The Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls are two of Africa’s most iconic and mesmerising destinations; both are larger than life, diverse and will provide truly magical memories.
The Kruger is one of Africa’s oldest national parks; the savanna biome provides a subtropical grassland landscape for the ‘Big 5’ as well as other wildlife such as cheetah, hippo, giraffe and African wild dog. Victoria Falls on the other hand, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, is a truly awe-inspiring sight. This 13-day journey will see you spending three nights in both destinations as well as a night in Pretoria and four days aboard the elegant and historic Rovos Rail. Be transported back to the ‘Golden Age of Travel’ on this timeless train where carriages have been beautifully restored. Expect exceptional hospitality, fine dining, opulent décor and authentic experiences.
Kruger National Park – Pretoria – Rovos Rail – Victoria Falls
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy a luxurious African safari experience in Africa’s largest and oldest park, Kruger
- Spot the Big 5 as well as hippo, giraffe, warthog and honey badger on your game drives
- Travel between Pretoria and Victoria Falls onboard the opulently restored Rovos Rail
- During the train journey, pass through ‘Baobab Country’ and visit Hwange National Park
- As one of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls truly is an awe-inspiring sight
- During your time in Zimbabwe, visit the Falls and take a memorable Zambezi sunset river cruise
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international overnight flight to Johannesburg.
Day 2
Johannesburg to Kruger National Park – by air
Arrive to Johannesburg early morning before connecting on to a domestic flight to Hoedspruit, one of the main airports of Kruger National Park. On arrival you will be privately transferred to Makalali Private Game Reserve, which is picturesquely situated on the banks of the Makhutswi River. This luxurious private game lodge encapsulates the spirit of Africa with its warm hospitality, excellent facilities, beautiful location and safari experience. Settle into your elegant suite before you embarking on your first game drive this afternoon where you have a chance to spot the ‘Big 5’ in the wild.
- Dinner
Makalali Private Game
Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge
Day 3-4
Kruger National Park
Enjoy two full days at your Kruger safari lodge where you will embark on morning and afternoon game drives and will have the chance to encounter leopard, lion, elephant, rhino, giraffe and more. Other activities available include guided bush walks, relax with a massage or around the picturesque pool and even enjoy a traditional ‘boma’ dinner under the stars.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Makalali Private Game
Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge
Day 5
Kruger National Park to Pretoria - by air
Embark on your final game drive in the Kruger before your private transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for the short flight to Johannesburg. On arrival you will be transferred to your luxurious hotel in Pretoria. Enjoy the hotel’s facilities this afternoon and you may wish to have dinner at their highly-rated restaurant.
- Breakfast
Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel
Day 6
Rovos Rail
After a leisurely breakfast, take a private transfer to the Rovos Railway Station where you will depart Pretoria at approximately 10:00. On departure, relax in your suite or join other travellers in the lounge car or observation car which is located at the rear of the train and boasts wonderful vistas of the passing African bush. After lunch pass Warmbaths, known for its mineral waters, and Nylstroom which was christened by the Voortrekkers as the source of the Nile River. As the train crosses the Tropic of Capricorn, take afternoon tea before a formal dinner where you will pass the Limpopo River.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Rovos Rail
Day 7
Rovos Rail
After a relaxing breakfast, enjoy the spectacular views as you travel through ‘Baobab Country’. Spend the day onboard the train where you will experience exquisite dining, exceptional service and wonderful vistas of the passing countryside. Travel towards Buloawayo, Zimbabwe’s second city and capital of Matabeleland.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Rovos Rail
Day 8
Rovos Rail
Today as you continue your journey on the opulent Rovos Rail, travel between Gwaai and Dete along one of the world’s longest stretches of straight railway line which totals 114 km. After lunch, skirt the eastern edge of Hwange Park and then alight for a safari game drive at The Hide in Hwange National Park. As the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe, the grasslands and mopane forests are home to large elephant herds, African wild dogs, lion, leopard and more. After a riveting day of safari, return to the train and enjoy a formal dinner as you travel towards Thompsons Junction.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Rovos Rail
Day 9
Arrive Victoria Falls
After your final breakfast on Rovos Rail, the train will pull into Victoria Falls and you will bid your farewells and disembark with hopefully some of most magical memories aboard the incredible Rovos Rail. You will be greeted from the Railway Station and transferred to your hotel. As one of the natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls presents a sight of awe-inspiring beauty that creates a border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Breakfast
Insika Lodge
Ilala Lodge
The Victoria Falls Hotel
Palm River Hotel
Old Drift Lodge
Day 10
Victoria Falls
Today you will take a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side; your breath will be taken away by the spectacular views and the sight and sound of the white cascading water tumbling over the lip of the falls, where rainbows form across the misty spray when the sun is out. Take a walk through the vibrant rainforest that flanks the falls and visit some of the area’s main sights such as Livingstone Island, Horseshoe and Rainbow Falls, and the Boiling Pot. There are many other activities available for the remainder of your day, including a sunset cruise down the Zambezi, a village tour or helicopter ride.
- Breakfast
Insika Lodge
Ilala Lodge
The Victoria Falls Hotel
Palm River Hotel
Old Drift Lodge
Day 11
Victoria Falls
After breakfast and a leisurely morning at the hotel, embark on a Zambezi river cruise onboard a small luxury boat that will take you back to the ‘golden age of travel’. The cruise pays tribute to Ra-Ikane, one of the guides who first led David Livingstone to the Victoria Falls and offers a unique vantage point for viewing birdlife, wildlife and the surrounding scenery. Enjoy delicious food, beautiful décor and impeccable service during your adventure down the Zambezi. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
- Breakfast
Insika Lodge
Ilala Lodge
The Victoria Falls Hotel
Palm River Hotel
Old Drift Lodge
Day 12
Victoria Falls to the UK
This morning is your final breakfast in Zimbabwe before being transferred to Victoria Falls airport where you will take a flight to Johannesburg before connecting to a flight to the UK.
- Breakfast
Guide to Price
12 days from £6900 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- Train travel and transfers as specified
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £6900
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways, South African Airlines and Virgin Atlantic operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg. There are also daily direct flights between London Heathrow and Cape Town with British Airways. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines also connect the UK with a selection of key South African cities via their respective hubs.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights from the UK to Johannesburg take around 11 hours and 11½ hours to Cape Town. Flights with stops en-route take between 14 and 17 hours.
Time Zone
South Africa is +2 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
Holders of British Citizen passports travelling for tourism purposes, for up to 90 days, do not need a visa. South Africa has relaxed its requirements for travelling with children under the age of 18. Visa exempt children entering South Africa accompanied by an adult are required to present only a valid passport on arrival, regardless of whether the child is travelling with both parents, one parent, or an adult who is not a biological parent. It is no longer required to show the child’s full unabridged birth certificate. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of exit from South Africa and you will need at least two blank pages in your passport.
Do’s & Don’ts
Tourists should always be vigilant when travelling around South Africa and you should avoid walking alone or in isolated areas late at night or early in the morning.
Permission should always be asked before taking a person’s picture.
If you are self-driving always lock your valuables in the boot and out of sight, both when you are in and out of the car.
If it is your first visit try to incorporate a safari into your holiday. Few countries can offer the range of ethical wildlife experiences that South Africa can.
Money
The currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR) and comes in notes and coins. Exchanging money is easy to do in the UK before you travel or at airports, banks, bureaux de change and hotels in South Africa. It is always a good idea to ask for some small note denominations when you exchange money. ATMs are widely available in all towns, cities, shopping centres and many petrol stations and will accept international cards. It is always advised to contact your bank before you travel so they are aware you will be in South Africa.
Tipping
This is left to your discretion, however, tipping for good service in South Africa is common courtesy. In restaurants an acceptable amount is 10-15% however you do not need to tip if you see a service charge added to your bill. Service is often added automatically for groups of six people or more. For drivers, guides and room service, the following amounts should act as a guideline: Tour driver R50 per person per day Tour guide R75 per person per day Tour guide R50 per person per half day Hotel porter R15 per suitcase Housekeeper R25 a night
Food & Drink
Arguably South Africa’s national dish, bobotie consists of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping and should be tried at least once. However, a South African institution is the ‘braai’ or South African barbecue. Everybody braais and facilities can be found almost anywhere from public outdoor picnic areas to hotels and safari lodges. Game meats are commonly found throughout South Africa with ostrich and kudu particularly popular and, with such a vast coastline, it is not surprising that the country has an impressive range of seafood. South Africa is also renowned throughout the world for excellent wines with the finest vineyards found in the Western Cape close to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Accommodation
There is a vast range of accommodation types on offer in South Africa, including top-end hotels with world-class facilities, modest or boutique guesthouses, mid-range hotels, cosy bed and breakfasts, historic buildings, campsites and safari lodges. Often visitors will stay in more than one town or city so may experience different types of accommodations during one holiday. In cities and large towns there is plenty of choice to suit all budgets and personal preferences whereas in smaller towns or rural locations the choice may be slightly limited.
Shopping
Ranging from local craft markets to huge shopping centres, you will be spoilt for choice with the variety of shopping opportunities available in South Africa. Souvenirs and local wares are best brought in the local markets found in most cities, along the side of the road or outside popular tourist attractions. Haggling is expected in the markets, just make sure both you and the seller are happy with the price. You can expect to pick up items such as painted ostrich eggs, art work, handcrafted jewellery and wooden carved animals and masks. Local wines also make excellent buys as they are often low in price and high in quality.
Suggested Reading
Footprint, Rough Guides and Lonely Planet have excellent guide books whilst Marco Polo have comprehensive and up to date maps of the country. There is also a wide range of literature available including:
‘Long Walk to Freedom’ by Nelson Mandela
‘After Mandela: The Battle for the Soul of South Africa’ by Alec Russell
‘A History of South Africa’ by Leonard Thompson and Lynn Berat
‘A Short History of South Africa’ by Gail Nattrass
‘The Scramble for Africa’ by Thomas Pakenham
‘Zulu Rising: The Epic Story of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift’ by Ian Knight
‘Diamonds, Gold and War: The Making of South Africa’ by Martin Meredith
‘Guidebook to the Anglo-Zulu War Battlefields’ by David Rattray
‘Invictus’ by John Carlin
‘Born a Crime’ by Trevor Noah
‘Burger's Daughter’ by Nadine Gordimer
‘Cry, the Beloved Country’ by Alan Paton
‘Ways of Dying’ by Zakes Mda
‘Hum If You Don't Know the Words’ by Bianca Marais
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current advice recommends you should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. You might also consider vaccinations against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Typhoid Fever, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Cholera and Tuberculosis (TB). For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on South Africa the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
We had a fantastic time in South Africa
DM & NB - South Africa - November 2023
Just to let you know that we had a fantastic time in South Africa, Victoria Falls and Chobe national park. Everything went according to plan and we stayed in some amazing places. The Blue Train was fabulous - a once in a lifetime experience! The game drives were amazing and we saw lots of wildlife.
It was a really good itinerary and I just want to say a big thank you to all of you for organising it for us. You always kept us well informed and the information you provided was second to none. We felt fully supported from start to finish. Thank you!
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Helping you to design your trip
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