14 Day 5 Star Rovos Rail From South Africa To Victoria Falls
This tour is escorted by local city guides in each location. The local guides will join you during the included activities and local representatives will assist with transfer arrangements. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise, or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 1 out of 5
Explore at your own pace: Discover your destination at your own pace with our self-guided itinerary. Options include driving, rail, or cruising (excluding expeditions). Enjoy included guided day trips for sightseeing as outlined in your itinerary.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Luxury Rovos Rail journey from Johannesburg via Matobo National Park and Hwange to Victoria Falls
✓ Twice daily game drives in the Greater Kruger National Park and well as a games drives in the Polokwane Nature Reserve in South Africa, the Matobo and Hwange National Parks in Zimbabwe
✓ Private touring of Cape Town and Table Mountain
✓ Guided tour of Victoria Falls, and all off train excursions on Rovos Rail
✓ Sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River with included cocktails and canapes
✓ 4 nights aboard the iconic Rovos Rail with all-inclusive dining and beverages
✓ 9 nights in selected 5-star accommodation including 3 nights at the luxurious award-winning Taj Cape Town and 3 nights at the luxury 5-star AM Lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park area with all-inclusive dining and free-flowing beverages
✓ Complimentary bottle of wine, welcome plate in room on arrival and a 20% discount on J-Wellness treatments exclusive to all Inspiring Vacations clients at Taj Cape Town
✓ Complimentary R500 spa voucher per adult exclusive to Inspiring Vacations guests to use at AM Lodge
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of your tour
✓ Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 8 dinners
✓ Internal domestic flight from Cape Town to Kruger National Park and Kruger National Park to Johannesburg
✓ Meet & greet on arrival at Cape Town with private transfer to your hotel
✓ Private departure transfer in Victoria Falls
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Cape Town! On arrival you will be met by a local representative and transferred by private vehicle to your luxury 5-star hotel located in the heart of this dynamic city.
Located in the centre of the old city, the award-winning Taj Cape Town boasts a strong sense of place and is within walking distance to some of South Africa's foremost landmarks and attractions and an eclectic array of shops, galleries, and restaurants.
On arrival enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine and welcome platter in your room exclusive to all Inspiring Vacations guests as you take in the breathtaking city views from your spacious guest room.
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at leisure this morning at the hotel before meeting with your guide as you head off for your private half day city and Table Mountain tour.
Today’s tour will showcase the best of the city of Cape Town, a center that is rich in history and culture and alive with the sights and sounds of a diverse people that call it home. This tour will take you to some of the most celebrated attractions from the Castle of Good Hope to the City Hall, where Nelson Mandela spoke to a crowd of hundreds of thousands after his release from prison earlier that day.
You will also see the cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses of the Bo to Kaap. There is also a trip up Table Mountain, high above the clouds and on the revolving cable car (weather permitting). Table Mountain is an icon in Cape Town and is most likely the most photographed landmark in the country. Named as one of the seven wonders of nature, it attracts millions over visitors from all across the globe. At the upper cable station, guests will find a restaurant and a curio shop as well as some footpaths for exploration.
Return to your hotel where the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Note: If Table Mountain is closed, tour will travel to Signal Hill instead.
Today is a full day to do as you please. Relax at the hotel, venture out on your own, or choose to join one of the optional tours below.
Enjoy a full day, group-tour to the beautiful villages of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek situated in the Cape Winelands region of the Western Cape. The Franschhoek Valley, known as the French Corner of the Cape, is one of the most scenic and charming areas of the Western Cape. Spectacular vineyards cover these mountain slopes settled more than 300 years ago by the Huguenots, who brought with them their age - old French wine and food culture. This is a valley rich in history centred around a picturesque village of friendly, welcoming people.
Start: 8:30am
Return: 5:30pm
Includes: transportation to/from your accommodation, wine tastings at two wineries and third tasting if time permits.
Explore the majestic scenery off the Cape Peninsula, this full-day group-tour to take you around the entire Cape Peninsula and show you the wonders of Cape Town - from the pristine beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton, amazing views from Chapman's Peak Drive, to the spectacular sight of Cape Point, along with visiting the penguin colony at Boulder Beach and small coastal communities on this most enjoyable route.
Start: 8:30am
Return: 5:30pm
Includes: transportation to/from your accommodation, entrance fees to Boulders Beach (Penguin Colony), Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and return Funicular.
After breakfast you are transferred by private vehicle to Cape Town airport to board your included flight to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS), On arrival you will be met and transferred to your 5-star safari lodge.
AM Lodge is an exclusive, luxurious 5-star safari lodge that is situated in the heart of the African Bush on a 20,000 HA Private Game Reserve, a game rich area home to a variety of wildlife including Rhino, Lion, Buffalo and Leopard; only metres away from the Greater Kruger National Park, near Hoedspruit, Limpopo, South Africa.
Your luxury suite is linked to the main building by lantern-lit wooden walkways and opens up onto a private deck overlooking the bushveld. Each suite boasts a bedroom, separate lounge and a spacious bathroom with free-standing bathtub, indoor and outdoor shower. Tonight, look forward to decadent bush dining prepared by expertly trained culinary artists, utilising the freshest ingredients grown at the lodge paired with a spectacular collection of local South African wines.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an afternoon game drive this afternoon (if arriving at the lodge by 3pm).
Enjoy twice-daily game drives across the private 20,000 hectare AM Game Reserve as well as the Manyeleti Game Reserves. Sharing un-fenced borders with Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand and Timbavati Private Nature Reserves, game drives within the Manyelti Game Reserve guarantees an incredible wildlife experience and the opportunity to experience the Big 5 up close. Spot lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos and leopards on both game drives and offered bush walks.
Between drives, enjoy sumptuous meals freshly prepared on site from local fresh ingredients as well as a wide selection of local alcoholic and selected premium beverages are all included during your entire stay.
Continue to explore the delights of Kruger National Park with multiple game drives. Also available during your stay are interactive and personal bush walks with the camp’s professional guides. There are a few of the finer things of nature that can be missed on a game vehicle so putting on your walking shoes and stepping into the reserve will get you up close and personal to interesting aspects of the wild unseen from the safari vehicle.
Enjoy breakfast at leisure before checking out of the lodge for your transfer to Hoedspruit Airport and flight back to O.R Tambo International Airport (JNB).
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your 5-star hotel located in the heart of Johannesburg’s upmarket Rosebank area. 54 on Bath offers boutique luxury and refined interiors boasting the only Veuve Clicquot Champagne bar in South Africa.
The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel's amenities and surrounding area. Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and canapes in the Lobby Lounge, or relax in the beautiful garden terrace and pool located on the fourth floor, a perfect venue for sunset cocktails. The hotel is also directly connected by private passageway to Rosebank Mall giving you access to over 150 retail stores and dining options, all at your doorstep.
Enjoy breakfast and morning at leisure enjoying the hotel facilities or a bit of shopping at the Rosebank Mall. This afternoon, you are met and transferred by private vehicle to Park Railway Station (Rovos Rail) in time to board your luxury Pullman Suite for a 6pm departure.
Expect wood-panelled sleeper coaches, remodelled and refurbished to mint condition, with every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. The Pullman Suites can accommodate one or two passengers and have an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day, the suites have a comfortable sofa-seat with a conversion to double or twin beds (side-by-side or upper and lower bunks) for the evening. A dedicated host/ess is available at all times and services the suites daily.
As we depart Rovos Rail Station, freshen up in your suite before joining the fellow travellers in the lounge car or observation car at the rear of the train. Travel through Warmbaths (Bela-Bela) – so named for its mineral waters – and Nylstroom (Modimolle), christened by the Voortrekkers as the source of the Nile River as the town’s river happened to be north flowing. Pass the edge of the escarpment where the Highveld drops precipitously.
This evening is a formal affair dining on the finest South African cuisine freshly prepared by talented chefs on board in the dining car as we head to Naboomspruit for overnight. All meals are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines.
Note: Formal dress is required for dinner, gentlemen required to wear a jacket and tie.
Enjoy breakfast on board as the train departs for Polokwane. On arrival, we disembark the train for a visit to the biggest municipal-owned game reserves in South Africa which offers frequent sightings of white rhino and other game - 21 species in all. The reserve also conserves the Pietersburg Plateau false grassland, one of the only remaining examples of an extremely localised vegetation type that is home to important indigenous birds like the short-clawed lark, the ashy tit and the Kalahari scrub-robin.
Return to the train to enjoy lunch on board as we cross the Tropic of Capricorn en - route to Louis Trichardt. This afternoon tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. Enjoy freshly brewed tea and coffee as you savour on a selection of pastries, cakes and sandwiches.
Relax in your suite prior to enjoying another formal dinner this evening as the train crosses the Limpopo River to Beitbridge overnight.
Note: Formal dress is required for dinner, gentlemen required to wear a jacket and tie.
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as the train travels to baobab country. Following breakfast on board, time to relax in your suite or one of the observation cars before lunch is served as you watch the ever changing landscape from the dining car windows.
Following afternoon tea, the train stops at Gwanda where you will have an opportunity to disembark the train to take a stroll through the village. After your visit, return to the train and enjoy a drink at the bar as the train departs for Bulawayo, the second city of Zimbabwe, capital of Matabeleland and industrial capital of the country. This evening dinner is again served in the dining cars en route to Mpopoma for overnight.
Note: Formal dress is required for dinner, gentlemen required to wear a jacket and tie.
Enjoy another relaxing morning on board before we arrive at Zimbabwe’s largest national park. Disembark the train for an afternoon game drive through Hwange National Park, one of Africa's finest havens for wildlife and home to massive herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffes. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife.
We return to the train for your final dinner tonight as we travel to Thompsons Junction.
Note: Formal dress is required for dinner, gentlemen required to wear a jacket and tie.
After breakfast, arrive in Victoria Falls mid morning. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your luxury 5- star hotel located on the backs of the famous Zambezi River.
Today you are free to explore the region on your own. Relax and take advantage of the many facilities of your hotel, or join one of the many activities available to book independently.
This afternoon, take a spectacular sunset cruise along the mighty Zambezi River. Put your feet up, sip a sundowner as the light gently fades, and let our tranquil wildlife cruise float you along the Zambezi River above the Falls. You'll have the finest vantage point from which to watch hippos, crocodiles and other animals who come down to the river's edge in the early evening to slake their thirst. Enjoy your cocktail and canapes while captivated by the sun's dying rays as they cast a burnt orange glow which shimmers on the river.
*Note: Dinner this evening is noted as the canapes onboard your sunset cruise.
Enjoy breakfast at leisure before meeting with your guide for a group tour of the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls. Six hundred and fifty million litres of water from the Zambezi River crashes with great aplomb into the chasm below, which is why the locals call Victoria Falls, Mosi oa Tunya, the smoke that thunders. The smoke is the permanent mist which hangs over the falls and the surrounding forest, and the thunder? You will hear for yourself. The force and power of the Falls almost defies belief. We visit the falls from both the Zimbabwe and the Zambian sides, and when it's in full flow, you'll experience the showers from the crushing falls below.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Alternatively, you may wish to add the optional tour below.
Feel the freedom. And you certainly will, on a 13 minute helicopter flight over Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. The helicopter has the ability to fly lower than a fixed wing aircraft, so you'll have unrivalled opportunities to view the breathtaking Falls... and get those perfect pictures! Your flight path takes you over the seemingly tranquil Zambezi River, and on a journey of discovery along the gorges which zigzag their way to the infamous Batoka Gorge downstream. It's a unique perspective on the Falls, and gives you the perfect overview of the size and magnitude of this astounding Natural Wonder of the World.
The time in which your flight will take place will be communicated to you whilst in Victoria Falls - it will be between 7:00am and 4:00pm.
Includes: transfers included from Victoria Falls hotel, fuel surcharge, park entrance fee
Our safari ends this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in time for your departure flight.
We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures.
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Rovos Rail Details:
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Step aboard the vintage wood-panelled coaches and sit back as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. With discreet and friendly service, top cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration.
Pullman Suites
Onboard suites have an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. During the day the suite is set up with a comfortable couch that can be converted into the below sleeping options.
Note: your preferred bedding can be requested but cannot be guaranteed until day of departure.
Deluxe Suite
The Deluxe Suites accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds and have their own lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice. Suite approx 10m2
Deluxe Cabin Only - departures displaying 'Deluxe Cabins Only' already include the upgrade cost for Twin/double rooms. You do not need to purchase the upgrade option.
Single Travellers choosing the DELUXE CABIN ONLY departures will need to pay an additional $4,043 surcharge, which will be added to your invoice manually upon booking.
Dining
Meals on board are served in one sitting only in the dining cars and are complemented by a selection of fine South African wines. Rovos Rail can cater for food allergies provided a detailed request has been made at time of your reservation however meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation cannot be provided.
Dress
Days on board are smart casual: Neat, informal style combining casual and formal clothing pieces. Evening attire is more formal: For gentlemen a jacket and tie is a minimum requirement while for ladies we suggest cocktail/evening dresses or suits
For more information on the Rovos Rail click HERE
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorized as a ”1”
Leisurely Paced Tour: A general level of fitness and mobility is required for this tour. The itinerary includes ample free time and you will not be impacted by stairs and uneven terrain. Where coach transportation is included, you will be required to get on and off the coach with ease.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $5,845.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
1 - 2 Persons
Children
Children must be 13 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
South Africa has implemented regulations for families travelling into or out of the country with children under the age of 18. Minors are required to have an unabridged birth certificate reflecting the particulars of the parents of the child.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
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