Old-World Glamour: Africa by Rail

From Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa

Not only does this Africa train safari itinerary feature destinations a little off the safari tourist track, but it’s also culturally enriching and conservation-focused. Start at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, where you can take a river cruise to see the majestic Falls up close, before hopping on a luxury train that takes you through Zimbabwe and Botswana to South Africa, stopping for a game drive along the way.

After a private half-day tour of Johannesburg, finish with a safari on a private reserve in Kwa-Zulu Natal, where excursions include Zulu village tours and scuba diving as well as day and night game drives and rhino tracking.

Africa train safari: 10 days/9 nights

Highlights

This 10-day fly-in Africa train safari starts at the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel in Zimbabwe, set in a wildlife reserve just 15 minutes from the magnificent Victoria Falls. Take a river cruise in a specially designed jet-propelled boat that can travel in the very shallow water amongst the islands directly above the Falls. You have two days to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Depart for three nights aboard the luxurious Edwardian-style Rovos Rail, which travels through Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Botswana and into Pretoria, South Africa. Enjoy formal dinners on board and disembark for a game drive en route
Spend a night at 54 on Bath in Johannesburg and take a private half-day tour of the Apartheid Museum and Soweto to gain a deeper understanding of South Africa's turbulent past and current challenges
Fly to Phinda Private Game Reserve in the Kwa-Zulu Natal, where you’ll stay at Phinda Vlei. Catch a glimpse of the shy suni antelope, hold your breath as a cheetah teaches her cubs to hunt, glide past hippo on the Mzinene River, and marvel at the gracious nyala. In addition to day and night game drives and bush walks in this Big-5 Reserve, you might consider a Zulu village tour, a night turtle drive (seasonal), a scuba and ocean safari, black rhino tracking on foot, and participative conservation experiences

Price

$9,800-$11,000 per person sharing in 2023

Itinerary map