Luxury Train Journey: Pretoria to Victoria Falls

African Voyager - Pretoria - Victoria Falls

Overview

Explore Southern Africa to Victoria Falls by Luxury Train

Embark on a 15-day luxury journey through the heart of Southern Africa. Travel in style aboard a private train as you discover untamed landscapes, encounter iconic wildlife on private safaris, and enjoy curated cultural experiences. Highlights include wine tastings, expert-led excursions, and refined onboard service—all seamlessly woven into one unforgettable adventure through Southern Africa’s most captivating landscapes and cultures.

Itinerary

DAY 1

JOHANNESBURG

Depart Home - Travel to Africa

Embark on your overnight journey to South Africa, Johannesburg.
Included Meals: [Inflight Meals*]

DAY 2

JOHANNESBURG

Welcome to South Africa

Begin your South African adventure with a warm welcome at O.R. Tambo Johannesburg Airport. You will be welcomed and greeted by your expert local guide and your personal Travel Director.
Embark on a private transfer—whether as part of a group or privately—to your centrally located hotel in the heart of Sandton.
After check-in, the rest of the afternoon is yours to unwind and soak in the beauty of this vibrant city at your own pace.
Overnight: DAVINCI Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Dinner (Buffet/Voucher for guests who travel on the Pre-Tour*)

DAY 3

JOHANNESBURG

All Aboard

Today join your fellow travelers for a panoramic tour of Pretoria before embarking your private train later in the day. As you step aboard the train, allow yourself to become acquainted with your home for the next 12 days.
The dedicated train staff warmly welcomes you and strives to ensure your utmost comfort throughout the journey. Take a moment to settle in and prepare for the remarkable adventure that lies ahead.
Step behind the scenes of one of the world's most luxurious trains with an exclusive tour of the grounds. Learn the fascinating details of what it takes to run this iconic train and hear stories from a member of the Vos family—if you're lucky, even the founder, Mr. Rohan Vos himself. As you depart Pretoria, indulge in a delightful afternoon tea onboard, greeted by your Tour Director.
The rest of the journey invites you to relax in the elegant comfort of your compartment, surrounded by luxury. As evening falls, enjoy a themed dinner onboard, savoring gourmet cuisine in style as you begin a memorable train adventure through the heart of South Africa.
Overnight onboard African Voyager
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

JOHANNESBURG

Across Southern Africa

Start your day in the lap of luxury with a gourmet breakfast served onboard the African Voyager, setting the perfect tone for a day of discovery. The entire morning is dedicated to engaging lectures hosted by local experts, offering a deep dive into fascinating topics—expect a thought-provoking and enriching experience as you enjoy the scenic views rolling by.
After a relaxing morning, indulge in a delicious lunch onboard, prepared with the finest ingredients, showcasing South Africa’s culinary brilliance.
The early afternoon continues with more captivating lectures led by Tour Guides, exploring topics that will further immerse you in the local culture and history.
This afternoon, prepare your taste buds for a special tasting session, where you'll be introduced to the unique flavors of South Africa’s culinary delights. Curated by CTN, this is a must for any foodie looking to explore the region’s traditional and modern gastronomic gems.
As the evening unfolds, savor a themed dinner onboard, each course crafted to perfection, while the train gracefully journeys through the stunning South African landscape. With the comfort of your elegant compartment, rest easy as you overnight aboard the African Voyager, continuing your luxurious adventure.
Overnight onboard African Voyager
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

DAY 5

ESWATINI

The Kingdom of Eswatini

The day’s programme begins as you depart by coach for a visit to The Kingdom of Eswatini. This sovereign state ruled by King Mswati III is the second smallest country in Africa, and only half the size of Switzerland. You pass the Ezulwini valley, the capital Mbabane, Piggs Peak and enjoy a visit to Mantega Cultural Village. The lively markets with their wealth of hand carved wooden artefacts and fine raffia craft products are ideal to find souvenirs for your loved ones at home! In the evening, your private train is waiting for you at Mpaka station. While you enjoy your dinner on board, the train continues towards Maputo. The border formalities are conveniently arranged for you on board.
Overnight onboard African Voyager
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6

MAPUTO

Maputo & The Indian Ocean

In the morning, your private train is already in Maputo. The station building, which dates to 1910, is ranked as the most attractive in all of Africa. According to legend, the station is supposedly the work of none other than Gustav Eiffel. The sights on your bus tour of Mozambique’s capital include the Catholic Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens, the statue of Samora Machel, the country’s first and still much venerated president, and the oddly shaped Case Do Ferro, the Iron House. Naturally, a stop at one of Maputo’s bustling markets is also a must! Set directly on the Maputo Bay (formerly Delagoa Bay), the city has a vibrant yet relaxed, almost Caribbean atmosphere. In Maputo, from the colonial Portuguese buildings to the socialist apartment blocks, the traces of the past are still very much in evidence.
As afternoon approaches, your bus drives on to the palm-lined beach – not only offering a contrast to urban life, but also perfect for a delicious lunch time platter of freshly caught fish and shellfish.
Back on board in the late afternoon, your private train continues on its journey, heading for the South African border to the north. The border formalities are conveniently arranged for you on board.
Overnight onboard African Voyager
Meals included: Breakfast, Seafood Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

DAY 7

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Kruger National Park

Armed only with camera and binoculars, enjoy the thrills of this extensive full day safari in an open vehicle with picnic lunch! With an area close to 5,000,000 acres, this national park is home to a stunning variety of wildlife, including the big five game animals. During your stay at the lodge, your main luggage remains securely aboard your private train. Kick back and relax with an ice-cold Castle (South African beer) on the lodge terrace. A truly memorable day ends with a bush dinner under the African night skies.
Overnight: Kruger Gate Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Gourmet Picnic Lunch in Kruger National Park, Boma Dinner

DAY 8

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Kruger National Park - Panorama Route

Cross Kruger National Park by open safari jeeps on an exhilarating game drive, and prepare to encounter Africa's most iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.
Later bid farewell to Kruger National Park as you embark on a scenic coach journey along the iconic Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. Marvel at the stunning vistas that unfold around every turn, starting with the awe-inspiring Three Rondawels, which overlook the 2nd largest canyon in Africa and the 3rd largest green canyon in the world. Prepare to be captivated by the natural beauty and unique rock formations.
A relaxing lunch in Graskop will give you a chance to savor local flavors while soaking in the spectacular surroundings. Next, explore the Bourkes Luck Potholes, where swirling water has carved mesmerizing formations into the landscape, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
This afternoon, we make our way back to the African Voyager, where we will remain stationary for the evening.
Overnight onboard African Voyager
Meals included: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

DAY 9

LIMPOPO

Makalali Game Reserve

Disembark the train in Hoedspruit, ready to embark on an unforgettable safari adventure in the Makalali Game Reserve. The area hosts many animal species in its diverse habitat including Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Black and White Rhino, Spotted and Brown Hyena, Cheetah and Wild Dogs.
After the game drive, enjoy delicious lunch in the boma, soaking in the landscape. As afternoon approaches, we leave Makalali Game Reserve and make our way back to the African Voyager where we will continue travelling North, direction, Zimbabwe.
Overnight onboard African Voyager
Meals included: Breakfast, Boma Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

DAY 10

LIMPOPO

Across Limpopo

Today, your journey unfolds through the scenic Soutpansberg Mountains and the mystical land of the legendary Rain Queen Modjadji.
Relax in comfort aboard your private train as you glide past diverse and captivating landscapes. Enjoy the ever-changing views and peaceful atmosphere.
Overnight, you’ll cross into a new country via the iconic Limpopo River bridge, with all border formalities seamlessly handled onboard for your convenience—an effortless and enchanting day of travel.
Overnight onboard African Voyager
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

DAY 11

ZIMBABWE

Great Zimbabwe

Today’s adventure takes you on a captivating excursion to the awe-inspiring ruins of Great Zimbabwe - Africa’s largest pre-colonial monument south of the pyramids. Over 1,000 years old and once home to up to 18,000 people, this ancient city showcases remarkable engineering, with towering stone walls built entirely without mortar. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Great Zimbabwe offers a powerful glimpse into Africa’s rich past and cultural legacy. After your visit, return to the charming Bannockburn Station where your private train awaits, ready to continue the journey north toward the legendary Victoria Falls. This unforgettable day blends history, wonder, and seamless travel in the heart of Zimbabwe.
Overnight onboard African Voyager
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12

ZIMBABWE

Cecil John Rhode's Grave & Matobo National Park

The day begins with a visit to either the remarkable collections at the Natural History Museum or the Railway Museum. For train enthusiasts, the Railway Museum’s display of old steam engines and Rhodes’ personal carriage is a must.
The program continues with a short city tour of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city and the heartlands of Matabeleland Time where time is set aside at leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Matobo National Park, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park, whose name means “bald heads”, is renowned for its bare whaleback hills with weathered granite rocks set on top, often balanced in strange formations. This is also the location of the grave of Cecil Rhodes, who founded the colonial territory of Rhodesia, today’s Zimbabwe. It was his last wish to be buried on the hilltop known as World’s View, a magical place with a stunning panorama of the hills around it. There is also a stopover to view some fine rock paintings by the San hunter-gatherers. With over 3,000 known rock art sites, the Matobo Hills have the world’s largest collection of rock paintings… Back on board for dinner after sunset, your private train journey continues on to the north.
Dinner aboard the train will be a treat, and your final evening onboard will take you back to the glamorous 1920s with a “Great Gatsby” themed soirée—a night of opulence, excitement, and unforgettable memories!
Overnight onboard African Voyager
Meals included: Breakfast, Sundowner Drinks incl. Canape’s, Dinner

DAY 13

ZIMBABWE

Hwange National Park

The proverbial early bird must also have loved safaris… Enjoy an early continental breakfast onboard the African Voyager before disembarking at sunrise. Your adventure kicks off with a thrilling morning game drive in open vehicles, where you’ll encounter an abundance of wildlife in one of Africa’s most revered national parks.
Hwange National Park, renowned for its herds of elephants and Cape buffalo, is Zimbabwe’s largest and most important game reserve.. With a little luck, that early start could yield sightings of elephants, giraffes and lions, as well as the rare wild dogs and sable antelopes.
By mid-morning, everyone is back on board as your private train continues in the direction of Victoria Falls.
Evening arrival into Victoria Falls and a short transfer to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
Enjoy the remainder of your evening & dinner at leisure. Whether you choose to dine at the hotel or explore the vibrant town of Victoria Falls, it’s the perfect way to wind down after an extraordinary day filled with wildlife, landscapes, and lasting memories.
Overnight: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea

DAY 14

ZIMBABWE

Welcome to Victoria Falls

Today is dedicated to the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Stand in awe as you witness the thundering waters of the Zambezi River cascade into the gorge below, creating a breathtaking sight that will leave you speechless. The columns of spray and clouds of mist rising from the world’s largest waterfall led the indigenous Kololo people to call this Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the mist that thunders”. Scottish missionary explorer David Livingstone first set eyes on the waterfall in 1855 on an expedition from the Cape to Luanda, and his written account made the falls world famous.
For an extra thrill, opt for a helicopter flight over the falls, offering a bird’s-eye view of this majestic wonder (15 or 25-minute options available).
Return to the lodge & enjoy the view from your private balcony of the lodge’s on-site waterhole, which attracts many wild animals, and the magnificent panorama of the Zambezi National Park.
As the day winds down, enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the Mighty Zambezi River, the third largest river in Africa. Revel in the stunning scenery while sipping on refreshing drinks as the sun sets over the horizon. Later, indulge in a riverside BBQ dinner beneath a blanket of stars. If weather permits, you’ll have the chance to stargaze and spot the Southern Cross, completing a truly magical experience in one of Africa’s most enchanting destinations.
Overnight: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 15

ZIMBABWE

Depart Africa

Enjoy a leisurely morning to reflect on the unforgettable two weeks spent exploring South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique & Zimbabwe.
Take in the memories of your journey before your private transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport.
As you depart for your onward journey, carry with you the incredible experiences and moments from a truly remarkable adventure in one of the world’s most captivating destinations.
Meals included: Breakfast