At 05:00, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast served in the dining cars, providing a light and refreshing start to the day. Breakfast service continues until departure, allowing guests to dine at their leisure.

At 06:00, an exciting game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park awaits. As Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve, Hwange offers a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and numerous bird species. The game drive provides an opportunity to explore the park’s varied habitats and observe its magnificent inhabitants up close.

At 12:00, lunch is served in the dining cars. As you savor a gourmet meal, the train travels between Dete and Gwaai, navigating one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line, spanning 114 kilometers. The journey also takes you past Bulawayo, the second-largest city in Zimbabwe, known as the capital of Matabeleland and the industrial heart of the country.

At 16:30, afternoon tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. This delightful interlude allows guests to enjoy a selection of teas and pastries while traveling through baobab country, where ancient baobab trees dot the landscape, creating a picturesque backdrop.

At 19:30, dinner is served in the dining cars as the train continues its journey toward the border at Beitbridge. This formal dining experience invites guests to dress in their finest attire, enhancing the sophisticated atmosphere of the evening. The multi-course meal, prepared by the train’s expert chefs, showcases the culinary excellence for which Rovos Rail is renowned.

At 07:00, breakfast is served in the elegant dining cars and continues until 10:00. As guests enjoy a sumptuous morning meal, the train crosses the iconic Limpopo River, heading toward Musina. This crossing evokes the imagery from Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories, where the ‘Elephant’s Child’ embarks on an adventurous journey to the “great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees, to find out what the Crocodile has for dinner.”

At 13:00, lunch is served in the opulent dining cars. During this time, the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn, marking another significant geographical milestone on your journey. The dining experience is enhanced by the stunning landscapes visible through the large windows, creating a perfect blend of culinary delight and scenic beauty.

At 16:30, afternoon tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. As you sip your tea and enjoy a selection of pastries, the train travels through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela), a town renowned for its therapeutic mineral waters. The journey continues through Nylstroom (Modimolle), a town christened by the Voortrekkers who believed its north-flowing river was the source of the Nile. The train then skirts the edge of the escarpment, offering dramatic views where the Highveld drops away precipitously.

At 19:30, dinner is served in the dining cars as the train makes its way toward Pyramid. This formal dining affair invites guests to dress in their finest attire, adding an air of sophistication to the evening. The multi-course meal, crafted by the train’s expert chefs, showcases the culinary excellence for which Rovos Rail is renowned. The ambiance is further enhanced by the gentle movement of the train and the picturesque nightscape outside.

Please ensure that your luggage is ready for collection at 09:45 and that you have your passport readily accessible for any necessary checks.

At 07:00, breakfast is served in the elegant dining cars and continues until 09:30. Guests can indulge in a delicious array of morning dishes, freshly prepared by the train’s skilled chefs. The elegant setting of the dining cars, coupled with the scenic views of the South African landscape, provides a perfect start to the final day of your journey.

At 10:00, the train arrives at its journey’s end at the historic Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria. This beautifully restored station, with its classic architecture and timeless charm, serves as a fitting conclusion to your luxurious adventure. As you disembark, you will be greeted by the station’s welcoming atmosphere, a reflection of the rich heritage and elegance that Rovos Rail embodies.