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South Africa / Zimbabwe / Mozambique / Eswatini

Southern Africa by Train: South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini & Zimbabwe

Program No. 22912RJ
On an epic train trek across four nations in southern Africa, learn about life and culture in small African villages and capital cities and visit national parks and reserves for safari.

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At a Glance

This epic journey will take you through four countries in the southern tip of Africa to meet local artisans and animals alike and to see incredible landscapes and wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Board the Rovos Rail in Pretoria and ride the rails to the stunning cliff-tops of Blyde River Canyon. Stop in Mozambique and Eswatini along the way to visit local markets and monuments, and visit three national parks and two game reserves to learn about conservation and see wildlife roaming across savannahs and rocky hills. End your journey in Zimbabwe, home to the cascading waters of Africa’s greatest waterfall and the historic Great Zimbabwe Ruins.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Due to the rough train tracks in southern Africa, the train sways and rolls, with the potential for sudden jerks, stops and starts, which can make walking in the train challenging. The train will continue to travel at night for periods of time, which results in squeaking and creaking noises, as well as swaying. The train may well be delayed due to factors beyond our control, which can result in the schedule of events being altered. Please be flexible in timing and daily itinerary. Standing for extended periods, potentially bumpy 4x4 rides. Long rides in open-air safari vehicles, requiring stamina and stability getting in/out of vehicles. Walking two miles, often on uneven terrain with no handholds. You must be agile and be able to walk on a train that sways and stops/starts suddenly.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Catch sightings of “The Big Five,” lions, buffalo, leopards, rhinos and elephants on 4x4 wildlife safaris in three national parks and a game reserve.
  • Learn about 20th-century South African history and the country’s new era of hope and freedom as a democracy during visits to Soweto and Pretoria.
  • Visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the largest ancient monument south of the Egyptian pyramids, and Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

General Notes

Please refer to the “Travel Information” section on the Road Scholar website, the start/end time listed in your first informational packet or contact the provider if you plan on booking your own flights for correct arrival and departure dates. Due to the special nature of the program, we regret that we are unable to match solo participants with roommates. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Johann Roscher
Johann Röscher was born in South Africa and grew up on State Forestry stations along the coastal belt of the Cape Province. He joined the military and studied at the North West University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. After traveling through the Middle East and Eastern Europe, he returned to South Africa to work as a socio-political researcher. Disillusioned with city life, Johann decided to change careers and lead safaris. He’s been taking groups on safaris in Kalahari and Okavango Delta for 17 years, and he’s never been more content with his choice to move to that beautiful and remote region.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Lisa Reed
Lisa Reed View biography
Lisa Reed was born in Zimbabwe, spent her school years in South Africa, and now lives in Botswana. She has worked or visited most Southern and East African safari destinations, and has managed safari camps on her own and with others since being in Botswana. Lisa has a natural affinity with adults and children, and enjoys passing on her years of experience and knowledge to the next generation. She has been leading safaris for Road Scholar for more than 15 years.
Profile Image of Johann Roscher
Johann Roscher View biography
Johann Röscher was born in South Africa and grew up on State Forestry stations along the coastal belt of the Cape Province. He joined the military and studied at the North West University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. After traveling through the Middle East and Eastern Europe, he returned to South Africa to work as a socio-political researcher. Disillusioned with city life, Johann decided to change careers and lead safaris. He’s been taking groups on safaris in Kalahari and Okavango Delta for 17 years, and he’s never been more content with his choice to move to that beautiful and remote region.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Meals
42 Meals
14 Breakfasts
14 Lunches
14 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Oct 29, 2024 - Nov 14, 2024
  • Oct 29, 2024 - Nov 14, 2024
  • Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024 (Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe)
  • Oct 29, 2024 - Nov 14, 2024 (Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe)
  • Jan 06, 2025 - Jan 22, 2025 (Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe)
  • Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025 (Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe)
  • Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025 (Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe)
  • Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025 (Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe)
2 nights
Johannesburg
The City Lodge Hotel Eastgate, a beautifully appointed, Tuscan-themed hotel, is located only 15 minutes from the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport in a very secure area. The hotel overlooks a landscaped greenbelt with walking path. The Eastgate Shopping Centre is nearby, hosting many shops and restaurants. There is a shuttle to the shopping center offered between 7:00pm to 10:00pm each evening.
11 nights
Pretoria
The refurbished Rovos Rail continues to maintain the nostalgia of traditional train travel, yet maintains a friendly, casual atmosphere for passengers on board. With its old-world charm, guests enjoy original, historic characteristics that have been restored, as well as added new comforts. Our Road Scholar group is limited to 22 participants, while the train hosts a maximum of 72 guests. Therefore, Road Scholars will be traveling with other guests on board the train and for excursions from the train, which are led by the Rovos Rail guides on board. All guests are accommodated in comfortable en-suite cabins, each hosting either one double or two twin beds. The Pullman Gold Cabins and the Deluxe Cabins offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy and comfort. All cabins have adequate storage and the small closets are equipped with hangers and shelving.
1 night
Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtime. Rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower, and a patio or deck depending upon your floor, along with air conditioning.
2 nights
Johannesburg
The City Lodge Hotel Eastgate, a beautifully appointed, Tuscan-themed hotel, is located only 15 minutes from the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport in a very secure area. The hotel overlooks a landscaped greenbelt with walking path. The Eastgate Shopping Centre is nearby, hosting many shops and restaurants. There is a shuttle to the shopping center offered between 7:00pm to 10:00pm each evening.
11 nights
Pretoria
The refurbished Rovos Rail continues to maintain the nostalgia of traditional train travel, yet maintains a friendly, casual atmosphere for passengers on board. With its old-world charm, guests enjoy original, historic characteristics that have been restored, as well as added new comforts. Our Road Scholar group is limited to 22 participants, while the train hosts a maximum of 72 guests. Therefore, Road Scholars will be traveling with other guests on board the train and for excursions from the train, which are led by the Rovos Rail guides on board. All guests are accommodated in comfortable en-suite cabins, each hosting either one double or two twin beds. The Pullman Gold Cabins and the Deluxe Cabins offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy and comfort. All cabins have adequate storage and the small closets are equipped with hangers and shelving.
1 night
Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtime. Rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower, and a patio or deck depending upon your floor, along with air conditioning.
2 nights
Johannesburg
The City Lodge Hotel Eastgate, a beautifully appointed, Tuscan-themed hotel, is located only 15 minutes from the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport in a very secure area. The hotel overlooks a landscaped greenbelt with walking path. The Eastgate Shopping Centre is nearby, hosting many shops and restaurants. There is a shuttle to the shopping center offered between 7:00pm to 10:00pm each evening.
11 nights
Pretoria
The refurbished Rovos Rail continues to maintain the nostalgia of traditional train travel, yet maintains a friendly, casual atmosphere for passengers on board. With its old-world charm, guests enjoy original, historic characteristics that have been restored, as well as added new comforts. Our Road Scholar group is limited to 22 participants, while the train hosts a maximum of 72 guests. Therefore, Road Scholars will be traveling with other guests on board the train and for excursions from the train, which are led by the Rovos Rail guides on board. All guests are accommodated in comfortable en-suite cabins, each hosting either one double or two twin beds. The Pullman Gold Cabins and the Deluxe Cabins offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy and comfort. All cabins have adequate storage and the small closets are equipped with hangers and shelving.
1 night
Victoria Falls
The vision of the Palm River Hotel is to create a scenic, private, and tranquil guest experience that nevertheless does not compromise location or comfort. Just four kilometers upstream of Victoria Falls, this hotel boasts unmatched views of the Zambezi River’s idyllic landscape. On a clear day, you can even hear the roar of the falls. The Zimbabwean architects and interior designers took inspiration from the Queenslander style of Australia, blending a classic yet modern style that fits right in with the landscape of the upper Zambezi. Palm River Hotel emphasizes sustainability, and embraces practices such as solar power, hydroelectricity, and sustainable borehole water sourcing.
2 nights
Johannesburg
The City Lodge Hotel Eastgate, a beautifully appointed, Tuscan-themed hotel, is located only 15 minutes from the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport in a very secure area. The hotel overlooks a landscaped greenbelt with walking path. The Eastgate Shopping Centre is nearby, hosting many shops and restaurants. There is a shuttle to the shopping center offered between 7:00pm to 10:00pm each evening.
11 nights
Pretoria
The refurbished Rovos Rail continues to maintain the nostalgia of traditional train travel, yet maintains a friendly, casual atmosphere for passengers on board. With its old-world charm, guests enjoy original, historic characteristics that have been restored, as well as added new comforts. Our Road Scholar group is limited to 22 participants, while the train hosts a maximum of 72 guests. Therefore, Road Scholars will be traveling with other guests on board the train and for excursions from the train, which are led by the Rovos Rail guides on board. All guests are accommodated in comfortable en-suite cabins, each hosting either one double or two twin beds. The Pullman Gold Cabins and the Deluxe Cabins offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy and comfort. All cabins have adequate storage and the small closets are equipped with hangers and shelving.
1 night
Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtime. Rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower, and a patio or deck depending upon your floor, along with air conditioning.
2 nights
Johannesburg
The City Lodge Hotel Eastgate, a beautifully appointed, Tuscan-themed hotel, is located only 15 minutes from the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport in a very secure area. The hotel overlooks a landscaped greenbelt with walking path. The Eastgate Shopping Centre is nearby, hosting many shops and restaurants. There is a shuttle to the shopping center offered between 7:00pm to 10:00pm each evening.
11 nights
Pretoria
The refurbished Rovos Rail continues to maintain the nostalgia of traditional train travel, yet maintains a friendly, casual atmosphere for passengers on board. With its old-world charm, guests enjoy original, historic characteristics that have been restored, as well as added new comforts. Our Road Scholar group is limited to 22 participants, while the train hosts a maximum of 72 guests. Therefore, Road Scholars will be traveling with other guests on board the train and for excursions from the train, which are led by the Rovos Rail guides on board. All guests are accommodated in comfortable en-suite cabins, each hosting either one double or two twin beds. The Pullman Gold Cabins and the Deluxe Cabins offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy and comfort. All cabins have adequate storage and the small closets are equipped with hangers and shelving.
1 night
Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtime. Rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower, and a patio or deck depending upon your floor, along with air conditioning.
2 nights
Johannesburg
The City Lodge Hotel Eastgate, a beautifully appointed, Tuscan-themed hotel, is located only 15 minutes from the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport in a very secure area. The hotel overlooks a landscaped greenbelt with walking path. The Eastgate Shopping Centre is nearby, hosting many shops and restaurants. There is a shuttle to the shopping center offered between 7:00pm to 10:00pm each evening.
11 nights
Pretoria
The refurbished Rovos Rail continues to maintain the nostalgia of traditional train travel, yet maintains a friendly, casual atmosphere for passengers on board. With its old-world charm, guests enjoy original, historic characteristics that have been restored, as well as added new comforts. Our Road Scholar group is limited to 22 participants, while the train hosts a maximum of 72 guests. Therefore, Road Scholars will be traveling with other guests on board the train and for excursions from the train, which are led by the Rovos Rail guides on board. All guests are accommodated in comfortable en-suite cabins, each hosting either one double or two twin beds. The Pullman Gold Cabins and the Deluxe Cabins offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy and comfort. All cabins have adequate storage and the small closets are equipped with hangers and shelving.
1 night
Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtime. Rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower, and a patio or deck depending upon your floor, along with air conditioning.





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