South Africa by Train
Feel the heart-pumping excitement of Victoria Falls and a myriad of other experiences on this luxury South Africa tour. Sit back and watch the continent's landscape unfold as you travel from the Falls to the Rainbow Nation in grandeur on the Rovos Rail. Top off this once in a lifetime experience with a stylish stay on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, with expert guides showcasing some of the Cape’s most extraordinary experiences.
Journey highlights
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Start your adventure with a bang as you dive into the adventure playground of Victoria Falls.
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Spend three nights in pure elegance on the Rovos Rail, passing the everchanging landscapes of southern Africa, and feel the thrill of a safari in the wilderness when you stop off at Hwange National Park.
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Delve into the heart of Cape Town and its tantalizing foodie scene and admire the rugged coastline and panoramic views.
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Indulge in the superb food and wine on offer in the abundant vineyards of the Winelands.
- by Train itinerary:Travel in style by embarking on an iconic railway trip, where the journey is even more important than the destination
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
There are two very distinct seasons at the Victoria Falls, the wet/flood season and the dry season. These seasons do not reflect the quantity of rain, rather reflect the volume of flow of the Zambezi River. From around March through to July the river surges in size as the rainfall in Angola and Zambia from months before swells the current. The falls are at their most dramatic at this time of year with huge columns of spray. The nights are cold and the days warm at this time of year. From around September to January the water levels drop, the falls are more accessible and views are clearer as the flow can drop in volume by 90%. It is worth noting that the rains come from late October through to February, this combined with high heat, 40 Celsius or more, in October and November, causes high levels of humidity.
Cape Town is a year-round destination. The summers are generally warm and dry, while winters tend to be wet and cool, the rains brought on by fierce north westerly gales. Neither season experiences extremes of temperature, thanks to prevailing winds. Summer (Nov-Mar) is the hottest with temperatures 20-40°C. Mid season (Apr, May, Sep, Oct) temps between 10-30°C. Winter (from June- Aug) is the low season with temps 0-25°C.
Itinerary
Fly into Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls - the Zim side, Zimbabwe
Your journey begins as you fly overnight and touch down in Victoria Falls. Your home for the next two nights is Batonka Guest Lodge, a tranquil haven that exudes character and elegance. On your first afternoon, you’ll be whisked away to begin your adventure with a bang, as you start your tour of the mighty Victoria Falls. You’ll be guided around this natural wonder, and be enthralled by your guide’s niche knowledge, while marveling at the immensity and power of the falls. Watch the glowing sun set on the horizon behind the mist rising up from the falls, before heading back to Batonka to relish on a delicious 3-course dinner. Enjoy a drink of Amarula before sinking into your king size bed for the night. Spend a leisurely morning at your hotel before losing yourself in adventure as you try some of the adrenaline fuelled activities that Victoria Falls is so famed for. Plunge into Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool on the edge of the falls and peer down at the cascading water below you. Or splash out on a helicopter ride to get the ultimate viewpoint of Victoria Falls.
Accommodation: Batonka Guest Lodge ( 2 nights )
South Africa
Make the most of your final day in Victoria Falls. Why not hop on a boat on the Zambezi River for the ultimate sunrise cruise. As you float down the river, feel the palpable serenity of the Zambezi and observe elephants drinking at the river’s edge, kicking up the dust in the glow of the rising sun. Later in the day, feel your excitement build as you arrive at Victoria Falls Station and board the Rovos Rail, a world-class train steeped in grandeur and timeless grace. Settle into your luxury suite before joining the other guests in the lounge car for drinks, feeling the spirit of a bygone era before enjoying four courses of fine cuisine, accompanied by delectable South African wine.
The following morning, as you relish on a hearty breakfast, the train will head into northern Hwange National Park where you will stop for a game drive. Hop into your safari vehicle and let your excitement wander through this vast wilderness, encountering herds of elephants majestically ambling by and pass towering giraffes as they curiously look over at you. You’ll enjoy lunch back on the train as it travels between Dete and Gwaai, and you’ll admire the everchanging landscapes along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line, at an impressive 114 kilometers! You will pass staggering landscapes dotted with baobab trees before dinner is served. On your final full day on this iconic train, watch the magic of southern Africa unfold before your eyes as you see the magnificent Limpopo River and cross the Tropic of Capricorn.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town awaits. This morning you will end your train journey in Pretoria, South Africa. Tearing yourself away from the opulence of the Rovos Rail, you won’t be parted from luxury for long as you are whisked to Johannesburg to board a flight to Cape Town, and you’ll then arrive at the exquisite Cape Grace hotel. Oozing with elegance and coupled with contemporary flair, enjoy your home for the next three nights on the buzzing V&A Waterfront, with rugged Table Mountain in the backdrop. Spend this evening in style and head to the Silo’s rooftop bar for an al fresco experience with spectacular views, soaking up the last of the day’s sunshine before gazing out at a glorious sunset. This morning, you’ll be met by an expert guide and you’ll meander along the coastal route of the Cape Peninsula, taking in staggeringly beautiful views and meeting the friendly locals in fishing villages such as Simon’s Town. A trip along this route would not be complete without a visit to Boulder’s Beach, where you can observe a colony of penguins frolicking around in the sand. In the afternoon, glide up to Table Mountain in the cable car and feel your excitement build as you edge towards the summit. From the top, contemplate the extraordinary views with a glass of wine in hand.
Your final full day will be spent in the foodie capital of South Africa. You’ll head out of the city with your private guide, passing luscious vineyards, dotted with plum trees, arriving in the quaint village of Franschhoek, nestled within a sweeping valley. Delve into the abundant vineyards of the Winelands, sampling world-class wines and delight your taste buds with a lunch at Babylonstoren, devouring the creative food that it is so famed for.
Fly home from Cape Town
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | $6,600 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | $6,600 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | $6,600 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | $6,200 | $1,500 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | $6,200 | $1,500 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | $5,700 | $1,400 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | $5,700 | $1,400 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | $5,700 | $1,400 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | $5,700 | $1,400 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | $6,200 | $1,500 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | $6,200 | $1,500 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | $6,600 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
-
December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,600
Deposit from*$1,700
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,600
Deposit from*$1,700
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,600
Deposit from*$1,700
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,200
Deposit from*$1,500
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,200
Deposit from*$1,500
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$5,700
Deposit from*$1,400
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$5,700
Deposit from*$1,400
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$5,700
Deposit from*$1,400
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$5,700
Deposit from*$1,400
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,200
Deposit from*$1,500
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,200
Deposit from*$1,500
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,600
Deposit from*$1,700
- plan your trip