Rovos Rail, Victoria Falls

THURSDAY

10h00 The Pride of Africa departs from Rovos Rail’s private station in Capital Park. Guests may freshen up in their suites before joining fellow travellers in the midway Lounge car or Observation carriage at the rear of the train

13h00 Lunch is served in the dining car/s, which are located near the central part of the train. A gong is sounded before each meal.

19h30 After traversing the Magaliesberg Range dinner is served as the train heads towards Mafikeng for border formalities.

FRIDAY

07h00 – 10H00 Breakfast is served in the dining car/s.

13h00 Lunch is served as the train heads towards the Zimbabwe border.

17h00 Border formalities take place in Plumtree.

19h30 Dinner is served in the dining car/s.

SATURDAY

07h00 -10h00 Breakfast is served in the dining car/s.

13h00 Lunch is served as the train heads towards the Zimbabwe border.

17h00 Occasional sightings of wild animals can occur from the train.

Arrive at the Victoria Falls where your Rovos Rail journey on Rovos Rail ends.

Experience a 1600-kilometre journey through varied and truly African scenery as Rovos Rail’s luxurious train meanders westwards through Mafikeng into Botswana and then north towards Mahalapye, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn just after Gaborone.

Once the train has passed through the dry reaches of Botswana we arrive at Plumtree in the late afternoon for border formalities with Zimbabwe. We continue in a north-westerly direction passing Bulawayo heading towards Thompson’s Junction and Hwange Game Reserve where animals can be spotted from the train. During the afternoon we have a service stop at Thompson Junction after which your sojourn ends at the incomparable Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River.

The Train

The epitome of luxury with handsome wood panellingand period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. In the en-suite bathrooms, original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs.

The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant, measuring ±16 sq metres/±172 sq feet in size. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. The

Deluxe Suites (± sq metres/±118 sq feet) also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. The Pullman Suites (±7 sq metres/±76 sq feet) are equipped with a comfortable sofa-seat during the day with a conversion to double or twin beds for the evening, and also have an en-suite bathroom with shower. The very spacious suites offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy, comfort and luxury, with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. All are equipped with a writing surface and a personal safe for valuables. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of the passengers’ choice and room service is available 24 hours a day.

SATURDAY CONTINUED

17h00 A Representative from Flame of Africa will collect you from Victoria Falls Railway Station and transfer you to the Victoria Falls Hotel

Check in for 3 Nights Accommodation at Vic Falls Hotel in a luxury suite on a bed and breakfast basis

19h00 Proceed to the Livingstone Room for a silver service dinner.

Livingstone Room: Elegant dinner and dancing with a classic á la carte menu. As a result of many requests from visitors, The Victoria Falls Hotel has decided to relax aspects of the long-standing dress code in force in its premier dining venue, The Livingstone Room. Smart casual wear will now be acceptable. The fine silver-service dining experience that visitors have come to expect will continue to be the order of the day, however.

The Victoria Falls Hotel

Set in private gardens overlooking the Victoria Falls Bridge and gorge, this majestic Edwardian hotel is one of the most famous establishments in Africa. A private pathway leads to the Falls, while the curio market and centre of Victoria Falls are just 500m away. The Victoria Falls Hotel was built in 1904 when the Cape to Cairo railway reached the Falls. Ever since, guests have been charmed by the old world atmosphere of one of the few remaining hotels of its kind in the world. All the hotel’s bedrooms have been refurbished to provide a perfect balance of modern amenities without losing the grand Edwardian architecture.

The Victoria Falls Hotel has two floodlit tennis courts, a swimming pool and an international 18-hole golf course is close to the hotel.

SUNDAY

08h00 Breakfast at leisure

09h00 A Flame of Africa Representative will collect you from the Hotel to transfer you the National rainforest for a guided Tour of the Falls

Tour of the Falls

One of the most compelling sites in the world, this cascading column of shear energy powers its way down a 100 metre chasm, taking your breath away, as you gaze awestruck and mesmerized by its strength and incredible beauty.

As you behold this famous wonder you will be completely enthralled to see and listen to ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. You will have a qualified guide as your escort, who will tell you all about the amazing wonder, how it was formed, the history and beliefs attached to it, and events that led to its discovery by David Livingstone.

16h05 A Flame of Africa Representative will collect you from the Hotel and transfer you to the edge of the Zambezi River where you will board for your sunset cruise.

Sunset cruise

Relax and Enjoy our African Sunsets from our Up Market Cruise Boats….

“A river of enchantment and magical colors bursting in the sky creating nature’s own masterpiece”, is the only way to describe the African Sunset on the Mighty Zambezi.

Cruise along the banks of the river, and view the spectacular scenery that is nature’s own sanctuary, and home to the “laughing hippos”, the “singing birds” and the “snapping crocodiles”, as you sip on your drink and indulge on mouthwatering snacks.

Enjoy the hospitality of our professional guide and Captain as you relax and take in the wonderful scenery.

See the “smoke that thunders” as you gently cruise the upper Zambezi River.

Enjoy the myths and legends as our guide shares stories of the local tribes.

Experience the Zambezi River as David Livingstone did and travel through waters once journeyed by him on his way to the Victoria Falls.

Observe the aquatic bird life and other resident or migratory species.

You may be fortunate enough to witness the great African elephant swimming from island to island, grazing or dusting themselves on the riverbanks.

The Zambezi sunset is a highlight of the trip and captivates your magical experience on the Zambezi River.

Complimentary snacks and drinks (local beers and spirits) are served.

MONDAY

09h00 Breakfast at leisure

Today is at leisure for you to explore the many wonders that Victoria Falls has to offer. Perhaps stroll through the nearby craft market and try your hand at bartering or choose from the wide array of activities on offer in, this, the Adrenaline Capital of the World… from bunji jumping, to walking with lions or simply laze by the pools edge.

18h00 A Flame of Africa Representative will collect and transfer you to the Victoria Falls Boma Restaurant for a traditional Boma dinner.

The Boma Dinner

Partially open to the African skies and sheltered by the indigenous Gusu forest lies the award winning Boma restaurant. This offers a unique African experience that bombards the senses with the tastes, sights, sounds and smells of Africa – together with the warmth and hospitality of Zimbabwe and its people.

Specialising in a superb selection of traditional Zimbabwean dishes, fish, a variety of game meat and potjiekos (hunter’s stew) – as well as vegetarian meals – diners are invited to sample such ethnic delicacies as deep fried kapenta and groundnuts.

Traditional customs, such as local beer tasting and pre-dinner hand washing, are observed while the sights and sounds of the evening are accentuated by Ndebele performers who captivate diners with their vibrant and energetic songs and dance.

Steeped in mystery, a witchdoctor adds a touch of drama and after dinner guests are invited to while away the evening with the restaurant’s sangoma – a traditional story teller – to learn more about the country’s folklore, culture and heritage.

TUESDAY

09h00 Breakfast at leisure

10h00 A Representative from Flame of Africa will collect you from the Victoria Falls Hotel and transfer you to Kasane Immigration to board the Zambezi Queen

*** End of Service ***