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Africa by Rail with Hilary Barry & Rovos Rail

10 Day

from $16,066 pp

INCLUDES 5★ SAFARI HOTEL STAY
INCLUDES 7 NIGHT ALL-INCLUSIVE ROVOS RAIL JOURNEY

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Join us on an exclusive Rovos Rail charter that will take you, along with Hilary Barry and a group of likeminded travellers, through the heart of South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of vintage wood-paneled coaches, where every detail captures the elegance of a bygone era. As you gaze out at the picturesque landscapes, you'll be treated to warm, attentive service, exquisite dining experiences, and a carefully curated selection of South Africa's finest wines. This journey promises to capture the romance and glamour of the golden age of travel, along with the excitement of an epic African exploration.

Our adventure includes visits to some of the region's most iconic destinations: the renowned Kruger National Park, the exclusive Kapama Private Game Reserve, the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, and the magnificent Hwange National Park. Each stop offers unique opportunities to witness the majestic "Big 5" wildlife, creating moments of awe and wonder.

This charter is designed for the discerning traveler, promising an enriching and unforgettable experience. Join us for an inspiring journey that will leave you with memories to cherish forever.

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Your Holiday Includes:

All-Inclusive Rail Journey
  • 7 nights onboard Rovos in your chosen suite

Activites
  • Search for the Big Five on a thrilling full day game drive in Kruger National Park

  • Witness herds of elephants, buffalo and other animals congregating around Hwange waterholes

  • Sample remote artisanal wine as you experience the old world charm of Rovos Rail with friends

  • Learn about the rehabilitation and anti-poaching initatives of the Endangered species centre

  • Keep an eye out for colorful bee-eaters and majestic raptors while exploring Hwange.

  • Be amazed at the sheer power and beauty of the thunderous Victoria falls

  • Immerse yourself in nature as you go off-road in Kapamas Private Game Reserve

  • Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife action along the riverbanks while you cruise the Zambezi River

  • Witness the grand scale of Victoria Falls from above with an optional scenic helicopter ride

  • Social activities with our tour hosts, including Hilary Barry.

Hotel Stays
  • 1 night Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa including breakfast

  • 1 night Palm River Hotel including breakfast

Fees & Services Included
  • Tour escort ex Auckland or Johannesburg (flights are additional to the listed price)

  • Transfers from Fairlawns Boutique Hotel to Pretoria Station

  • Transfer from Victoria Falls Station to Palm River Hotel

  • Limited Laundry Service while on the train

  • Welcome Reception at Pretoria Rovos Station

  • Room service and bar facilities while aboard Rovos

What's not included
  • Optional Helicopter ride over Victoria Falls

  • Transfers from/to the airport, flights, insurance, gratuities, or anything not specified

  • International flights additional

The departure date is subject to change based on flight times specified during the booking process.

Named hotels are based on availability and are subject to change without notice. Alternative hotels will always be of equal or higher star rating.

*Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Your Itinerary:

DAY

01

Arrival Johannesburg

On arrival, make your way to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa.

Nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens, Fairlawns is an urban sanctuary centrally located in Johannesburg, offering a serene escape amidst the bustling city. Fairlawns prides itself on meticulous attention to detail and top-notch service, creating an intimate ambiance that attracts a diverse range of global personalities. The luxurious suites are uniquely designed with themes ranging from Eastern flair to French provincial, each equipped with modern amenities for ultimate comfort.

Meals included: None

DAY

02

Johannesburg to Pretoria for Rovos Embarkation

Enjoy breakfast, then the group will be transferred to the exclusive Rovos station in Pretoria where we will enjoy a museum visit followed by welcome reception.

As we depart from the Rovos station in Pretoria, you may choose to freshen up before joining your fellow travellers in the lounge and observation cars where we will enjoy tea. Dinner will be served in the dining cars en route to Witbank

Meals included:  All meals & beverages

DAY

03

Rovos

Today we enjoy the day on board travelling to Nelspruit.

The train journeys along the eastern route towards the rugged eMalahleni coal-mining region and Middelburg, renowned as the “stainless steel hub of Africa”. The Dutch railway construction firm, NZASM, constructed the eastern route linking Pretoria to Lourenço Marques (now Maputo) from 1893 to 1895.

While aboard the train, there will be ample time to connect with fellow travelers and sharing experiences. Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Malelane.

Meals included: All meals & beverages

DAY

04

Kruger National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast today before a Full Day game viewing in Kruger National Park with lunch. Keep your binoculars at the ready as you search for the Big Five, along with a plethora of other fascinating creatures that call Kruger home. Marvel at graceful giraffes grazing in the distance, watch as herds of elephants gather at watering holes, and listen to the haunting calls of lions echoing through the bush.

The famous Kruger Park has 2-million hectares of an unrivalled diversity of life forms. It is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and home to an impressive number of species, e.g. 336 species of trees, 49 species of fish, 34 species of amphibians, 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds and 147 species of mammals including the Big Five.

Return after an exciting day for Tea and dinner which is served in the dining cars en route to Hoedspruit.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY

05

Kapama Reserve & Hoedspruit Endangered Species Cnt.

Today go in search of the big five in Kapama Game Reserve on a game drive accompanied by knowledgeable guides. Traverse the reserve's diverse terrain, from open savannahs to dense bushveld, as you track elusive leopards, watch towering elephants roam freely, and marvel at the grace of antelopes bounding across the plains.

Delve into the world of conservation at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. Learning about their breeding programs, rehabilitation initiatives, and efforts to combat poaching. Witness up-close encounters with rare and vulnerable species, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of wildlife preservation.

Situated in South Africa’s northernmost province of Limpopo, renowned for its prolific and diverse wildlife, Kapama Private Game Reserve is home to over 40 different mammal species including the Big Five, approximately 350 bird species and a myriad smaller species. The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre is a unique African wildlife facility focusing on conservation and the sustainability of rare, vulnerable and threatened species. Founded on passion, the centre has adopted a holistic approach to its conservation activities such as the educating of surrounding communities, tourism, breeding, rehabilitation and anti-poaching, to name a few.

Return to the train for lunch. Depart for Tzaneen and Louis Trichardt.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY

06

Limpopo Province

After breakfast continue north on board the train travelling to Rutenga in Zimbabwe.
Border formalities take place.

Limpopo Province is located in the far north of South Africa and shares borders with three neighbouring countries: Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. For this reason, the province is also known as the gateway to other African countries and also shares provincial borders with Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Northwest. The Limpopo landscape varies from one area to the other from tropical forests, bush and shrubs to semi-desert areas with small trees and bushes and mountains to flat land.

Limpopo is divided into five regions, strategically located according to the cultural inhabitants. Capricorn is the central region predominantly occupied by the Bapedi people. Waterberg is the largest region with a majority of Tswana people. Vhembe in the far north is dominated by Vhavenda and Vatsonga. The Mopani region near the Kruger Park is Vatsonga whereas the Sekhukhuni region is dominated by Bapedi and Ndebele. Limpopo is the only province in South Africa with more than two cultural groups staying together in their original habitat in harmony. Other ethnic groups include English and Afrikaans people.

Meals included: All meals & beverages

DAY

07

Great Zimbabwe Monument

After breakfast transfer to the Great Zimbabwe Monument for a tour with lunch.

Travel through attractive granite hill country to the Great Zimbabwe Monument, a hugely impressive monument and world UNESCO Heritage Site, situated on the southeastern edge of the central plateau and the largest precolonial monument south of the Egyptian pyramids. A celebrated achievement of the African people and a place where magical fables such as the story of King Solomon’s Mines find their origins amongst the ruins of an ancient city built by the Rozwi people. Discover how these ancient people lived and mined gold and silver, which were ultimately taken out of Africa by Arabic and Portuguese traders.

Rejoin the train at Oreti Siding. Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Bulawayo.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY

08

Hwange National Park

Enjoy breakfast and Lunch aboard before an afternoon game drive in Hwange National Park. As you venture into the park's vast expanse, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of Hwange's iconic residents, including massive elephant herds, graceful giraffes, elusive leopards, and an array of antelope species. With the expertise of experienced guides, uncover the park's hidden treasures and gain a deeper appreciation for its diverse ecosystems.

Situated in the northwest corner of Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park covers 1 462 000 hectares making it the nation’s largest wildlife area. It contains a variety of animals and bird species but is well-known for its prolific lion population.

Dinner is served in the dining cars en-route Victoria Falls.

Meals included: All melas & beverages

DAY

09

Arrive Victoria Falls - Disembarkation

After breakfast arrive Victoria Falls Station. Check out of train and meet for a walking tour the falls.

The little station of Victoria Falls was first reached by railway in June 1904. Old colonial buildings, bougainvillea and palm trees against the backdrop of the Victoria Falls Hotel form a charming oasis of soft sweetness after the rugged dryness of the landscape. The Victoria Falls is one of nature’s great revelations on a par with the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest and an erupting volcano. It is believed that there have existed no less than seven different Victoria Falls over the past two million years. These cascades correspond to the lower gorges of the Zambezi. The present falls is wearing from Devil’s Cataract northwards, eroding the softer material behind the present basalt base of the falls. When eventually all the soft matter has been removed, the Victoria Falls will move back, a fresh gorge will yawn and where the falls are now will become a new site for tourists. Although just over a mile long (1.7km), the falls are broken up by various small islands, including Livingstone Island. At their deepest, the falls are 108m deep at Rainbow Falls.

Afterwards you will be transferred to your hotel to enjoy lunch and some time at leisure. You will have time for an optional scenic helicopter over the falls - the best way to appreciate the grandness of the falls!

Later in the afternoon, you will be collected for a private sunset cruise. Time to enjoy your new friends, the beautiful African sunset with canapes and drinks.

Overnight at The Palm River Hotel including breakfast

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY

10

Victoria Falls

Today your arrangements conclude after breakfast.

You may choose to extend the neigbouring counties of Botswana and Zambia. Both countries offer exceptional opportunities for wildlife safaris. Botswana's Chobe National Park is famous for its large elephant herds, diverse birdlife, and predator sightings. The Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta is another wildlife paradise. Zambia's South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safaris, allowing visitors to experience the bush up close. Talk to us today!

Meals included: Breakfast

Victoria Falls with Rovos Rail

Abstract Shapes

Highlights:

Hilary Barry on Rovos Rail.jpg

Hosted by Hillary Barry

One of New Zealand's most beloved journalists and television presenters. Journey on the luxurious Rovos Rail and explore the wonders of Africa with Hilary Barry sharing her insights, humour, and infectious energy along the way.

Rovos Rail

Crossing Africa’s most iconic landscapes in elegant style, this wonderful train and its beautifully restored carriages travel between Pretoria and Cape Town, the wide deserts of Namibia and the powerful tumbling morass of Victoria Falls, the vast plains of the Great Karoo and the battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal.

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During the journey you’ll enjoy excursions, game drives and guided tours by historians to further illuminate your journey, as well as bush lunches and suppers under a million-tog duvet of African stars. The fleet of locomotives is rich in history, with even the oldest and smallest engine, called Tiffany, still seeing occasional use. Each carriage, cabin, kitchen car and locomotive has been painstakingly restored, and Rovos Rail now operate four trains across its fabulous choice of journeys.

Life on board Rovos Rail

Travelling on board a Rovos Rail service is like stepping back in time, while keeping the most comfortable technological additions of the 21st century with you.

Carriages

Each train is generally made up of a club lounge, an observation car with vast windows and an open-air platform for enjoying the views, two dining cars and 36 spacious cabin suites, with further upgraded accommodation available. The stunning Edwardian-era carriages have been painstakingly restored to showcase their elegant period details, while adding all the modern comforts that today’s travellers desire on cross-continental journeys. Put simply, it feels like stepping back into a bygone era, but with discreet luxury touches.

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Even more beautiful are the pre-1940s dining cars, which were also restored into service with the addition of button-trimmed leather seats, wooden marquetry and other added embellishments. When the train was expanded from 42 to 72 guests, the addition of a lounge car provided a convivial space to come together and share stories of the day’s adventures over fine beverages. Today, the lounge cars still have comfortable wingback chairs and deep sofas for prime afternoon snoozing, and a small gift shop. Some of the train windows can be opened to let in the sights, sounds and smells of Africa in.

Meals

All meals on board are served over one sitting in the dining cars; it’s a sociable time of the day when all the guests come together to celebrate the diversity of dining across the continent, sampling delicious cuisine complemented by fine South African wines. A fleet of experienced chefs is tasked with creating innovative and beautifully presented meals for the maximum of 72 guests on board, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients including speciality game.

 

Breakfast is a leisurely affair and served until 10am, with lunch at 1pm, afternoon tea served in the late afternoon and your formal dinner service at 7.30pm. The bar service runs until 1am, but you might want to get an early night if you’re taking a game drive the following day. What’s certain on board Rovos Rail journeys is that you’ll never go hungry. That, and that every lunch and dinner service is announced with the sounding of a gong.

Cabins

There are three cabin types on board, each one a luxurious suite with en suite facilities that is adorned in ornate wood panelling and period Edwardian features – you’ll find a writing area and personal safe, and amenity bags which are replenished on your request. For your comfort, there’s 24-hour room service and slippers and gowns in the suite.

Pullman Suites

from $16,066 pp 

Beginning at 7sqm, the Pullman Suites are fitted with a sofa-seat during the day, which converts to either a double or twin bed at night. They also have an en suite bathroom with a shower. A dedicated host or hostess is always available and services the suites daily.

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  • Double or twin beds

  • Upper and/or lower bunk

  • Daytime sofa setting

  • En-suite with shower, toilet and basin

  • Fold-up writing desk

  • Luggage shelf

  • Cupboards

  • Safe

  • Air conditioning

Deluxe Suite

POA

More luxurious still, the 11sqm Deluxe Suites have a separate lounge area and an en suite bathroom. A dedicated host or hostess is always available and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.

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  • Double or twin beds

  • En-suite with shower, toilet and basin

  • Small lounge area

  • Writing desk

  • Luggage shelf

  • Cupboards

  • Safe

  • Air conditioning

Royal Suite

POA

More luxurious still, the 11sqm Deluxe Suites have a separate lounge area and an en suite bathroom. A dedicated host or hostess is always available and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.

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  • Double or twin beds

  • En-suite with shower, toilet and basin

  • Small lounge area

  • Writing desk

  • Luggage shelf

  • Cupboards

  • Safe

  • Air conditioning

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