A scenic train journey from Victoria Falls to Pretoria

Liezl Maclean No Comment May 21,2025 Journeys, Victoria Falls

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.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Coach-Refurbishment-1-1024x682.png

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

0

Embracing the slow travel trend

Liezl Maclean No Comment Sep 24,2024 Journeys, Station, Victoria Falls

If you’re the type of traveller who enjoys the journey as much as the destination and prefers to experience every detail of your trip at a relaxed pace, then “slow travel” might be just the thing for you.

According to the Journal of Travel Research, “Slow tourism is characterized by reducing mobility and by taking time to explore local history and culture, while supporting the environment – the traveller’s main goals are relaxation, self-reflection, escape, novelty seeking, engagement and discovery.”

It’s about more meaningful travel experiences, pausing to reflect, and savouring the journey, rather than rushing to tick off bucket list items. This tends to create a more fulfilling experience, longer lasting memories, and the feeling of being revitalised and refreshed once the trip is over.

With modern life now busier than ever, the constant information overload, packed schedules, and enslavement to technology, travellers are choosing to slow down, escape, relax and reconnect. It’s often quality as opposed to quantity, valuing what’s truly important – real human connection and the beauty of the world that surrounds us.

Slow travel encourages more leisurely modes of transport which is why train travel is becoming increasingly popular. And luxury train travel in particular takes travellers to a bygone era when slow travel was the norm with journeys being as much about the experience as the destination. Rovos Rail offers a genuine experience of slow travel by merging opulence with an unhurried pace, and I recently had the pleasure of experiencing this firsthand on a trip from Victoria Falls to Pretoria. It truly was more than just a journey, it was an indulgent adventure blending the luxury of the train with the thoughtfully planned stops to create authentic local experiences and an insight into the nature, cultures, and history along the route.

Embarking the train at The Victoria Falls Hotel, (as well as the disembarkation at Rovos Rail’s head office Capital Park) was in itself a charming throwback to a bygone era, and stepping onto the train is like stepping into a different world — where time slows down and elegance reigns.

Rovos Rail’s interiors embody the essence of slow travel by offering spaces where relaxation and extravagance are paramount – plush furnishings, polished wood panelling and the ultimate in comfort and attention to detail – it’s not about reaching a destination, but rather about luxuriating in the journey itself.

One of the highlights of the Rovos Rail experience is the exquisite dining. Meals are served in the elegant dining car, which exudes a refined atmosphere with old fashioned décor, cut glassware, beautiful silverware, and freshly starched linen. Mealtimes are not just about eating, it’s the entire experience from dressing up for dinner to savouring each course, and all of one’s senses are fulfilled. The menu highlights the best of Southern African cuisine from tender venison steaks to succulent seafood and freshly baked pastries all paired with fine wines from the region’s top vineyards. Afternoon tea, another cherished ritual, features a variety of teas accompanied by an array of decadent savoury and sweet delicacies.

One of the highlights of luxury train travel is the opportunity for unique connections with fellow travellers which enables one to meet interesting people from around the world. The communal areas, such as the lounge and observation car, are perfect for engaging conversations with other passengers, and the bar after dinner sees guests sharing stories and experiences, and often forging lasting friendships.

The journey from Victoria Falls to Pretoria spans approximately 1600 kilometres meandering through some of Southern Africa’s most stunning scenery. Rovos Rail passengers are fortunate to be able to appreciate the changing landscapes whilst relishing all that the train has to offer and being attended to by the attentive staff who are always on hand to cater to every want or need.

Yet the Rovos Rail journey is not just about the onboard experience, it also includes carefully curated excursions that allow passengers to explore the regions the train passes through. We had the opportunity to disembark and enjoy game viewing in leading Southern African reserves and learn about the local flora and fauna, including close up encounters with the endangered rhino.

Educational forays into the regions rich history are conducted by passionate and knowledgeable raconteurs who hold their audiences captive regaling stories ranging from the culture of the ancient San tribes – Africa’s original inhabitants, to the intriguing life of Cecil John Rhodes.

The journey from Victoria Falls to Pretoria on Rovos Rail was more than just a trip, it was an escape from the treadmill of life and technology, into a world where time moves at a more leisurely pace and every moment is a celebration of elegance and discovery.

Slow travel is not just a trend, it’s a mindset that encourages one to rediscover the joy of the journey – the leisurely pace, true escapism and relaxation, deeper connections, and a more meaningful appreciation of the world around us.

For a travel experience that combines exploration and opulence, Rovos Rail offers an unparalleled slow travel adventure – it’s an invitation to escape the humdrum of normal life, step back in time, revel in the ultimate of luxury, explore beautiful landscapes, and forge genuine connections with fellow travellers.

Written by Linda Sparks

0

A World Class Railway

Brenda No Comment Feb 10,2016 Our Team, Victoria Falls

Dear Mr Vos

I am writing this letter as an accolade not only to you but to your dedicated staff who make travel on the train a true five-star experience. I wish to commend you for establishing and running a highly efficient and world class railway. We have travelled on a few trains in different countries and Rovos would have to rank in the top three by our reckoning.

My wife and I travelled on Rovos Rail from Pretoria to the Victoria Falls on 23rd December, 2015. If you cast your mind back, I was the person sitting on the parliamentary chair in front of you when you were addressing the guests prior to our departure.

My wife and I occupied a suite. It was immaculate when we entered and was maintained by staff in that manner throughout our journey. The staff were nothing short of perfect in their efforts to make our trip a memorable one. They were courteous and ever willing to please. The amenities provided in the suite made everything so comfortable – a home away from home.

We had requested special dietary needs for our meals. It was a surprise to us when the chef visited us in our suite to discuss our needs. Allow me to tell you the kitchen staff went beyond the call of duty to cater for us. The meals were immaculately presented in true fine dining style and above all were varied and tasty. To us , it seemed as if the chef enjoyed the challenge of preparing something new each day. I thanked him personally.

The Train Manager on our journey was a true professional. She presented with an admirable work ethic and was a true professional. In conversations with her, I realised what her job entailed. How well she managed it is a tribute to her desire to promote the brand name and reputation. She operated with meticulous precision and it was clear that staff respected her. She was attentive to passenger needs and maintained a cordial relationship with the guests,stopping to converse at each table in the dining car at meal times. Her management of the staff was beyond reproach. This must surely be attributed to a good staff training program!

Finally, the staff on the train were truly magnificent. They were professional and capable, pleasant at all times with no effort spared to see to guests’ needs. It says something when, as guests, we did not want to leave the train at Livingstone because we were already missing the camaraderie we had established with the staff!

I will travel on Rovos Rail again and recommend it to as many people as possible here in Australia.

Thank you and kind regards,

Mr Gona Naidoo

3

Tag Archives: Victroria Falls

A scenic train journey from Victoria Falls to Pretoria

Embracing the slow travel trend

A World Class Railway

rovosrail