Transfer today back to the airport on the hotel shuttle bus for your flight to Victoria Falls (cost of flight not included).  You are met on arrival at Victoria Falls airport and transferred to Pioneers Lodge for your two night stay.

The Victoria Falls area is a breathtaking destination situated on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, where the Zambezi River cascades over a dramatic precipice, creating one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Often referred to as “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Apart from the falls themselves, the Victoria Falls area offers a wide range of activities and attractions. Adrenaline junkies can partake in thrilling adventures such as bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and helicopter rides, providing a unique perspective of the falls from above. Sunset cruises along the Zambezi River offer a more relaxed experience, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking sunsets while spotting wildlife along the riverbanks.

Pioneers Lodge embraces a warm and rustic atmosphere, with a design that pays homage to the rich heritage and history of the region. The rooms and suites are spacious, tastefully decorated, and equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. From cozy furnishings to en-suite bathrooms, each room provides a relaxing retreat after a day of adventure.

One of the highlights of the lodge is its tranquil garden setting, which invites guests to unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings. Lush greenery, colorful flowers, and shaded seating areas create a peaceful ambiance, where you can relax and soak in the beauty of nature. It’s a perfect spot to savor a cup of tea or coffee, read a book, or simply take in the sounds of the African wilderness.

The lodge also features a refreshing swimming pool, ideal for cooling off during the warm afternoons or for lounging in the sun. Whether you want to take a refreshing dip or simply relax on a poolside lounger, the pool area offers a delightful retreat.

This afternoon you will be collected for your sunset cruise on the Zambezi. A sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi River is undoubtedly a quintessential Zambezi experience and a must for all visitors to Victoria Falls. It is a superb way to relax and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Zambezi River. Enjoy stunning riverine scenery, prolific bird life and with luck a variety of wildlife along the riverbank as you explore the gentle beauty of the might Zambezi. You are certain to pass by hippo and crocodiles and there is always the possibly of spotting elephant and giraffe as they amble down to the river to drink.

Zambezi Royal is a pretty, single level cruise boat that seats just 28 guests. It was custom built to maximize comfort, style and practicality as there is plenty of room to move around in and make the most of the endless photographic opportunities. Whilst enjoying tasty finger snacks and a sundowner (wine, beer, cocktails, sparkling wine) the captain will be only too happy to share the wonders of Africa’s fourth longest river with you. As the sun slowly begins to set keen birders and photographers will relish the sight of flocks of birds skimming just above the waterline. The sight of the sun sinking below the horizon followed by a sky full of pinks, orange and fiery red is the stuff that dreams are made of!

This morning a guided tour of Victoria Falls.  As you approach the Falls, you’ll feel a sense of anticipation and excitement building. The thunderous roar of the falls becomes increasingly audible, and a fine mist rises into the air, creating an ethereal atmosphere. As you step closer, the full magnificence of Victoria Falls reveals itself. Stretching approximately 1.7 kilometers (1 mile) wide and dropping as much as 108 meters (354 feet), Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world, an impressive testament to the forces of nature. The Zambezi River, a life-giving waterway that meanders through six African countries, dramatically plunges over the basalt cliffs, creating a cascading curtain of mist and spray that can be seen and felt from miles away.

Witnessing the falls up close is an awe-inspiring experience. As you stand on the viewpoints along the edge of the gorge, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the torrential water plunging into the chasm below. The sheer power of the water and the deafening roar create a sense of exhilaration and wonder, leaving you humbled by the forces of nature. The spray from the falls rises like a perpetual mist, enveloping the surrounding area. Rainbows often dance in the mist, adding to the enchanting spectacle. Depending on the time of year and the water levels, the appearance of the falls may vary. During the rainy season (November to April), the flow of water is at its peak, creating a thunderous display of raw power. In the drier months (May to October), the water recedes, revealing the underlying rock formations and providing a different perspective of the falls.

Having worked up an appetite it’s time for a two course lunch (excludes drinks) at the Lookout Café. Perched 120 metres above the Zambezi River rapids, the Lookout Café offers an unbeatable view of the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, the dramatic Batoka Gorge and adjacent adrenaline pumping high-wire activities.

Return to your hotel or book one of the many optional activities.

Today in time for your train journey you will transferred to the Victoria Falls station to board the iconic Rovos Rail for your four night journey to Pretoria.

Rovos Rail, often referred to as the epitome of luxury train travel, offers a truly unforgettable and opulent journey through the spectacular landscapes of Southern Africa. Stepping aboard a Rovos Rail train is like stepping back in time to an era of elegance, glamour, and old-world charm, where every detail is crafted to provide an unparalleled travel experience.

The train itself is a marvel of craftsmanship and classic design. Impeccably restored vintage carriages, adorned with polished wood paneling, plush furnishings, and elegant décor, evoke a sense of nostalgia and sophistication. Each carriage exudes its own unique character and charm, whether it’s the elegant dining cars, the inviting lounge cars, or the luxurious sleeping compartments.

As the train sets off, you are transported into a world of indulgence and relaxation. Sit back in comfortable armchairs in the lounge car, where panoramic windows provide breathtaking views of the passing landscapes. Engage in conversation with fellow passengers, savour a fine drink from the fully stocked bar, or simply immerse yourself in a good book from the library.

Meals on board Rovos Rail are a true culinary delight. The train’s chefs are dedicated to creating exquisite dishes using the freshest local ingredients, expertly prepared to tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy sumptuous multi-course meals in the elegant dining cars, where white-gloved service and fine silverware add a touch of refinement to each dining experience. The exquisite cuisine is accompanied by a superb selection of wines from some of South Africa’s renowned vineyards.

As the train journeys through Southern Africa, the ever-changing landscapes provide a captivating backdrop. From sweeping savannahs to towering mountains, from lush vineyards to arid deserts, the scenery outside the train windows is a constant source of awe and wonder. Take in the panoramic vistas, spot wildlife in the distance, and marvel at the diverse beauty of the region.

While on board, the dedicated and attentive staff of Rovos Rail ensures that your every need is met with utmost care and hospitality. From the moment you step foot on the train until the end of your journey, their warm and personalized service enhances the overall experience, leaving you feeling pampered and cared for.

A voyage on Rovos Rail is more than just a train journey; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience that combines luxury, nostalgia, and exploration. With its timeless elegance, breathtaking scenery, exceptional cuisine, and impeccable service, Rovos Rail takes you on a remarkable adventure that will create cherished memories for years to come.

500 PM // Depart from Victoria Falls Station, Zimbabwe. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train.
730 PM // Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Malindi for overnight.

500 AM // A continental breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure.
600 AM // Enjoy a game drive in Hwange National Park, the nation’s largest wildlife area at 1 462000ha.
1200 PM // Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train travels between Dete and Gwaai along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line – 114 kilometres – and passes Bulawayo: second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country.
430 PM // Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. 
730 PM // Dinner is served in the dining cars.

600 AM // Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure.
800 AM // Transfer to Matobo National Park for a game drive.Visit bushmen caves and the grave of Cecil John Rhodes.
100 PM // Lunch is served in the dining cars as the train travels baobab country.
430 PM // Tea in the lounge and observation cars as the train descends to Gwanda.
730 PM // Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Beitbridge for Zimbabwean border formalities.

700 AM // Breakfast is served in the dining cars. The train crosses the Limpopo River to Musina for South African border formalities. In Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories, the ‘Elephant’s Child’ departs his family for the “great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees, to find out what the Crocodile has for dinner.”
100 PM // Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn.
430 PM // Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. 
730 PM // Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Pyramid, passing the edge of the escarpment where the Highveld drops precipitously.

700 AM // Breakfast is served in the dining cars until 09:30.
1000 AM // Arrive at journey’s end at Rovos Rail Station, Pretoria.  You will then be transeferred to the Catalyst Hotel and the Sandton area for check in and to meet up with the rest of the group.