Southern Cross Pretoria to Victoria Falls

Day 1: Pretoria

Board Rovos Rail in Pretoria and begin the journey east through Mpumalanga’s coal-mining country and Middelburg. It is a straightforward opening day, giving time to settle into the train before the route starts to widen in scope.

Day 2: Panorama Route

Leave the train for one of South Africa’s most scenic upland routes, with time in Pilgrim’s Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Graskop. The day introduces the escarpment landscapes and canyon viewpoints of the Lowveld before returning to the train at Malelane.

Day 3: Kruger Park

Spend the day on game drive in Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. Later, rejoin the train and continue east towards Maputo, crossing from South Africa into Mozambique.

Day 4: Maputo

Today is devoted to Mozambique’s capital, where African, Portuguese and colonial influences sit side by side. After a city tour and lunch in Maputo, return to the train and continue on to eSwatini.

Day 5: eSwatini

Cross eSwatini through a day that brings in a more cultural note, with visits to Swazi Candles and Mantenga Cultural Village. It is a smaller country, but one with a strong identity and a distinct sense of place.

Day 6: Kapama Reserve & HESC

Head out early for a game drive in Kapama Private Game Reserve, followed by a visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. The day blends safari viewing with a more conservation-led element before the train continues north through Limpopo.

Day 7: On Board

A full day on the train allows the journey itself to come to the fore, passing through the Soutpansberg and the Limpopo valley before crossing into Zimbabwe. It is one of the quieter days on the route, useful for taking in the landscape and the changing character of the trip.

Day 8: Great Zimbabwe Monument

Visit Great Zimbabwe, the vast stone-built remains of one of southern Africa’s most important precolonial centres. This is one of the itinerary’s strongest historical highlights, shifting the journey decisively from scenery and wildlife into the deeper past of the region.

Day 9: Antelope Park

Spend the day at Antelope Park, a broad savannah reserve known for its wildlife and conservation focus. This stop adds a more relaxed safari interlude before the train continues west towards Bulawayo.

Day 10: Matobo National Park

Travel into Matobo National Park to see its granite hills, rock art, bushmen caves and the grave of Cecil John Rhodes. The landscape here is one of the route’s most distinctive, and very different in feel from the flatter game country elsewhere on the journey.

Day 11: Hwange National Park

Enjoy a game drive and packed lunch in Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife area and one of the country’s best-known safari regions. Later, return to the train for the final run north towards Victoria Falls.

Day 12: Victoria Falls

Arrive at Victoria Falls and transfer across to the hotel before a walking tour of the village and the Falls, followed by a sunset cruise on the Zambezi. It is a strong finale, ending the journey with one of Africa’s most recognisable natural spectacles.

Includes:

• Accommodation
• All meals
• All beverages on board
• Room service
• Limited laundry
• Guided excursions where applicable
• Preselected local wines, beers and soft drinks on excursions
• Entrance fees as per itinerary
• Government tax

Excludes:

• All other beverages
• International sparkling wine
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Visas
• Travel insurance
• Pre- and post-tour transfers, accommodation and flights