10:00 AM – Departure from Pretoria
The journey begins as the Rovos Rail departs from Pretoria Station. Guests are invited to settle into their luxurious suites, freshen up, and then join fellow travelers in the elegant lounge or the observation car at the rear of the train. Panoramic views unfold as the train heads north. Please ensure the Train Manager or Administration Deputy has your passport for border and administrative formalities.

1:00 PM – Lunch
A refined lunch is served in the dining cars as the train travels through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela), a town renowned for its natural mineral springs. The journey continues past Nylstroom (Modimolle), named by the Voortrekkers who believed its north-flowing river was connected to the Nile. This route skirts the dramatic edge of the escarpment, where the Highveld drops sharply, revealing breathtaking views.

4:30 PM – Afternoon Tea
Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. Sip a selection of teas and enjoy light refreshments as the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn, a noteworthy geographical milestone on this remarkable journey.

7:30 PM – Dinner
Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal. Enjoy a multi-course gourmet menu crafted by Rovos Rail’s expert chefs, paired with fine wines and served in an atmosphere of timeless elegance. During the evening, the train crosses the Limpopo River at Beitbridge. This crossing recalls Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories, where the “Elephant’s Child” ventures to the “great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees, to find out what the Crocodile has for dinner.”

7:00 AM – Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the elegant dining cars until 10:00 AM. Start your morning with a variety of freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, cereals, and hot dishes. As you dine, the train travels through baobab country, where ancient trees punctuate the landscape and create one of the most iconic backdrops of Southern Africa.

1:00 PM – Lunch
A refined lunch is served in the dining cars as the train continues toward Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city. Known as the capital of Matabeleland, Bulawayo is steeped in cultural heritage and serves as the country’s industrial hub. The route into the city reveals striking contrasts in the landscape, offering sweeping views as the terrain shifts and changes.

4:30 PM – Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. Enjoy a selection of teas, coffees, and pastries while admiring the vistas from the panoramic windows. The relaxed atmosphere provides the perfect interlude before the evening’s formal dining.

7:30 PM – Dinner
Dinner is served in the dining cars as the train makes its way toward Mpopoma. Dress: Formal. Guests are invited to indulge in a multi-course menu paired with fine wines, crafted by Rovos Rail’s expert chefs. The elegant ambiance of the dining cars, with polished wood and soft lighting, sets the stage for a sophisticated evening of culinary excellence.

7:00 AM – Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 10:00 AM. Enjoy freshly prepared pastries, fruits, cereals, and hot dishes as the train glides through Zimbabwe’s scenic landscapes. The elegant setting of the dining cars, paired with panoramic windows, creates a serene start to the day.

1:00 PM – Lunch
A gourmet lunch is served in the dining cars while the train travels between Gwaai and Dete. This section of track includes one of the world’s longest continuous straight stretches—an astonishing 114 kilometers. Along the way, the train skirts the eastern edge of Hwange National Park, offering the chance to spot wildlife from your window.

3:00 PM – Hwange National Park Game Drive
Disembark for an afternoon game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park. Spanning over 14,600 square kilometers, Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest reserve and is famed for its elephant herds, predators such as lions and leopards, and exceptional birdlife. The safari takes you deep into varied habitats, from teak forests to open plains, ensuring unforgettable encounters with Africa’s wildlife.

7:30 PM – Dinner
Return to the train for a formal dinner in the dining cars as the journey continues toward Thompsons Junction. Dress: Formal. Indulge in a multi-course menu crafted from the finest ingredients, complemented by South Africa’s renowned wines. The refined atmosphere, with polished wood interiors and attentive service, provides a sophisticated close to a day of wildlife and discovery.

7:00 AM – Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 9:30 AM. Indulge in a sumptuous selection of freshly prepared pastries, fruits, cereals, and hot dishes as the train glides through Zimbabwe’s picturesque landscapes. The refined ambiance of the dining cars, combined with sweeping views from the large windows, provides a tranquil start to the final day of your journey.

10:00 AM – Arrival at Victoria Falls
Please ensure your luggage is ready for collection by 9:45 AM and keep your passport readily available for any required checks. The train arrives at its journey’s end, the incomparable Victoria Falls. Recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this awe-inspiring site showcases the mighty Zambezi River plunging more than 100 meters into the gorge below, sending clouds of mist skyward and creating shimmering rainbows. The arrival at this legendary destination marks the culmination of an extraordinary Rovos Rail adventure, leaving you with lasting memories of luxury, discovery, and Africa’s natural grandeur.