zambezi is best known because of the great freshwater game fish – The Tigerfish, and as a result the Zambezi River has become the number one...

US $ 160 / GBP £134 Read More >
Victoria Falls Horse Safari

Victoria Falls: Horse Safari

Victoria Falls provides a superb wilderness area, with a rugged and varied terrain for horse riding, with experiences available for all levels of rider. Whether you’re a complete novice or...

From US $120 / GBP £100 Read More >
Traditional round Zimbabwian Huts in Matobo

Victoria Falls: Local Village Tour

This tour offers a wonderful insight into Zimbabwean rural life and a chance to interact with people of a different culture. This fascinating tour takes us a world away from...

US $55 / GBP £46 Read More >

Stay a little longer

Chobe National Park is renowned for it’s population of elephants and the herds of wildlife that congregate in and around the banks on the Chobe River. Why not extend your African Rail Adventure with our three-night Chobe National Park holiday extension, or visit Cape Town with a three-night stay experiencing pristine beaches to rugged mountains, world class cuisine and an incredible waterfront, the perfect addition to your African adventure.


Elephants crossing the Chobe River in Botswana, with tourist boat watching

Chobe National Park Tour

3 nights from £1,395pp

Just a one-hour drive from Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park - ‘The Land of the Giants’, is best known as being home to Africa’s largest elephant population. The Chobe River is the focus of wildlife activity, as the heat of…

Find out more >


Cape Town

Cape Town Extension

3 nights from only £645pp

Welcome to Cape Town, a city that effortlessly weaves together natural beauty, rich history and a vibrant culture. With the awe-inspiring Table Mountain as its backdrop, the city has so much to offer, from the colourful streets of the Bo-Kaap,…

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Customer reviews  feefo logo

This is a new tour with customers travelling with us currently. This page will be updated with reviews as soon as our returning customers are contacted by the independent reviews company Feefo. In the meantime, please feel free to look at the reviews for some of our other tours to South Africa – we’re sure you will be impressed with the service our guests receive and the great reviews they kindly give us!

African Rail Adventure 2024_25

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