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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
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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.
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