A scenic train journey from Victoria Falls to Pretoria

Southern Africa is a vast region of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty. One of the most unique ways to truly appreciate the scenery is by taking a train journey – and one of the most picturesque routes is one of Rovos Rail’s signature trips – the journey from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to Pretoria in South Africa.

The journey spans four days and 1400 kilometres, meandering from the mist of the mighty Victoria Falls to the rolling plains of the Limpopo province, the train ride offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the stunning diversity of this part of the world. The journey begins at the iconic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

This breathtaking location on the Zambezi River forms the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls on the planet, with water cascading down in a dramatic display.

The town of Victoria Falls is one of Southern Africa’s most visited tourist destinations with spectacular natural beauty and much to see and do. The train departs from the grand Victoria Falls Hotel which is one of the world’s classic five-star hotels, aptly setting the stage for the voyage ahead.

As the train pulls out from Victoria Falls, it begins to wind its way southward with the first stretch of the journey meandering through the Zambezi River Basin. This area is home to the mighty Zambezi River, which flows through rugged landscapes, hosting a wide variety of ecosystems including forests, wetlands, floodplains and open grasslands. Birdwatching is a treat on this route, with species such as the lilac-breasted roller, and African hornbill being common sightings.

One of the highlights of this train route is passing through Hwange National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s most famous and wildlife-rich conservation areas. Hwange is home to the Big Five game and is particularly known for its large elephant population as well as giraffe, zebra, antelope, and wildebeest.

The park spans 14,650 square kilometres incorporating both bush and savannah, and much of it is visible from the comfort of the train. However, Rovos passengers are fortunate to be able to disembark the train for an early morning game drive through the park followed by sumptuous refreshments in one of Hwange’s picturesque settings.

Another highlight on the trip is a visit to the Matopos National Park located in the southern part of Zimbabwe near the city of Bulawayo. Matopos is a captivating destination known for its dramatic landscapes, ancient rock formations, rich cultural history, and African wildlife, most notably the white rhino. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts some of Zimbabwe’s most unique and stunning scenery. From towering granite kopjes to vast, open savannahs.

As the train crosses the border at Beitbridge into South Africa, the landscape begins to change again. This region is characterized by expansive grasslands, scattered hills, and the occasional acacia tree. The train chugs through the rolling plains, which are punctuated by small farming communities and the occasional herds of cattle or sheep grazing.

It is known for its spectacular sunsets, and to view this from a moving train is simply breathtaking.

Much of this land is home to the South African Boer (farmer), and there is much evidence of their agriculture, from the sprawling cornfields to grazing livestock.

Finally, after traveling through the vast rural landscapes of South Africa, the train approaches Pretoria, the administrative capital of the country. The contrast with the wide-open spaces of the journey is striking, but it’s a gentle introduction to the vibrancy of South Africa’s capital.

The trip concludes at Capital Park, the Rovos Rail private train station and head office – a beautiful and historic oasis close to the CBD.

The train journey from Victoria Falls to Pretoria offers a unique way to experience the diversity and beauty of this part of the world, all while providing the utmost of luxury and comfort. It’s for good reason that this route is one of Rovos Rail’s most popular ones, with many guests returning to do it time and again.

Written by Linda Sparks
Images by The Palm Tribe